Nathan Tappen '20

Nathan Tappen enrolled at St. Ambrose in 2017 as an Ambrose Scholar, a distinction that included a scholarship for his academic achievements, community involvement and leadership potential.

At St. Ambrose, he built on all three.

Nathan graduated summa cum laude on May 9 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, an achievement he earned in just three years.

He came to SAU from Crystal Lake, Illinois, enrolling as a political science major. By his second year, he realized it was not the best fit. Nathan inventoried his strengths and interests and matched them to a program that allows creativity, problem solving, and boundless growth: Computer Science.

On the advice of a faculty member, he enrolled in the Introduction to Programming course and it caught Nathan's full attention. "You can compare it to any form of art where you are building, like architecture. It is a medium for limitless potential and creativity. Getting to see in that first class all of the things you can do on a computer, all of the things you can create, I just wanted to keep learning more and more," he said.

"I've only been in computer science for two years, and I've really found my passion."

That passion was recognized by CIS faculty. One professor asked Nathan to be the work-study student for the department.

Following graduation, Nathan will join the Deere & Company as a software engineer in the prestigious Information Technology Development Program. He will spend 18 months working at the Milan, Illinois, Parts Distribution Center, followed by 18 months at a different Deere & Company location. "It is a full-time position and guided learning program," he said.

He describes his St. Ambrose education as "encompassing. Because of that liberal arts aspect, you're not just learning your major. Courses in theology and communication are still useful experiences," he said. "Even though I changed majors, my political science classes counted toward my general education requirements and will not go to waste – on paper or in my life," he said.

His Ambrosian experience went beyond academics. "There was room for other activities, to be social, and find your way outside the classroom," he said.

Through the Honors Program, Nathan gave 50 hours of volunteer service working at local food pantries and Hope at the Brick House. And, as a member of the Catholic Church, he attended services on campus and grew in his faith.

Recognizing that he could graduate a year early was an opportunity Nathan couldn't pass up. He is disappointed commencement ceremonies were postponed until fall but may participate in the May 2021 ceremony so he can walk with his close friends who have one more academic year to go.

"One thing I am sad about graduating early is I won't get that fourth year of memorable college experience. I know I made the most of college to the extent I could, and I will definitely remember my experiences and my friends," he said, including performing in the St. Ambrose Marching Band drumline and unique camaraderie they shared.

Nathan came to St. Ambrose armed with visions about what ‘college' will be like.

"You hear about it, but you never know what it is really like until you experience it," he said. "I am happy with what I've accomplished, and glad Ambrose supported what I was able to do in my academic journey. I am happy SAU is structured to allow me to reach my full potential. It comes down to maximizing my potential, and SAU helped me do that for sure."