Class of 2023 Senior Salutes

Jama Jama

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
High School: City High Middle School
Majors: Business Administration and Accounting
Minors: English Writing and a Marketing Concentration

What brought you to Aquinas College?
Nothing beats being close to home. I found, through Aquinas, that the persona of Grand Rapids was quite literally visible. A community that does not shy away from interacting with one another. The student to faculty ratio along with the small campus size allowed me to be myself and to find comfort in the availability of services provided to me.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
My favorite memory would have to be the 'My Money and Me' financial workshops that Aquinas provided. Coming from high school, we weren't taught about finance, how to acquire credit, much less anything else that has to do with managing our money. While I admit that most of the concepts were ones I was already aware of, the workshops helped me put them into action. Additionally, meals were provided and we were able to earn money at these workshops, which I am never opposed to.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
My experience at Aquinas has allowed me to create connections and develop skills that I will carry with me throughout my career. Aquinas didn't bring out traits in me that I did not already possess; rather, it allowed me to utilize these traits and paint an even better picture of myself. I am now Jama Jafari, captured in 4K.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
My goals are very lofty. Let's just say I want to retire before I hit my 40's. How I will achieve this goal is still a cliffhanger, even to me, as I close this chapter of my Aquinas career and begin a new one. However, I am determined to utilize my majors, minors, concentrations, and connections to make it happen.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? 
Most definitely. I would like to thank my advisors Anthony Burdick, Nisha Van Laar, and Julie Bevins for all their help when it came to the amazing journey I underwent these last five years. I would like to thank my coach for his understanding and patience as I fought through injuries and pursued my career path. Additionally, I am grateful to my high school coach who played a significant role in my decision to attend Aquinas. To my teammates, thank you for embodying the spirit of competition and showing me day in and day out what we as humans are capable of. Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, who have supported me from day one and witnessed every step of my achieving my dream.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
Pace yourself. The key here is yourself. Don't worry about what others are achieving or what they may expect from you. Instead, sit down and think about what you truly want for yourself. As long as you can accomplish that, you are successful in my book. Remember to pace yourself along the way and take breaks when needed. Whether it's traveling overseas, walking with intention, or doing anything else, make sure you do it with purpose. Remember that the key to success is staying true to yourself and your goals.

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
Who doesn't want to be acknowledged as holy or virtuous? Those who contain those qualities are the best of mankind, and anyone who comes to this campus will come to that conclusion.

From Julie Bevins, AQ Writing Center Coordinator:
A day that will live forever in the minds of the Writing Center team: Jama Jama came to a team meeting carrying a large duffel bag. Silently, slowly, and seriously, he walked into the middle of the room, set down the bag, slowly unzipped the top, and...out popped 7 or 8 small kittens! We passed those kittens around during the entire meeting! Best and most productive meeting of the year! 

From Jennifer Dawson, Associate Professor of English:
Jama took English 205 with me during the Fall of 2020 when laughter was generally in short supply but NOT when Jama was in the mix. His blend of self-deprecatory humor and general spirit of fun brought our morning class to life. I will never forget when we had outside conferences and I was able to see his smile. Jama is an exceptionally talented writer who knows how to delve into a deep subject and enliven it with his signature wit! He will be missed by all the English faculty and, of course, his Writing Center compatriots. 

From Anthony Burdick, Accounting Professor:
What has always stood out to me about Jama is that what motivates him is not his own success but rather how he can best serve others. In this way, he truly exemplifies what we hope for all of our Aquinas students.

