Hello Owens encourages students to participate in activities outside the classroom

Carrie Heller knows that students who engage in activities outside the classroom have more personal and academic success.

“There is a huge body of literature about what makes students successful in college,” said Ms. Heller, dean of student life at Owens Community College. “Students who engage in activities outside the classroom tend to be more successful, connected to the campus, and have opportunities for professional enrichment.

Ms. Heller last month started Hello Owens, a promotional campaign to encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities.

“There is so much for a student to gain by engaging in opportunities outside the classroom,” Ms. Heller said. “This is my 18th year in higher education. I’ve spent a lot of time working in the field.”

Madi Vandyke, a culinary