Evan Jackson ‘22 was recently elected Student Body President at Grand Valley State University for the 2025–2026 academic year. A driven and thoughtful student leader, Evan is focused on strengthening connections across campus and improving the overall student experience through academic support, financial resources, and more inclusive programming.

In this Q&A, Evan talks about his goals in student government, the impact of his time at Catholic Central, and how his academic interests in economics, finance, and English are shaping his future. He also shares advice for current CC students and reflects on the values that continue to guide him in college and beyond.

Q: How does it feel to step into the role of Student Body President at GVSU, and what goals do you and your cabinet have for the upcoming year? 

Evan: Being elected Student Body President filled me with pride and a surge of accomplishment. For 2025–2026, our top priorities are forging stronger connections between student organizations and creating an inviting, collaborative space where every club and program can thrive together. 

Beyond that, we’re committed to making each student’s GVSU experience as positive as possible through expanded financial support, enhanced academic resources, and more vibrant social programming. By next spring, success for me will look like launching events and initiatives so impactful that students are already asking, “When can we do this again?” 

Q: Can you tell us about your major and what drew you to that field of study? 

Evan: I’m completing a B.S. in Economics, a B.B.A. in Finance with a minor in English, fields that together explain how the world works and give me tools to make it work better. What first hooked me was Mr. Mach’s economics course at Catholic Central, where we didn’t just study theory but dove into a stock-market simulation; suddenly, graphs weren’t abstract lines but stories about trade-offs, incentives, and human behavior. 

Economics provides the “why” behind decision-making—why markets move, why institutions form—while finance shows me how to turn those insights into action: allocating resources, measuring risk, and building sustainable growth. Also, Mr. Griffin’s classroom lessons revealed the power of words, so I added an English minor to sharpen my writing and critical thinking, ensuring I can clearly communicate complex ideas. 

Q: What inspired you to get involved in student government at the college level? 

Evan: Catholic Central taught me early on that I owned my own experience—that I could choose how much I got out of high school, and by extension, college and life. Coach Rumberger drove that home both in the classroom and on the baseball field, reminding me that I decide the man I become. That lesson in personal ownership stuck with me and inspired me to step up for my fellow students at GVSU. 

Q: Thinking back to your time at Catholic Central, what experiences stand out most to you? Were there any teachers, mentors, or specific classes at CC that helped shape your leadership skills or college goals? 

Evan: Two teachers really shaped who I am. First, Coach (Mr.) Rumberger didn’t just teach; he modeled integrity and grit. He showed up every day as the kind of man he challenged us to become. Second, Mr. George tapped into my curiosity—whether we were dissecting a philosophical text or debating social behavior, he always had a new idea to explore. He pushed me academically and personally, helped me through darker moments, and inspired me to chase the greatness I hadn’t yet seen in myself. 

Q: How do you think CC helped prepare you for college life - academically, spiritually, or socially? Are there any CC traditions or values you still carry with you today? 

Evan: It wasn’t one class but the entire CC environment. From morning hallway greetings with Mr. Hancock to catching up with classmates and ending each day with a goodbye from Father Fulton, there was a constant invitation to live with goodness, discipline, and knowledge. Those three values have become the cornerstone of how I conduct my life. 

I also look back fondly on the Kairos Retreat—it gave me perspective, faith, community, and a deeper understanding of our shared Catholic Central brotherhood that still guides me today. 

Q: What advice would you give to current Catholic Central students? 

Evan: You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. You alone decide how much of your potential you’ll fulfill—so let your actions speak for you, and leave the rest to history. Get involved early and seek out mentors; don’t wait for perfect conditions or worry that you’re not “ready.” There is no better time to start than now. 

Q: What’s next for you after college? 

Evan: In the short term, I’ll finish my internship in construction sales while serving as Student Body President and working as a teaching assistant. In the long term, I’m drawn to working on Wall Street, and I’m also considering a JD/MBA down the road. I’d happily welcome any advice or connections from alumni; your insights could help me navigate my next steps. Above all, I’m focused on learning, growing, and making the most of every opportunity. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Catholic Central community? 

Evan: You have a network of people in Valiant Blue and Peerless White rooting for you, often more than you realize. I still tap into this support system myself—whether grabbing coffee with a former teacher or leaning on an alum’s advice—and it’s been integral to every step of my journey. So reach out to a classmate, an alumnus, or a teacher for advice or even just a cup of coffee. Don’t be afraid to take a leap; if you fall, this community will catch you—and when you succeed, they’ll be the first to celebrate.