Emily Jones

Hometown: Mason, Michigan
High School: Mason High School
Majors: English Literature, Secondary Education
Minor: Writing

What brought you to Aquinas College?
I wanted to go to a smaller school where I could play sports, which initially drew me to Aquinas. I liked that Aquinas had a religious focus and was far enough from home to give me a sense of independence, but not too far from my family. I'm from a small town so Grand Rapids seemed very big and exciting! Once I visited campus, I felt right at home.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
My favorite memory was going to Nationals for volleyball my freshman year because we upset the #2 team in the nation in our first time appearing at the national tournament in school history. My other favorite memory is the polar vortex my freshman year because we had an entire week off school, Joe's had no power or heat, and I was on a scooter after surgery, so we just hung out for a week in the dorms and ate too many Insomnia cookies.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
I've grown so much as a person since coming to Aquinas! Living on my own taught me valuable lessons about time management and being responsible, like not waiting until 11pm to start writing an essay or going to bed at 2am when I have an 8am the next morning. I learned how to cook for myself and mastered the art of making the perfect amount to have leftovers. I made and lost friends, traveled across the country, cried and laughed until I cried, and most of all, I figured out who I wanted to be in life.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
I plan to teach high school English in the Grand Rapids area and hope to coach volleyball, basketball, and track! My goal is to help young adults realize their potential so they can be successful; as a teacher, I want to help students discover their passions. I also hope to travel across the country and visit as many national parks as I can.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? 
I am blessed to have support from so many people around me – there's so many to thank! Thank you to my parents for pushing me to do my best and offering me all the opportunities I've had in life; I wouldn't be where I am without everything you've taught me. Thank you to my siblings for showing me what it takes to be successful and supporting me along the way. To my friends and volleyball/track teammates, you've shown me so much love and made me laugh every day. I'm so grateful I was able to share five of the best years of my life hanging out and learning alongside you. A huge thank you to Dr. Dawson and Julie Bevins for being my secondary moms; I'm not sure if I would have survived college if not for the snacks, good chats, and advice you've given me!

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
GO TO BED. Seriously, take care of your body by eating well and getting enough sleep. Say yes to new experiences, even if it pushes you a little out of your comfort zone. Eat at the Corner whenever you can, participate in Wege sits, buy a hammock and use it, actually go to class, say yes to the 2am walks with friends, and attend every event that has free food and stuff. You won't always know what's going on or what you're going to do after college and that's ok! Just enjoy the ride.

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
It's great to be a Saint because who else gets to legitimately say, "I'm a saint!"? As a Saint, you get to be part of a great community that supports each other. No other school that I know of has anything like SaintSlam, which just goes to show that we have more fun and more school spirit than anyone else.

From Julie Bevins, AQ Writing Center Coordinator:
Emily is well-known at the Writing Center for not only her excellent work with writers but also because she is our fun-factor! She often reminds us that college students are really just like little kids: happy with a snack and a juice box and some crayons on occasion! 

From Jennifer Dawson, Associate Professor of English:
Emily Jones is a born teacher and AQ's most graceful klutz! Multiple surgeries and serious sports-related injuries might have slowed down another student, but not Emily. Whether she was wearing a boot or had her arm in a sling, she excelled in all her classes. At one point, I seriously threatened to wrap her in bubble plastic. However, she never failed to bring her signature wit to every class discussion and to hand in inspiring papers (always delightfully over the limit)! I look forward to hearing tales of her teaching triumphs and will miss her!!!!

Leah Ash

Hometown: Fowlerville, Michigan
High School: Fowlerville High School
Major: English with Writing Emphasis
Minors: Communication and Journalism

What brought you to Aquinas College?
Originally, softball brought me to Aquinas College. Then I visited campus and I fell in love with campus, with the beautiful brick and ivy coated buildings as well as a cheerful and friendly atmosphere.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
My favorite memory has to be the WHAC Tournament softball championship game my sophomore year. We beat Madonna 1-0 and won both the tournament and the league titles, solidifying our bid to Nationals.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
My experience at Aquinas has caused me to become a more confident and outgoing person, as well as a deeper thinker. I have expanded my horizons and have opened my eyes to new potential career paths. I also am much more sustainable in my actions from all my years on campus.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
As of right now, life after Aquinas is a little uncertain. I want to work in writing and editing somehow, I want to travel around the country and the world, and I want to explore more hobbies and interests. I am a little nervous, but super excited to move forward in this next stage of life.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? 
Many thanks to all the support from my family and friends! I wouldn't have made it this far without them. I would also like to thank the English department for pushing and encouraging me academically as well as my coaches and teammates for helping me to become a better person.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
Get involved! A lot of my favorite memories on campus involve going to awesome events, spending time with my fellow club members, and just being a part of everything on campus. It can also be a great resume builder too, depending on how involved you get. I ended up in a lot of fun leadership roles that have helped me get interviews and internships (and hopefully a career!).

