Graduate Profile: Sarah U’Ren
Sarah Hypio U’Ren grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and used the environmental studies minor at Alma to prepare her for graduate school and an environmental career.
“I received one-on-one attention from my teachers who genuinely took the time to talk to me when I had questions,” the 1998 graduate says. “The fieldwork and hands-on experiences were great as well.”
After graduating from Alma, she earned her master’s degree from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental and Estuarine Science.
She works as a program director for an environmental non-profit organization in Traverse City, receiving more than $1.5 million in grants while overseeing watershed, outreach and monitoring programs for the Grand Traverse Bay.
Sarah U'Ren
“I’m currently in a great job that I love to do,” she says. “This is one of the most beautiful areas in the state and I feel blessed that I get to protect this wonderful body of water every day.”
The biology major came to Alma because of its size and academic reputation. She was involved in a variety of activities, including Beta Beta Beta, Chi Epsilon Mu, Students United for Nature, Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Panhellenic Council. She also played volleyball and tennis for the Alma Scots.
“Besides the academics, Alma taught me life lessons and got me involved in extra-curricular, leadership activities that have been important to me as I’ve ’grown up’ and went into the workforce,” she says.
“I do a lot of project management and have a lot of projects going on at the same time and am thankful for the leadership skills I started to acquire at Alma.”
U’Ren is married to Alma alumnus Randy U’Ren. The couple has a 2-year-old daughter.
