Ben Gunty
Class of 2008
- Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
- Hall: Siegfried
- Major: Program of Liberal Studies (PLS)
What was your first impression of ND when you arrived on campus?
Because I’ve lived in South Bend for most of my life I wasn’t initially awed by the aura that seems to so visibly halo the campus during Freshman Orientation. ND had been my “backyard” for almost 15 years and I felt like I had already experienced the amazement that consumes so many people who come to ND. But I distinctly remember taking a walk my first night here as a student and passing the buildings I had repeatedly seen for years and being suddenly and pleasantly overwhelmed by the realization that ND was now my new home.
What are your favorite things about student life at ND?
The academic, social, and extra-curricular opportunities (what’s left?) at ND are undoubtedly my favorite parts of student life. Since I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of student experiences it would be impossible to pinpoint a single favorite. My classes are engaging and the professors are accessible. The clubs and organizations are virtually limitless. And lastly, the kids you meet in class, through clubs, or in your dorm will be some of the best friends you’ve ever had.
What prompted you to choose your PLS major?
The first question I get after explaining my major is, “What are you going to do with that?” Well there’s no easy answer, so I usually respond with an expansive list of various possibilities because I really believe that I’ll be prepared to do almost anything. Though this seems initially vague, it is precisely what I’ve come to value in a university education: the ability to analyze text and articulate an opinion or idea is invaluable to any career, and the dialogue that PLS fosters in each classroom creates a perfect avenue for this type of learning.
Extra-curricular involvement:
For the past two years I’ve played inter-hall soccer and volleyball for Siegfried and have participated in a number of co-rec sports. I’m a peer mentor for PILLARS and I work as a tutor at the University Writing Center. This year I was also appointed to the Student Advisory Committee to the Program of Liberal Studies. I’m currently serving as Senator of Siegfried Hall and I was appointed as Student Body Representative to the University Council on Academic Technologies. I am also co-founder and project leader for the Nicaragua Project in the Student International Business Council (SIBC) which we created in order to establish a company inspired by the innate desire to find a way to improve the living quality of the poor in Nicaragua while encouraging the extraordinary quality and creativity of products created in the artisan communities. The ongoing success of this project is one of my proudest achievements here at the University.
What do you think makes ND unique from other universities?
Quite simply: It becomes your home. I’ve been to so many other schools and none foster such a welcoming sense of family right from your first step onto the university - the strong on-campus retention rate is evidence of this community manifested throughout ND. The Catholic character of the university is visibly consistent and equally unique; and though ND provides the opportunity for spiritual, intellectual, and social growth within Catholic teaching, it also provides the opportunity to expand your capacity for social responsibility and intellectual achievement in other realms.
What are some of the things you enjoy about living in the residence hall?
The sense of family that encompasses dorm life is probably the most enjoyable part of living on campus. I’ve had the unique opportunity to serve the dorm in a number of elected positions, but there are always so many other social activities too. And let’s not forget about inter-hall sports – if you’re not big into football, you’ve always got horseshoes to look forward to in the spring.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer an incoming ND student?
Don’t stress out! You got into ND and you deserve to be here. Notre Dame will definitely challenge you on some level of personal, social, or intellectual development and it’s exciting to see how you respond to these challenges. Talk to your professors – they want to get to know you and they’ll be some of your best contacts throughout your careers. Socialize, get involved, and give yourself the time to enjoy this great place. Hope to see you next year!