Luke Wallace

Meet Luke

Pronouns: He/Him

Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

Hometown: Elk Grove, CA

What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU?

Being a part of Greek Life has been amazing. By participating in different philanthropy events I have come to know so many people from all different organizations on a deeper and more personal level. Never did I think I would be the first in all of Lip Jam history to have a solo performance! On top of that lip syncing AC/DC in front of 850 people (in a skirt and wig) then go on to be an MC right after my performance for ΑΓΔ! As well as being a contestant in basically a men’s pageant for ΑΞΔ. Our group dance brought us all closer than we ever thought we’d be, then our individual talents really helped us portray our differences, some danced, some played instruments, and I DJed.

What made you choose SSU?

I chose SSU because of its location. It's about 2 hours away from home so I can have my freedom from my parents but if there’s an emergency I can drive home, it’s about 30 minutes from the beach, and the weather is decent all year round. The overall feel of the school is more relaxed than other schools I toured. Its size is great, the campus isn’t too big so I don’t have to sprint two miles to make it in between classes, but we’re all not on top of each other. There’s a great criminology department and the tuition is reasonable. Also the dorms on campus are the best in California and one of, if not the best, in the entire nation.

What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it?

My most challenging experience was when I had come back from joining the Marine Corps back in the beginning of 2020. It’s odd I say that because my first semester here, Fall 2019, was also very challenging since it was the first time really being on my own, but I made friends and we figured it out together. However, coming back from being away in the military was very difficult. I went from an extremely organized and scheduled lifestyle where I either knew or I was told what to do, to making every decision myself and having no schedule. Also, when I came back I was struggling with not having many friends since I left before Covid and didn’t really make connections with people like others did.

What I learned from it was patience and communication. I feel like, as a man especially, there is an idea that asking for help or sharing your feelings is a sign of weakness, but I’ve come to learn it’s one of the things that takes the most strength to do. I took a step back and realized that it is better for me to have 10 close friends, then 20 or 30 acquaintances, and if I want more friends then they’ll come naturally.

What have you been involved with at SSU?

President of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Incorporated, 2022 XI Man Contestant, 2022 Lip Jam MC and Contestant, Sonoma State Club Baseball, MAVRC (Military and Veteran Resource Center ), Alpha Beta Hot Tub Officer