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Meet Your Admissions Counselor > Lori McDonnell

Lori McDonnell

Regional Admissions Counselor

863.680.3943 | Email Lori | Become friends with Lori on Facebook

Where are you from?
Baltimore, Maryland

What do you enjoy most about working in FSC's Office of Admissions?
Working with all out-of-state students provides a great opportunity to expose them to something new and different in Florida. Parents are always surprised that we actually offer an exceptional education, and not just a vacation.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?
That's a toss-up—either the tire swing on President Kerr's front lawn or the Business Building's small little student lounge (we had lots of good memories cramming for exams in that lounge!).

What's the best tradition or campus event at Florida Southern?
Swimming in the Water Dome as a senior—and after that, graduation.

Describe a perfect day in Lakeland.
Ohhh, Sunday's are the best! We'd start with church at Trinity downtown, followed by a nice, unhealthy breakfast at the one and only Fat Jacks on South Florida—the best breakfast around. Then, we would throw on comfy clothes and head (cameras in hand) to Circle B Reserve. The walk around the reserve is full of gorgeous birds, sly alligators, beautiful butterflies, and other unique wildlife! After a great afternoon walk, we would go to Lakeside Village for dinner at Fish City Grill. (Brian, the owner there, does a fantastic job!) That would be followed by a make-your-own dessert at Yogurt Mountain…yum! We would end the night with the latest movie at Cobb Theaters.

Any favorite restaurants or hangouts in Lakeland?
In my book, you have a favorite for each meal of the day, so… Fat Jack's takes the prize for breakfast. Hands down, they are the real deal! Fish City Grill is my favorite choice for lunch, and I recommend it to all who visit. (Go for the Crab Cake sandwich with a side of Old Bay Waffle Fries.) For dinner—or anytime, really—Palace Pizza is a great place to go with friends and split one of their amazingly-large White Pizza's and a side of garlic knots. End the day with Mitchell's for dessert: Coco-Cola Cake, enough said.

TERRITORY

Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia

MUSIC I LOVE

The Black Keys, Mumford & Sons, Madonna, Dave Matthews Band, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, U2, Pearl Jam

BOOKS I LOVE

The Kite Runner, Quiet Strength, 50 Shades of Grey, Getting to Yes, The Giving Tree

MOVIES I LOVE

Braveheart, Anchorman, Old School, The Hangover, The Bodyguard, Boondock Saints, Step Brothers

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Bachelor's in Marketing and Financial Management and a minor in Public Relations and Advertising from Florida Southern College

FAVORITE QUOTES

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who will mind do not matter and those who matter will not mind" "Gym, tan, laundry." "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing—that's why we recommend it daily."

What about hobbies or outside interests?
I love anything to do with the outdoors! I like sports and am a huge football fan, both NFL and college. I love traveling…just take me anywhere! I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, volunteering in the community, cooking, climbing, hiking, running, kickboxing, and yoga. I'm a yoga junkie.

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I am actually really sensitive. I think most people think I'm just sarcastic and witty, but I am a really loyal friend and take my relationships with people very seriously. I analyze everything and take forever to make a decision.

Other interesting facts?
I eat a Reese's peanut butter cup every single day, usually before 11 a.m. I climbed a 15,000-ft. mountain when I was 18. I went to a Division I college on a soccer scholarship. Elizabeth Martin is my best friend—tied with my mom. My grandfather was the team physician for the Baltimore Colts and the Baltimore Orioles. I am a certified rock climbing instructor. And I secretly want to date Kevin Costner.

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About Florida Southern

Recognized as one of the nation’s top private colleges, Florida Southern features the most beautiful campus in the country (according to The Princeton Review), distinctive guarantees you won’t find at other schools, and a great location in Lakeland, Florida—less than an hour from Tampa and Orlando. Apply today!

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111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801

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