German Senior Profiles 2021

Every spring, during the last week of class, the Department of World Languages and Cultures honors its graduating German seniors at our awards ceremony.  This spring, we are sadly unable to gather in person, but we still wish to recognize our seniors and all of their accomplishments of these past four years. Congratulations to our graduating seniors!

Emma Ossmann majored in German and Sociology (with a concentration in Criminology). She studied abroad for six months in Tübingen, Germany and remembers that time fondly: “Not only did I improve my German speaking skills, but I made life-long connections with people from all over the world.” On campus, she worked as an IT Helpdesk Student Consultant and was in German Club. After graduation, she will spend a year in the Valpo-sponsored cooperative education position at Aalen University in Germany, where she will work in the international office.

Jacob Scarbrough majored in German with a minor in English. He studied abroad for a year in Tübingen, Germany. On campus, he was active in Alliance, German Club, and Rec Soccer. He worked as an RA and a Student Building Manager in the German House, taught German to elementary school children in the Kinder lernen Deutsch program, and was a tutor for English as a Second Language. Jacob says: “I will always remember the close relationships I had with my professors and the opportunities that granted me, the greatest of which was my semester abroad. Learning to live on my own 4000 miles away from home challenged me and along the way I learned so many new things about the world around me and myself!” After graduation, he will spend a year teaching in Germany as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

Kenneth Taylor majored in German and minored in Fundamentals of Business. He spent a year working in a cooperative education position in Reutlingen, Germany while enrolled at Valpo. On campus, he was involved in Building Tomorrow, the German Club, the French Club, and the Sigma Pi fraternity. Kenneth says: “What I will remember most fondly about Valpo is the friends I made both on campus and while studying abroad. I had a truly unique experience working at the Reutlingen International Office and would not trade it for the world.” After graduation, he would like to travel the world and plans to start a career in Europe.

Matt Vargo majored in German and International Business. He studied abroad for a semester in Reutlingen, Germany. On campus, he was active in the Chamber Concert Band and the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. He also lived in the German House. Matt says: “Studying abroad was the best experience of my life. I will also remember the amazing group of friends I made along the way.” After graduation, he plans to move to a new part of the United States to find a job.