Lydia Cahill: Finding a Home at Greenville University

Published: April 18, 2025

Author: Liz Dowell

For Lydia Cahill, choosing a college was about more than academics—it was about finding a place where she could thrive spiritually, intellectually, and athletically. The Clinton, Illinois, native will soon begin her journey at Greenville University, drawn by its Christ-centered mission, strong English program, and competitive running team.

A PERSONAL GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY CONNECTION

Lydia first heard about Greenville University through friends at her church in Clinton, Illinois, many of whom attended GU. As a student-athlete looking to run cross country and track at the collegiate level, she also discovered that one of her coaches, Leanne Sosamon, was a GU alumna. Leanne encouraged Lydia to consider Greenville. That connection led to a campus visit in November and a return trip for Scholarship Day in February.

"When I first stepped on campus, I thought it was really cool," Lydia recalled. "I had a friend, Emma Boyd, who showed me around, which gave me a personal experience. Everyone was so welcoming and interested in what I wanted to study. Instead of a generic tour, they tailored the experience to me—because I wanted to study English, they showed me specific resources, and because I was a runner, they introduced me to the athletic program. That was really meaningful."

Lydia, a passionate writer, plans to major in English to become an author. "I love fantasy and sci-fi," she shared. "I’m currently working on a novel that’s about 60,000 words so far, but it’s been tough to find time to write with everything going on during senior year. Still, it’s something I love and want to pursue."

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP DAY WINNER

Ultimately, GU’s Scholarship Day solidified her decision. Not only did she feel at home on campus, but she also earned a full-tuition scholarship, making GU the most financially viable option. "I was already leaning toward Greenville, but after Scholarship Day went so well, that confirmed it for me," she said.

GU’s Vespers, a weekly student-led worship service, left a lasting impact. "I knew I wanted to attend a Christian college, and Vespers showed me that Greenville isn’t just a school with Christian values—it actively lives them out," she explained. "That was a huge factor in my decision."

As she prepares to embark on this new chapter, Lydia is excited about the opportunities ahead. "Greenville met all three of my biggest college criteria: a Christian environment, the ability to run competitively, and a strong English program. I can’t wait to be part of the community and grow in all these areas."

With her passion for storytelling and a clear vision for her future, Lydia is ready to rise up and embrace all that Greenville University offers.