Titan Orientation Leaders
Titan Orientation Leaders (TOLs) help incoming students transition to the IWU family. TOLs will provide leadership to students, interact with family members and guests, build relationships with IWU faculty and staff and be a part of making an impact on the university, all while developing personally and professionally.
Each year, IWU admits hundreds of students - freshman, transfer, and international - all of whom have their own separate orientation programs. The Office of Orientation Services facilitates two programs: Rising Titan (Summer) and Turning Titan (Fall). TOLs will be selected to participate in one or more of these programs.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Senior Titan Orientation Leaders.
Amari Baeza
Hey all, my name is Amari Baeza and I’m a senior TOL this year! I am a sophomore majoring in secondary education and mathematics, with hopes to become a high school math teacher. I work on campus as a math TA while also being a welcoming face at the Hansen Student Center. One piece of advice I’ve got for everyone is to have fun and enjoy the idea of new experiences. College seems like a scary step but coming in with a good mindset can make the biggest difference in how you work academically and socially. There’s so much to look forward to, see you around campus!"
Contact:
abaeza@iwu.edu
Miles Keeton
Hello everyone, my name is Miles Keeton and I will be a senior Environmental Studies major with a concentration in Ecology. I am in Tau Kappa Epsilon and I serve on the Officer Board for the fraternity. I am also the Vice President of Programming for the Interfraternity Council, and I have a job on campus, as I am a desk worker at the Hansen Student Center. My future plans include hopefully attending law school and becoming an Environmental Lawyer. One piece of advice I have for incoming students is to put yourself out there and get involved. There are so many clubs and student organizations on campus that are very welcoming, so venture out and see what works for you.
Contact:
mkeeton@iwu.edu
Lizzie Davis
Hey everyone! My name is Lizzie Davis and I use she/her pronouns. I am a member of the class of 2026 and I am a Biology Pre-Med major working on a Spanish minor. On campus, I am involved in the Sigma Alpha Iota sorority, I serve as Treasurer of the Collegiate Choir, and I work in Holmes Hall with the Advancement Office. In my free time, I like listening to music, studying with my friends, and reading. My favorite thing about campus is the sense of community we have. You will be surrounded by people who want to see you succeed. My advice to you is to prioritize a work/life balance - study and prepare yourself to be the best student you can be, but also be kind to yourself and take care of your mind and body. I can’t wait to meet you all! TGOE
Contact:
edavis3@iwu.edu
Ben Michalowski
Hi, my name is Ben Michalowski. I am double majoring in History and Secondary Education and will be a junior when orientation starts. At IWU, I work as a CLA assistant for the History department and am involved in campus activities such as the Pep band, Greek life, and various student organizations. My future plans include either getting my master's in History Education or switching it up by studying law. My biggest advice to incoming students is to just be yourself. IWU is a great place to get to know future interests and lifelong friends because of the welcoming community. Let your true authentic self show and you'll feel like IWU is a second home in no time.
Contact:
bmichalo@iwu.edu
Taylor Wipf
Hi everyone! My name is Taylor Wipf. I am an Elementary Education major with a Middle School Math endorsement and a minor in Hispanic Studies. I am involved in intramural sports and RSOs such as Circle K, BSU, and SEA. I currently work on campus as a TA for the math department. One piece of advice I have for incoming students is to not be afraid to reach out. Whether this is utilizing office hours, counseling, or simply attending RSO events. Everyone here wants to help you grow, so don't feel shy about getting involved or asking for help. I can't wait to meet you all!
Contact:
twipf@iwu.edu
Jacob Bickett
Hello, my name is Jacob Bickett! I use he/him pronouns. I am a member of the class of 2025, majoring in finance with a minor in economics and a minor in Accounting. On campus, I am currently involved with Student Senate, my fraternity, and as a Senior Titan Orientation Leader! I have been elected as theStudentSenate President. My ambition is to improve the Illinois Wesleyan community through the organizations I serve. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, reading, drinking coffee, and playing basketball for fun. Some advice I want to share with you: always pursue opportunities that are outside of your comfort zone and get involved to make the most out of your college experience! TGOE
Contact:
jbickett@iwu.edu
MaryBeth Thommes
Hello everyone! My name is MaryBeth Thommes and I am about to become a senior at IWU. I am a double major in Hispanic Studies and English-Writing with a minor in Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. I am a Spanish tutor in the Language Resource Center and a member of the Tributaries Editorial Board, which is the literary magazine we have on campus. I am also a part of the Titan Pep Band (I play the flute) and I am the Communications Officer for Sigma Tau Delta, our English Honor Society. The best piece of advice I can give you is to make sure to take every single opportunity that you come across at IWU because you never know where it will lead you!
Contact:
mthommes@iwu.edu
Chris Wilson
Hello everyone! My name is Chris Wilson. I am a nursingmajor with a psychology minor, and I will be a junior in the fall. I am from Forest City, IL, and am a member of Phi Gamma Delta. I work as a nightshift CNA at Hopedale Medical Complex and have served as my fraternity's historian and philanthropy chairman. I have also participated in the IWU Wind Ensemble and enjoy doing community theater. After IWU, I plan to work as an ED nurse to gain experience before going backto school to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, traveling, and being involvedwith my community. A piece of advice I would give to incoming students is to take advantage of what IWU has to offer and to put yourself out there and meet new people. The people you surround yourself with will be your support system for the next four years. Lastly, remember to study and prioritize sleep. Get involved, meet new people, and have fun, and you will become a part of the Titan family in no time! I can't wait to meet you all!
Contact:
cwilson5@iwu.edu
For questions please contact orientation@iwu.edu