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At the front desk of the Office of Student Experience in Cromer Student Center, communications major Ace Peake �28 knows everyone by name. Students, staff and faculty pass by, calling greetings as if checking in with a familiar friend. Peake smiles and responds, directing visitors, solving problems and making campus life a little smoother for anyone who walks through the doors.

�This is what college is for,� Peake said. �Why be here and not get involved? There so much you can do to make the experience better for yourself and others.�

Ģ����ý has been a dream school for Peake since junior year of high school. Theatre opportunities, school size, mascot and colors drew interest, but inclusivity sealed the decision. 

�When the information card asked for pronouns, I had never seen that before. It made Ģ����ý feel welcoming right away,� Peake said.

Before arriving on campus, challenges shaped Peake determination and resilience. Family housing instability during middle school and high school taught perseverance and resourcefulness. �Experiencing that taught me that one moment or one thing doesn�t define me,� Peake said. �I learned to use available resources, manage finances and make the most of every opportunity.�

Academics reinforced that philosophy. Communications coursework sparked a passion for public relations, particularly crisis management. A first-year public relations class included a mock campaign for Dove, highlighting inclusivity and body positivity, and a case study on Taco Bell handling of a public crisis. 

�I like the challenge of problem-solving in real time, and I like the idea of helping people through a time of need,� Peake said. 

Peake campus involvement has spanned multiple roles, including working at the Office of Student Experience and previously serving as a resident assistant. Peake future plans include serving as an orientation leader and presiding over Pride Club. Work outside Ģ����ý includes a nursery assistant position at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and an independent nail tech business, with one set featured in Cantos in 2025.

�I�ve been told Ģ����ý is better because I�m here,� Peake said. �Students have said I helped them get out of their dorm, figure out the career center or learn about student life programs. Some even became resident assistants because of my influence.�

Study abroad plans are part of Peake next steps. Greece is the target for a summer program offering free housing and meals, which allows earning credits while staying on track to graduate in 2028.

Balancing classes, work, and extracurricular commitments requires selectivity and time management. �College teaches you your balance,� Peake said. �You learn what to handle and what to let go. Experiences matter more than accolades.