Sam Degenhard
After graduation I will be combining the marketing and business skills I've learned at WSCU with my passion for outdoor sports by working for Red Bull in the field of sports marketing. I'll be working in Red Bull's Graduate Program, which is a full-time, 18 month position that focuses on leadership development within sports marketing in true Red Bull style. I will be working on a team based in Dallas, TX on sporting and athlete projects across the West. Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. I am thrilled to be working with them after graduation.
WSCU is the right school for me because it challenges me both academically and personally. WSCU has the class size and professor relationships that have allowed me to excel and pursue my passions. WSCU has the location too; if I’m not in class you can find me getting after everything this valley has to offer in the outdoors. There are not many places where you can work out a problem 1-on-1 with your professor in their office after class and shred with them the next day on the slopes.
At WSCU I am involved in as much as possible on campus. Some of my past experiences include mountain bike team vice president, freeride ski team vice and president, and freeride ski team webmaster. Actively, I stay involved in several ways: Western Ambassador, SGA Senator, WSCU on-campus rail park/jam manager, mountain sports team marketing assistant, and member of the 21+ events committee.
When I am not in class, you will typically find me outside. Whether its on the slopes with my skis or on the trails with my bike, I do my best to make the most of our wonderful surroundings. I am a pretty social student as well, so it’s likely I will be out having fun with friends in whatever adventure it is that we’re doing.
My favorite thing about WSCU is its location. WSCU is nestled in the heart of the Rockies – no one has the menu of activities and outdoors like we do. Outside of location, I love WSCU for the family feel that I get. Awesome friends and mentors make for a place I call home.
Leaving high school I knew that I wanted to challenge myself. Because of its small size, WSCU has allowed me to push myself both inside and outside of the classroom. My education at WSCU has been what I made it to be, the harder I work the greater the satisfaction or reward.
My favorite professor is Menon Billingsley, a professor of mine in the BAE department. Menon pushes her students to go beyond the norm. Her advice, motivation, and guidance have helped me pursue my academics and ambitions for the future to a new level. Menon is one of those professors that I hope to have for a lifetime.
