Factoring In Passions and Finding Purpose
From solving equations to directing plays to composing his own music, secondary education mathematics major and theatre arts education minor Maddux Masopust ‘26 is making the most of his time at Elmhurst University, combining an aptitude for numbers with a love of the arts at a school that allows him to do it all.
The Right Fit
When it came time to choose a college, Elmhurst stood out to Masopust after a recommendation from his high school band teacher.
“He told me to try applying to Elmhurst because it has good music, theatre and education programs, and those were the three things I wanted to do,” Masopust says. “Elmhurst gave me an opportunity and I’m glad I took it because I love it here.” The interconnectedness of various subjects and fields at Elmhurst provides students with a comprehensive curriculum and the professional preparation needed for them to develop versatile skill sets and thrive in their careers.
Masopust first stepped foot on campus for a spring open house during his senior year of high school.
“It’s a gorgeous campus—seeing it in the springtime, especially—and its proximity to home, and me being admitted, that’s what did it,” says Masopust, of Beach Park, Ill.
A Sum of Many Talents and Interests
Since arriving at Elmhurst, Masopust has immersed himself in all that the University has to offer, academically and beyond.
Between a full load of classes and tons of extracurriculars, Masopust easily fills his schedule, whether he’s at a teaching placement helping to instruct high school algebra students, playing the saxophone (an instrument he first took up in the fourth grade) in one of the music department’s jazz combos or acting in a production.
Masopust has been involved in theatre for close to 10 years and has also been a part of 10 Elmhurst productions so far. He wears multiple hats as an actor, director and even composer. Most recently, he’s been using the University’s on-campus, fully equipped, high-tech Gretsch Recording Studio to write an original rock soundtrack for an upcoming show.
He’s also been able to take a wide range of classes. “Bouncing back and forth between math and theatre is definitely a shift because the departments are very different, so half my day is spent with one crowd and half with another, and then my evenings are spent with a third, so I’m really getting a lot of different experiences here and I’m enjoying the opportunities that I’ve been given,” Masopust says. This well-rounded perspective has led him to develop creative problem-solving strategies and a can-do teaching philosophy that he plans to bring to his students when he has his own classroom.
“With math specifically, the teacher needs to be knowledgeable and passionate about what their students are learning, and they need to make sure the students understand that they can do it, because so many of them will just believe that they can’t, and the first step to learning is to believe that they can,” he says.
Masopust’s busy days and strong involvement on campus are proof of his commitment to education and service. As both a Golden Apple Scholar and a Noyce Scholar (in STEM), he’s preparing to teach in a high-need school in Illinois, gaining valuable experience and earning financial support through scholarships.
Supportive Professors and a Strong Community
When he needs a break from his studies, Masopust makes sure to leave time for fun through activities like game nights with his friends and even participating in improv comedy, balancing academics with creative and social outlets.
One of Masopust’s favorite parts of being an Elmhurst student is the close, tight-knit community he’s discovered here. He’s seen students across different departments connect easily and build each other up. He has these support systems to lean on and into, so he knows he’ll never be alone along his journey.
“It’s already a small school, but within the specific departments and schools you really get a tight-knit group you can share similar ideals with, and that’s really nice for bouncing ideas off of each other, but also because of the coursework you need to take,” Masopust says. “You also get these tastes of all these other groups of people, and then you’ll make your own connections with them—so I’ve had the opportunity to bond with the theatre department, and the music department, and the math department, and it’s almost completely different people, so it’s really nice that I’m able to experience different beliefs and understandings of the world and their own opinions.” Elmhurst’s diverse, inclusive student body is a testament to the University’s commitment to giving students the confidence to step into leadership roles and advance their futures.
Masopust has especially appreciated the support of faculty members like his mathematics professors, who bring real-world experience into the classroom; and acting professor Andrew Behling, whose mentorship has made a lasting impact.
“He’s completely changed the way I view acting and being a part of a theatre atmosphere—he’s incredibly talented and caring,” Masopust says. “In music, there are so many upperclassmen that I’ve gotten to watch and learn from and spend quality friend time that is really, really beautiful. And then I’ve had some math professors here who are so passionate and knowledgeable that it’s fun to pick their brain and see what they know and have experienced, since many of them have published papers and met some really cool people. In each of my areas, I’m always learning something new.” As active scholars and practitioners in their fields, Elmhurst’s engaged faculty impart best practices to their students and help them make professional connections.
A Formula for Success
With senior year approaching and student teaching on the horizon, Masopust looks forward to embracing the future and beginning his next chapter. He credits Elmhurst’s hands-on approach to learning and mentorship with preparing him not only to enter the classroom, but to thrive in it.
After graduating, Masopust plans to teach high school math—his favorite subjects are Algebra II through Calculus I—and stay involved in the performing arts by helping out with after-school theater programs.
Masopust has made countless connections by joining as many activities as he could, and encourages other Elmhurst students to do the same by taking full advantage of what Elmhurst has to offer them.
“Finding even something small that you can do outside of your classwork, whether it be joining an organization or a fraternity/sorority, doing a play, joining an ensemble, is a great way to meet people, and those people will make your experience that much better,” he says.
Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step towards your future.