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
Because you get to be a part of this amazing community! Lots of support, encouragement, and love from pretty much everyone on campus makes being here amazing. It's not perfect, but Aquinas really does make it feel like home.

From Julie Bevins, AQ Writing Center Coordinator:
Lots of people know Leah as an editor for The Saint or as a lead Writing Center consultant or a solid softball player, but only a few lucky people know one of her greatest talents is her BROWNIE BAKING! Whenever she brings her brownies to campus, the day is improved for whomever receives one. Leah is generous with sharing her baking gifts!

From Jennifer Dawson, Associate Professor of English:
Leah Ash is a powerhouse! When I first met Leah, I was impressed by her impressive love of reading and her love of books. Her superpower, however, is editing. She can spot an extra space, a misplaced comma, or a hyphen that should be an em dash every time. As the President of ACI, she has inspired me through her leadership, communication skills, and commitment to producing a high quality meticulously edited SAMPLER 35!  I will miss our Friday morning planning and snack sessions!

From Dan Brooks, Professor of English:
I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to teach Leah. She is a phenomenal student who is always on top of her work and who offers great insight into the study of literature. She does all this, however, while being a writer and editor for the school newspaper, The Saint, as well as a star pitcher on the women's softball team. She is also an officer for the English department's national honor society. So she is a leader, a great student, and an accomplished athlete--the complete package!

Yussuf Abdullahi

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
High School: West Michigan Aviation Academy
Major: Sociology
Minor: Communication

What brought you to Aquinas College?
I chose Aquinas because it gave me the opportunity to run track and field, and because of the small institution, I felt like I could engage in the AQ community way more than being at a big institution where my voice wouldn't be heard as much due to the vast amount of students.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
My favorite thing about Aquinas is the community and how we are a small campus, but we have a large voice when we want to let others hear what we feel passionate about. One memory that will be with me is when I became a Student Support Services student and had the opportunity to meet other first generation students that have similar pathways that I did. Just being able to feel like I am not alone as a first generation student unlocked a core memory for me to remember once my time at Aquinas is over.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
My experience at Aquinas has shaped me into a different human being than I was freshman year, which is weird to say because freshman year me and senior year me are two completely different people. As I stayed at Aquinas and continued my experience I grew and learned different things that I don't think I would've if I didn't go to college. ‘Senior me’ has taken all the ‘previous me’ experiences and put it into one big ball of evolution for me to be able to move forward and use the skills I have adapted and implemented them into everyday life after college. I realized that stepping forward and taking a chance on life will lead to great things, or not so great things, but you have to be willing to take a dive into a new perspective because being like everybody is basically like being nobody.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
What I hope for after leaving Aquinas is to educate myself more, whether that be going to grad school and then going for my doctorate after, or even working for a company that can give me a sense of direction of what my field of interest will be like before I go into grad school for my main goal, which is counseling or social work. I want to be a school counselor, so my goal is to go into grad school after Aquinas with a program that will be essential for school counseling and let me gain the experience and overcome the hurdle of grad school as I go forward to finish my two year program.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? 
There are so many people that have impacted my experience here at Aquinas that I want to thank, and I might not get to everyone, but if you do think you impacted my life then you did and I apologize if I forgot you. I am only human. 

