“College isn’t just about going to class,” says Leo Egbe Jr., a senior political science and international relations double major. While he’s achieved success in the classroom, Egbe also put his winning ways to work on the football field and in the surrounding community.
Egbe, whose family moved from Cameroon, Africa, to Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, when he was nine years old, came to Wilkes as a football recruit. The running back counts Devon Fink ’20, special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, as part of his support system on campus. “He’s more than a mentor,” says Ebge. “He’s like an older brother.”
The duo come from the same hometown, and Fink coached one of Egbe’s high school all-star games. As an assistant coach, Fink’s role goes beyond the gridiron. He also serves as the academic coordinator, making sure that the team focuses on textbooks as well as playbooks.
The football team holds a mandatory study hall for first-year and sophomore students, and provides each player with an academic planner to keep schedules straight. The team also encourages players to pursue internships and take part in activities on campus and in the community.
“We try to jam-pack their resumes as much as possible,” says Fink. While building a list of accomplishments, these off-the-field experiences also help players practice valuable networking skills and connect with potential employers.
“Connections take you really far in life,” says Fink.
Egbe has also created connections with the campus community. He is president of the Wilkes African Cultural Association (WACA) and one of the founders of the Black Student Union (BSU). Through these clubs, he works to bring students, faculty and staff together for some fun while educating people about the traditions, food and games that are part of African culture and Black culture.
His commitment to cultural outreach helped Egbe connect with Erica Acosta, director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives. Through participation in a variety of programming planned by Acosta, including guest speakers, workshops, coffee hours and volunteer opportunities, Egbe earned a D.I.V.E. Certificate (Difference. Inclusion. Value. Each other.)
“We give the certificate to students who like to step outside their comfort zone, incorporating diversity events as well as academic courses,” says Acosta.
With his passion for paying it forward, Egbe stepped up to lead one of Acosta’s Adulting 101 workshops that are part of the D.I.V.E. certification. These presentations focus on a variety of post-college skills like banking and social media etiquette. Egbe presented on the power of networking. “That was a powerful session that he did for us,” says Acosta of the presentation, which focused on Egbe’s story of one conversation that turned into a law firm internship. “If a student tells me what they’re interested in or passionate about, I can connect them with different opportunities on or off campus.”
One of Egbe’s classes also provides invaluable off-campus experience. PS 341 Model United Nations, taught by Andy Miller, professor of political science, includes a trip to UN headquarters in New York. This year, Egbe and the other students from Wilkes represented Bulgaria and had an opportunity to meet with the country’s ambassador, Gergana Karadjova.
In addition to simulating diplomatic roles to engage in foreign policy and negotiations, the class explored different restaurants in the city with noted foodie Miller as their guide. “It’s another level of mentoring. It opens their eyes,” says Miller. “And it’s an easy way to build rapport with students.”
For Miller, his role as a mentor is more than purely academic. That rapport often starts in class and continues during office hours. It extends to the sidelines, where he cheers on the Colonels in his role as faculty athletic representative. And the connection continues after graduation.
“You’re trying to help students reach the best of their abilities and trying to get the best out of them so they can live their best lives,” says Miller, adding, “When they leave, that relationship doesn’t end.”
Now that he’s graduated, Egbe will carry the relationships he fostered and the knowledge he gained with him to Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. While he hasn’t decided on a focus yet, he’s thinking about corporate law, immigration law or sports law.
“I’m excited to test the waters,” Egbe says.
That willingness to test the waters has shaped the senior’s time at Wilkes, whether he was getting to know classmates, founding a club, checking out campus activities or stepping into a leadership role.
“It’s been a whirlwind for me,” says Egbe. It’s important to get out there and meet new people and try new things. The experience here is what you make it.”