Junior Maria Dovshek is a voice for fellow students as a 2020-2021 member of the Cal U Council of Trustees.
Connecting and serving are two values that have guided Maria Dovshek throughout her
educational journey at Cal U.
Dovshek, a junior from Scenery Hill, Pa., is doing both this semester as a student
member of the Board of Trustees for 2020-2021.
“Having the opportunity to serve in this role is an honor. I am excited to represent
prospective, current and past students at Cal U,” Dovshek said. “While serving, I
look forward to listening to my peers and having a voice for them when necessary.”
Dovshek — a triplet used to close interactions — is making the most of a fall semester
spent learning and meeting remotely, but the outgoing student misses the personal
connections.
“The people at Cal U and the relationships that I have built are what makes the college
experience so special. I appreciate that our university is taking the proper precautions,
but in doing so it makes miss my Cal U family.”
A communication studies major, Dovshek has been active with Student Government, Relay
for Life and Gamma Sigma Sigma. She also holds a seat on the SAI Board of Directors
and served as a Community Assistant in Carter Hall last year, while also working in
the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning.
“From my involvement in these organizations, I’ve met my best friends and was given
the opportunity to do things I never thought I would do in my lifetime,” Dovshek said.
“I was able to travel to Texas and Vermont for Student Government, as well as being
able to go to New Orleans to represent Gamma Sigma Sigma.”
Dovshek has made the most of every opportunity at Cal U, which is her dad’s alma
mater.
“The only reason I decided to look at the school was for my dad, but once I stepped
foot on the campus I had a feeling this was going to be my home for the next few years.
The campus was absolutely beautiful and the people were incredibly welcoming,” Dovshek
said.
“In my second semester, I realized teaching wasn’t the profession for me. Growing
up, I was always involved in organizing and facilitating events.”
Dovshek then switched to communication studies.
“I realized I could study in an area that involves work that I enjoy doing. I am someone who is very organized, and I love communication with people, which is why this major is a great fit for me.
“The interactions and relationships that I have built made me want to step up and do more. Once I saw the student trustee position become available, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to serve our University.”