Spartans of UD: Jose Escoriza
Mar 28, 2018 | University Relations staff
Spartans of UD highlights what makes University of Dubuque special – the people who live, work, and study on campus. Jose Escoriza (C’09), an assistant director of admission, has worked at UD for nine years. He will participate in the Boston Marathon for the first time next month.
JOSE ESCORIZA (C’09)
Assistant Director of Admission
1. Why did you decide to work in the Office of Admission at UD?
“I was given an opportunity to help change students’ lives, and that has been the most rewarding experience for me.”
2. You qualified for the 2018 Boston Marathon. Why participate in marathons? How does running in marathons help you in your career at UD?
“After failing to qualify for the past three years, I finally got in. I decided to start running at age 26 to lose some weight. I started with just running on my own, and then I began signing up for 5K and 10K races. I signed up for my first marathon to prove to myself that I could do one. After my first marathon, I wanted to beat my previous times. I went from 3:54 marathon to my current personal record of 2:59.
“While running a marathon, I have learned not to give up when things get hard. When my body is broken down, I have always managed to keep on pushing forward to the finish line. Running has truly helped me at work. I have learned to push through the tough work days and stay positive.
“Life is tough sometimes. It hurts. It throws you stuff you weren’t prepared for. Just like running long distance does. And if I can do those, I can get through this thing called life too.”
3. What is your typical day like as an assistant director of admission?
“A typical day begins with reviewing files. My favorite part of the day, though, is meeting and calling prospective students.”
4. What advice do you have for students as they make their way through the college admission process?
“My biggest piece of advice for students is to visit as many colleges and universities as they can. Choosing a school can be hard, but successful students go to their top choice school.”
5. Do you have a favorite UD event/activity?
“I enjoy attending sporting events at UD such as soccer, basketball, and track meets. Homecoming is also an event I don’t like to miss.”
