Judson University, a Four Year Christian College in Elgin near Chicago. The Church at Work in Higher Education.
  • Judson Alumni Stories

    JudsonU is really proud of its alumni.

    To celebrate all the great personal and professional accomplishments of our graduates, we're gathering their stories here for everyone to read. Are you a JU alum? Join the rest of your peers and tell us what you're up to! Share your story with us by filling out this survey and we will post it online!


  • Samuel Lima
    Sam Lima

    Samuel Lima

    "Judson's architecture program is one-of-a-kind. It is one of only a few architecture schools found within the context of a Christian university. The architecture history courses at Judson are incredibly robust in an age when history is often marginalized in schools of architecture, and the focus on environmentally and socially responsible design at both the building and city scale is commendable." Sam Lima graduated in 2010 with a Masters in Architecture and currently serves as a Graduate Architect for Kil Architecture and Planning.

  • Alyssa Low
    Alyssa Low

    Alyssa Low

    “I can confidently look back on my time at Judson and have no regrets. What I always valued about my studio classes was how passionate every professor was in seeing their students succeed.” Alyssa Low graduated in 2011 with a B.A. in Visual Communications and currently serves as a designer for Two x Four, an advertising agency in Chicago.

    Jessi Swenson
    Jessi Swenson

    Jessi Swenson

    “I think Judson really taught me to be confident in my work and to take time to make it a quality piece or job but, at the same time, not be afraid to take chances and experiment.” Jessi Swenson graduated with a B.A. in Visual Communications in 2008, and currently serves as Senior Graphic Designer for 515 Design Group.

    Kevin Lipp
    Kevin Lipp

    Kevin Lipp

    “Judson definitely set me up for success in the print-based industry of graphic design. They gave me a chance to discover my own aesthetic and prepare myself for the reality of the competitive nature of the industry, especially in the freelance realm.” Kevin Lipp graduated in 2010 with a B.A. in Visual Communications and currently serves as a graphic designer for Crossway Books.

  • Benjamin Wakefield
    Benjamin Wakefield

    Benjamin Wakefield

    Judson prepared me profoundly for daily ministry in the pastorate. Interpreting the Bible and other classes that focused on interpreting specific books of the Bible laid a foundation to help prepare my weekly preaching, Bible study classes, and small groups. All the books I used at Judson are in my office and I still use them today as I confidently prepare to teach the Word of God.

  • Jillian Los
    JillianLos

    Jillian Los

    “By learning excellent time management skills through taking multiple classes each semester I am now able to successfully prioritize my tasks at work and accomplish them successfully. Also, through the opportunity to work on campus in the Advancement Office I was able to understand office environments very well, which has aided my current position."

  • Vicki (Scambler) Syverson
    Vicki Syverson

    Vicki (Scambler) Syverson

    "Take the time to seek God, learn from the lives of your professors and build strong friendships. Head knowledge can be learned from anywhere, but Judson can be a place where God can shape you into the person He wants you to be if you will allow Him to do that in your life."

  • Sharon (Frank) Northington
    Sharon Northington

    Sharon (Frank) Northington

    "Don't regret a second! Take the classes that appeal to you, major in what you want to major in, but have a back-up plan. What will you do if you can't make it as an artist or writer or youth minister? That's what is great about Judson in my opinion, because no matter what major or program you decide on, it's only a small part of the whole experience."

  • Kate Siscoe
    Kate Siscoe

    Kate Siscoe

    "The strengths of the Elementary Education program are without a doubt the professors. They truly care about where we are headed as educators and as learners."

    Rebekah Youtzy
    Rebekah Youtzy

    Rebekah Youtzy

    "Judson gave me many opportunities to get involved that really developed my leadership. Through these experiences, I was better prepared to lead a classroom of students and their parents."

  • Alyse (Ledet) Howard
    Alyse Howard

    Alyse (Ledet) Howard

    "Judson's business classes were amazing! They helped me learn more about being a great manager and put my knowledge into practice. They helped me figure out what kind of manager I wanted to be and how to deal with many different kinds of people."

    Amber McVey
    Amber McVey

    Amber McVey

    "These classes gave me a variety of knowledge of the different aspects and influences of the sporting and business community. Many of the classes and requirements of my major also helped me during the time I served in the United States Army. What I learned in my program prepared me to be a better leader to my soldiers and prepared me for rendering first aid and being a first responder."

  • Lisa (Matthews) Petrina
    Lisa Petrina

    Lisa (Matthews) Petrina

    "Judson changed my life. I found my direction, my purpose, lifelong friends, and the career path I have had for almost 20 years."

    Laura (Wood) Gumbiner
    Laura Gumbiner

    Laura (Wood) Gumbiner

    "There is more time, and there are more friends, in college - take advantage of that! My years at Judson were formative and priceless, though I wish I had done more while there. Gain as many experiences as you can, including in your field of choice, and connect/collaborate with as many people as you can. Those experiences and connections will transform you and set you up for great things in the future."

    Amanda (Johnson) Babic
    Amanda Babic

    Amanda (Johnson) Babic

    "Judson University was a great experience for me. Get to know your peers, get to know your professors. The small class sizes are great because you are not just a number. When I started Judson, I wasn't sure it would be a great fit for me, but once I found the major that was meant for me, I found out how great Judson is."

  • Greg Herron
    Greg Herron

    Greg Herron

    "I play with kids and help them develop holistically. I'm a kid at heart and aim to stay that way!"

    Jason Kennell
    Jason Kennell

    Jason Kennell

    "My time at Judson showed me that science and faith aren't mutually exclusive. They exist simultaneously and impact each other. My science and mathematics professors especially were influential in this area."

    Kristy Engle
    Kristy Engle

    Kristy Engle

    "Judson was a great influence on my work ethic because I always had to work hard for every grade or every accomplishment. It taught me to value my education and also to help others learn."

  • Suzann Jonson
    Suzann Jonson

    Suzann Jonson

    "Judson helped me gain confidence in presentations and public speaking. The experience also helped with my writing skills for the next level of plan design, plan evaluation and statistics with my current job." Suzann Jonson graduated from the Adult Professional program in 2010 with a Bachelors in Human Services and currently serves as a Corporate Payroll/Benefits Manager for The Middleby Corporation.