By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE- When the academic year is over, students await summer break to look back at their accomplishments during the year as well as prepare for the exciting journeys they'll embark on during their summer break. For students at Mount Union, Summer 2024 was packed with exciting adventures and real-life opportunities to enhance a skillset in their desired career field.

Lukea Pitinii '26, biochemistry major, is experiencing a summer full of travel! Connecting with her Alpha Phi Omega fraternity ‘brothers,’ Pitinii spent a week in Florida volunteering at Give Kids the World. During the week in Kissimmee, Florida, Lukea helped families of critical ill children enjoy a week-long vacation. Pitinii then went international as she began studying abroad and exploring in Valencia, Spain as well while collaborating and conducting research alongside a PhD student from the Universidad Pontificia de Valencia.

Pitinii '26 outside of the Catedral de Santa Maria

Emmett Martin '25, marketing major is spending his summer working with Enterprise as their management trainee intern. Learning from experts on determining selling rates and [promotion] deals, Martin is gaining valuable insight about the marketing field as well as what it takes to manage a business. Outside of his internship, Martin is staying connected with his passion, training for [swim] time trials in preparation for the Paralympics.

Martin '25 enhancing his swim skills

Cassie Hooper '26, nursing major, is spending her summer working at Rainbow Babies Children’s Hospital in their NICU unit, applying the skills she has learned through our nursing program, while polishing that skillset, learning from experienced nurses. Though, when she was not working, helping care for babies in the NICU, Hooper spent time with family, traveling to Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Hooper '26 in North Carolina

While these Raiders are enjoying their summer plans of building their resumes, furthering their passions, and getting the well-deserved rest and relaxation during their sumer break, they cannot wait to see what the upcoming academic year will bring them!