BHC got me here: grads share their transfer stories

You can earn the first half of your bachelor’s degree at Black Hawk College then transfer to a four-year college, near or far. Read on to hear the stories of three BHC graduates who are now earning bachelor’s degrees at universities. BHC Transfer Programs allow you to transfer to a four-year institution ready to earn your bachelor’s degree.


Jacob Conley

student holding a sign that says Black Hawk College got me hereBlack Hawk College degree: Associate in Science

Graduation year: 2019

Hometown: Durant, IA

Where did you transfer to? Trine University in Angola, IN

What are you majoring in? Civil engineering

How did Black Hawk College prepare you for a four-year school? I was always able to talk to my advisor to make sure everything was on the right track for the next school I was planning on going to. Also, my calculus classes, physics class and my general engineering class at Black Hawk College helped me a lot in my classes today. Another great class that helped me was computer science where I learned the Microsoft Office suite.

What did you enjoy about Black Hawk College or your time here? Some of my best moments at Black Hawk College were when I was on the baseball field. Black Hawk gave me the opportunity to play baseball, and I met so many different people from all around the United States. The friends I made at Black Hawk I still talk to every day. Black Hawk was a perfect step for me since I did come from such a small high school. This helped a lot in class when I could get one-on-one time with the teachers. I had the best time of my life there, and at the same time got a great education at such a small price.

What are you planning on doing when you graduate? I am planning to work for a general contractor in construction. I plan to be an estimator or a project manager. My long-term goal is to start my own general contracting business in a bigger city.


Cora Hill

Black Hawk College degree: Associate in Science – Ag Transfer

Graduation year: 2019

Hometown: Warren, IN

Where did you transfer to? Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN

student holding a sign that says Black Hawk College got me hereWhat are you majoring in? Agricultural education

How did Black Hawk College prepare you for a four-year school? Black Hawk College did an absolutely outstanding job of preparing me for the rigors of attending a large four-year university! The faculty across all departments at Black Hawk College East Campus are some of the most talented, hardworking and dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure to work with.

Their passion for excellence in education is truly contagious, and I learned more than I could have ever imagined during my two years at Black Hawk College East Campus. The focus on hands-on learning and providing experiences helped me more than I can say. I can confidently say that starting out at Black Hawk gave me all the knowledge I needed and then some to continue my degree at a large university.

What did you enjoy about Black Hawk College or your time here? When I first took a tour of Black Hawk College East Campus as a high school senior, I had the overwhelming feeling that I had found my home. I was greeted by multiple people, staff and students alike, with a genuine interest in knowing my name and my story. I could immediately tell that Black Hawk College East Campus was more than just a community; it was a family, and it always will be.

The academic knowledge and skills, as well as the professional opportunities I found at Black Hawk, will continue to positively impact me for the rest of my life. What’s more, however, is that I became part of a group of people who continually push each other to be their best and are always there to lift each other up. Black Hawk College was the best decision I could have made, and I would encourage anyone with a passion for agriculture, or a passion for learning and growth, to consider joining Team BHE.

What are you planning on doing when you graduate? When I graduate from Purdue, I plan to pursue a career in agricultural education, either by teaching ag in a high school setting or through extension education.


Ayah Hasan

student standing next to a bulldog mascot while holding a sign that says Black Hawk College got me hereBlack Hawk College degree: Associate in Arts

Graduation year: 2019

Hometown: Moline, IL

Where did you transfer to? Western Illinois University – Quad Cities in Moline

What are you majoring in? Communication studies

How did Black Hawk College prepare you for a four-year school? Black Hawk College has helped me with study skills, getting used to a college schedule instead of a conventional high school schedule, more independent studies, socializing with people of all ages and different nationalities and cultures, and being myself!

What did you enjoy about Black Hawk College or your time here? I enjoyed all the professors and staff at Black Hawk College and how welcoming they were. I also enjoyed the small fests they had during each season and how they really promoted school spirit. The classes were all interesting. There was a lot of help and tutors if you were struggling in one of them. You never feel left out here!

What are you planning on doing when you graduate? I honestly want to continue in a career at Black Hawk College. I went from student worker in Advising to a part-time employee at the Welcome Desk. My goal is to continue into a full-time job here!