Danny Schneider
Name: Danny Schneider
Hometown: Owings, Md.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Marine Science
Eight years ago this month, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred. The major industrial disaster disrupted one of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world, killing and sickening millions of animals. This catastrophic event was tough on Danny Schneider. As he became aware of the devastating consequences of the spill, he knew he wanted to “make a change for the better.”
The marine science program at Coastal Carolina University offered Danny a way to educate himself on marine life and perhaps do his part to make sure an event like what happened in the Gulf Coast would never occur again. He left his hometown of Owings, Md., and enrolled at CCU.
Danny is the first one to admit that when he arrived on campus he had some maturing to do. But he eventually learned important lessons and grew as a person.
“CCU has made me grow in more ways than I ever expected,” Danny says. “I came here as a salty child and I am leaving here with personal growth, a bunch of experiences and a lot of things to remember.”
As Danny started to come into his own, he embraced community service. A brother of Kappa Sigma, he lights up when talking about how his fraternity gives back to the community. Just this past weekend, Kappa Sigma and Gamma Phi Beta concluded an exceptional Relay for Life team effort, raising over $25,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Upon graduation, Danny would like to join the Coast Guard and serve as a captain or perhaps work with Exxon on clean energy. Wherever his future takes him, he will always remember CCU for helping him become a man and opening his eyes to the joy of serving others.
Q&A with Danny
How did you hear about Coastal?: By hearing about the marine science program accomplishments.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal to initially get away from home, but found my home here and became more involved which made me enjoy it here more.
Favorite professor: George Boniello, Ph.D., is my favorite current professor, and Brian Druckenmiller is my favorite past professor.
Favorite class: Marine Biology
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: My favorite aspect of Coastal is how the community always gathers together for great causes every year such as Relay for Life and philanthropy weeks.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: My favorite aspect of living in Conway is always being able to go to the beach and hang out with friends. I also enjoy playing volleyball and hitting up the pool if I don’t want to drive to the beach.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: Kappa Sigma and the intramural sports.
Plans after graduation?: I plan to either join the Coast Guard or work with Exxon on clean energy.
What are your hobbies?: If I am not doing homework, I am usually playing volleyball or hanging out by the pool with friends.
Do you have any hidden talents?: My most hidden talent is that I am an excellent baker and the last thing I made was triple decker cake. I can also do a really good round off.
Bonus Info:
- My family means the most to me.
- I really enjoy dancing on the dance floor at any social or formal event.
- The most blueberries I have ever fit in my mouth was 53 without chewing.
- Granny Smith apples are not what they are hyped up to be, and it is all about the Honey Crisp variety.
- My first job was selling fruits and vegetables at a farm stand down the street from where I grew up.
- I have a bike that I named “Cinnamon Swirl” because she’s red.