Devon McGrath
Devon McGrath
Class Year
’17
Hometown
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Major(s)
History and Communication
Minor(s)
Sociology
Devon McGrath ’17 came to Carthage because of the amazing educational opportunities the College offered and the way Carthage felt like home. “I could see myself living and prospering here, and the view of Lake Michigan was just the cherry on top!”
Devon is a double major in history and communication, and plans to attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota after Carthage. “Both of my majors are extremely versatile in that they can be applied to almost any line of work,” she said. “Understanding history and how to communicate with people on individual and mass levels gives a student skills to excel in many professions.”
In June 2015, Devon traveled to California to take part in the J-Term study tour, Sports Journalism: Baseball. Since coming to Carthage, she has also gotten involved in Phi Alpha Theta, Lambda Pi Eta, Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Phi Eta, Student Ambassadors, Habitat For Humanity, and the Student Alumni Association.
“A major in history can offer you so much more than you would think. In history, you will learn to think in ways you never expected and you’ll understand so much more about yourself and the world that surrounds you. I can’t imagine my life without history.”
Career goal
“Attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota to get my master’s in history in order to become a museum curator.”
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“Stephanie Mitchell has helped encourage me in my studies to see my true potential. She usually knows me better than I know myself, and she’s always there to encourage me to go above and beyond in my education and my personal life.”
Favorite class
“I have a strong love/hate relationship with the course Historiography. The class itself is very challenging and demanding, but it has taught me to think in a more critical manner, and it has helped me understand myself on an deeper level.”
Campus involvement
“I am involved in Phi Alpha Theta, Lambda Pi Eta, Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Phi Eta, Student Ambassadors, Habitat For Humanity, and the Student Alumni Association.”
Toughest class
“Historiography. The course has required me to consider very complex theories and understand them at deeper levels than I ever thought I could.”
Opportunities at Carthage
“I had the opportunity to travel to California to study baseball journalism in June 2015. I will also be studying abroad in Ireland for the spring 2016 semester.”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“One of my favorite memories of Carthage would be freshman move-in day when I had three upperclassmen come to my dorm room and welcome me to Carthage. They introduced me to everyone else on the floor. It was the beginning of a very consistent, welcoming attitude that I enjoyed my freshman year.”
Favorite spot on campus
“The beach. There’s something about looking at it that makes me feel inspired to succeed.”
Biggest surprise so far
“I never thought tour guides were realistic when they said the professors were extremely approachable and available to students as a resource. I was wrong. If anything, I think the tours guides downplayed how helpful my professors are.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“My 8-year-old self would probably be disappointed because I really wanted to be a doctor. Then I grew up and realized doctors deal with more than just coughs and stomachaches.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“A major in history can offer you so much more than you would think. You will learn to think in ways you never expected and you’ll understand so much more about yourself and the world that surrounds you. I can’t imagine my life without history.”