DJ DeAndre DePass discovered a winning combination of academics and activities at Wilkes.
The only time DeAndre DePass sat still was when he’s in class. “I’m always on the run doing something,” says the senior from Philadelphia.
He was an e-mentor coordinator, helping first-year students transition to college life before, during and after orientation. As a member of the Sports Management Club, he toured MetLife Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, meeting with management to learn about job opportunities. “It’s like a career fair, but we went to them,” says DePass.
DePass served as president of Wilkes University Programming Board, a student organization which brings big-name comedians and concerts to campus, offers karaoke night and discount movie tickets, and hosts wing wars and a brunch bash. He traveled to Denver with other Programming Board leaders to attend the National Association for Campus Activities Conference, where they met vendors, networked and brainstormed new ideas.
He loved bringing new events to campus, but also enjoyed the tried-and-true bingo night. The fan favorite features prizes like MacBooks, TVs and high-tech headphones, drawing hundreds of students. “We know what our student body wants, and we give it to them.”
DePass spent plenty of time with Student Development staff members, including Melissa Howells, who watched him grow into a campus leader since freshman year. “The best way to train mentors is to act like a mentor. I let students create their own vision of the Wilkes experience,” says Howells.
DePass used the knowledge and leadership skills gained as a marketing and management double major in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership to build his DJ business, started in his freshman residence hall.
Graduating a semester early, DePass isn’t leaving campus far behind. He decided to return for his MBA. DePass hopes to pursue a career in student development or admissions. “Wilkes turned me into a people person,” he says. “The confidence I got from Wilkes helped me get to where I am.”
