Student Spotlight: Pierce McDade's Oxford Journey
Through meaningful connections and leadership, Pierce McDade 25Ox embraced all that Oxford has to offer and left a positive, lasting impact on the campus community.
The last two years have been transformative for Pierce McDade, 25Ox. What started as just a stop in his college journey quickly became his home away from home, a space where he was tested, challenged, and ultimately able to grow into the person he was always meant to become.
The Bloomington, Illinois, native explored several college options but was drawn to Oxford’s distinctive academic experience. “The idea that I didn’t have to choose between experiences was really appealing to me,” he recalls. I could get both the small and larger university exposure.”
At Oxford, he embraced the unique two-year liberal arts program. This experience will give him a strong foundation before he transitions to Emory’s campus in Atlanta after graduation. There, he will immerse himself in a broader university environment.
McDade credits much of his first-year growth to the peers who surrounded him. Specifically, a group of sophomore students whom he looked up to and learned an abundance from. At a campus like Oxford, where juniors and seniors aren’t present to serve as role models, he had the unique opportunity to step into a mentorship role. Inspired by those who offered him advice and guidance, he made it a priority while on campus to pay it forward, encouraging first-year students to own their experiences and explore all that Oxford offers.
That sense of responsibility became more than advice; it turned into action. McDade found countless ways to be that guiding voice for students just beginning their journey. “Getting involved was beneficial for meeting new people, and it allowed me to become exposed to many faculty members and learn about the systems at Oxford,” he says. His contributions shaped his college experience, helping him build a strong sense of community. Many of his closest friends are the same people he worked with throughout his time here.
Immersed in campus life through various leadership roles, he became an active and influential presence on campus. He joined the Student Government Association, served on the Student Living and Investigations Committees, and worked with the Office of Community Relations. Beyond governance, he participated as a campus tour guide, contributed to numerous articles with The Emory Wheel, and took initiative by founding a new social club, Delta Psi Epsilon. Through Delta Psi, his main goal was to help build a community-centered group that hosts weekend events, encouraging students to take a break from studying and to relax and have fun. “Being a part of Delta Psi and working on this initiative has been the most fun and a defining moment of this semester,” says McDade.
He recognizes how much he’s grown as a student and person during his time at Oxford. The fast-paced rhythm of balancing classes, clubs, and leadership roles taught him to manage his time with intention and to carve out space for himself amid a busy schedule.
Looking ahead, he is excited to continue this momentum. “I want to take it slow and make sure that I'm not doing too much too fast,” he says, “But I also really want to stay involved in the things that I care about. I look forward to learning about different opportunities to get engaged, especially as a junior. I want to meet new people, and getting involved is the best way to do so.”
As he prepares to graduate from Oxford, reflecting on how deeply the campus shaped him, he says,
“Oxford makes it easy to get comfortable, which is great for the high school-to-college transition, but it’s also important to step out of your comfort zone. I’ll miss Oxford’s ease and comfort the most.”
McDade isn’t just taking lifelong memories with him; he’s carrying the lessons that shaped his growth as a student and leader to continue his legacy onto the Atlanta campus.