Jonathan Raitz came to college ready to grow, and at ACU, he found fertile soil.
The senior convergence journalism major from Bandera, Texas, found mentors and friends, an inspiring peer group and welcoming spiritual community, getting involved in social club, serving as a Wildcat Week leader and writing for The Optimist.
“ACU is the kind of place that encourages you to try something big, to be unafraid to fail and to get involved in all sorts of activities with very different groups of people,” he said.
Professors and mentors also encouraged Jonathan to reach beyond himself, he said, and make a difference in the world using what he’s learned. He also joined a local congregation, participated in Spring Break mission trips and led a Young Life group for Abilene high schoolers.
“My four years here were transformative in teaching me what Christian community looks like,” Jonathan said.
In January 2018, during the College of Business Administration’s Leadership Summit short course in Colorado, Jonathan saw what Christian service and leadership looks like outside of school.
“It was amazing to hear from ACU faculty, alumni and staff who are living out what Jesus calls us to do,” he said, adding he was impressed by the ways Summit speakers gave freely of their time to invest in the next generation of business leaders. “I was so moved by their passion and their desire to give back. It’s so encouraging to see so much success coming from living abundantly, grounded in Christ.”
As he looks forward to life after graduation, Jonathan is grateful for the generosity of donors like you who support ACU students.
“The welcoming atmosphere and the relationships you make – they stick with you,” he said. “I can’t wait to help make that happen for the next generation.”