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Spring 2021 College Valedictorian

Theresa Lincheck

College of Sciences and Health Professions Bachelor of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Music in Music Performance

Theresa Lincheck was undecided when she applied to CSU. After some time and much exploration, she eventually found her way. Music composition turned to clarinet performance. She added computer science, then scrapped that for physics. She challenged herself, rediscovered a love for atmospheric sciences, and doesn’t regret the journey one bit. Before we say goodbye and send this valedictorian out into the world, we asked her a few questions. Here’s what Theresa had to say.

CSU: What is your favorite CSU memory? TL: From hanging out with friends on the 4th floor of the music building to getting smoothies with classmates at Café Ah-Roma after a long day in the research lab, I have more good memories from CSU than I can recount. However, two particularly stick out to me as favorites.

Attending my first physics conference in a new city with several of my classmates. I had exciting opportunities to hear from distinguished physicists, tour scientific laboratories, present my own research, and meet other enthusiastic physics students from across the country. That experience allowed me to see what being a professional scientist is like, and it motivated me to want to pursue a career in the sciences even more.

My first full clarinet recital at the end of my junior year. While preparing for it, I spent well over one hundred days consecutively practicing and planning, often late into the weeknights and weekends. Being able to step out on stage and perform for my friends and family at the end of the semester, I was overcome with an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. I proved to myself how capable I am of accomplishing anything I put my mind to with hard work and determination, and it is still one of my most cherished memories of my time at CSU. CSU: Not all classes are created equal and along the way, we end up with a class that is definitely a “challenge.” How did you rise to that challenge and make it through? TL: While not the most difficult class I’ve taken, university physics was the class that presented me with the biggest “challenge.” Going into the class with a music background and no prior STEM courses except calculus, university physics was the first class to challenge me to think in ways I had never done before, and I struggled to keep up each week. Despite the challenging nature of the course, I discovered I was excited by the topics and looked forward to learning more each week. Determined to do well, I doubled down, spending several hours a day in the library studying, and slowly I began to do better in the class. I became more passionate about physics as the school year went on, and by the end of it I had declared my second major in physics.

CSU: What do you plan to do following graduation? Whether you have something lined up, or just a dream, we’d love to hear it! TL: I plan to take a short break over the summer before continuing my graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Meteorology, where I intend to pursue a PhD in the field of convective storm dynamics and weather-climate interactions. As someone who has been passionate about the atmospheric sciences for many years, I am very excited to start this next chapter in my life!

CSU: What advice would you give to the next class, or even a freshman entering your major? TL: A close mentor of mine once told me they aspired to be like Forrest Gump, and I believe that is the best advice I can also pass on to new students. As someone who approaches life with open curiosity and a desire to learn while practicing humility and kindness towards others, Forrest Gump embodies many of the traits that I believe can help us achieve our goals and succeed as we go through life. By not limiting yourself or doubting your abilities to learn and grow, you’ll find that you are capable of so much more than you think. College is a time to discover who you are and who you want to become, and the best way to do that is by challenging yourself and venturing out of your own comfort zone. Meet new people, take that one class that seems interesting to you, join a new club or organization, form new friendships, and just be open to new ideas and experiences.

CSU: What do you think you will miss the most about your time at CSU? TL: I will definitely miss all of the teachers, friends, and community I’ve come to know and interact with at CSU. Being inspired by so many wonderful people throughout my undergrad, I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be who I am today without the amazing support and guidance from everyone in the CSU physics and music departments as well as all of my friends and colleagues.