Interview with Danielle Maxson

Student Life Advisor Danielle Maxson is excited to welcome freshmen to Stevens Institute of Technology. Maxson is a new face in the Stevens community, joining the Office of Student Life earlier this year.

Maxson has always loved New Jersey, having grown up in Bayville. She attended Arcadia University and University of Massachusetts Amherst before finding her way to Stevens. Maxson participated in theatre starting at age 10 up until college. Now, she enjoys going to Broadway shows with the extra benefit that New York is so close by. Her favorite show is Once on this Island.

When it comes to the Stevens community, Maxson loves the openness of the staff and the support her fellow colleagues give her. Maxson defines the Stevens community as one that “helps each other grow and lifts each other up.” She highly values diversity at Stevens and, having studied higher education, has always been interested in connecting with students.

Accordingly, she advises many student organizations, recently concentrating on Orientation and the Entertainment Committee. She looks forward to trying out new activities and events to make Stevens an even better experience for students. For example, freshmen will have the opportunity to learn more from their Peer Leaders, mentors with the combined role of Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor. Freshmen will remain connected with Peer Leaders throughout Orientation and their first semester at Stevens. Maxson describes Peer Leaders as a “go-to person for any advice or help” while freshmen adjust into a new setting.

Regarding her passion, mentorship has always meant a lot to Maxson. One of her first mentors was her brother. Maxson also values the people who pushed her out of her comfort zone. By doing so, she feels like she has grown more into the person she is today. Following that message, Maxson encourages freshmen to step outside of their comfort zones. Whether through joining new clubs or simply talking to new people, taking that leap can help broaden perspectives and stimulate growth. College is a great time for learning ideas you may have never heard and to take chances for the better. Maxson wants to inspire freshmen to find something they really care about. Freshman year can be daunting, but with a little faith and courage, she believes you can start growing into the best version of yourself.