Christopher Dennis talks criminal justice and his internship with government

This week Finlandia Fridays sits down with criminal justice student and Houghton native Christopher Dennis. After his tenure with the Marines, Dennis was looking for a way to make an impact on the community and remain a leader. His decision was to attend Finlandia University and become heavily involved with campus clubs and other events such as local tutoring. Dennis has recently accepted a unique internship working with the Consumer Financial Protection Agency.

Per requirement to the criminal justice program here at Finlandia, every student must complete a capstone project. This can be in the form of a research project or in Dennis’ case an internship. Rather that focus on research, he decided to take his talents to an internship setting. With this, he will log his day-to-day activities in a journal, then form a paper around his findings. Lastly, he will present what he has learned and his experiences to a board of faculty.

Going into the criminal justice program Dennis had his sights set on becoming a police officer. As he progressed through the program he realized that he wasn’t limited to strictly police type work, there was much more he could do with his degree. “Rather than become a police officer or a correctional officer, I could go into social work, victims advocate programs and other things of that nature,” said Dennis. This all would have been impossible without the mentoring of Dr. Gee. Dennis notes that his guidance really helped him along the way in his studies. “The faculty genuinely cares about their students at Finlandia University, that’s what makes it so unique,” said Dennis.

Dennis was always interested in being a leader and he notes that the Marines really helped him develop his leadership skills. This is something he wanted to bring to the community and Finlandia University. Dennis continues to use these skills around campus. He is heavily involved with tutoring students on campus, Finlandia’s Honor Society and helping found the criminal justice club.

Tutoring and learning center

The Tutoring and Learning Center offers all Finlandia students free tutoring for help in general education courses, and many upper-level courses. The TLC also offers peer and professional tutoring, study skill workshops, study groups, computer literacy development and the use of a small computer lab.

Peer tutors are recommended by faculty and selected through the work-study program. Professional tutors hold bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctoral degrees in their fields, and have professional teaching and/or tutoring experience. Finlandia University faculty members utilize the TLC to provide students with study aids such as classroom reserve material, review sheets, and past exams.

The TLC is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is located in Nikander 10. Call (906) 487-7255 with any questions.

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