Alumni Spotlight: Alumnus Draws on His Own Experiences to Recruit New SIUE Students
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a place where Stephen Wilke (’16) gained valuable knowledge and skills and built lasting friendships. Today, he is drawing upon his college experiences to recruit new students to the SIUE campus through his role as an admissions counselor.
Wilke joined the staff at SIUE in October 2019, serving the Office of Admissions as a representative for the Chicago Region. Wilke meets with high school students at college fairs and during school visits, and he also acts as a liaison between incoming students and the University during the application and admissions process.
“I really enjoy working with students and just working with people in general,” said Wilke, who holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from SIUE. “This job lets me interface with people and cheer on students as they realize their goals and become new freshmen at SIUE.”
As an undergraduate student, Wilke chose to pursue a degree in philosophy for his own self-improvement. He gained strong writing and critical thinking skills, but according to Wilke, his degree also instilled in him important life skills.
“There are ancillary skills that come along with good professors and strong mentors, like understanding intersectional issues and applying them to all of my work both academically and in this position,” said Wilke. “My professors also supported my development of a powerful work ethic and an open mind, which both lend themselves to success.”
It’s not difficult for Wilke to sing the praises of SIUE to prospective students because, having once been in their shoes, he understands what they value and what SIUE has to offer. In addition to a beautiful, sprawling campus in close proximity to a major metropolitan area, Wilke can also attest to the high-quality faculty and diverse student population.
“What I loved most about SIUE was the group of friends I made here when we started the Lyceum Philosophy Club,” said Wilke. “The group started small, but we grew in the four years I was a student. Some of those people are still my closest friends today.”
Wilke believes high school outreach is vital, especially in philosophy, because the resources at universities are often underutilized by area high schools. Through free programs offered at SIUE, high school students can broaden their educational experiences and become better prepared for taking the next step in their educational journey. These programs also benefit the University and the broader community by creating a more cohesive space for learning, research, culture and growth.
Wilke is passionate about equity in education, a value that was reinforced by his mentors and professors in the Department of Philosophy, including Matthew Cashen, PhD, Saba Fatima, PhD, and Alison Reiheld, PhD.
“I believe no university can be truly successful, or truly fulfill the purpose of such an institution, unless there is a focus on and understanding of equality, diversity, intersectionality and inclusion,” said Wilke. “I strive to ensure that everything I do in my job and in my life takes these things into consideration. I hope I can continue to use my privilege to lift up the voices of marginalized and underrepresented people everywhere.”
Photo: SIUE alumnus Stephen Wilke ('16)
