Happy Wednesday, Hounds! This week on Highlighting Hounds, we are featuring one student that stands out for their remarkable commitment to leadership, community service, and personal growth– Senior Landon Gibbs ’25. With an impressive list of roles in clubs and organizations, including President of the Class of 2025, Co-President of Unified (Special Olympics), and an Executive Member of both Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Mentor Collective, Landon embodies the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and service. His involvement spans across a variety of groups on campus—from the National Society of Leadership and Success to the Cross-Cultural Center— with each role contributing to his growth as a leader and a future occupational therapist. Read more to learn about Landon’s motivations, key experiences, and insights from balancing numerous commitments while making a positive impact at Assumption University and beyond!
Which clubs or organizations are you currently a part of, and what roles do you play in them?
- Student Government – President of Class of 2025
- Unified (Special Olympics) – President
- National Society of Leadership and Success – Co-President
- Hound Sound (acapella group) – Co-President
- Mentor Collective – Executive Member
- Big Brothers Big Sisters – Executive Member
- Best Buddies – Secretary
- MUSE (literary art magazine) – Secretary
- Admissions – Ambassador
- Cross-Cultural Center – Ambassador
- University Advancement – Ambassador
- Human Services Club – Member
What motivated you to get involved in multiple clubs and extracurricular activities during your time at Assumption University?
Being highly involved allows me to make meaningful connections and positively impact the campus community. My motivation stems from a desire to foster inclusivity, promote leadership, and create a supportive environment for students. Additionally, I’m driven by a passion for personal growth and the chance to represent students in different capacities.
Can you share a specific project or event you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m especially proud of organizing the Hound Sound Late Night on December 2nd. This event combined my love for music and the holiday spirit, and it was rewarding to perform and bring the community together. Planning and setting up the event taught me valuable organizational skills and the importance of teamwork in executing a memorable experience.
What are your career goals? How will this experience help you reach those goals?
My goal is to become an occupational therapist, and my involvement in these activities has developed my communication, empathy, leadership skills, and qualities essential for a healthcare professional. Interacting with diverse groups and organizing initiatives have prepared me to address individual needs and promote well-being, which are central to occupational therapy.
What are your key takeaways from your experience? What skills have you developed through your involvement in these activities?
My experiences have taught me how to lead effectively, manage multiple responsibilities, and work collaboratively. I’ve developed time management, problem-solving, and event planning skills, along with a deeper appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. Each role has strengthened my adaptability and resilience.
How have your extracurricular experiences shaped your personal growth or worldview?
Participating in these clubs has broadened my perspective, exposing me to varied backgrounds, ideas, and challenges. I’ve become more empathetic, culturally aware, and focused on making a positive difference. These experiences have helped me grow into a more open-minded and community-oriented individual.
How did you join all of these clubs and extracurriculars– were there any applications needed?
Some roles required applications, elections, or interviews, especially leadership positions. For example, Student Government and the National Society of Leadership and Success involved a more formal selection process, while others were open to anyone interested. Each role provided an opportunity to learn and grow.
Are there any challenges you’ve faced while juggling multiple commitments, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing multiple commitments has been challenging, especially with academic and personal responsibilities. I’ve learned to prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to maintain balance. Utilizing calendars, setting reminders, and seeking support from friends and advisors has helped me stay organized and manage my workload and a good GPA.
How has your Assumption career prepared you for your roles in these clubs?
Assumption has provided a strong foundation through coursework, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. My experiences here have built my confidence and equipped me with the skills needed to take on these roles, reinforcing my commitment to the community and preparing me for future challenges.
What advice would you give to a student who wants to participate in extracurriculars on campus?
For students interested in getting involved, I’d suggest starting with one or two clubs that align with their passions. Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people, learn from different experiences, and find support from advisors or mentors. Getting involved can be rewarding both personally and academically.
In what ways do you think your participation in these clubs has positively impacted the Assumption community?
Through my involvement, I’ve worked to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. By promoting events, advocating for diverse perspectives, and offering mentorship, I hope to have inspired others to contribute to our community. My goal has been to build connections, encourage leadership, and foster a sense of belonging among students.
What was your experience like in Admissions, the Cross-Cultural Center, and Reach Out Center?:
As an Admissions Ambassador for Assumption University, I have the incredible opportunity to connect with prospective students and share my passion for this community. It’s amazing to engage with new students, help them envision their future here, and talk about my personal experiences at Assumption. I get to highlight what makes Assumption unique, from its academic excellence to the supportive and welcoming atmosphere that has helped me thrive. Every time I interact with a prospective student, I feel like I’m providing them with a window into what it means to be part of this vibrant community.
Additionally, my role as a white man in the Cross-Cultural Center has allowed me to broaden my perspective. While representing Assumption, I also strive to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Being involved in the Cross-Cultural Center provides me with the chance to use my position to amplify voices that are often overlooked and to create space for dialogue on important issues. It’s been a meaningful way for me to spread awareness and contribute to making Assumption a more inclusive environment for everyone. It’s a powerful experience to be able to balance both roles and use my platform to foster understanding and connection within our diverse campus community.
Being part of the Reach Out Center and volunteering in the Worcester area has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Through this role, I’ve had the chance to directly contribute to the local community, offering my time and energy to support various initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s through organizing service projects or helping out with local charities, the opportunity to give back and connect with people outside of the university has been truly eye-opening. It’s been a humbling and enriching experience, one that has shaped my personal growth and worldview in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It’s a reminder that service isn’t just about helping others, but rather about learning from them and building meaningful, lasting relationships in the process.
If you are interested in being featured on Highlighting Hounds or know of any students who would be a strong candidate, please email us at careerdevelopment@assumption.edu!
