Elizabethtown College tries to keep its students feeling valued and seen, even after they graduate. The college will reach out to alumni, host events and plan reunions. Though these measures are great, sometimes the right opportunity will bring back a Blue Jay. Ellie Strickler is one Blue Jay who still loves Etown today. 

Strickler graduated in 2004 with her bachelors in business administration with a concentration in management. The professors and classes are what stood out to Strickler and made her degree worthwhile. What specifically made Strickler’s business administration degree vital to her interest and career down the road was how her classes related to topics and real life. 

While Strickler attended Etown, some of the faculty made a meaningful impact on her. “I loved my Marketing class with Powell Adams and my Management class with Professor Burmeister. Carol Issac was such a caring Freshman advisor, who I would visit beyond freshman year,” Strickler said. What is a piece of advice you would give to current and future Etown students?

Etown strives to have students and faculty connect and it is clear the staff has that intent as well. With that being said, Strickler also motivates current students to be the best version of themselves by advising them to “try to tune out the noise.” 

Some Blue Jays leave the nest and start careers further away from the college. Strickler’s career and family took off in the area, eventually bringing them back to Etown. “It’s funny that I had no intent to come back to Elizabethtown, but it’s really location location location. I did live in Florida for a bit and that was great. But when Rob and I got married and grew out of our house in Mount Joy, we found a great fixer upper near the college,” Strickler said. 

Another large factor in Strickler’s choice to reside back in Elizabethtown was that the family wanted to stay in Lancaster County. Additionally, they wanted to stay near family, have a nice commute from work and enjoy the beautiful town to raise their family. 

Strickler has two children with her husband Rob. Cora being the oldest in seventh grade and Sam being the youngest in fourth grade. I have the privilege to watch these fantastic kids after school some days and I can say first hand how great this family is. 

The career Strickler has made for herself is notable in her success. Strickler mentions how her degree is adaptable to the constantly moving world we live in. “Having a basis in business has been an asset to move around during tough economic times. I work in the construction industry which was very difficult during the recession of 2009, but I was able to pivot to the banking and insurance industries,” Strickler said. 

Currently, Strickler works as a Construction Administrator at an architectural firm in Lancaster. Strickler’s job is demanding but extremely interesting and productive. “I ensure the designs from the architect and the interior design get executed out in the field,” Strickler said. Strickler enjoys getting to collaborate with a team to solve problems and see a 2D drawing become a reality. 

Since Strickler’s graduation in 2004, the college has quickly expanded, making new additions and changes all over the campus. Strickler loves to see the college booming and admits she is jealous of the new Bowers Center and how well the Hoover Business building is doing. “I know having the right environment can really help facilitate learning,” she said. 

Strickler cares about positive learning environments despite already having graduated. Strickler enjoyed the small class sizes and how her teachers knew her, which is exactly what she knew she needed. 

The town itself feels more lively when the college is in session according to Strickler. “It’s great to see a town full of students supporting the small businesses in Elizabethtown. When summer break comes, campus is really quiet and you can feel the students’ absence. It’s nice to have the activity of the college.”

Most Etown students love interacting with the town and supporting the local businesses, and it is clear that can go both ways with the residents. Strickler truly enjoyed her time at Etown and loves living here once more due to its many conveniences for her and her family. 

Etown loves its students, and that does not stop after they graduate.