When we think of a “Campus Celebrity” at JCU, one name comes to mind immediately: Deirdre Byrne. Deirdre is well-known on campus for being outgoing, friendly, obsessed with Diet Coke, and hilarious. Not only was she recently crowned Homecoming Queen, but Deirdre is also an exemplary JCU student. She perfectly fulfills the John Carroll mission of learning, leading, and serving.
As a double major in English and Communications, Deirdre is passionate about her studies. Though she originally questioned her future as an English major, she realized her passion for English and decided to pursue it. As a senior, Deirdre is beginning to look at grad school programs for English or Journalism. We just know that she will succeed in whatever field she chooses!
Deirdre is extremely involved with Greek Life on campus. She joined Kappa Delta during her freshman year, and she is now the President of the Panhellenic Council. She credits Greek Life for allowing her to expand her role as a leader at JCU. “Kappa Delta helped make me more confident and encouraged me to become involved outside of my sorority,” explains Deirdre. She definitely took that encouragement to heart as she is currently a Senior Resident Assistant, and a member of the Student Union. Through her role as an RA, Deirdre has made close bonds with her residents and provides them with a solid role-model as they work their way through the difficulties of freshman year. Deirdre’s leadership is integral to many organizations on our campus, and she has truly shown great confidence as a leader in our community.
She may be a leader on our campus, but she also works to spread that leadership across the globe through dedication to service. Deirdre previously went on a service immersion trip to Jamaica. The experiences this immersion trip provided had a profound impact on Deirdre’s life. “My immersion trip to Jamaica helped me realize that giving back to others is something I am extremely passionate about,” says Deirdre. Service is a foundation of the JCU community, and Deirdre definitely embraces this notion. Through her involvement with Kappa Delta, she also supports Prevent Child Abuse America and the Girl Scouts.
Deirdre, through her four years at JCU, has been able to learn, lead, and serve in our community. She has fulfilled the characteristics that every student at John Carroll hopes to attain during their time at college. We wish her the best of luck with the rest of her senior year and cannot imagine this campus without her! All we have to say is: “Byrne, baby, Byrne.” Truly, as St. Ignatius would say, “Go forth and set the world on fire.”
Photo Credit: Aime Szymanski