Another school year has come to an end, and for some students, it will be their last. Among those graduating this year is junior Kara Linse. Linse has been at the University for the past three years and will graduate just after her 21st birthday.
Originally from Portland, Linse came to the University in fall 2003 from Sunset High School. She is graduating with a double major in Sports Marketing and Spanish, though Linse started out interested in an International Relations degree. She said she changed her mind about the major after one term.
When Linse graduates and starts looking for a career, she said she will have an impressive resumé with her. A year ago Linse started an internship with Sports Illustrated in the company’s marketing sector. Linse has also worked for Columbia Sportswear as an International Operations Intern.
Last year, Linse studied abroad in Chile. She said she wasn’t sure why.
“No real reason why, just for fun,” Linse said.
Linse is also a member of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Club, a group that is “Guided by the belief that sports marketing is consumer-driven, global in scope, and that entrepreneurial thinking and action are critical to the continued growth of the sports industry,” according to the group’s Web site.
“The Warsaw group is awesome.” Linse said. “Very relevant and useful.”
After graduating, Linse said she hopes to work in Europe.
With the experience that she gains in the world, Linse said she wants to come back to the United States and put it to good use. Though Linse said she is open to different companies for a career, she would like to stay with Columbia Sportswear.
“I would love to work with the Olympics one day,” said Linse.
Linse said the most important thing she learned at the University was what she wanted to do in life.
“It’s important to figure out what you want in life, fit your lifestyle into your plans, and don’t be too future-oriented, appreciate the moment.”
Linse said she is most proud of her work with the Central Latino Americano, a group that helps immigrants adapt to the U.S.
In addition to her internships and charitable work, Linse is also the Public Relations Chair for the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, a position that requires her to “act as a liaison between Kappa and its various publics,” according to the sorority’s Web site.
In her personal life, Linse said she likes “exploring the world” and “gettin’ my sweat on at the Rec.”
Kara’s friends and professors had nothing but praise for her.
“Kara is caring and has a strong priority balance between school and work,” said fellow Kappa Kappa
Gamma member Jessie Janego.
Amy Davidson, also of Kappa Kappa Gamma, said Kara is driven.
“Kara is very ambitious, she balances academics with sorority life very well.”
McKenzie Borman, a fellow sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma and close friend of Linse’s, said Linse is always positive and happy.
“Me and Kara get excited for each other all the time,” she said.
Rick Mowday, professor of management at the Lundquist College of Business, is a former instructor of Linse’s and thinks highly of her.
“She goes out of her way to do things that supplement her classroom,” Mowday said. Though she is graduating, “Kara will stand out in my mind for a long time,” he said.