Cedric Ray Jr.

From the moment Cedric set foot on the UW-Parkside campus, it was where he wanted to be. "It's small; the location is perfect, close but not too close to home; it had everything on my list of what the perfect school was for me," he says. "And the people are really nice. I remember constantly looking at brochures to get a feel of the school. I was sold after my visit."

Because Cedric attended a small high school, he was looking for those same close relationships with faculty, staff and the students.

The campus has some of the same beautiful buildings and recreational centers found at larger schools, but Cedric says UW-Parkside is more focused on the students' needs. "I just felt that UW-Parkside is where I belong and that is why I am at Parkside today," he says.

Being highly involved on campus gave Cedric the opportunity to meet new people, who in one way or another have helped him or whom he has been able to help. Cedric is lead photographer for the Ranger News, a member of Parkside Student Government, and mentor in Always Reaching Upward. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and is a Residence Life resident assistant.

"If you are considering UW-Parkside," Cedric says, "you will have the opportunity to gain skills in many areas. If you are a person that would like to be on a small campus where your skills will help the university...Parkside is for you. Parkside is where you matter above anything else."