A passionate runner growing up in Cherokee, Iowa, Jaden’s decision to attend Morningside came down to the summer before his freshman year. “I chose Morningside in June,” Jaden recalls. Running was a key factor, as was the guidance of Coach Nash and the appeal of Morningside’s diverse liberal arts programs. “Looking back, it was absolutely the right choice.”

Starting undecided in his major, Jaden immersed himself in Morningside’s wide array of classes, from biology to philosophy, eventually landing on communications as his academic focus during his sophomore year. That decision proved to be pivotal, laying the foundation for his current work in social media and corporate strategy.

While academics were a key part of Jaden’s experience, his time at Morningside was enriched by involvement in extracurricular activities. He competed in cross country and track, often traveling to meets with his nationally ranked team. 

A natural performer, Jaden also found a creative outlet on stage. Though not a theater major, he threw himself into the arts, taking voice lessons, performing in plays and musicals, and even joining the student radio station. Jaden laughs when recalling his early morning radio show, where he filled the airwaves with musical theater hits. But his passion for performance extended beyond college, as he spent much of his 20s involved in theater before shifting to a corporate career.

Among Jaden’s most cherished memories at Morningside is his semester abroad with the Morningside Italy program. It was a life-changing experience that marked his first time traveling outside of the U.S. “Living in Italy was incredible,” he says. “Living in a foreign country for a semester was absolutely life-changing. It was beautiful, and I loved getting to experience a new culture.”

Reflecting on his experience now, Jaden acknowledges how much those formative years at Morningside shaped him. His advice to current students? “Take every opportunity to diversify your experiences. Study different subjects. Meet as many people as you can. Build your network early. College is such a unique time for growth, and it’s okay not to have all the answers about your future.” 

Today, Jaden continues to embody the value of change, having transitioned from theater to a thriving career in social media, where his communication skills and creativity have found a home. Now working in a corporate setting, he embraces new challenges and opportunities to grow further.

From the track to the stage, from the radio booth to the Italian countryside, Jaden Lux’s Morningside story is one of discovery, adaptability, and boundless potential. “Morningside gave me the chance to find out who I was, and who I wanted to be,” Jaden says. “And for that, I’ll always be grateful.”