Connor Archer '21, '21G
Husson Program(s): B.S. in Integrated Technology and MBA
Husson Certificate(s): Digital and Social Media Marketing, Marketing Communications
Current Profession: Founder & Chairman/CEO, The Courageous Steps Project, Inc.
What do you like (love) most about Husson?
I love that Husson is a place where everyone cares about your success. Whether you run into a professor or support staff in the halls, everyone on campus is passionate about giving students the best college experience possible. In every course I took for both my Master in Business Administration, my Bachelor in Integrated Technology, and my certificates in Marketing Communications and Digital/Social Media Marketing, I felt that I was receiving the attention I needed to succeed. The small class environments were so important for me as a learner.
What's your earliest memory of getting involved with Husson after graduation?
My earliest memory was just becoming a donor, especially with the new College of Business Building. What motivated me to give to the new College of Business building was the impact it would have on students at Husson going forward. The fact that students would have the opportunity to learn in a collaborative state-of-the-art space was important for me to be a part of.
Why do you give back to Husson? What motivates you?
I want to ensure that others have the same opportunities that I did. Those opportunities consisted of receiving support from faculty who were mentors in my own aspirations and goals. The plethora of degree offerings also allowed me to take full advantage of the offerings that I wanted at Husson. I'll continue giving in ways that I can, both in money and expertise, to the university.
Follow-up to question 3 - Why is giving back so important?
Giving back is what I do and what I have always done. Giving back is instrumental in supporting the future of students so they can have the same opportunities that I did when I was at Husson. I founded the Courageous Steps Project, a non-profit organization that helps children and young adults with various abilities and challenges in our region.
I have been running the non-profit for about ten years. As an individual who lives with Autism and was diagnosed at the age of three years old and didn’t talk until the age of five, I wanted to ensure that other children had the same opportunities to succeed as I did growing up. My education has helped me make better-informed decisions on how to run the organization and scale it to meet the needs of people regionally, statewide, and even nationally going forward. It has also provided me with opportunities for future professional growth that is only just beginning. I will continue to give back as long as it has an impact and makes a difference for many other lives.
How has your Husson degree helped you?
My Master in Business Administration, Bachelor in Integrated Technology, and certificates in Marketing Communications and Digital/Social Media Marketing have allowed me to gain the skills I need to succeed in my personal and professional aspirations. I continue to be incredibly thankful for all that Husson has given me.