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In honor of Commuter Spirit Month, Kimberlee Plude ’21, a fire science major, discusses the numerous ways she gets involved in the campus community.

March 28, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

For Kimberlee Plude ’21, it is the relationships she has formed with members of the campus community that have most enriched her experiences as a Charger.

"Having such a great group of friends who support me no matter what is an invaluable," said Plude, a commuter student and fire science major. "I would not be where I am now without their help."

Plude says the University offers many resources – including some that are designed specifically for commuter students – that have been especially beneficial for her. She cites the Commuter Life Committee and staff in the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation as being most impactful.

"I think the University is good for commuters because there is always an event going on that we can get involved in," Plude said. "No matter what your class schedule looks like, there are always opportunities."

"I think the University is good for commuters because there is always an event going on that we can get involved in."Kimberlee Plude ’21

An Undergraduate Student Government Association senator who heads the Student Life Committee, Plude co-founded the women’s volleyball club sport and now serves as its vice president. A member of the University’s Fire Science Club, Plude is also the corresponding secretary of the Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers League. She says being involved with these organizations enables her to connect with her fellow students.

"Every organization offers me the opportunity to bond with more students on campus and to expand my horizons," Plude said. "I especially love the outreach that is part of my role as a USGA senator and the power I have to help other students."