As a member of Nazareth’s Class of 2020, Connor Uphues’ transition into higher education was hardly typical. Now a graduate of the University of Illinois, he reflects on how Nazareth prepared him for unprecedented times and life beyond the classroom.
Can you describe your transition to college after your senior year was cut short by COVID?
Obviously the Class of 2020 experienced a unique transition as our senior year ended so abruptly and I started at the University of Illinois with many COVID restrictions in place. But Nazareth had already provided me with a strong experience in online education. That last quarter of 2020 gave me the tools I needed to succeed academically during that first year of primarily remote learning.
Beyond the classroom, Naz gave me so many opportunities to practice leadership. I really took advantage of the chance to live out that legacy that started in Youth Initiative and Campus Ministry by getting involved in New Student Programs at Illinois and even working as an orientation coordinator and trainer. I wanted incoming freshmen to have that college welcome experience I had missed out on.
How did you carry your Nazareth experience with you during your college career?
I would like to think that I carry all Four Pillars with me, but I think I’m best known for Spirit. I was involved in all sorts of sports and activities in high school and showed my Naz Spirit proudly. That definitely carried through to college where I was (am!) a proud Illini fan and was a regular intramural athlete. Whether it was the Flag Football Championship, playing men’s rugby for the first time or losing my voice alongside the Orange Crush, I think my passionate Spirit shines.
That was one of the reasons I was so eager to take a photo in front of the Naz helmet on Graduation Day in Memorial Stadium. I loved how those two things came together for me.
What’s next for you?
I’m just starting my career in archaeology as a field technician in cultural resources management. Right now I’m traveling to locations throughout the country conducting land surveys and literally digging for treasure. My goal is to both preserve history and educate the public on why the past is important.
What is your wish for Nazareth Academy on the occasion of our 125th Anniversary?
My hope is that Nazareth Academy continues to be a place that offers students such a holistic experience. I have a lot of great memories from high school both in and out of the classroom, and I hope the next 125 years of students will embrace all the opportunities Naz offers.