I want to thank those that work with Core and SSS, as everyone there has helped me in some form and made me realize my potential as a student entirely. I personally want to thank Nisha Van Laar as she was the first faculty I met my freshman year and welcomed me with open arms. I wasn't an SSS student at the time, but I was in her office every day as if I was her student already and she has played a huge part in my experience here at Aquinas. I also want to thank Sara Haviland as she was always helpful, but I was stubborn to learn and thought she was always out to get me, but in reality she was only looking out for me and our relationship improved every year. Dondreá was someone who helped me financially in the college aspect which helped me greatly, and he was always someone who had a smile on his face with a welcoming presence that made you talk to him and ask what he was smiling about. I want to personally thank Yesenia Bernal as she is fairly new, but she made a impact in my life as she was a first gen student and graduated from Aquinas, so she knew what I kind of went through which made our relationship very relatable and easy to form as we had similar routes from not knowing much information being an SSS student. Yesenia is someone who is a bundle of joy. She helped me develop notetaking skills and helped me evolve from past habits, changing them into positive ones. Yesenia always maintained a great perspective on life because she is always looking up and has helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel if I take a chance no matter if I am afraid or not.

I want to thank my professors as there are so many that have changed my life. To Doctor Lendrum– you were the first professor that helped me change my major from something I did not want to do into something that I was already accustomed to, but I just had to realize for myself that I wanted that change. You gave me the blueprint and I had to build it on my own, so I thank you for being a part of my life for all four years. To Doctor Lorr – I haven't been able to have you in the majority of my classes but your wisdom has always been helpful as a sociologist. You helped me see life in a different perspective. To Professor Kyle Hull – Once I switched to communication as a minor, you welcomed me with open arms and have helped me find the joy in classes with laughs, even though we were still learning, so thank you for having a sense of humor with your lessons, as well as Professor Borton, Professor Weinandy, and Professor Penny Avery.

I want to thank my teammates from track and field as they have helped me build my rapport with them, as well as being a good sport when it comes to others running and not just being done when your event is finished. I want to thank my coaches from the track and field team ranging from Coach Winne. We might have had our ups and downs, but I have realized that you were tough on me to prepare me for the real world, and I thank you for implementing that knowledge into track and field. Coach Ward, who I don't work with as much due to being in a different event group, but he has helped me on the track with tips and tricks from his experience as well as tips from off the track to help me become a better individual. Thank you to Coach Woj, who is the head of the track and field program, for giving me the opportunity to run at Aquinas and doing everything to help the program run more smoothly.

I know this is going on too long, so I'll try not to waste any more paper but thank you to the Advantage Center for helping me form resumes and having events that help engage in formal etiquette to prepare us for when we leave college. Thank you to Joe Fox from the Advantage Center as he was like the bread and butter for me whenever I needed help with my resume and anything personal I had going on.

Thank you to all the clubs I have been a part of, and the jobs I have worked as well. I want to thank Esperanza and Mallory for giving me the opportunity to be a Diversity Assistant, as it has helped me see the diverse nature of every culture and apply it to my own life as well.

There are more people I have not listed here, but if you do happen to stumble upon this and are reading it, know that I appreciate you and thank you for everything you've done and everything you are still continuing to do.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
The advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to be yourself no matter what situation you get yourself in, because people will accept you for who you really are and not someone you pretend to be. Another piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to challenge yourself to take chances on new things as it will open new doors that might not have existed in the first place, but will appear in your life to help you advance further. Last piece of advice would be to prioritize your mental health as this tops everything, and if you don't prioritize this above everything else, then everything else will crumble. Always try to better yourself, and find the resources that are on campus as there are many at Aquinas that can help. If you aren't aware of where they are, then ask a faculty or someone in a higher grade level to help you out.

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
Being called an AQ Saint is like being called an angel and who doesn't want to build up their wings and fly onto the next level to wherever they want to go? It is great being a Saint as we Saints are always trying to build a network and community for future AQ Saints to help them be a better version of themselves for the next day. Once you leave Aquinas, you are still regarded as a Saint and will always remain a Saint no matter where you end up, because this community is here to stay and enrich everyone in an environment that is becoming inevitable for learning and improving!

From Jen Lendrum, Assistant Professor of Sociology:
It's been a joy to witness Yussuf's academic and social growth from his freshman year to his senior year. He has become a regular face around campus and is known widely across various groups and departments. Yussuf is empathetic toward others and their unique experiences and is equally as enthusiastic about sociology and making the world a more just, equitable place. 

