Erik Villar Sáenz, ’23, Shares His Post-traditional Journey
If Erik Villar Sáenz, ’23, could give post-traditional college students a piece of advice, it would be that it is never too late to return to school and reimagine your dreams.
“No one has the power to stop you,” Villar Sáenz said. “As an immigrant and post-traditional student, I can say that it is an honor to be part of the great institution of NIU. But I feel prouder that I was able
to achieve my degree and could show my children that their
dad never gave up completing his degree.”
Today, after earning his B.S. in business administration in 2023, Villar Sáenz works
as a sanitation supervisor at Campbell’s Snack Inc., in Beloit, Wisconsin. It’s a profound job title for him, as he started his career 24 years ago after dropping out of high school. Since then, he has held roles in sanitation, quality and food safety departments at food processing companies, including BrightFarms, Smithfield Foods and TH Foods.
“One of the things that I like about my current job at Campbell’s Snack is that it gives me the opportunity to apply all my knowledge acquired over all those years in different roles, and I can say that Campbell’s Snack is a great company for those who want to grow up with the company,” he said.
Villar Sáenz noted that his NIU College of Business education prepared him to be able to face any situation in his work environment in the best professional way.
“At the same time, NIU taught me to be able to develop the potential that I did not have before starting my academic career here at NIU,” he said. But Villar Sáenz’s story began long before stepping foot on the DeKalb campus. He was born in Aldama, Tamaulipas, Mexico — a small town known for its beauty, agricultural production and vital fishing industry. He came to the United States in October 2000, living and attending high school in Wenatchee, Washington.
“I came to the U.S. to visit a relative for some time, but life takes us on some unexpected paths, and I had the opportunity to attend high school and eventually started working here,” he said.
“The most satisfying part of my
education here at NIU is that I felt
NIU was like my second home.”
— Erik Villar Sáenz
In 2001, after struggling to learn the English language, Villar Sáenz decided to quit high school during his senior year, opting to move to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and working at Fazoli’s Italian Restaurant as a cook and dishwasher.
“After dropping out of high school and working over 15 years, I made one of the best decisions of my life — to work on completing my high school education and deciding to get my GED [diploma],” he said. As a full-time sanitation supervisor at PSSI Sanitation Solutions (now Fortex) in Rochelle, Illinois, Villar Sáenz then took classes part time at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois. He earned his associate degree in science there in three years.
Next, Villar Sáenz had several opportunities to attend different universities to achieve his
undergraduate degree, but he chose NIU because he was impressed with what
the college could offer.
“It was one of the best business schools in the state,” he said. “I can say that I improved
my reading and writing skills a lot and practiced public speaking in the English language during the time that I attended NIU.”
As a Huskie, Villar Sáenz earned his B.S. in business administration with an emphasis in finance and marketing in just two years. Most of his team projects in management classes helped him to strengthen his skills in professionally managing others in the workplace.
“For example, there was a simulation project in MGMT 468 where they taught us how we can manage a company,” he recalled. “This project taught me how to make decisions based on the results of the company during the year.” One of the biggest benefits of the program was that he was able to increase his knowledge in his field. Even with 24 years of experience in sanitation, NIU was able to take his business understanding to a new level.
Soon after earning his undergraduate degree, Villar Sáenz began working at Campbell’s Snack, and he also decided to enroll in NIU’s MBA program. He is slowly taking courses and is on track to graduate in 2027.
“My vision for the future was always to be able to achieve my bachelor’s degree and be able to apply all the knowledge I have acquired over the years in the food manufacturing business with an organization that aligns with my goals and values. Through NIU’s program, I was able to focus and accomplish this.”
“The most satisfying part of my education here at NIU is that I felt NIU was like my second home,” he said. “I enjoy the atmosphere and how its students feel encouraged to be part of this university.” One piece of advice Villar Sáenz would give to NIU students, especially to the first-generation students, is to learn as much as possible from all that NIU offers.
“Look for something that not only interests you but motivates you and that will help you reach your full potential. Take advantage of all the opportunities and resources available for students,” Villar Sáenz said. “Also, Huskies should always feel proud of our roots and where we came from. With dedication and discipline, you can succeed in everything you set your mind to.”
In fact, he believes in the transformative nature of an NIU education so much that he now comes back to campus to mentor current students. “I have always felt NIU like part of me. I felt that NIU was like my second home. It is always an honor to come to NIU and help students achieve their goals,” he said.
