Keegan Vath

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Name: Keegan Vath                                                                       

Hometown: Charleston, S.C.

Year in School:  Freshman                                                          

Major: Marine Science

Keegan works at Costco when classes are not in session.

Keegan's Video

Keegan Vath is an adventurous young man ready to take on any opportunity that may come his way.  As a freshman, he has become involved in multiple campus organizations and has thrived as a member of the Honors Program.  After seeing and experiencing all that Coastal Carolina University has to offer, Keegan has not looked back.

Before he even officially started his first semester, Keegan had a clear goal about what he wanted to do when he arrived at the campus: GET INVOLVED.  When his orientation leader told him how important getting involved was, Keegan embraced the advice and quickly joined clubs that sparked his interest.

As a member of the Honors Program, Keegan has taken advantage of some amazing opportunities.  He has developed lifelong relationships with faculty and other students, increasing his excitement about being a part of the program.

“The Honors Program has opened so many doors for me I would not have thought were possible,” Keegan says. “Like going on field trips other students may not get to go on and getting to have so many experiences that I could not have dreamt of myself.”

Describing himself as passionate, Keegan breathes that passion into everything he does.  Whether he is volunteering or helping a customer pick out the perfect bouquet of flowers at Costco, Keegan is always eager to lend a helping hand.

Aside from being an active member of #TEALnation, Keegan is an Eagle Scout.  He once built an outdoor food pantry box for the Charleston community so residents could donate non-perishable foods to those in need.

“I think it’s pretty cool and I think it plays a big part in the community,” Keegan explains.

For Keegan, the ultimate goal before he graduates is to cultivate a legacy, so when he departs from CCU, the community he leaves behind will remember him and appreciate everything he has done to help the University grow.

Kegan is an Eagle Scout

Q&A with Keegan

How did you hear about Coastal?: I heard about CCU by researching colleges with strong marine science programs.

Why did you come to Coastal?: My initial reasons for attending Coastal included the marine science program, the size of the university, the opportunities to study abroad, the ability to conduct research at Waties Island, and the sense of family I felt on campus.

Favorite professor: That's a tough one. But I suppose, after some thought, that my favorite professor would have to be Till Hanebuth, Ph.D.. He's an incredible instructor and an amazing person. Definitely a person you will want to get to know if you don't take his classes.

Favorite class: My favorite class so far would have to be a tie between my Honors Marine Science 111 course and my Calculus 1 course. I had MSCI 111-H with Till Hanebuth, Ph.D. We did so much outside of class that was so awesome and helped me learn a lot more about marine life. We even took a field trip to Waties Island for a whole day and had a blast. My Calculus 1 course was taught by Andrew Incognito, Ph.D., who, I must say, is very passionate about his teaching and is so dedicated to his students. If you ever get the chance to take one of his classes, I would do so. He cares about his students and will work with you when you ask for it.

Favorite aspect of Coastal?: My favorite aspect of Coastal thus far is the feeling of community I have felt. Everything on campus has rhythm and, once you find your groove, it creates a symphony. From talking to the dining hall employee about Star Wars to going to the gym at the same time every day to going to the same study spot once a week, find a pattern and get comfy with it. Once you do, you will form relationships you never thought you would and you will get so much more out of Coastal than meets the eye.

Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: My favorite aspect of living by Myrtle Beach? That's a REAL tough one. It would have to be the beach, but not your typical daytime-sunshine lively beach. I am talking about the middle-of-the-night, stars glimmering, waves calmly lapping at the shore, quiet beach. Go to the beach at midnight if you haven't. You may like what you find.

Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?:

-Rotaract Service Club

-Climbing Club

-Coastal Baptist Collegiate Ministry

-CCU Campus Crusades for Christ (CRU)

-Residence Hall Association

-Chanticleer Hall Community Council

-Sprout

-Colleges Against Cancer and American Cancer Society (Relay for Life)

-CCU Club Quidditch

-CCU Orientation Team

Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I currently work seasonally at Costco in Charleston, S.C. My duties include stocking, packing and maintain the florals section

Plans after graduation?:  Right now, I am thinking that I would like to try to get a position with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Weather Service (NWS) or maybe the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

What are your hobbies?:

-I like to play Wii games and some Xbox and PS4 games

-I love camping and hiking and swimming—to put it simply, I love “outdoorsing.”

Do you have any hidden talents?: I have been playing and composing piano for 15 years and I absolutely enjoy it.

 Bonus Info: I am a fourth generation BSA Eagle Scout

Keegan is part of the CCU Honors Program.