When Ruchen Blaauw (’24) opened his recruitment to schools in the United States, he had no idea what God had in store for him. A native of Cape Town, South Africa, and a standout track and field athlete, Blaauw initially connected with a state school in North Carolina through a friend. However, after conversations with the coach, Blaauw realized it was not the best fit for him and began to look elsewhere. That is when the door to Montreat College opened.
Arriving at Montreat in January of 2022, Blaauw initially pursued a degree in education, inspired by a teacher back home who encouraged his potential in running. After a few classes, however, he realized that teaching was not his calling. Remembering his enjoyment of accounting classes, Blaauw decided to change direction and major in accounting.
Throughout his journey, several professors have played a pivotal role in shaping his academic experience. He specifically credits Dr. Tate Fegley for guiding him through his transition between majors, ensuring he remained on track for graduation. Additionally, Professor Timothy Shanahan, Assistant Professor of Business, became a mentor, meeting with Blaauw weekly and investing in his personal and professional growth.
On the track, Ruchen quickly made his mark. In his first year as a Cavalier, Blaauw earned two all-conference nominations for outdoor track, won the 800m sprint at the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) outdoor conference meet, and qualified for nationals in the 1500m and the 4x800m relay. With so much early success in college, Blaauw was devastated when he sustained a back injury.
Throughout his young life, Blaauw admitted that he found his identity in his times and performances on the oval. However, the injury forced him to step back and realize that his worth wasn’t defined by his results. While it seemed like the end of the world at the moment, the pause allowed Blaauw to begin pouring into the people around him and his relationship with God. He surrendered his desire to control everything and instead began to rely on God to be his source for everything. Blaauw believes that if he had been at any other school, his experience would not have had such a transformative impact.
Following his recovery, Blaauw returned to competition stronger than ever, qualifying for nationals five more times across cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. Over his final two years, he secured six more all-conference titles and earned NAIA Indoor Track All-American honors in 2024.
Beyond athletics and academics, Montreat College gave Blaauw many lasting treasures. At Montreat, Blaauw formed numerous lifelong friendships and met his wife, Emma. Blaauw was also given an incredible internship opportunity with Rasberry-Devan Consulting, a firm that specifically serves non-profits. That internship turned into a full-time position as a staff accountant, a role for which he feels well-prepared thanks to his Montreat education. The rigorous, individualized nature of the program helped him take ownership of his learning and deeply understand the concepts.
Overall, Blaauw deeply appreciates Montreat College for the way it shaped him. He encourages current and future students to slow down and be intentional in their education and relationships.
“Getting an education matters, but do not do it alone,” he advised. “Take the time to build lasting relationships. There are many lessons to be learned in this transition season that will shape you into who you are moving forward.”
