Alumni Profile: Cori Drenth '07
Cori Drenth’s sociology and communication majors will apply to every job she ever has.
“Being a Sociology major equipped me with critical thinking skills in order to solve any problem, but also an increased awareness to my actions. It’s important when working with people to consider ethical, cultural, gender, and societal implications,” the 2007 alumnus says. “The Sociology program exposes you to factors; It makes you an informed citizen and member of society. This knowledge is a vital tool for today’s dynamic workplace.”
Drenth is employed at Baudville, Inc., an awards and recognition company in Grand Rapids. Her Alma education is vital to her success in the workforce.
“Knowledge of Sociology is a valuable skill for any profession. It provides you with an understanding of people, society, and the pressures both feel on a regular basis,” she says. “This is important in my job because I’m communicating with various populations. I need to make sure my message is relevant to them. The theories and research I studied in my Sociology courses help me achieve that.”
Dr. Fobes and alumnus Cori Drenth at the 2007 graduation.
Outstanding faculty also encouraged Drenth in her scholastic and personal life.
“More than anything else, I appreciate the mentorship of Dr. Catherine Fobes. Not only did she guide my academic schedule and advise my honors thesis project, she provided welcomed counsel for career and personal questions as well,” she says. “The treatment and special attention I received is certainly part of the Alma experience, and Dr. Fobes goes above and beyond to help her students.”
She originally chose Alma for the liberal arts focus. She wasn’t sure what field she wanted to pursue (and says she still doesn’t), but her Alma education has equipped her for a much larger variety of opportunities through its diverse curriculum.
While at Alma, Drenth was involved in the Alma College Choir, Alpha Phi Omega (a service fraternity), Relay for Life, a weekly Christian women’s small group, Alternative Break, Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Pi Eta (an honorary communication fraternity) and Phi Beta Kappa.
