Meet Our Students
Matthew Robinson
Class of 2011
- Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
- Hall: Saint Edward’s Hall
- Major: Science-Business
What was your first impression of ND when you arrived on campus?
I was amazed by the friendliness of everyone on campus. As soon as I pulled up to St. Edward’s Hall with my parents on my first day at Notre Dame, enthusiastic upperclassmen surrounded my car and carried all my belongings up to my room. I was extremely impressed with this show of hospitality and the welcoming atmosphere that continued throughout Freshman Orientation weekend. After three days on campus, I already knew I belonged at Notre Dame.
What are your favorite things about student life at ND?
One of my favorite things about Notre Dame is the closeness of the student body. As I get more and more involved on campus, I have made more and more friends. Notre Dame is small enough that it seems everyone knows everyone by the time graduation day rolls around. The tight-knit community is one of the facets of Notre Dame I like the most.
What prompted you to choose your major?
My major is called Science-Business. This major is essentially a Science-Preprofessional (pre-med) degree with a minor in business. I chose this because I am very interested in the sciences and want to attend medical school. As for the business side of my major, I am very interested in finance, accounting, and the personal skills involved in business. I thought it would be great to obtain a solid background in this discipline from the #2 undergraduate business school in the country. Science-Business, then, was an overall great fit for me.
Extra-curricular involvement:
I am President of an organization called S.A.I.N.T.S., which tutors students at a local Catholic grade school called St. Adalbert’s. I am a Senator in the Student Senate and sit on the Academic Affairs and Social Concerns committees in Student Government. I have also been involved as Academic Commissioner of St. Edward’s Hall, on Freshman Orientation staff in St. Ed’s, and in Science-Business Club. In addition, I hold on-campus jobs in the Office of Student Affairs and as a teacher’s assistant.
What do you think makes ND unique from other universities?
Notre Dame students are people of integrity who look out for the world around them. This is evident in the statistic that 80% of Notre Dame students participate in service during their time at Notre Dame. We as Notre Dame students are genuinely concerned with serving both the local and global communities.
What are some of the things you enjoy about living in the residence hall?
One of my favorite parts about living in St. Edward’s Hall is the sense of community. When I am at my home in Illinois, I have two brothers. When I am at my home in South Bend, I have 170 brothers. I especially like gathering with the dorm community every Sunday for Mass. My residence hall has really been a staple of my Notre Dame experience and is the reason I am choosing to live in St. Edward’s Hall for four years.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer an incoming ND student?
Get to know your professors. They are here to help us succeed. Get to know other students. They are some of the most impressive people you will meet. Get involved early and often. By doing so, you can find something you are passionate about and meet all kinds of great people in the process. Take advantage of all Notre Dame has to offer.
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