Michelle Thompson

Hometown: Hartland, Michigan
High School: Hartland High School
Majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

What brought you to Aquinas College?
I was looking for a small school I didn’t get lost in and found AQ in my search. Once I had my first tour, I found out Aquinas had a bowling team and I started active recruitment. This led me to go to one of the team's tournaments close to home. After the tournament, I drove through the fall campus and felt Aquinas was the right choice.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
I have a lot of memories which I cannot narrow down to a favorite. I remember the day I got caution taped into my residence hall being told to “stay out of the trees,” got to be a part of the construction of the new science building in every major way, became stuck in St. Joes during a tornado when I didn’t even live there, waited many hours for our bowling bus to show up for a tournament the next day, discovered all the trails and hidden pathways on campus, had to find an alternative way to a chemistry conference after getting stranded in Chicago, and many more. The one thing these all have in common is the friends I shared them with. AQ is about education, but more importantly the people and the unequivocal experiences which connect us.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
I learned many things that helped turn me into who I am today. One thing is to stick to a goal and not let other individuals stop you. Another thing is: different does not mean you are a bad person or not as smart as others. Being at AQ for five years has strengthened my persistence and ability to engage others. Aquinas helped me realize I can be overzealous for many things including care for others, but I also know my limits and how to delegate.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
I plan to go to medical school to become a primary care physician in either pediatrics or family medicine. First I will take a gap year working as a medical scribe and volunteering at a hospital near my hometown.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? 
College would not have been possible without all the support that I received. I want to thank everyone who made my attempt at balancing the crazy amount of extracurriculars and studying possible. Thank you Mom and Dad for answering my calls and coming to my sporting events. Thanks for checking my papers and filling up my car with groceries. Above all, thank you for letting me become who I am today but always being around to fall back on. To my roommates, I can’t believe we lasted this long. Between the ups and downs and the stress we experienced I couldn’t imagine coming out with better friends than you three. I will miss all the late nights, movies, “sleep overs,” birthday parties, bowling escapades, and Oreos we shared. Thank you for listening and sharing these past three to four years with me. To the faculty and staff, I wish I could thank you all personally and by name, but with being a busybody there are so many of you I made a connection with and felt motivated by. Please know you all made a lasting impression on me and I like to think of you not just as a teacher, mentor, or boss, but as a friend. I would like to thank Sara Haviland, Dr. Henshaw, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Hess, and Dr. Flaherty specifically for your encouragement. I loved working with each of you and the memories we share will remain strong for years to come.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
College is a transformative experience but it is also the time to be yourself. For all the things you may end up stressing about, do not stress about changing yourself for the sake of fitting in. Aquinas is super supportive and you will not only find a great group of close friends who will love you for you, you will also be welcomed by the rest of the community no matter who you are. Congruent to that: don’t be afraid to ask for support! There are many systems in place and people on campus that want to help. Don’t feel like you have to do things alone just because you have never had to get help in the past.

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
Being an AQ Saint is taking the initiative to support others in ways that exemplify higher moral character while elevating your own development. I have no doubts that everyone who graduates from Aquinas College is a Saint. Everyone who will walk across that stage in the coming years will have benefited from myself and the other one thousand five hundred or more Saints on campus. It is hard to be an AQ Saint without feeling the overwhelming friendship and adoration in the air.

From Rebecca Flaherty, Assistant Professor of Biology:
I had the pleasure of working with Michelle Thompson as my Summer 2022 Mohler-Thompson research student. Michelle is such a talented and hard-working student, both in and outside the classroom and lab. Additionally, she is an absolute pleasure to be around. Her excellent attitude and strong aptitude for science will take her far - she is a blessing to all those she encounters!

