This story is featured in the 2023 edition of the HPU Magazine.
Featured above: The Clos family celebrated the start of Lyndsey’s freshman year at HPU’s Convocation Ceremony in 2015. Pictured above, from left to right, are Ally, Danielle, Lyndsey, Hayley, Riley and Randy Clos.
Parents love and appreciate HPU’s valued-based education and dedication to preparing students for a life of success and significance.
The Clos family is just one of many who are proud of their family’s decision to choose HPU. Danielle and Randy Clos are the proud parents of three HPU students: Lyndsey Clos, a Class of 2019 graduate who majored in political science and is now a global lead development representative on the GovTech/EdTech team at Amazon Web Services; Riley Clos, a Class of 2025 business administration major; and Ally Clos, a Class of 2027 Presidential Scholar and L.I.F.T. Fellow studying communications.
From Vermont, they first visited HPU when their oldest daughter Lyndsey heard about the school from her high school guidance counselor. Lyndsey had planned to go to a university in a big city, but when she toured HPU, she fell in love. And so did her whole family.
As experienced parents who have seen their students transform during their time at The Premier Life Skills University, Danielle and Randy share what they think future HPU parents need to know.
Q: What makes HPU stand out from other universities?
When we first saw the campus, we were in awe. We felt like we were on a movie set and still do every time we’re on campus. But what really stood out to us from our first campus visit was the hands-on approach by faculty to meet with Lyndsey — they allowed her to sit in on a class and talked to her over lunch. Beyond the beautiful campus, the value of instilling the principle of “To whom much is given, much is required,” along with other core values and the focus on life skills set HPU apart. From the dedication of HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein and his entire team, to the university’s programs, facilities and most importantly, students, was clearly put forth with the utmost professionalism.
Q: How did values play a role in choosing a university?
We have always been a tight-knit family and instilled in our children the lessons of working hard to achieve the highest level of success possible. We found HPU to be closely aligned with our values and guidance for taking initiative, putting forth one’s best effort, and realizing new levels of success with grace and humility — more than any other institution that we researched with our children. HPU is leagues ahead when it comes to affording young adults opportunities to take initiative and participate in real-world situations.
Lyndsey, ’19, right, and Riley Clos, ’25, left, are pictured on Lyndsey’s graduation day in 2019, after receiving HPU’s Outstanding Senior Award.
Q: How have you seen your students transform during their time at HPU?
At HPU, Lyndsey was enabled and encouraged to spread her wings and soar to new heights. We wanted her to be focused on her studies, but her HPU experience became much more. She engulfed herself in campus life and student committees, and she welcomed leadership roles and responsibilities beyond what we had seen prior to her HPU experience, such as being president of the Student Government Association. Her
impressive experience led all three of her younger siblings to apply to HPU.
Our second Panther, Riley, is thriving within the business administration program. Riley was 12 when his big sister started college, and he began letting us know that he had his sights set on HPU. He is very appreciative of the faculty-to-student ratio that enables him to stay closely connected with his professors. He also enjoys getting involved — from playing intramural sports, to attending sporting events, Greek Life and business curriculum events that teach valuable skills for succeeding in the professional world.
Q: How would you describe HPU’s campus culture?
The campus culture is best described as active, upbeat, positive, engaging, caring, inspirational and constantly evolving. It’s a magical place. It’s a supportive environment bustling with activity. Students can grab a free snack at a kiosk or a weekly food truck, dine at one of HPU’s fine-dining learning labs, catch a ballgame in the Qubein Arena, sit by a fire pit or even go ice skating. There are so many ways to get involved and connect with other students. All the quotes and historical statues
round campus give inspiration and encourage students to dream big!
Q: What would you tell parents and high school students who are considering HPU?
We would tell parents that their child will be in good hands and living in an incredible environment, surrounded by people who are dedicated to their success. To the high school students, you will be given opportunities and have access to mentors and some of the most influential innovators of our time, all while living in an incredible, supportive environment.