Heidelberg University is a community, a family, comprised of as many personalities as there are people. With our “5 Things to Know” blog, you’ll get to know some of them. You’ll learn about their Heidelberg experience and other informative, fun – even quirky – anecdotes. Together, they tell the Heidelberg story.
Written by Kaylea Bowers, '19
Marques Johnson is a junior from Belleville, Michigan, with a popular music major. He transferred to Heidelberg his Sophomore year and has since involved himself in a wide range of organizations on campus. As a member of the Concert Choir and the Marching Band, Marques could be considered a “jack-of-all-trades” in the music industry.
Intentional Involvement
Even as an active member of the track & field team, Marques enjoys being involved in so many other activities because of the relationships he is able to build with people he maybe wouldn’t have met otherwise. He says he is “thankful for the opportunity to be able to open myself up to new experiences” even though he is on an athletic team. As a part of the band, the choir, the track team, his fraternity Sigma Tau Nu, and Black Student Union, Marques has been able to meet all kinds of new people and do so many different things.
More than a cookout
During the fall semester, the Black Student Union held a cookout event that stands out to Marques as one of his favorite events at Heidelberg. The organization held a “welcome back” event and invited all of campus to join them. Marques loved it because he enjoys seeing everyone come together and welcoming new students to join the Heidelberg family.
Music maestro
Marques has found a second home in Brenneman Music Hall, where he spends many hours rehearsing. He began playing instruments in band in the fifth grade and has not stopped since. He sings and also plays the tuba, the french horn, the baritone, the euphonium and the saxophone. His talent does not stop there! Marques is currently working on learning two new instruments: the ukulele and the clarinet.
Side-hustle
In the freetime that Marques has, he enjoys cutting hair. It wasn’t until he arrived at Heidelberg that he realized he could be a barber. He started cutting his own hair to save money and, all of a sudden, friends started asking for him to cut theirs as well. He plans on becoming a certified barber in case he wants to pursue it later in life. “My first-ever haircut on someone else was so nerve-wracking,” Marques laughs, “I was shaking, because I was so afraid of messing up. I didn’t tell him it was my first-ever haircut until it was over, and his jaw dropped because he was so impressed!”
Shoe fanatic
Marques LOVES shoes. He prides himself in his growing sneaker collection. Right now, he’s the proud owner of 18 pairs of sneakers - his favorite being the Jordan Retro 11 Cool Grey. He’s always on the lookout for the next new pair. Marques explains, “Springtime is my favorite time, because I can bring my kicks back out of their boxes to enjoy the sun with me.”