For Stephanie Hoppe, MBA '23, the journey to graduate school came with a unique advantage: she was already part of the Herzing University family. As a Senior Career Coach at the university, Stephanie had witnessed firsthand the impact of Herzing's supportive environment on students. When she decided to pursue her MBA, there was no question where she would go.
A Natural Choice
"I was working at Herzing, and they had a great education benefit," Stephanie explains. "I could go outside of Herzing but enjoyed working at the university and knew it would be a great, flexible place to obtain my MBA while still working full time."
The decision to pursue an MBA stemmed from Stephanie's lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. With a background in education, she wanted to expand her skill set with a broader foundation in business, particularly in areas like human resources and project management.
Academic Excellence Through Support
Stephanie's dedication to her studies paid off significantly. She graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in December 2023, completing her degree entirely online while maintaining her full-time position at the university. This achievement was meaningful given the long gap since her undergraduate studies.
"I was able to prove to myself that I could complete a degree after a long absence from school and while working full time," Stephanie reflects. "Try to dream big and go for it."
Building Lasting Connections
One of the most rewarding aspects of Stephanie's online MBA experience was the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with classmates. The program's structure allowed her to encounter familiar faces across multiple courses, creating a sense of community that transcended the virtual classroom.
"One of the most memorable parts of the program was seeing familiar faces across multiple online courses. It gave me the chance to build connections and get to know my classmates better over time," she shares. This connection even extended beyond the screen when Stephanie had the opportunity to meet one of her classmates in person while supporting the Akron campus.
Memorable Learning Experiences
Throughout her program, Stephanie found particular value in the project management and human resources courses, which aligned perfectly with her career interests. However, it was a finance and accounting course that left the most lasting impression.
"The instructor was fantastic. He recorded content each week and provided helpful spreadsheets for us to work through. I would have really struggled without his extra guidance and support, and I truly appreciated the effort he put into making the material accessible," Stephanie recalls.
Career Advancement and New Opportunities
Following graduation, Stephanie transitioned from her role as Senior Career Coach to her current position as Alumni Relations Ambassador at Herzing University. This career move has allowed her to continue supporting the university community while utilizing the business skills she developed during her MBA program.
In her current role, Stephanie has taken on significant responsibilities, including organizing and leading multiple alumni events across various campuses. She works directly with the New Orleans alumni chapter and has launched a Wisconsin alumni chapter, with plans to expand these efforts to other campuses.
Giving Back Through Service
Stephanie's commitment to service extends beyond her professional duties. She has volunteered with the university for a Habitat for Humanity build day in Oregon, Wisconsin, demonstrating her dedication to both the university community and broader social causes.
The Herzing Family Difference
What sets Herzing University apart, according to Stephanie, is the genuine care and support that permeates the entire institution. This family-like atmosphere was evident throughout her student experience and continues to influence her work with alumni.
"What makes the university special is that it truly feels like a family. I believe the people here genuinely care about you and want to help however they can. Whether it's instructors, staff or classmates, there's a real sense of support," she explains.
This supportive environment was particularly meaningful for Stephanie, who notes that it differed significantly from her undergraduate experience. The sense of belonging and encouragement helped her navigate the challenges of returning to school while managing professional responsibilities.
Advice for Future Students
Drawing from her experience as both a student and university employee, Stephanie offers practical guidance for current and prospective students. Her advice emphasizes the importance of engagement, time management and self-compassion.
"Stay on top of your schedule and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your instructors are there to help you," she advises. "Try to engage in the weekly discussion posts as much as you can. That's where you get to interact with your classmates, and it makes the experience feel more connected."
She also emphasizes the importance of giving yourself credit for the balancing act that adult learners often face: "Give yourself credit and grace for all you're balancing— it's not always easy, but it's worth it in the end."
Looking Forward
Today, Stephanie continues to embody the values that first drew her to Herzing University. Through her work with alumni relations, she helps maintain the connections and sense of community that made her own educational experience so meaningful. Her story serves as an inspiration to current students and a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the supportive community that defines Herzing University.
As she works to expand alumni chapters and create new opportunities for graduates to stay connected, Stephanie remains committed to fostering the family atmosphere that makes Herzing University special. Her journey from student to alumna to ambassador demonstrates the lasting impact of an education rooted in support, excellence and genuine care for each individual's success.