Kristin Starodub ’99 fell in love with Southwestern the minute she visited the campus.

“I immediately knew it was the right school for me, but I also recognized that the financial investment for my family was going to be more than we could afford without support,” Starodub says. “I was fortunate to receive both merit scholarships and need-based aid throughout my journey at Southwestern.”

That need-based aid included a work-study position that changed the trajectory of her career. A biology major, Starodub originally intended to go to medical school. Her work in the Office of Admission and the relationships she built with the staff opened her eyes to other career paths.

“I started exploring different job opportunities and found my way into consulting,” says Starodub, who is a principal with Deloitte. “I feel that the liberal arts education I received at Southwestern is the reason why I was offered that job before I even graduated. You have to constantly stay involved, informed and educated to be a consultant, and that’s something I definitely learned at Southwestern.”

Starodub, who joined the Board of Trustees in July, has given back to the University in several ways over the years. In 2024 she established the Starodub Family Endowed Scholarship to support students with similar backgrounds as her own while recognizing the sacrifices her family had made.

“I wanted to make a lasting impact and give back in the way I was given,” she says. “Southwestern is a unique institution, and it impacts you at such a personal level.”

Interested in leaving a lasting legacy through an endowment? Contact the us at alumni@southwestern.edu to share your interest and explore opportunities. Endowments established by June 30 will be part of the University’s historic Thrive Campaign.