UMPI Freshman Rebecca Dillenbeck, pictured here, is a kind, talented, and humble person
This issue’s student spotlight features Rebecca Dillenbeck, an UMPI freshman. Rebecca is from Limestone, Maine, and is majoring in business, with a concentration in accounting. She was the salutatorian of the Class of 2017 of Limestone Community School, the last class to graduate from the school before its closure. Rebecca’s salutatorian speech at graduation, a speech concerning the importance of recognizing and celebrating people’s differences, was received with a standing ovation.
In high school, Rebecca was the National Honor Society treasurer, senior class treasurer, student government treasurer, a Project Graduation volunteer, a fullback on the soccer team and a member of the school chorus. She was also the manager for the girls’ basketball team and even got to play in some games when the team was short of players. During her time on the court, she played some stiff defense and one time forced a five-second call. Offensively, she scored a basket once when her team played Central Aroostook High School at home, sending the Limestone faithful into a joyous frenzy.
In high school, Rebecca also participated in the All-Aroostook Band and Chorus Festival for six years. Furthermore, she was a participant in Upward Bound for four years. Rebecca liked Upward Bound because of the stipends, because it kept her physically and intellectually active during the summer, because she got to do an internship through Upward Bound and because it offered her the chance to take a college English class (with Anthony Scott) for credit.
At UMPI, Rebecca is a senator in the Student Government Association and a member of SGA’s Financial Affairs Committee. She is also the music director for the campus radio station, WUPI. Rebecca says of UMPI, “I like the college because it is small and feels like home.” She likes UMPI because she can get to know her professors and classmates well, and they can get to know her, too. Her favorite class at UMPI has been Accounting Principles with Professor Stacey Emery.
Rebecca’s favorite movie is “Grease,” and her favorite books are the ones in the “Flowers in the Attic” series by V.C. Andrews. She also likes the television show “Glee” and the film “High School Musical.” She enjoys the music of Kelly Clarkson. Her favorite Clarkson songs are “Stronger,” “People Like Us” and “Break Away.” She likes singing karaoke and even has her own microphone, in case she ever needs it. She has plans to start an acapella club at UMPI. She would like to sing the national anthem at an UMPI sporting event in the future. Her favorite quotation is “Music is what feelings sound like.” Her favorite food is grilled cheese sandwiches, and she even has her own grilled cheese maker in her residence hall room. Her favorite restaurant is Ruby Tuesday, and her favorite food in Kelley Commons, UMPI’s dining hall, is the tacos. She also enjoys a soda mixture that is ½ Coca-Cola and ½ Dr Pepper, with a splash of Sprite to top it off.
Rebecca’s mother is the biggest influence in her life. According to Rebecca, her mother is a “powerhouse” who, with positive energy and motherly support, motivates Rebecca to be her best. Rebecca also has a strong relationship with her older brother and with her sister, who is a junior at Caribou High School and a member of Destination Imagination. Rebecca has volunteered for her sister’s DI fundraising events and at the DI competitions.
After graduation, Rebecca wants to get a job at Defense Finance and Accounting Services in Limestone (Her parents also work for DFAS). She wants to stay in Aroostook County because she likes its ruralism, sunsets, nature and beautiful seasons. For vacations, however, she would like to travel to Florida for the beaches and Walt DisneyWorld.
Rebecca Dillenbeck is a superb asset to UMPI. She is kind, talented and humble. UMPI Assistant Professor of Business Stacey Emery said of her, “Becca is a dream student that has embraced college life from day one! She is diligent about attending classes, completing assignments and participating in class discussions. She has definitely been a positive asset to the UMPI community!” Furthermore, UMPI student and SGA Vice-President Alexandra DesRuisseaux said of her, “She speaks very infrequently, but when she does, she does so with empathy, understanding and a sense of purpose. We want all students to show that same sort of passionate and dedicated engagement that Rebecca possesses. The genuine passion and energy she has is incredibly powerful and anyone who doesn’t know her name yet will soon as she continues to shape into a leader of the next few years. UMPI is lucky to have a student and an individual like Rebecca.”
The AmeriCorner agrees and extends its congratulations to Rebecca for being a great all-around person. UMPI is the better for her being on campus.
