2024 Grad At Grad Series Kicks Off

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By: Ellie Robertson ’24

The concept of "community" holds deep meaning for �ۿ۴�ý University students, faculty, and staff. Those engaged with �ۿ۴�ý�� understand the significance of this commonality to themselves and the broader community.

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During this year's first Grad at Grad event, student speakers reflected on their sense of belonging to the �ۿ۴�ý community. The Grad at Grad event began a few years ago, allowing students to showcase their growth at �ۿ۴�ý. Other students, faculty, and parents witness these seniors' outcomes as they describe their �ۿ۴�ý experience.��

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The continuous series kicked off February 8th, where six seniors told their individual stories of being a Blue Streak. Students are nominated by their peers as a Senior who exemplifies the meaning of being a �ۿ۴�ý student. As these seniors gave the audience a glimpse of their undergraduate journey, the theme of community came across in nearly every narrative.��

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The first night of the series highlighted stories from Lily Free, Logan Sidone, Samantha Gunn, Evan Richwalsky, Olivia Oziomek, and Patrick McGraw. Each story emphasized the impact of relationships at �ۿ۴�ý. Whether speaking about roommates, professors, or a fellow Blue Streak holding the door open as you walk in, the speakers shared how influential the �ۿ۴�ý community was during their journey.��

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A fifth-year senior and a member of the Men’s Varsity Wrestling team, Patrick McGraw, summed up how powerful the Blue and Gold society is.��

Patrick McGraw ’24

A fifth-year senior and a member of the Men’s Varsity Wrestling team, Patrick McGraw, summed up how powerful the Blue and Gold society is.

While the Carroll campus may be beautiful, with some of the most breathtaking sunsets and fantastic facilities, �ۿ۴�ý is �ۿ۴�ý because of the people who call it home.

The second speaker of the night, Evan Richwalsky, emphasized the significance of the word “yes” as the backbone of his story. The Avon, Ohio, native emphasized his gratitude for the friends he made and opportunities given being at �ۿ۴�ý. Between traveling to Las Vegas or Disney World for W�ۿ۴�ý, to being involved in sports information and student government, Evan “would have never had these experiences without at some point saying yes.” He continued to share, “The greatest benefit to saying yes is the people”, becoming involved with organizations and groups on campus allowed Evan to exceed what �ۿ۴�ý has to offer.��

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It was a packed atrium in O’Malley filled with underclassmen, classmates, professors, and family members. Junior Molly Caeli ’25 was a part of the audience for the first night of Grad At Grad and listened to stories from those before her.

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“From listening to the seniors at Grad At Grad, it made me reflect on how the little moments we experience every day can have the biggest impact on us.”

There will be three more sessions throughout the Spring Semester for more students to exhibit their work at �ۿ۴�ý. The Grad At Grad series proves how significant the experience �ۿ۴�ý has on a student and how each individual starts their journey as they “Onward On.”��

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The Grad at Grad series continues with more speakers to come, see the full schedule here: ��

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