History

Student Experience

“Before coming to Wilmington College, I lived in a small town in northwest Ohio that no one has ever heard of called Liberty Center. Since graduating, I have lived in the Dayton/Centerville area. I was able to stay in this area because I was lucky enough to find a history teaching job in Middletown, Ohio. Currently, I am employed with Summit Academy Secondary School, where I hold the only history teaching position for the high school. This means that I teach all four grades of high school, including classes in American History, World History, Government, Economics, and World Regions/Military History. I have been at Summit since the fall of 2019, and though at times it is daunting, I truly love what I do! I definitely owe a lot of what I know about the teaching profession and especially history to Wilmington College. I love the small, close-knit atmosphere that we have at Wilmington College, and the professors in the history department really made me appreciate that. I was able to build great relationships with my professors from my first year with Ed Agran through to my last years there with Anne Daniels and Keith Orejel. They really made an impact on how I perceive history and my teaching style. I am grateful for having Wilmington in my life; it has not only led me to my current relationship, but everlasting friendships with students and professors, as well as a deeper love for history and teaching.” – Brooklyn Higgins ’19

“I currently serve as a Museum Specialist in the Collections Department of the National Air and Space Museum. My team is responsible for managing a majority of the object movement associated with a close to 10-year renovation and revitalization of our museum. It absolutely connects to my major and I used my time at Wilmington to focus on more museum-related projects through the Quaker Heritage Center (QHC). From my internships in D.C. or at the QHC, I used my WC experience to go to grad school in New York City, all of which put me on the path to where I am today. The thing I loved most about the History department was the relationships with professors and that they always pushed outside the box thinking and promoted a better understanding of history that is often neglected in other phases of study.” – Dylan Hammond ’16

My name is Ariana Riccardi and I am a double major in Political Science and History with a minor in Race, Gender and Ethnicity Studies.

Wilmington College has shown me nothing but love over the past four years, and it created an environment that allowed me to find who I truly am. I have been blessed with so many opportunities to grow, travel, network with amazing people, and study halfway across the world. I’ve had opportunities to serve, both on campus and in the community, and grow as a public servant. And, most importantly, I’ve been able to build relationships that will last a lifetime.

To elaborate on the opportunities Wilmington College has provided me with I will share that I have served as Student Body President (SGA), I am the President of the Peace Corps Prep Club and Resident Student Association, I’m an RA, I have been involved in several theater productions, and I am the Director of our Diversity in Action team – just to name a few.

I may be graduating in two months, but Wilmington College will always be my home, and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey. I truly could not have accomplished everything I have without the amazing faculty, staff and administration at Wilmington College.