Will Settlage, a senior at Colorado State University, has made the most of his time at CSU through his academic excellence, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections.

Will Settlage smiling in a blue windowpane pattern suit with light blue shirt and polka dot tie, standing against a wooden geometric paneled wall.
Senior Will Settlage is a Communication Studies major with a Film Studies minor.

Settlage initially discovered CSU through the Bridge to Bachelor’s transfer program, seeking to build upon his community college foundation in Communication Studies while pursuing new interests in media studies and rhetoric. A pivotal campus visit with Dr. Nick Marx solidified his decision to join CSU.

“It is no exaggeration that as soon as I stepped on campus, I felt right at home; CSU faculty, administrators, and staff were always taking that extra step to help, no small accomplishment on a campus this large,” Settlage shared.

As a Communication Studies major with a Film Studies minor, Settlage particularly valued the program’s flexibility and diverse course offerings. He explored classes across film, rhetoric, visual communication, history, and liberal arts, building relationships with professors in the department and across the College of Liberal Arts.

His time at CSU has been transformative, pushing him to “do quality research, to begin thinking about how theory informs practice, to write more persuasively, and to develop effective public-speaking skills.” His academic excellence was recognized with his induction into CSU’s Mu Sigma Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Honor Society, in Fall 2024.

Settlage has distinguished himself through his involvement with the ACT Human Rights Film Festival, where he served as the Student Volunteer Coordinator. This role complemented his Practicum in Film Festivals, allowing him to help ensure the festival’s smooth operation. His leadership extended to Through the Student Lens, further demonstrating his passion for film and media studies.

“Will is a thoughtful colleague, a generous mentor to his peers, and a future leader,” said Dr. Marx, who worked closely with Settlage throughout his time at CSU. “We are so lucky to have him as part of our community.”

wo students smiling and standing in a doorway, wearing matching black t-shirts promoting human rights. One person has pink hair and a shirt reading 'YOUR RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS' while the other person points to their ACT Human Rights Film Festival shirt that says 'HUMAN RIGHTS BELONG TO EVERYONE.' A green exit sign glows above them.
Will Settlage and fellow ACT Human Rights Film Festival Student Leader, Worner Clark, at this year’s kickoff party.

For incoming students, Settlage offers this advice: “Get to know the people in your department as soon as you can. Take classes from a variety of professors, introduce yourself at department and college functions, volunteer for special projects, and do not be afraid to join the conversations in class.”

He emphasizes the importance of engaging with professors during office hours and maintaining class attendance. “Most important, go to class because that lecture or class discussion is an opportunity to learn something new and to benefit from the guidance of someone who is brilliant and passionate about the subject,” Settlage said.

The Department of Communication Studies is proud to announce that Will Settlage will serve as the student speaker at the department recognition ceremony on May 17.

Reflecting on his journey, Settlage remarked, “CSU has given me a solid place to stand while I imagine who I want to be.”

Settlage’s story exemplifies how students can thrive in the Communication Studies program through active engagement, passionate curiosity, and meaningful contributions to the CSU community.