Publish Date
Dre Duvendack
Dre Duvendack
2017
Onboarding Specialist
Communications

Current Location: Divernon, IL

Hometown: Canton, IL

UIS Degree: B.A. 2017 (Communication/ Management minor) (Magna Cum Laude), M.A. 2019 (Communication)

Current Position: Onboarding Specialist at Hope; Adjunct Instructor at UIS

Career Highlights

“I find great joy and purpose in both positions I hold. At Hope, I am tasked with helping new employees get acquainted to Hope and help them see how meaningful their work really is for the community. I am able to watch the employees grow professionally and personally. One of my favorite parts about working at Hope is that my office is attached to the Hope School. We have a thriving vocational program for the students. It always brightens my day to see students around the campus learning life skills for when they graduate and go into the work force. As an Adjunct Instructor at UIS, I found myself seeing small glimpses of myself in every one of my students. One of the continuous highlights of my position is seeing the moment of profound realization in the eyes of my students, the same profound realization that I experienced while at UIS. The world is so much more than what we know. Watching my students evolve throughout the semester is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.”

Memories of UIS

“My favorite memories at UIS are hard to narrow down. The experiences I had at UIS are what made me who I am today. Some of my top memories are creating lifelong relationships, watching the construction of the Student Union, and doing meaningful work as a Graduate Assistant at the Gender & Sexuality Student Services.”

How did UIS change or prepare you?

“Coming from a small, rural community, UIS and the Springfield area was a big change for me. However, it was a good change that I adjusted to quickly and with joy. I was given opportunities in leadership and in education that helped me grow personally and professionally. I gained the tools I needed to successfully pursue the careers that I love. For a long time, I struggled to decide if I wanted to go into HR, human services, or teaching. My time at UIS made it possible for me to do all three and really feel like I am making a difference.”

Interesting Fact

“I am marrying my best friend in October of 2020 and we met while playing on the club volleyball team at UIS during my freshman year. Our very first date was at the PAC Food Emporium! We now have 1 cat, 2 dogs, and 2 turtles. I enjoy doing puzzles, traveling around the world, and going to rock concerts.”