Student Profile: Lorena Reyes

When she came to William Penn University on a basketball scholarship from Independence, Missouri, Kinesiology major Lorena Reyes thought basketball was her ultimate passion in life. Once she was on campus in Oskaloosa, Iowa, she realized that the religion minor offered at the University had the potential to change her life.

“I came across the religion minor and chose to follow more of God’s purpose for me,” she says. “I couldn’t be any happier. I love WPU!” She currently holds a leadership role with Intervarsity and is Secretary for Team Christ, two prominent campus ministry groups at William Penn.

Now a senior, Lorena has enjoyed Greek life, social activities hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA), and the new sand volleyball courts located next to the George Daily Pavilion on campus. Cheering on Statesmen Athletics from the sidelines and watching each sport grow has been one of her favorite experiences, as well as the traditional “Toilet Paper Game” against WPU’s friendly sports rival Grand View University.

“Helping students enjoy the little things and build genuine friendships [has been one of my most memorable experiences here],” Lorena says.

More than just active in social circles on campus, Lorena is also diligently exploring opportunities for internships and job experience. She currently interns at the local YMCA in Oskaloosa and helps coordinate events and fun activities and games for kids. The experience she’s gained at the YMCA suites her emphasis in wellness and recreation and her interaction with others helps to further her purpose of changing the lives of those around her for the better.

“[William Penn] has definitely helped me build character and touch people’s lives in a way I never expected,” she says. “William Penn has molded me into this driven, determined, and motivated student. I hope to take this out into the big world and make a minor or major change some day.”

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