Hometown: Rochester, Michigan
High School: Stoney Creek High School
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Marketing 

What brought you to Aquinas College?
There were several things that brought me to Aquinas. To start, the ability to continue playing tennis in college was important to me. I loved Aquinas for the fact that the community was both welcoming and unified. I knew that coming here would allow me to be more than just a number in the classroom and provide me with the opportunity to create impactful relationships with peers and faculty. Finally, Aquinas gave me the best of both worlds– the chance to live in a medium sized city, while being surrounded with such a green and pretty campus.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
I do not know where to begin. The van rides with my tennis team to matches with endless amounts of laughter, mediocre singing, and arguing over where to eat, the energetic AQ Program Board events like Grocery Store Bingo and Glowstick Dance Party that my exec board put on, playing sand volleyball in the Regina bowl, late night rounds followed by Survivor or Below Deck watch parties with my RA friends, and hammocking in the spring/summer in between The Moose and the Academic Building are just a few of my favorite memories here at AQ.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
I almost feel unrecognizable now compared to when I stepped foot on campus for the first time. Coming to Aquinas was out of my comfort zone; I had no friends or anyone from my hometown. Aquinas has allowed me to become a leader and has helped me grow into my true and authentic self. My experience here has allowed me to become more independent and has taught me how to advocate for myself. I leave AQ more well-rounded, and I will continue to live my life with empathy and integrity.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
On a personal note, I hope to continue living life with the biggest smile. My career goals are to pursue a role in product marketing, strategy, or market research at a company whose products and services are innovative and provide for the greater good. I hope to stay with Steelcase or venture off to another well-respected company here in Michigan. With my adaptability and eagerness to learn, I am confident that I will excel as I begin my career.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? (Professors, staff, family, friends, roommates, teammates, etc.)
My journey and successes at Aquinas are all thanks to my amazing support system. To start, I would like to thank my family who has been by my side every single minute of every day. I hope I reflect their kindness, generosity, and love. They have made countless sacrifices to help me go after my dreams, and I am forever grateful. Next, I would like to thank my teammates, friends, and coaches. They embrace all my quirks and have taught me how to be resilient and a team player. Every single person I have met these past four years has taught me something about myself and about life. I have been able to share so many priceless moments with people on the tennis court, as a RA, on the AQPB executive board, and on campus. I know I will be leaving AQ cherishing these memories forever. I would finally like to thank the professors from the business department, especially Professor Kerri Orders who helped guide me through the early stages of my career. Her kind words and support have left an everlasting impression on me and have motivated me to take risks and to go above and beyond each day.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
Know that everything will be ok. College is a crazy time. You will often not always have the answers, and that is ok. Focus on enjoying the process and truly finding and becoming the best version of yourself. Be brave and take the opportunities that present themselves. Everyone will make mistakes, but it is how you respond and learn from those mistakes is what defines you. Never be afraid to ask for help, whether that be in the classroom or in your personal life - there are many people here at Aquinas who are here for you and want to see you flourish. Be kind to one another. The community and supportive culture here really makes the AQ experience special, so I challenge you to carry that torch and go the extra mile.

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
It is great to be an AQ Saint because our community and our service towards others is second to none. AQ is a place where we celebrate our differences and challenge one another to achieve our goals and aspirations. Being an AQ Saint allows you to build long lasting friendships and relationships that provide you with the chance to live your life to the fullest.

From Kerri Orders, Assistant Professor - Business Administration: 
Nick is an exemplary student athlete and AQ Saint, maintaining high standards and rigor in all of his pursuits. In addition to his academic accomplishments and contributions on the tennis team, Nick has been thriving as a marketing intern at Steelcase for the past year. Nick Klak fully embraces every opportunity and will flourish in his next chapter.

For the past two years, we have had regular meetings to discuss internships and job opportunities. Our favorite meeting spot is in the library or just outside at the picnic table. On average, our meetings lasted 90 minutes and flew by!  I am going to miss you on campus, but know that we will continue to stay in contact. I'm also hoping we will have a chance to play some tennis together! 

Ashley Rodriguez

Hometown: Rothbury, Michigan
High School: Montague High School
Major: Sociology
Minor: Women's Studies

What brought you to Aquinas College?
As a first-generation Latina, college was scary for me. Therefore, I found that I would need support and guidance! This is why it was important that I attended a college where I was seen and heard. I did not want to be seen as just a number or student walking through campus, but rather someone my professors and staff truly knew. Ever since my first tour, I could feel this sense of community and value members had for the students. The intentionality professors and campus leaders have with helping students grow was major for me. It was something that I wanted to be a part of. I knew that these were the spaces that would help me grow and reach my goals.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
My favorite memory while being a student at Aquinas was GET (Girl Empowering Together AQ Day). The ability to bring future female leaders and introduce them to the college environment and journey was very touching and inspiring. This memory plays a major role in the future goals that I will be pursuing in graduate school!

