Adria Crutchfield
The Ervin program provided a network of immediate friends and an extended family. Through the interviewing weekend and orientation I was able to get acquainted with my future colleagues so I didn't feel lost when I arrived to campus for the first day of class. I developed great relationships with Ervins and non-Ervins (the Ervin family embraced nearly everyone), professors and deans. I still stay in touch with many of them (even if it's not as often as I would like). Dean McLeod, Dean Glore, and Mrs. Elliott set high expectations for the Ervin Scholars and I believe that contributes to my continued personal drive today.
What are your top 2 Ervin memories?
- I have countless Ervin memories and great memories as a student at Wash U in general. One of my fondest memories is of Mrs. Elliott's retirement celebration. Ervins from all classes gathered at the Whittemore House and I remember one student, Brittany Packnett, singing a beautiful rendition of a Norah Jones song while another student played the piano. Other alumni presented Ms. Elliott with gifts and there was just so much love in that room for a great woman.
- I have fun memories from helping out with Ervin orientations too... a scavenger hunt comes to mind.
How have the Ervin principles of service, diversity, leadership, and scholarship shaped you as a person/professional?
I don't think it was the Ervin program alone that influenced my appreciation for service and diversity or strive towards scholarship and leadership. My mother certainly played a major role. It was her foresight that led to my enrollment in a competitive high school that would prepare me for Washington University and a chance to become an Ervin Scholar. The Ervin program simply reinforced those principles. And those principles are demonstrated in the line of work I have chosen thus far, public service (more specifically, the U.S. Congress), my activism on issues such as the war in Iraq and genocide in Darfur, and in joining four other colleagues to launch a non-profit organization called IMPACT designed to tap emerging leaders of color (young professionals under the age of 40) for political involvement, civic engagement and economic empowerment opportunities. The Ervin program's benefit goes far beyond covering tuition and I will continue to look for ways to reach back and help others as an expression of my gratitude.