Student-Athlete Excels in the Classroom & Beyond at Allegheny College

Drew Hairston '28 is committed to every corner of campus, but says it wouldn't be possible without his network of mentors and friends at Allegheny College.

"One of the greatest parts of Allegheny College is the ability it gives you to do everything that you want to do," remarks Hairston. "Allegheny helps its students find a great support system while also pushing them to achieve at an incredibly high level. The school provides this balance that I believe is so important to be successful in life."

Hairston embraced that philosophy, taking advantage of leadership opportunities across academics, athletics, and professional development.

Excellence On and Off the Field

Hairston credits the football program for helping to provide him with structure and connect him with campus resources.

"From the minute I stepped on campus, it felt like home. The environment was beautiful and welcoming, and this was a school where I could play football without sacrificing my academics," reflects Hairston, who is a double major in business and communications.

Off the field, Hairston serves as a Center for Business and Economics Fellow to provide support for professional development programming. He notes that the program has helped his confidence to network with fellow Gators.

"It is truly no lie that our alumni network and connections are unlike any other institution," says Hairston. "I have met so many successful alumni who are well-respected in their fields and want to give back to current students."

Taking the Classroom to Downtown Meadville

In the spring, Hairston applied what he learned as a fellow to his brand storytelling course, which collaborated with a local Meadville business. The class was tasked with developing Tattered Corners New & Used Bookstore's:

• Earned media
• Slogan
• Social media
• Visual assets, including a logo
• Website

Hairston played a crucial role in developing the brand and planning the end-of-semester event to showcase their work.

From developing a concept logo to coordinating social media to planning the event at the Meadville Public Library, Hairston had a hand in shaping each piece of the project.

A slogan that he pitched for the campaign resonated: "Every story has its roots." Hairston also built relationships in the community by inviting a reporter from the Meadville Tribune to attend the event, which resulted in an article highlighting the students' work.

"This project taught me that you are not always confined to your specific role and that delivering a successful campaign and event requires sacrifice and hard work beyond the original scope," says Hairston, who hopes to pursue a career in marketing after graduation.

Professional Opportunities Through Gator Connections

Allegheny's strong support system continues to help Hairston beyond campus. He is spending the summer as a college financial representative intern at Northwest Mutual.

He says that Lyndsey Sears, assistant director of the Center for Career and Professional Development, worked closely with him to build a résumé, refine his cover letters, and strengthen his interviewing skills.

If that wasn't enough to keep Hairston busy, he serves as the historian for the Lambda Sigma Honor Society, focusing on their outreach, and works as a peer-speaking consultant, aiding peers with their public speaking skills.

Needless to say, Hairston has spent his time at Allegheny College rooted in excellence, eager to be part of positive change with a bright future ahead.