EPCHS Alum In The Spotlight: Isabel O’Toole, Class Of 2015

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — When Isabel O’Toole entered the world of college admissions as a recent college graduate in 2019, the Evergreen Park Community High School alum knew she wanted to make an impact.

“Looking back, I think my time at EPCHS planted the seed for that,” said O’Toole, a member of the EPCHS Class of 2015. “The teachers and mentors who supported me and shared their own experiences showed me how meaningful it is when someone believes in you. That feeling is likely what led me to this path.”

Many of the teachers O’Toole remembers so well are still guiding the students at EPCHS today. She specifically mentioned Mrs. McArthur, Ms. Papasideris, Mrs. Allgaier, Mr. Mikulskis and Señora Shields.

“I really looked up to them and appreciated it when they shared their life experiences in the classroom,” O’Toole said. “Each of them taught me so much more than just the class material; they served as role models, too.”

O’Toole has worked in college admissions since graduating from college herself at Eastern Illinois University in 2019. Currently as a regional admissions counselor for the University of Memphis, O’Toole supports first-year and transfer students in the Midwest and Northeast as they navigate the college search and application process.

“Being a regional counselor means I live in the area where I recruit, rather than having a physical office on campus, which allows me to be fully immersed in my recruitment territory,” O’Toole said. “I represent the UofM at college fairs and high schools, answer questions about academics, scholarships, financial aid, and campus life, and guide students from their first inquiry through enrollment.

“Essentially, my role is to be the face of the University of Memphis in my region, while also reviewing applications and helping plan recruitment events in Chicago and Memphis.”

Among her recent recruitment events was a College Fair held right here at her high school alma mater. The visit offered O’Toole an additional opportunity to reminisce about the many great memories she has of her time as an Evergreen Park Mustang student.

“What I remember most from my time at EPCHS are the lifelong friendships I was lucky enough to create,” she said. “I loved attending home athletic events and cheering on the Mustangs with my friends, going to school dances, playing sports, and even meeting my now husband. I truly remember just having the best time and creating so many great memories that have shaped me into who I am today.”

O’Toole was an involved student at EPCHS, having competed in volleyball and soccer and was a member of the school’s International Club.

“Being part of the International Club was meaningful to me because I’ve always had a particular interest in different cultures, and it was a great way to experience them through food,” she said. “Señora Shields also ran the International Club at the time, which motivated me to join.”

Life lessons, and lifelong friendships, were also picked up along the way as a Mustang volleyball and soccer player.

“I was an average athlete, but I gained so much more than just technical skills,” O’Toole said. “I learned leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Balancing school, sports, a part-time job, and homework gave me a strong foundation in organization and time management that really helped me in college. But more importantly, our teams experienced a lot of highs and lows, and I learned how to be resilient. Even in seasons when we weren’t conference champions, we walked away with invaluable lessons and a sense of perseverance that has stayed with me ever since.”

O’Toole’s career path began as an on-campus admissions counselor at Eastern Illinois, where she recruited first-year students throughout central Illinois. She was later promoted to senior regional admissions counselor, which allowed her to move back to the Chicago area.

“If you ask most people in college admissions whether they expected to end up in this field, the answer is usually no, and I am no different,” she said. “When I started working in admissions in 2019, my plan was to stay for a year or two, gain some experience, maybe pursue a master’s degree, and eventually transition into corporate America. But once I got started, I fell in love with the field of higher education.”

In 2023, O’Toole moved on to a role as regional assistant director of admissions for the University of Maine, recruiting throughout the Southeast region and living in Florida at the time.

She’s now back in Chicagoland as a regional admissions counselor for the University of Memphis, where she supports out-of-state recruitment efforts across the Midwest and Northeast.

Her goal is to continue learning and growing within the field of higher education while staying curious and open to new experiences.

“I hope my journey inspires others to follow their passions, too,” she said.