As RELLIS Academic Alliance received the prestigious Star Award, marketing student Emma Demczyk served as a featured panelist at the Higher Edge conference in Austin, exemplifying the institution’s commitment to student success and professional development.
The Star Award recognizes outstanding institutional contributions to supporting students pursuing higher education. The RELLIS and Blinn College partnership creates a transfer pathway to help students complete their bachelor’s degrees on time and without excess cost, specifically our dual admission program, academic advising, academic support services, and student activities and organizations.
Emma says RELLIS has given her the tools to prepare for her future career.
“The RELLIS Academic Alliance has provided me with invaluable opportunities that are directly preparing me for my career as an event marketer,” said Demczyk, who has been actively involved in campus life since joining the institution. Through her work with the Office of Student Life, she gained hands-on experience in event planning and execution, developing crucial skills for her future career.
The opportunity to speak at the conference represented more than just a presentation for Demczyk.
“This moment presents an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact in a professional setting,” she explained. “It’s a chance to not only showcase my skills and experiences but also to introduce myself to a broader audience of professionals I might not typically encounter.”
What set RELLIS apart, according to Demczyk, was its unique educational model and intimate learning environment. “The small class sizes at RELLIS have been incredibly beneficial to my growth,” she reflected. “With fewer students, I’ve been able to form stronger connections with both my professors and peers, which makes it easier to ask for help or advice when needed.”
The RELLIS Academic Alliance model stood out for its innovative approach to higher education collaboration, emphasizing partnerships and an integrated, community-focused approach to learning and research. This distinctive model positioned RELLIS as a strong contender for the Star Award.
For prospective students, Demczyk offered enthusiastic encouragement: “RELLIS is an incredible institution that truly prioritizes providing its students with the best possible education. Although RELLIS is a smaller campus, it has a strong sense of community and heart, where everyone is encouraged to engage, support one another, and grow together.”
Through her involvement in student organizations and campus activities, Demczyk experienced firsthand the growth opportunities available at RELLIS. Her journey from campus event planner to conference panelist demonstrated the institution’s success in preparing students for professional success while fostering a supportive, engaging academic environment.
As she represented RELLIS at the Higher Edge conference, Demczyk embodied the institution’s commitment to student achievement and professional development, proving that sometimes the best opportunities come in smaller packages.