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
Aquinas College has provided the space for me to transform into my authentic self. It has given me the opportunities to grow, form new goals, and work on those goals with the help of my professors and AQ mentors.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
After Aquinas, I will be attending Arizona State University to obtain my PhD. I hope to use this opportunity to reach my career goal of becoming a professor in higher education.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? (Professors, staff, family, friends, roommates, teammates, etc.)
I would like to thank my parents and sisters for constantly being a light during all the ups and down I had in my undergrad. I also would like to thank Dr. Lendrum, Dr. Amy Dunham Strand, Molly Patterson, Mallory Miller, Alicia Lloyd, Brigid Avery, Sara Haviland, and the LXSA and Women's Studies Center. Thank you for being a safe space for me! It is you and the spaces you provided that have helped me move forward each day and bloom into the person I now am. Thank you for pushing me to use my voice and encouraging my goals of social change and activism. Also, my roommates each year that I lived on campus! Thank you for pushing me and going on various spontaneous adventures with me! Thank you all for being on my journey at Aquinas College.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
"Si Se Puede", (Yes, yes it can be done). Although you may face various battles as you begin your academic journey, remember to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Be present with yourself and others! It can be done! With this in mind, you will make your way towards being the best version of yourself!

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
To be an AQ Saint means that you are a part of a community that does its best to value the journeys of each others’ lives. Many on campus truly care for one and are there to push each other to be their best versions of themselves and reach their goals.

From Brian Matzke, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management:
Ashley was an exceptional student that brought her true authentic self to her studies. She was perpetually on the Dean's list and graduated in three and a half years. Upon graduation, we were thrilled to have her join the Admissions team where she is doing exceptional work while getting ready to pursue her advanced degree out west in the fall. Ashley represents the best of Aquinas in who she is and how she serves and gives back to her community.

From Jen Lendrum, Assistant Professor of Sociology:
Ashley Rodriguez will leave the legacy of the initiative of "Feminist Fridays", a bi-weekly meetup group for not only Women's Gender Studies students but for the entire AQ community. The regular meetups have been an informal safe space to cultivate community and show support for one another. Thanks, Ash! 

Arthur Prukhitsky

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
High School: Enloe Magnet High School
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in International Business
Minors: German and Economics

What brought you to Aquinas College?
The idea of playing for a national title-contending hockey team while acquiring a solid education on a very beautiful campus surrounded by experienced professors.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
I enjoy the sense of history and culture throughout all of our buildings on campus. I like the fact that we are surrounded by nature while also being in the middle of a city. The nature around Aquinas is always active and entertaining. My favorite time to appreciate campus is during heavy snowfall.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
I have been challenged in every class I have taken which has allowed me to deal with adversity and gain new perspectives. I have been able to develop professionally as an individual.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
I hope to find a job that allows me to use all of the skills I have learned and developed throughout my life but also gives me a sense of excitement. My career goal would be to work for a company that is located overseas. The thought of graduate school interests me, but I want to first reflect on the past and figure out what I enjoy doing.

Is there anybody you would like to thank? 
I would not be the man I am today without the constant support I have received from my Mom and Dad. I must thank them for raising me to become courageous, genuine, and respectable. I thank all of my professors for always encouraging me to become greater. Still, I need to extend a special thank you to Kerri Orders and Julie Bevins who have both been advising me since freshman year and have given me opportunities that have allowed me to flourish on and off campus. All of the staff around campus has provided a great atmosphere for any student to thrive in. I would like to thank the brothers I have acquired on the hockey team for always having my back no matter what was in front of us. Lastly, all the friends I have gained throughout the way.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
Make sure to connect with all your fellow classmates because you never know when you may need their help down the road. Create relationships with your professors and advisors because they can offer many resources to you. Networking outside of campus enables you to grow your professional matrix.

