Similar to last month, I wanted to “spotlight” one of my earlier UB grads! As I considered who I wanted to feature, it hit me that I had never “spotted” Ms. Cassie Labelle! Of all of my old kiddies, Cassie remains to be one of my most memorable. In fact, I still see her often and was excited to hear that she’s currently working on her graduate degree in the same MSW program that I did. Way to go, Cassie! So, without further ado, here is Ms. Labelle:Cassie was in the Upward Bound program during her time as a Humboldt student in 1997- 2001. After graduating in June of 2001, Cassie went to college at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus. During college, Cassie wasn’t too involved in any activities on campus and earned her B.S. in Family Social Science in 2007.After graduating from the U of M, Cassie started pursuing graduate school options. She took some prerequisites at St. Paul College and decided to enroll in the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University’s Masters of Social Work program. I am excited to announce that Cassie will graduate with her MSW (Master of Social Work) in May of 2012.
Cassie’s favorite memory from college was when she attended her first Gopher Football game. She had never been to a Big Ten game before and was so excited to just take it all in.When I asked Cassie what her favorite UB memory was, she said, “My favorite UB memory is also one of my most embarrassing moments. I was rushing to a morning class during the summer program my bridge year. While rushing through Buntrock Commons I LITERALLY WALKED STRAIGHT INTO A MARBLE PILLAR and had to go to class with a knot on my forehead the size of a golf ball.
Similar to last month’s newsletter article, I decided to ask some of our UB former staff to comment on this month’s “spotted” person. Liz (Lolich) Skundberg had this to share, “I met Cassie on one of my very first days as a UB employee and I knew then she was someone special and was going to be successful. I still remember her college essay–it made me cry! I am very proud of her and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
Cassie was always a great UB student and had this to offer our current students, “My advice for current UB students is to take advantage of all of the opportunities that Upward Bound offers. The ACT prep days, the college visits, the tutoring, the summer program, etc. Looking back, now I realize how Upward Bound was such a positive influence on my life and gave me opportunities that I would not have had if I wasn’t in the program.”
Kevin’s Statement-former UB Advisor
“I remember that Cassie doesn’t like warm beverages, especially milk.”
Mari’s Satement-Director of UB
“No matter how hard I try, I can’t remember a time when Cassie and Kainani weren’t in the UB office! lol!”
Heather’s Statement-former UB Director
“My favorite memory of Cassie is the grace with which she responded to the question, ‘How’d you get so tan?’ while waiting in line at lunch. I’m just impressed by Cassie’s drive to succeed. She graduated from the University of MN and is currently enrolled in a masters’ program. UB students should look to Cassie as an example of how good work can pay off.”