Katie Hoylman
Female
Whitefish Bay, WI
2011, B.A.

 

Majors: Biology
Minors: Biomedical Ethics
Extra-curriculars: Judicial Board, Residence Life Advisor, Mortar Board
On-campus Jobs: Tour Guide, Residence Life Advisor
Favorite Book: "The Pact" by Jodi Picoult
Favorite Film: Rat Race
Favorite Song, Artist, or Group: "Drops of Jupiter" by Train

 

 
What was the final factor that made you say "yes" to LU's offer of admission? I was deciding between a very big school and a small school (LU), and I realized how much I loved the more individualized, personalized experience of the small school. I had enjoyed the classes I had sat in on, as well as my overnight stay, and I realized that ultimately, I could better envision myself at a school like Lawrence.
Who is your favorite professor (and their department) at LU? Why? I really like Professor Beth DeStasio in the biology department. I took genetics with her last year, and she is also my advisor. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about her field, and she is excited to share this with students. She is also an excellent advisor and is able to provide ample information about research, internships, and graduate school.
What is the best course (and its department) that you have taken? Why? The best course I have taken is medical anthropology, which is ironically not within my major but was a fascinating class. I had never taken an anthropology course before, but I loved learning about the unique characteristics of health care in various cultures and the importance of considering cultural background when interacting with patients. I think the information I learned in this class will be incredibly helpful in the future, when I hope to work in the medical field.
What is your favorite part about being a Lawrentian? I love the people at Lawrence. I think the people (students, professors, other staff) are a huge part of what makes Lawrence the wonderful school that it is. The professors are extremely accessible and friendly, and my fellow students are also really driven and intelligent and have taught me a lot. The people in the surrounding Appleton community always greet you with a smile and are also very supportive of Lawrence students.

 

 
Which is your favorite resident hall? Why? I loved living in Ormsby because the rooms are big, with high ceilings, wood floors, and closets, and it has a great location because it is close to most of the academic buildings. Ormsby is also a beautiful building on the exterior and has a lot of history because it was built in the 1800s.
What do you find most exciting aout the new Campus Center? I love that the Campus Center is a central location that brings everyone together. You see students and professors there all the time, as well as the trustees, alums, and visitors from the community. I think it is a great addition to campus because it really encourages more of a united, community experience by creating a central physical space where people can hang out.
What is your favorite study spot on campus? I like studying in the lounge at the end of the biology wing in Steitz Hall. It is usually quiet and very comfortable, and I am close to my professors' offices and labs if I need to ask a question or use any biology resources!
What is your favorite thing to do in Appleton? I love hanging out at Brewed Awakenings and Copper Rock, two coffee shops a few blocks from campus on College Avenue. They are really cozy and they often have live music, and it's sometimes nice to study or meet friends in a different location.

 

 
If you were a fruit, which would you be? Why? A pineapple... Thorny on the outside and sweet on the inside! Actually, that's not true at all, I just made it up, but it was the first thing that popped into my head! :)
If you could only eat one type of candy bar for the rest of your life, which would you choose? would choose a Reeses' Peanut Butter Cup, which I guess is not exactly a candy bar. But I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter... They are both delicious by themselves, and even better when you put them together!
What is an uncommon hobby you have? Why do you like it? I like doing crossword puzzles! I like the challenge of trying to figure out all of the words and the satisfaction that comes when I finish an entire puzzle (especially if it is a really difficult one)! It is also something that I like to do to relax.
What is something LU helped you learn about yourself? I have learned to be a lot more confident in myself and in my ability to make decisions and carve out my own path in life. Even though college is a lot of work, I have actually learned to be more laid-back and spontaneous, and I feel like I am better able to adapt to change and go with the flow! I guess you just have to do that sometimes because in college, a lot of times your schedule depends on the availability of other people and when they can meet, so it helps to be adaptable.