Arden Gudmundsson

Arden Gudmundsson

Animation

Year in School: Junior

Hometown/State: Dundalk, MD

High School: Eastern Technical High School

Why did you choose Daemen College?

I matched with the school through CollegeBoard, and decided to apply. I fell in love with Daemen on my Scholars Day visit, and when I heard I won a scholarship, the choice was obvious.

Why did you choose your present major?

I've always had a passion for both theatre and art, and animation seems to be the perfect way to marry those two things. Beyond that, I want to produce video games, and Daemen's animation program has been providing me with the knowledge and skills to achieve that goal.

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen College. (Ex: It is challenging, but I know it will prepare me for my career..etc)

My experience at Daemen has been super rewarding academically. I work one on one with my professors often, and am able to connect with faculty who have current, first-hand experience in the animation field. I am being challenged and inspired by my peers; it's encouraging to see the growth of fellow artists and to participate in peer-led development alongside professor-led instruction.

What do you like best about Daemen College?

I love that Daemen has provided me with the benefits of attending a small school but has also pushed me far beyond the limits of what you'd expect from a small school. I am so much more than a file in a box somewhere, I matter to the faculty and the administration. Furthermore, Daemen offers tons of interesting extracurricular activities, study abroad programs, internship opportunities, networking connections, and much more.

What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at Daemen College? What kinds of things do they do?

I am a member of the Campus Activities Team at Daemen; we create and provide weekend programming for students to attend. Think parties, rollerblading, bowling, haunted houses, outdoor events, etc. I am also a member of the Multicultural Association on campus. MCA's goal is to provide programming and community to enhance the celebration of diversity at Daemen. I was also a peer mentor at Daemen. Peer Mentors are student leaders on campus who are a resource provided to the freshman class in an effort to help them navigate their new environment and make them feel welcomed and comfortable on campus.

What is your favorite campus hangout? Why?

My favorite campus hangout is probably the Gallery Lounge in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, but I also really enjoy studying and working in the Student Affairs suite upstairs in Wick.