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Ryan Fuentes '28

Ryan Fuentes

Class Year

’28

Hometown

Franklin Park, Illinois

Major(s)

Management

Minor(s)

Political Science

A recipient of the Carthage Presidential Scholarship, Ryan Fuentes ’28 has been working hard to make the most of his college experience. Majoring in management with a minor in political science, Ryan is heavily involved on campus — including serving as a attendant, vice president of the Residential Life Council, and chancellor of the . He has gained valuable international exposure through a J-Term study abroad program in England and actively utilizes the College’s career services for résumé support, career advising, and professional development guidance to prepare for his future career. Reflecting on the impact of his scholarship, Ryan credits it as a driving force behind his dedication and ambition: “The scholarship has been a strong motivation for me to work hard and make the most of the opportunities Carthage has given me.”

Outside of academics, Ryan loves Kenosha’s small-town feel. Coming from a town near Chicago, he relishes Kenosha’s calming atmosphere while having plenty to do — such as visiting coffee shops, vintage stores, and restaurants, and spending a day at the lake. “It feels like a great balance between having things to do and having space to slow down,” he says.

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“The sense of community at Carthage, the opportunities to get involved, and the chance to grow as a leader have made my college experience both exciting and rewarding.”

Ryan Fuentes, ’28

Why Carthage?

“I chose Carthage because of its strong sense of community, small class sizes, and opportunities to get involved early. I wanted a school where I could build close relationships with professors, take on leadership roles, and gain hands-on experience while staying connected to opportunities in the Chicago area. Both of my parents also attended Carthage!”

Faculty mentors

“Carthage faculty have played an important role in my college experience because they’re approachable and supportive. It’s easy to go to professors for guidance beyond academics, whether it’s advice on internships, networking, or building a LinkedIn profile. Having that level of access and support has helped me feel more confident making professional connections and planning for my future.”

Favorite class

“My favorite class at Carthage so far was my J-Term course in England because it was a unique, hands-on learning experience. The course, Writers in Context, centered on Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion,’ and we were able to study the novel while visiting places like Bath, London, and Oxford. Experiencing these locations firsthand helped bring the text to life and made the connections between literature, history, and place much more meaningful. I also got to see Stonehenge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, which was amazing!”

Toughest class

“My toughest class at Carthage so far has been Intellectual Foundations. The course was challenging because of the amount of reading and the difficulty of engaging with older, more antiquated texts. It took a lot of effort to understand the language and ideas, and then connect those concepts to modern issues, but the challenge ultimately strengthened my critical thinking and reading skills.”

Campus involvement

“I’m actively involved in several organizations at Carthage. I currently serve as vice president of the Residence Life Council; I help plan events and represent student concerns. I am also the chancellor of the Carthage Knights of Columbus. In this role, I focus on leadership, service, and building campus community.”

Internships or campus employment

“I work as a TARC attendant on campus. I’m responsible for customer service, enforcing policies, and maintaining safe operations. This experience has helped prepare me for future internships related to management and business.”

Career goal

“My goal is to build a career in business management in which I can apply leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in meaningful ways. Just as important to me, though, is building a balanced life where I’m happy and able to make time for my family and friends. I want a career that challenges me and allows me to grow, while still supporting a healthy balance between work, relationships, and personal fulfillment.”

Favorite spot on campus

“My favorite spot on campus is down by the lake toward the football field, just behind The Oaks Residential Village. There’s a beautiful beach area with rocks along the shore, and it’s a really peaceful and stunning place to relax, clear your head, or enjoy the view.”

Favorite memory

“Some of my favorite Carthage memories are the little moments that make campus feel alive, like walking around and seeing different organizations hosting events with food, games, or things like dunk tanks. Those moments really show the sense of community on campus. I also love seeing Lake Michigan when I’m walking to class in the morning — it’s a great way to start the day!”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“I think my 8-year-old self would be pretty proud. Back then, I just knew I liked being around people, staying busy, and being involved in sports and activities. Studying management and taking on leadership roles fits that really well, so I think he’d be excited that I’m on a path where I get to work with people, lead, and still stay connected to things I enjoy.”