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
We are connecting with people worldwide who all share the same passion for Aquinas College. Our small community provides outreach further than imaginable. Aquinas holds everyone to a higher standard which then translates into life after school.

From Kerri Orders, Assistant Professor - Business Administration: 
In four years as Arthur's primary advisor, I have observed first hand Arthur's steadfast determination to excel, learn and give his best in all he does, both in the classroom, internships and other co-curricular activities. I began my full-time professor role at the same time Arthur was a freshman. I remember well that Arthur was the very first student in my office at the start of the fall semester of his freshman year! He continued to arrange advising meetings each semester to plan his courses and internships. He has always been so open to new opportunities to learn new skills in the workplace - the Ford Airport, Kennedy's Flower Shop and Supply Chain Solutions! It is truly remarkable how much Arthur has developed his knowledge and sharpened his broad-based skills in the past years. Arthur is going to have an exciting career in international business; he is a testimonial of what it means to be an AQ Saint! I will certainly miss our advising meetings!

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
High School: Grand Rapids Community College
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Marketing

What brought you to Aquinas College?
I fell in love with the small campus that Aquinas offers and the faculty that is committed to serving its students and the surrounding community.

What is your favorite thing or favorite memory about Aquinas?
My favorite thing about Aquinas is meeting all the wonderful people on campus. Going to LXSA and AQPB events has been the best experience. All the members and students are kind and welcoming to everyone who attends those events. I was able to make connections with so many people who I consider close friends. Aquinas has truly brought me some of the best people into my life and each day I’m grateful to be a Saint.

How has your experience at Aquinas shaped you?
My experience at Aquinas has shaped me to be an active community member. Aquinas shapes its students to follow and devote their time to organizations and groups that are meaningful to them. As I graduate, I will continue to support movements that align with my beliefs and help those in need.

What do you hope to do after leaving Aquinas? What are your career goals?
After Aquinas, I hope to continue to grow as a business professional that gives back to the community. I hope to take my knowledge and help other minority students pursue being a business professional by becoming a source of direction for those who feel lost when choosing a career path or navigating corporate America. I plan to gain experience and help share that with others, with an eventual goal of earning an MBA. My goal is to be part of a Forbes 500 company where I can manage my own team, whether in marketing or business analytics. 

Is there anybody you would like to thank? 
I would like to thank my husband Ariel who encouraged me to continue my higher education goals. Through the late nights of writing papers and balancing my internship with school work, he has been the support system any student deserves in their life. I would also like to thank professor Kerri Orders. She has been a great personal mentor whose wisdom has allowed me to make important career decisions. Not only have I gained so much knowledge from her lectures, but also advice on how to manage a successful career. Her kindness and wisdom will carry on with me beyond the classroom, and I could not be more grateful.

What advice would you give to incoming Aquinas students?
My biggest advice is taking chances on yourself because they may lead to a path that allows you to continually grow and push your boundaries. It’s okay to not know what the future holds, but the Aquinas community is there to guide you and support you in those decisions if you want them to. Use all the resources that Aquinas provides, they truly want you to succeed and it can take you on a path you could never imagine!

In your words, why is it great to be an AQ Saint?
Being an AQ Saint is the best feeling ever. The sense of community and pride is evident whenever I tell someone I’m an AQ Saint. There is an instant bond when meeting another AQ alum. You can relate to the fun campus activities , the supportive professors, and appreciate the beautiful transition of campus with each season.

From Kerri Orders, Assistant Professor - Business Administration: 
I met Tiffany at my very first Star Advising session for transfer students and knew that she was going to embrace every opportunity at Aquinas. Her determination led her to a one year marketing internship at Steelcase! As a December '22 graduate, I was so happy to have Tiffany in her final course, International Business, where she continued to show her dedication and hard work ethic. Her slideshows on Canva are legendary! Apparently, Meijer could also see all of Tiffany's positive attributes and skills; she landed a job there which began at the start of 2023!  

Zach Avery