Hammond student involved in numerous activities to graduate May 23

Since first enrolling at Purdue University Calumet, Jocelyn Gallegos of Hammond has focused on her goals and never wavered.

"If you don't have any goals, it's easy to get side-tracked," Gallegos said.

The 22-year-old communication/public relations major graduated May 23 after having combined a busy schedule of academics, campus activities and work.

Thomas Roach, Purdue Calumet associate professor of communication, said Gallegos first impressed him by involving herself in a wide range of campus activities.

"I wish everybody had her attitude: play hard in the class, play hard outside the class," Roach said.

The Department of Communication and Creative Arts recently recognized Gallegos's academic and extracurricular achievements by naming her Outstanding Senior in the department.

On campus, Gallegos has been active with the International Student Organization and Northwest Indiana World Trade Council. She also has served as a student ambassador, new student orientation leader and editor-in-chief of Purdue Calumet's student newspaper, The Chronicle. She said she approached each activity as an opportunity to advance her educational and professional goals.

"What makes your work stand out are the experiences and the variety of things you encounter," Gallegos said.

Her efforts are paying off. An internship she served with UPS last June blossomed into a job. In less than a year she earned two promotions and is now an operations specialist in the company's corporate offices.

In addition to Gallegos's tangible achievements and attributes, Roach said, "Joceyln is just a nice person; she is very kind to people."

Roach, who described Gallegos as deep and insightful, added, "It's those intangibles that really make a difference."

(Written by Office of University Relations student intern Donna George)