Transfer student Fowler sold on Monmouth College's classics program, baseball team

by Lillian Hucke

Monmouth, Ill. (11/05/2021) — "Wait, you mean I can get actually get a college degree in that? Sign me up!"

That's not a direct quote from transfer student Todd Fowler '23, but it accurately describes his feeling when he learned about the classics program at Monmouth College.

After earning an associate degree from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Fowler was looking for a college to study history and play baseball, preferably with "top-notch" programs in both. When he discovered that Monmouth had a classics major, he instantly knew where he belonged.

"They didn't really offer any classics classes at Lincoln Land, so I had a history emphasis on my major," said Fowler. "My favorite part of history was always the classics section, like ancient Greece and Rome, so I did a little research and found out that there was a major of just that. I had no idea there was this major, and so when I found out, it was game over."

Another aspect that enticed the Chatham, Illinois, native to Monmouth was the timely communication and personal connections he created with the College's faculty and staff. He said the relationship he developed with classics professor Bob Simmons was a major reason for his post-associate degree choice.

"Todd has been a standout student in a host of ways since setting foot on campus," said Simmons. "One critical thing that marks him is the thoroughness of his commitment - he does not do anything part-way, but gives his all to everything he does."

A classic Classics Day

Once in the classics classrooms of Wallace Hall, Fowler immediately jumped into the department's activities. He started working with Simmons and his fellow classmates in the preparation for this fall's Classics Day V, where he was in charge of numerous tasks. Fowler coordinated all the traditional food and beverages for the event, specifically working with Tin Cup Coffee Shop to provide Nescafe and with Aramark, the College's food service provider, to deliver Greek dishes. During the three-hour event, Fowler also presented about sports in the ancient world and mythology and led the Roman Army station.

"I am proud that Classics Day went so well because all that were involved did so much and Dr. Simmons did so much," said Fowler. "I was very encouraged when a couple of students came up to me saying that they now want to be a classics major. This event was good exposure for the program and the College."

Simmons said Fowler exceeded expectations for the event.

"Todd's high talent and preparation levels, combined with his seriousness of purpose, have already made a considerable impact on the school, and he raises the level of performance of people around him," said Simmons.

Organizing and putting on the event has helped Fowler improve his collaboration skills and provided him a glimpse into his future career. He plans to work in a museum, whether that be archival work or curation.

"Just from a month ago, I have made huge strides personally and gained experience for my professional career goals," he said.

Transfer-friendly

Fowler had a similar experience with baseball coach Alan Betourne, learning how special Monmouth is from his initial correspondences with the Fighting Scots' skipper. Being one of only two transfers on the baseball team, Fowler is thankful for how welcoming all his teammates have been.

"I am looking forward to competing with my new teammates," he said. "It's easy to compete when everyone has a common goal and is team-orientated."

Fowler worried about his classes transferring and meeting all new professors and students, but once he stepped foot on the Monmouth College campus, all his worries went away. During the transfer process, Fowler advises that students should be proactive and not afraid to reach out.

"No one at Monmouth College had heard of me on the academic or sports side," he said. "But I knew what I wanted, so I was not afraid to reach out about what I was passionate about. And here I am. ... Professor Simmons and Monmouth College prepare you well for life after college. Monmouth is absolutely a transfer-friendly college."

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