SAINT PAUL, Minnesota—A Prior Lake resident has been selected a spring semester Outstanding Student at Metropolitan State University.
Genevieve Calvillo, College of Individualized Studies Outstanding Student 2018
Genevieve Calvillo graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree and was chosen Outstanding Graduate Student representing the university’s College of Individualized Studies. She was one of 1,058 students received bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees at Metropolitan State’s 102nd commencement exercises on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
“I was drawn to Metropolitan State University after earning my associate’s degree at Normandale Community College because of the way the university supports adult learners, like me,” Calvillo says. “Also, Metropolitan State has a diverse population of students coming from many cultural backgrounds, which is very important to me. My goal was to explore various courses in order to discover my vocational path by coupling my personal interests with my potential career opportunities.”
Calvillo, a student in the College of Individualized Studies, was amazed by the program’s resource and opportunity for students to incorporate their experience, knowledge and skills with creative learning. In her experience, the required courses to develop her degree as well as reflect upon her academic career were thought provoking and meaningful.
“I am grateful for the manner in which my advisor and professors left no stone uncovered when it came to putting my degree together and in providing me ample opportunities to understand the process of creating and earning a degree tailored made to fit my needs,” Calvillo says. She appreciates how Metropolitan State validates and encourages its multicultural students by authentically supporting and creating awareness of cultural knowledge and traditions represented in its diverse student body.
Calvillo is active in community service, primarily in her tribal community of sovereign people and government. As a general council member, she works with elected tribal leaders to support the community well-being. Calvillo has worked numerous roles a volunteer for nearly 16 years, with her most recent service Saint Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee where she spent time with the elderly.
Calvillo is now considering graduate school, starting as early as this summer, so that she can serve others as an educated person and global citizen. “It is my belief that it is important to give back to society after
earning a degree,” she said. “I appreciate the time, attention, and care that my professors, and especially my advisor, Judith Minning, took to support me as I strove to reach my goals and dreams.”
In praise of Calvillo, Judith A. Minning, academic advisor for the College of Individualized Studies, says “Genevieve inspires. Her character, inquiring mind, devotion to her Dakota cultural roots and community, and passion for the well-being of others continue to have a transformative effect. Her vision is the beauty of hope for humanity and healing. Her graduate studies will be in counseling and integrative medicine. The very essence of her life has been dedicated to family, learning, and community development. I know she will continue to build circles of trust that create places of grace.”