Gettysburg College provides students like Rebecca Ruggles ’26 the support and opportunity to explore and connect their passions and interests across a broad spectrum of possibilities. Emboldened by the Gettysburg Approach, Ruggles is thriving through her liberal arts and sciences education and experiencing life beyond campus.
As a senior at Dulaney High School in Timonium, Maryland, Ruggles was still weighing her college options when she visited campus during Get Acquainted Day (GAD) in April 2022. Surrounded by potential future classmates and greeted by students and staff as she attended information sessions and engaging activities, Ruggles saw many of the opportunities she could have to make an impact as an undergraduate, and left campus feeling optimistic about her future at Gettysburg.
“I left with the sense that I would be supported and welcomed, and that I already was,” Ruggles recalled. “The confidence I gained in the people and relationships I could build was really important in my decision to choose Gettysburg. Once I got to campus, I continued to feel that same way.”
Upon arriving as a first-year student, she dove into multiple pathways, developing the knowledge and enduring skills to meet the demands of any profession. Ruggles decided to declare an educational studies minor in addition to her history major, and participate in the Teacher Certification program. Ruggles is also now considering a minor in mathematics.
Beyond the classroom, one of the biggest draws for Ruggles was the opportunity to pursue co-curricular activities in music without needing to major in the discipline. Through the Sunderman Conservatory of Music, she has taken private double bass lessons and performed in the Symphony Orchestra. Over winter break during her first year on campus, she joined the orchestra on its tour of the Baltics, a donor-funded experience that saw students play in cities across Europe.
“It was an incredible trip,” Ruggles said. “Everything from exploring new cities to performing in cathedrals helped me realize how privileged I was to be a part of the Conservatory. I also built wonderful friendships on the trip, which have set me up for countless memories back at Gettysburg.”
Currently, Ruggles is a tour guide with the Admissions Office, works as a Peer Learning Associate for mathematics and Latin, and serves as a student ambassador for the Office of Teacher Education and Certification. For the last three semesters, she has also volunteered with the South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP) Support Circles through the Center for Public Service. In her free time, Ruggles enjoys competing with her friends in beach and indoor volleyball as part of Gettysburg’s intramural sports programs.
This fall, Ruggles will add another impactful learning experience to her resume by taking part in Gettysburg’s nationally-ranked study abroad program, traveling to Rome and immersing herself in the Italian culture alongside a host family.
“Gettysburg students are students who try new things, and who engage in a variety of activities, pushing themselves to meet new people and learn new skills,” Ruggles said. “When you are surrounded by people like this, and staff who will support your interests, it is easy to stay engaged with so many different passions—and to connect them all together!”
A Lincoln Scholar, Ruggles has been supported by faculty, staff, alumni, and donors. As she maneuvers through her academic pursuits, she notes the valuable mentorship from Music Prof. Devin Howell, History Prof. Tim Shannon, and Sociology and Educational Studies Prof. Divonna Stebick. This past summer, she also received the Willen Internship in Civil War Medicine through the Civil War Institute to work at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Maryland, where she put her knowledge and skills to practice as part of a Career-Ready Experience.
Entering her junior year at Gettysburg, she feels confident and prepared to continue her pursuit of a career in education as a high school social studies teacher.
“I will take the communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills I've developed here straight into my career,” Ruggles said.
By Corey Jewart
Photos provided by Rebecca Ruggles ’26
Posted: 09/02/24