Hooe’s Pacific Partnership 2010 Places Him Onboard USNS Mercy

College of Science and Mathematics

Ben Hooe of Iuka, Ill., a double major in biomedical sciences and chemistry, will graduate in May 2011 after a university career jam-packed with classes, student organizations and internships.

Ben recently participated in an internship with Pacific Partnership 2010.

Based on board the USNS Mercy—a naval hospital ship, Ben sailed through Southeast Asia serving as a humanitarian medical assistant. The ship provides cost-free medical assistance to citizens of Vietnam and Cambodia.

“I was able to gain real-world knowledge and skills in both traditional and field medicines, by working beside primary care physicians, surgeons, nurses and pharmacists,” Ben said.

The ship’s mission statement also includes fostering international cooperation.

“Pacific Partnership 2010 was a collaboration among all branches of the U.S. armed forces, non-governmental organizations and civilian volunteers,” he said.  “The United Kingdom, France, Australia, Singapore and Canada were the countries that were represented while I was on board.”

While giving him the real-life experience working in the medical profession, the trip also allowed Ben to explore his love for travel.

“I love to travel,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of architecture and natural landscapes, and I have yet to be disappointed by a destination.  I would like to see all seven continents in my lifetime.” 

Ben plans to attend medical school and he says his experiences away from school have bolstered his education at Southeast.

“I have had the freedom and ability to explore my interests without feeling like I’ve stretched myself too thin,” Ben said. “I am confident that my coursework has successfully prepared me for medical school.  Southeast’s science curriculum provides a hands-on learning approach that makes classes interesting, educational and practical.”

Ben holds down a 4.0 grade point average while serving as president of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, co-president of the Student Alumni Association, vice president  of the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, and his second term as Student Government vice president. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Delta and Beta Beta Beta honor societies, as well as Presidential Ambassadors.

During the school year Ben, a Governor’s Scholar, works for Campus Life as a Greek Life assistant.  He is responsible for maintaining the rosters for all social Greek-letter organizations, as well as generating grade reports and verifying new member eligibility. In 2009, he worked as the Camps and Conferences intern for Campus Life at Southeast.

When asked about his busy schedule Ben said, “My favorite memories from Southeast stem from my involvement on campus.  I love the feeling of being involved, of having the opportunity to make a positive impact on my surroundings.”

Ben’s advice to current and future students is to get involved.

"Almost every opportunity I have been presented with at Southeast has its origins in organizational involvement,” he said. “No matter what your hobbies or interests are, there is an organization for you on campus; get involved, network yourself and take advantage of every opportunity you come across.”