This is part of #EberlyAmazingStudents, a series from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology that focuses on students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Tyler Vicari is a first-year student in the MBA program in Eberly. He completed his undergraduate degree in sports administration here at IUP as well. Tyler cites his business minor as a huge influence on his decision to return for a graduate program. "I enjoyed my time in the kinesiology department, but the moments that I truly enjoyed the most were here in Eberly."
Tyler is from Butler, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, a small town 45 minutes west of Indiana. Growing up nearby to the university, he had many friends who attended IUP. In 2014, after graduating high school, and completing basic training and advanced individual training, Tyler and a close friend enrolled into IUP together. "I felt a strong sense of community from the campus and town of Indiana, liked the programs and amenities, and received funding from the military to be a student; the decision [to enroll at IUP] was an easy one."
Outside of being a student, Tyler is a medic in the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Army National Guard. He has served since the summer of 2013 and intends to either join the active duty army after graduation or remain in the National Guard until he has earned a retirement. "Joining the Army gave me a sense of purpose and community service. In my experience, it is far different than how it is portrayed on TV; we aren't out violently fighting to save the world from evil forces. Instead we serve more subtly; we provide safety and security, help with chaotic situations such as floods or snowstorms, and support those who have no where else to turn."
On campus, Tyler is the treasurer of IUP's chapter of the Students for a Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). "I joined the SSDP in hopes of making my voice and the voices of those in suffering heard by those in power to stop the unnecessary suffering." The SSDP works with local organizations to help people with destructive drug use habits, and change the public's and justice system's view of addiction from a criminal issue, to a health issue. "We recently attended a conference in St. Louis, Missouri, where we met dozens of incredible people from across the world who are fighting tirelessly to uplift disenfranchised communities and families into a stable and humane lifestyle."
"My experience as an MBA student has been humbling and helped me to realize the true complexity of business. It draws upon all the lessons, theories, and ideas that I have learned over the course of the program, as well as those from my undergraduate degree, into practical applications. Through the guidance of the faculty, the knowledge of my professors, and the support from my peers, I am becoming more and more confident in my abilities as a business professional."
After finishing the MBA program, Tyler plans to move to Hershey, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, to start a real estate firm. "My experiences in the military, at IUP, and in the SSDP have shown me that I have the obligation and ability to make a positive impact on the people who need it the most." Tyler plans to dedicate his real estate firm to providing exceptional living conditions to single parent families who otherwise may not be able to afford it.
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." -Albert Einstein
About #EberlyAmazingStudents
The #EberlyAmazingStudents series features students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Associate Dean Cyndy Strittmatter is overseeing the project. "We are proud of our students who balance their academics with extracurricular activities and recognize the commitment that it takes to excel at all levels. We look forward to sharing their accomplishments with the IUP community and beyond!