Cardinal Stritch University junior Kahlil D’Acquisto expected college to be impersonal and overwhelming when he was a high school student planning for his future, but from the first time he set foot on campus at Stritch, his expectations changed.

“It felt like I belonged,” D’Acquisto said in a Cardinal Stritch University press release. “Everyone was so kind, encouraging and welcoming.”

D’Acquisto raved about the culture and inclusivity at the university.

"One of the things I appreciate most about Stritch is that the Franciscan values we talk about are genuine,” he said in the release. “I feel like Stritch faculty, staff and students truly live those values. Stritch is very inclusive and diverse. It's been great having international students in so many classes. And I've found the school to be very supportive of LGBT+ people, especially transgender people.”

A graduate of Kradwell School and a writing major with a focus on creative writing and screenplay writing, D’Acquisto has found ample opportunity to explore other areas and interests, such as art and video editing, during his time at Stritch, according to the release. 

He has also been able to thoroughly explore his chosen course of study, participating in campus-wide readings, entering national writing competitions and even seeing his own original work come to life through the Stritch University Theater Department, according to the release. 

Even with the university’s adjustments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, D’Acquisto still reported strong support from the school’s staff.

“I still had access to my professors and other resources to help me be successful,” he said in the release. “Every faculty member who I've interacted with or had for a class has helped me succeed.”

After spending his sophomore year as a residential student, D’Acquisto hopes to return to the residence halls in the spring after spending fall as an online student, according to the release.

“Although I'm not big into socializing, no matter what time of day or night someone is always doing something somewhere so I never truly feel alone,” he said in the release. “I love to walk around the campus, usually at night, to take in the different environment when the campus is quiet.”