S ophomore biology and chemistry major Ivan Chu is all things Georgia College & State University.

He serves on the Council of Student Ambassadors as a tour guide and orientation leader, where he enjoys being a liaison between the students and parents. From chatting with prospective students, helping them apply and meeting them at orientation, he’s been at every step of their journey.

“Some parents are apprehensive about sending their students off to college,” Chu said. “I just love being there for their kids—I’m someone students can count on to help them find connections with other students—that’s the most rewarding part.” 

As a “face” of Georgia College, Chu feels he has a responsibility to be accessible, putting both parents and students at ease with their college transition.

“To have walked in their shoes and knowing what it’s like as a new student can be scary,” he said.

“I’m there to help reassure parents and students they’re going to be okay, since Georgia College has measures in place to keep students safe,” Chu said.

Ultimately, Chu aims to make students feel at home at Georgia College, just like he’s connected to the campus community. He’s the founder of the Asian Student Union, coordinator of diversity initiatives for the Council of Student Ambassadors and a member of the International Club.

“In getting to know the students, I’ve learned so much about their backgrounds,” Chu said. “Being an orientation leader and tour guide teaches you a lot about people. I think sometimes we get caught up in our everyday lives that we forget that the world outside is so different. We can learn so much from others.” 

As a first-generation immigrant from China, Chu gained enrichment value of learning about other cultures as a member of the International Club.

“It's fun to connect with the students and learn about different cultures and contrast them to your own,” he said. “Plus, I get to share my culture with others. You learn a lot through these experiences. Everyone has a story. We oftentimes forget that.” 

Chu is grateful to have the opportunity to immerse himself in so many different things at Georgia College—so he’s jumped in with both feet.

For fun, Chu and his friends have a radio show every Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. on WGUR 95.3—a student led radio station called “Speak Now.” It's about Taylor Swift. He will also be a supplemental instruction leader for the upcoming school year. 

“Being at Georgia College is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life,” he said.

When Chu came to Georgia College for the first time, he felt at home. Now, he often shares that experience with incoming students.

“I tell them don’t let the fact that we’re a medium-sized school detract you from coming to Georgia College,” Chu said. “We have so many opportunities to get involved. Because of this, GCSU students are much more employable and marketable because of that liberal arts education. So, students are well-versed in so many different things.”

He got involved with undergraduate research and developed a passion for it. He researches intracellular trafficking—a study of how things move in and out of the human body.

Chu plans to pursue a Ph.D. program in cellular or molecular biology. Then, he would like to teach at a liberal arts institution and research while mentoring students.

“Coming to a liberal arts college, you get well versed in everything,” he said. “I think that the greatest thing about Georgia College is that it prepares you for life.”

His brother, Kun Hsi Chu, graduated from GCSU in 2020. Now, he’s in medical school.

“My parents never went to college, and they worked every single day of their life,” Chu said. “For me, to have this opportunity and for my brother to go to medical school—I don't think we could’ve done this without Georgia College.”

“I’m a big advocate for Georgia College,” he said. “It changes lives.”