Hannah Garmon

Hannah Garmon is a marketing major from Bloomington, IL

Hometown: Bloomington, IL

High School: Normal University High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the McSweeney Marketing Scholarship for my performance in the College of Business; the Ruth Ashelford Pollock Endowed Scholarship for my dad, who served in the military; and a merit scholarship for my GPA in high school. That support has helped me focus on my classes and on forming and preserving lots of new friendships. It has allowed me to keep my stress lowered and spend my time and energy on things I love to do.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was little, I wanted to be something different every single year. I know I could be happy in a million different fields. I can very easily be passionate about something, and there are so many interesting things in the world. Marketing will allow me to tap into lots of different interests, and I am excited to see where it takes me.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a marketing major. I chose marketing because I love creatively solving problems. I love using spreadsheets. I love making PowerPoints. I love using data to make good decisions. There were many reasons to pick this major. I am so excited to work with marketing people and help make great decisions.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
How much I love exploring campus, especially on weekends and evenings when it’s less busy. From more desks at the library to shorter lines at Starbucks, there are lots of wonderful things about a campus that goes from bustling in the day to quieter in the evening.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I am in the Huskie Marching Band, and I have made so many incredible friends through those rehearsals and performances. In the Spring of 2025, I joined Delta Zeta. I've been able to participate in flag football and fundraising events, and I’ve met so many lovely new people. I love getting to live with the other girls in our house. It's wonderful to have a warm home to return to and an awesome group of girls to be supported by.  

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am a member of Women in Business Professions. I would really like to become an active member this semester. It has helped me meet lots of women with career goals similar to mine who are working on similar work for classes. It's a wonderful community to be a part of. I am also a member of the Huskie Marching Band. I have gained so much school spirit and pride by being a member of the band. I never feel more like a Huskie than when I'm in my uniform, with my instrument, at a football game.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
My marketing advisor has been an absolute blessing. She helped me map out my courses for the rest of my time at NIU. She answers all my emails, and I email her a lot. I get so excited for every meeting. She has lots of great advice to give.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I am consistently so grateful for the early registration. It's so difficult for me to make all my classes work with my schedule, and I cannot imagine how challenging it would be to have to juggle classes being full, too. I have had meetings with a few of the Honors Fellows, and they were great mentors to work with last year. I always felt a little bit better after every meeting with them.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy having the opportunity to work with other students who care about their performance in class and prioritize their academic success.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My first semester, I took UBUS 110 with Neil Doughty. He was always so friendly, and he still knows my name and says hello in the hallways of Barsema, even a year later. He was always understanding and prioritized us working well with other students in class.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
It's very important to me to attend every single class. I worked hard to receive my scholarships, and I am going to do my best to get the most out of NIU. When I attend every class, everything fits into place. I can't imagine having to catch up after missing class. We move so quickly in most courses, so being in class ensures I never fall behind.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the stone couch at the East Lagoon. I like to sit outside and enjoy the weather when it's nice. It's great to have some time to myself to get work done or just enjoy being outside. The geese like this spot too, though.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When selecting a school, there are so many different aspects to consider. It was important to me to attend an Illinois state school with a well-funded business college. I also wanted a school that had a marching band, and I wanted to be close to home, but not too close. After I decided on these criteria, it narrowed out more and more schools until only NIU was left. It was everything I wanted in a university.

Why is a college education important to you?
College is a great time to learn lots of new things and become more independent. I love getting to know new people who are different from me in many ways. It's exciting to see new people and cultures. College teaches you how to learn, which is one of the most important skills. It's good to never stop learning.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I definitely have a full schedule. I have all my mandatory things written down on my calendar, and I fill those gaps with club meetings or with my friends. My classes, band and work schedules are the same almost every week, so I usually plan around them.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I learn about new events through signs posted on bulletin boards or around campus. I check Huskie Hub every few weeks. I also use Suitable to find business passport and honors events to attend.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax, I enjoy doing things with my friends and my roommate. I love finding activities in the local communities. My favorite thing to do is go on a road trip for the day. There are so many wonderful gems in Illinois, and it's exciting to keep an open mind and learn about the state I live in.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I've played the guitar since sixth grade, and I love learning new songs and recharging by playing songs I know I love. I also make sock puppets, thank-you cards and birthday cards in my free time. I work at the writers’ workshop, and I have so much fun getting to know my students and helping them write papers they can be proud of.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
Go dogs!