Caitlyn Westfall '14: Leading by Example
By Jaime Ingle
Caitlyn Westfall ’14 leads McKendree University freshmen by example as a New Student Orientation group
leader and University 101 first-year student mentor, helping them adjust to college
life.
“My first year I got swept up in the freedom and excitement and didn’t focus enough
on school. I now know the importance of making sure first-year students have the resources
they need to make a smooth transition into college.”
A psychology major with a leadership and sociology-criminal justice minor, Caitlyn provides a
listening ear and practical advice. She encourages students to budget time wisely
for classes and get involved on campus.
A Presidential Scholar who is on the dean’s list, Caitlyn excels in and out of the
classroom. She is president of the Inter-Greek Council, a charter member and former
membership recruitment director of the national sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma, vice-president of the Psi Chi psychology honor society, and a member of the Pi Kappa
Delta forensics honor society.
This summer, she interned in McKendree’s Office of Student Affairs with an emphasis in residence life and fraternity & sorority life. “The staff at McKendree has inspired me to work at a college as a student affairs
staff member,” she said. “My dream is to work in either student development and leadership
or Greek affairs.”
A member of McKendree’s advanced leaders program, Caitlyn is grateful to Sarah Klucker, director of student leadership and development,
and Dr. Tami Eggleston, provost, for developing her self-confidence. “They challenge
me in the best ways to make sure that I grow and give my full potential.”
Caitlyn loves to inspire others. “I love to be told that I’m someone’s role model.
To me, that’s the most desirable and honorable compliment a person could give.”
