Coast to Coast: Savannah Evans ’27 Finds a Home Away From Home

When Savannah Evans ’27 moved from California to attend Hartwick College, she embraced more than a new academic experience. She took on the challenge of building a life across the country, discovering fresh passions and opportunities while preparing for a future in public health.

A public health major with a minor in political science, Evans has balanced a demanding course load with her role as a student-athlete on the Hartwick women’s swimming and diving team, alongside campus involvement and personal interests.

“Maintaining balance is important to my success because I am passionate about many different things and want to give each of them the attention they deserve,” Evans said.

“For me, success is not just about achievements, but also about creating a healthy and fulfilling balance between all the things that matter to me.”

Savannah Evans ’27

Public Health Major, Political Science Minor

Her time at Hartwick has also sharpened her professional focus. This summer, she completed a Baker-Simpson Internship, an immersive internship opportunity made possible through the continued generosity of Simon Baker ’93, with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Contra Costa County, California. Through the experience, Evans gained firsthand insight into mental health advocacy, working directly with transitional-age youth via support groups and non-crisis peer warm lines.

That same drive to make the most of her college years led Evans to accelerate her graduation timeline from 2028 to 2027 after realizing she had more high school transfer credits than expected.

“Hartwick made the transition very manageable because, as a small liberal arts college, I was able to enroll in the courses I needed and had consistent communication with my academic advisor and professors,” Evans said. “Their guidance helped me stay on track academically and confidently adjust my graduation timeline.”

After graduation, Evans plans to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing with the goal of becoming a public health nurse, while remaining active in advocacy and leadership.

Looking back, she said trading the West Coast for Oneonta challenged her to become more independent, adaptable and confident.

“Hartwick has provided me with opportunities to grow as a student and as a person,” Evans said. “These experiences have helped me become the person I am today and prepared me for the next chapter of my life.”

November 13, 2026

Baker-Simpson, Spotlight, Student Spotlight

Learn More About Hartwick

From Service to Campus: Hartwick’s World War II Veterans

The impact of World War II reached every corner of Hartwick College.

DIBA Spotlight: Rebeka Alva ‘27

Rebeka Alva ’27 is majoring in nursing, Spanish, and healthcare administration.

#primary-menu .menu-item-has-children:hover > .sub-menu{display: block;} .animation-carousel .animation-carousel__section .content, .animation-carousel .animation-carousel__section .content .card-block{opacity: 100 !important;} .animation-carousel .animation-carousel__section .content .logos, .footer-badges{display: none !important;}