When fourth-year student Milana Sacco first stepped foot on campus, she knew right away that Case Western Reserve was the perfect fit for her. It was the only university she found that accommodated her academic aspirations: a bachelor’s degree in business management with a secondary major in theater arts.
She expects to complete both this spring.
Driven by her passion for the arts, Sacco connected with the Department of Theater and the CWRU Footlighters, a student-run musical theater club, where she recently starred as Elle Woods for the university’s adaption of Legally Blonde.
Beyond her studies, Sacco was inspired by CWRU’s motto to “think beyond the possible”—a philosophy that resonated with her own values—and became heavily involved on campus.
As an active participant of the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning’s (CCEL), Sacco serves on the center’s executive council, works as a student office assistant, leads a Semester Serves program for the AdvantageCLE program, and is part of the Civic Engagement Scholars program. Additionally, she is also a member of the Case Concert Choir, Newman Campus Ministries and CWRUVotes.
“I love the emphasis CWRU places on being well rounded,” said Sacco, who was awarded the Robin G. Kramer Student Volunteer Award in 2023 for her commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement. “My experiences have brought this to life, and it is something I want to continue through my life.”
But Sacco isn’t all work and no play. She recalled her favorite undergraduate memory during the 2023 homecoming weekend, when she was selected for homecoming court. During this time, she had the opportunity to perform with the Case Concert Choir, see The Wiz at Playhouse Square with the CWRU Footlighters and reconnect with friends who are now CWRU alumni.
“Each year, homecoming weekend highlights the best and most important parts of CWRU, and I was honored to be able to participate,” Sacco said. “I loved meeting the other court members and attending all of the different events. The homecoming tailgate is something I looked forward to each year and this year my entire family was able to attend as well—even my poodle, Eloise.”
Outside of her studies and volunteerism, Sacco operates Made by Milana, a small business that specializes in homemade baked goods and handmade apparel. And in her free time, she enjoys reading fantasy and romance novels and playing with Eloise.