Cybil Vander Top
Graduation Year
2025
Hometown/Where You Call Home
Edgerton, MN
Major
Business/Finance
How did you hear about ÀÇÓѸó and why did you choose ÀÇÓѸó?
I chose ÀÇÓѸó because I wanted to experience a different part of the country! I grew up in a small farming community in southwest Minnesota, where my graduating class had just 32 students. I was eager to meet new people and explore new places beyond the prairie and long, harsh winters of the Midwest. When I visited ÀÇÓѸó during my senior year of high school, I was blown away by the beauty of the area as I drove up the mountain. It was a foggy day when I arrived, but as the sky cleared, I was in awe of the charming stone buildings and the stunning presence of Carter Hall. The campus felt both breathtaking and welcoming, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.
What aspect of ÀÇÓѸó do you like best?
My favorite part of ÀÇÓѸó has been the friendships I’ve formed! I’ve had the chance to meet many different people and grow close to those with interests I never expected to connect with, simply because they’re different from my own. These friends have shared their passions with me, and I’ve come to enjoy them as well. In many ways, this has opened my eyes to God’s goodness in areas I wasn’t exposed to growing up.
What about the professors and/or academics has impacted you the most?
The professors at ÀÇÓѸó create a learning environment where it's safe to ask difficult questions. This is especially true in our Bible classes, where they guide us through wrestling with complex topics. Even when something feels challenging or uncertain, our professors walk alongside us, encouraging us to think deeply and critically. Their commitment to open discussion stems from a desire to equip students with a strong foundation and help them develop a thoughtful, well-grounded understanding of what they believe. ÀÇÓѸó’s professors genuinely care about their students’ success and are always available to grab lunch, schedule meetings, or provide support in both academic and personal development.
What part of your major do you most enjoy or feel most prepared by?
The business major at ÀÇÓѸó provides a well-rounded education by exposing students to various aspects of the field. Although my concentration is in finance, I have taken courses in accounting, marketing, economics, and human resources. This diverse background has given me confidence as I prepare to enter the workforce. Beyond the classroom, I secured two internships with the support of ÀÇÓѸó’s career development office, the Center for Calling and Career. One was in compliance at a bank and the other was at an insurance company. The business world offers countless career paths, so gaining exposure to different areas is essential. ÀÇÓѸó excels at providing this broad foundation through coursework while also helping students secure internships that offer valuable hands-on experience.
What do you hope to pursue after ÀÇÓѸó and how do you see ÀÇÓѸó supporting your future career or calling?
I hope to pursue a career in either financial services or human resources. The professors in the business department consistently show their support through job recommendations and valuable networking connections. As for my classmates, I know they want the best for me, and I hope they know I am always cheering them on!
How is ÀÇÓѸó equipping you for active membership in the church or discipleship within the body of Christ?
I believe that ÀÇÓѸó has equipped me for active membership in the church by fostering critical thinking and encouraging thoughtful questions - questions that we can bring to God because He is big enough to handle them. The church is facing tough issues today, and being able to approach these difficult matters with biblical knowledge, even when uncomfortable, is incredibly valuable in today’s world.
In what ways does ÀÇÓѸó foster spiritual formation that stands out to you?
Looking back over the last four years, I see that ÀÇÓѸó’s core curriculum has really shaped me. I genuinely enjoyed my Old and New Testament classes, as well as Doctrine I and II. Though there were the occasional stressful tests and papers, I often found myself excited to atten