Mathew W. Kittle

"Start your college search early," advises Champlain Junior Mathew Kittle. "Don't wait until your senior year like I did."

Don't be too quick to judge, though; Mat is far from earning "slacker" status.

His college search was delayed because of his time-consuming Eagle Scout project, which included cleaning and preparing miles of woods for a walking trail. "Over the course of the project, I got to participate in many city council planning meetings. I learned about politics, compromise and listening."

Mat's skills have proven very helpful in his role as a Resident Assistant at Champlain. Whether it's helping roommates resolve differences or simply adjust to college life, his mantra remains the same: "I'm here to help." (Note to readers: if you've got questions about living on campus, Mat is your man!)

In fact, he has done such a good job inspiring his residents to get involved that two of them were even asked to be fellow bloggers (read about Mollie and Al, two of Mat's residents).

Mat has also made his mark on the social scene at Champlain. Furthering his role as a student leader, he created and helped produce the first-ever "Beer Goggle Olympics" last year. The idea was to wear increasingly thick, vision-impairing glasses and perform a variety of tasks. Over 150 students attended this alcohol-awareness event aimed at helping students understand the effects of alcohol and impairment. It was so successful (and fun) that it's slated to come back again this year.

It's safe to say that Mat, like so many of his classmates at Champlain, is a pretty busy guy. But even the busiest guys need a little "down-time" every once in awhile. How does Mat spend his? "Catching up with high school friends and Champlain classmates online or chilling out at Muddy Waters" (a coffee shop in Downtown Burlington).

With all the energy he devotes to activities outside the classroom, it's easy to forget that, first and foremost, Mat is a serious student. He is quite honest when it comes to his Computer and Digital Forensics major. "Classes are pretty hard," he says, "but my professors are great."

Mat plans to take on the corporate world upon graduation. No doubt his studies, leadership experience and involvement have prepared him well for life after Champlain.