Magnuson’s favorite memory of his time at Union was the 2013 study abroad tour he participated in. Led by Dr. Crawford, Magnuson was able to complete two of his world literature classes while touring Italy. He enjoyed the places they traveled and liked that he could experience the literature he read. Magnuson also said he became close friends with the people he traveled with and still maintains those friendships to this day.
For Magnuson, traveling is a major part of his life and it is something he has been doing it since he was a child. He grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and then moved to Cambridge for three years while his father was earning his PhD at Cambridge University. When his father was finished, Magnuson’s family moved to North Carolina. When he was 13, his family moved back to England for one year.
“I would relive all of this if I could,” Magnuson said. “When I was younger, I didn’t fully appreciate the culture, but when I was a bit older, I grew to love it.”
Magnuson knew he wanted to come to Union ever since he came to visit his brother, Karl Magnuson. He appreciated the university’s atmosphere of community and, when he discovered the science programs Union offers, his reasons to attend were solidified.
“I value Union’s stand on Christian higher education and when I found out about the science programs, it was a plus,” Magnuson said.
After he graduates, Magnuson would like to begin his career by attending dental school at the University of Louisville this coming July.
A piece of advice Magnuson offers to Union students is to treat every day as a gift and not to be afraid to make the most of every opportunity that is presented. Magnuson advices students to find what you love and do it with passion.
