Ethan DeKam '21
Ethan DeKam lost his father to cancer when he was 13. And since then, the Saint John’s University senior has had a clear idea of what he wants his own future to entail.
“That obviously was something that had a really big impact on my life,” he said. “The members of the medical profession who took care of him took care of our entire family as well. They were there for us at a very difficult time. And that really motivated me. I wanted to be able to give back like that to others.
“Hopefully, becoming a physician assistant is a career path that will allow me to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
DeKam has been able to pursue that goal at Saint John’s, where he is a biology major on a pre-physician assistant track with a minor in psychology. He’s also a Health Initiative Facilitator on campus, and is currently the team captain on the SJU EMT Squad.
Ethan DeKam '21
“Being part of the EMT Squad has been an amazing opportunity,” the Owatonna (Minnesota) High School graduate said. “If you want to get into grad school to become a physician assistant, it’s good if you can show a lot of patient care experience. I’m on call 20-24 hours a week to respond to any medical emergency that happens on the Saint John’s campus.”
Those who work with DeKam come away deeply impressed.
“Ethan is our team captain this year and he’s been able to help recruit and retain more EMTs than in any of the previous years that I’ve been here,” said Allen Skochenski, who oversees the SJU EMT Squad. “With COVID, we expected our numbers to go down. Instead, we have our biggest squad yet. And that’s thanks to Ethan.
“Not only that, but he’s been able to keep everyone connected and engaged because of his really strong communication skills.”
In addition to those duties, DeKam has found time to sing in Johnnie Blend, the school’s acapella vocal group. And, in the fall of 2019, he studied abroad in Austria.
“He’s one of the most self-motivated people and leaders I’ve ever run across,” Skochenski said.
His father’s death left his mother a single parent with three sons to put through college. DeKam said scholarships helped make the Saint John’s experience an affordable option. He receives the Francis and Helen Jordan and Jere and Sylvia Knight Scholarships, a President’s Scholarship and a Recognition Scholarship.
“It’s unbelievable, really, how much financial aid was available,” said DeKam, whose older brother graduated from Wisconsin-River Falls and whose younger brother is currently enrolled at Gustavus.
Ethan DeKam '21
“My mom never made us feel like money was a factor. She always said we’d find a way to go where we wanted to go regardless. But the scholarships I received took a big load off. They really made it possible for me to focus on pursuing the things I wanted to pursue.”
First and foremost on that list is finding a way to make an impact on the lives of others.
“That’s what Saint John’s is about really,” DeKam said. “People don’t just come here for the name. It’s about becoming a member of this community.
“I think Saint John’s finds you more than you find it. The people who are drawn to this place want to make a difference and be part of the community that’s been built here over the years.”