Service to Others, Community a Goal for Double-Major

Shelby Hermansen, a criminal justice and social work major, has prepared for graduation and a career serving others through professor support and participation in many of the related clubs BVU offers.

Shelby Hermansen shows conviction while talking about her graduation from Buena Vista University. Commencement, she says, will take place for her in some fashion.

“I’m part of a group of eight social work majors who graduate in May,” says Hermansen, a resident of Cokato, Minn. “We are a small, but very tight-knit group. And we’re committed to getting together at some point, whenever it’s possible, and having our picture taken as we walk through The Victory Arch. We all deserve it.”

Hermansen is currently concluding the last of her two internship experiences, this one being a semester-long assignment with Wright County Health and Human Services in Minnesota. Her first internship occurred at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, where she shadowed a social worker.

“I’ve always liked the atmosphere at BVU and, especially, how close the professors are... They help you grow and improve on your career prospects. They’ve always offered total support in whatever I’ve done.”

Shelby Hermansen

“I’d like to work for the State of Minnesota in a social services aspect,” Hermansen says. “I want to be able to serve the community and use both of my degrees.”

Hermansen, who majors in criminal justice and social work, has studied and practiced extensively under Dr. Richard Riner, Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Marian Riner, Assistant Professor of Social Work.

“I’ve always liked the atmosphere at BVU and, especially, how close the professors are,” she says. “Dr. Richard and Marian Riner get to know you on a personal level. They help you grow and improve on your career prospects. They’ve always offered total support in whatever I’ve done.”

Hermansen, a member of the executive board serving the Student Association of Social Workers, has also spent time as treasurer and secretary for the BVU Criminal Justice Club. A student leader in the BVU Library, Hermansen also participated in the BVU Phonathon several semesters and is a member of Phi Alpha, the BVU honor society for social work majors.

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