Derek Saxon: Excellence Beyond The Field

2013 Nov 12

Being part of the Ripon College community has allowed Derek Saxon '15 to excel in both men's soccer and the field of chemistry, he says.

"The main reason I chose Ripon is due to the academic standards here," he says. "Ripon is a great school with a top-notch science department. I also was attracted to Ripon because of the friendly atmosphere created by students, faculty and staff. Coming here felt very natural, and my decision was definitely the correct one."

He says he has learned to better understand and respect the views and ways of life of other people. "My mind has been opened to so many new things; this has translated into my personal life, as well," Saxon says. "I am more aware of cultural differences and the value of personal opinions, which allows me to effectively interact with individuals with various backgrounds, beliefs and lifestyles."

Saxon is a chemistry major. "Through the McNair Scholars program and the chemistry department, I am on track to attain a Ph.D. in materials chemistry, which I will use to become a researcher in the industrial world," he says. "The work I am interested in involves biodegradation of materials, such as plastics. Waste buildup is a global issue in terms of sustainability; I want to make an impact on the quality of lives of people throughout the world."

During summer break, Saxon conducted research with one of the professors in the chemistry department, opening his eyes to the challenges of research.

"This can be applied to my life outside of research, where we are continuously presented with challenging situations and must resolve any complications," Saxon says.

Soccer coach Sam Schroeder has helped Saxon to keep his schedule on track. "Coach always makes academics a priority because we are here to get an education first and foremost," Saxon says. "Practice never conflicts with class and rarely do we miss class for a game. He monitors our academic successes and challenges to make sure we are able to thrive on the field and in the classroom. He takes an interest in our academic and professional careers and is willing to assist in any way possible."

Saxon also has been involved with organizations such as Special Olympics of Wisconsin through the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Developing good time-management techniques also helps Saxon juggle sports, academics and three campus jobs. "I find that writing everything down and storing things in my phone's calendar help me plan out what needs to be done and continue to stay on top of those tasks," he says. "Planning allows me to complete my homework on time without constantly worrying about everything else I have to do. I found that I actually tend to have a slightly higher grade point average in season than out of season because I manage my schedule more meticulously."

Saxon is the son of Ms. Linda M. Saxon and Mr. James B. Saxon of Iron Mountain,