Commencement Highlights Class of 2022

Major: Biology with minors in psychology and philosophy

Post-graduation plans: Schmale will be attending graduate school at Campbell University to pursue a dual master’s in clinical research and physician assistant practices.

How HPU helped you get there: “As a freshman, I completed the Research Rookies Program and started my introductory biology lab working on gene editing in Zebrafish. The small class size and early hands-on opportunities, like summer research, allowed me to gain unique skills that defined my interest. Amazing mentors also went above and beyond to help me access resources that would further my academic and personal growth. The Honors Scholar Program provided me a holistic education and practice assessing problems in multiple disciplines. The experiences, resources and unique perspectives helped set my graduate school application apart. The Office of Career and Professional Development was also a lifeline resource! Their team reviewed my scholarship essay, personal statement, supplemental essays, resume and CV. Through the process, I could see revisions and learn why they were being made. I also utilized the in-person and online interview preparation resources before PA school interviews which was extremely helpful!”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Robert Coover, assistant professor of basic pharmaceutical sciences, has not only been my most impactful mentor at HPU, but in all my academic career. He taught me a myriad of advanced laboratory skills and helped develop my thinking as a scientist. I entered his lab timid, afraid to ask questions and knowing practically nothing about molecular biology. Over time, he gave me the confidence to perform in any lab and helped me solidify my pursuit of a master’s in clinical research. Beyond this, Dr. Coover is a role model who cares about students’ academic and personal well-being. I can confidently say he inspired me to be a better scientist, student and community member.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was joining Alpha Phi Omega, the co-ed service fraternity on campus. I rushed my freshman year and have been an active brother since. Through this organization, I devoted hundreds of community service hours and made lifelong friends. I loved working within the community through Habitat for Humanity builds. I used my free time at HPU to make someone else’s life better while making lifelong memories. The diversity, generosity and dedication within the Mu Xi chapter provided me with more than I thought possible.”

How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “One reason so many students succeed at HPU is the availability of resources. Being a first-generation student, the graduate school application process seemed daunting. By using my mentors, advisors, the writing center, the Office of Career and Professional Development and counseling services, I could navigate and cope with the process. The staff at HPU care about your success and will do all they can if you’re lost or in need! The network of alumni was also a huge bonus. I reached out to multiple pre-PA alumni who offered me application and interview advice.”

What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “Almost all HPU professors have an open-door policy. This helped me learn to effectively communicate and advocate within academics. I also learned how to convey my work professionally by presenting at national and local conferences. My favorite skills that I’ve learned were in the Coover Lab! From cell splitting, to transfections, PCR and western blots, the lab is an exploratory place that challenged me to evolve as a scientist. This mindset also translates to how I perceive data and construct my own experiments. I not only learned the hard and soft skills to succeed, but the ethics and responsibilities behind them.”

What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “Over these past four years, I learned to put my best foot forward. I have grown tremendously as a scientist and as a participating citizen. I am prepared to face adversity and will always have the family I made at HPU to support me. The motto of presenting yourself as the best version of yourself and continually trying to succeed, regardless of challenges, is at the forefront of HPU. It seems silly, and I’ve mocked it myself many times, but learning to fail gracefully and to get back up again is one of the biggest accomplishments I will take with me long past HPU.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Use this time to explore and find your passions. Once you uncover what makes you happy, find a mentor who shows you what you enjoy can be found in the work force. There is no rush or set timeline for this, so try to honor yourself along the way by slowing down, learning new things and intentionally incorporating time for fun.”

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

 View more Graduate Profiles  

Major: Business administration with minors in sales and marketing

Post-graduation plans: Dubost will be continuing his education at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business where he will pursue a master’s in business administration.

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU provided me with many resources and great advice about transitioning into life after graduation. My professors offered unique perspectives throughout the application process to continue my education at Drexel University, as well as exploring different job opportunities and career paths. The professors at HPU are great resources for students because of their experience and industry connections.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU was Larry Quinn, chair of the Department of Marketing and Sales, who provided me with support as I researched graduate schools and gave me invaluable input through the entire process. Professor Quinn was a great sounding board for me, and the letter of recommendation he wrote on my behalf no doubt assisted me in being accepted into numerous prestigious business schools. He also prepared me to actively participate in HPU’s Career Fair and Internship Expo and to explore careers post-graduation. I have met with him frequently throughout my senior year at HPU, and I highly recommend other students connect with him to utilize his knowledge and experience to get a step ahead.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moments at HPU are winning the Big South Tournament for the first time in HPU Men’s Soccer history, making the NCAA tournament twice during my athletic career and being named to the Honor Roll. Being a part of the most successful soccer recruiting class in school history is something that I will always remember and be proud of.”

How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “High Point University surrounds every single student with fantastic resources that properly prepare them for success after graduation. Integrating all of these resources into lesson plans make it easy for students to access and utilize them.”

What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “As a four-year Division 1 student-athlete at HPU, I had the opportunity to refine my skills of time management, multitasking and working successfully in a team environment — skills that will prepare me well for long-term success. Having to juggle soccer practice, classes and my social life has given me a taste of what working full-time while pursuing my MBA will be like.”

What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “Throughout my four years at HPU, I’ve seen how much the university gives back to the surrounding communities. As part of the men’s soccer team, I had the opportunity to personally give back by building houses for Habitat for Humanity. This experience reinforced in me that we all play a role in contributing to the greater good of the communities where we live, work and go to school.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t take your time at HPU for granted because it goes by quickly. And take advantage of every resource and mentor that HPU offers.”

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

 View more Graduate Profiles  

Major: Sport management with a minor in nonprofit leadership and management 

Post-graduation plans: Dean will be attending Duke University’s Duke Divinity School to pursue a master’s in divinity.

How HPU helped you get there: “At High Point University, I was blessed with many resources and connections that helped me get where I am today. HPU’s innovative environment required me to rise to the occasion and believe that anything is possible. Over the last four years, I have been involved in the Student Government Association, learning from those who were leaders on campus and brought new ideas. This inspiring environment is something that I will carry as I develop into the man I will be. High Point University is an institution that has made me dream about empowering those around me for what seems impossible. The Office of Career and Professional Development helped me develop a passion for what I really want to do in life. In the midst of looking for my next steps, they emphasized the importance of a clear, in-depth resume. They made sure my cover letter and resume were in sync. Students should visit The Office of Career and Professional Development often because they provide many resources for development, such as networking and internship opportunities, information, and hands-on experience.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “The last four years at HPU have been amazing but also challenged me. Whenever I needed someone to talk to and explore my next steps, Dr. David Bergen, professor of human relations and nonprofit studies, was there. Dr. Bergen has been a great influence and motivator. He made sure I analyzed every scenario before making a decision. When I shared with him my goal of going to Duke Divinity School, he lit up with so much excitement for me. Through the ups and downs at HPU, he was there. This is what HPU is all about. The people at this university truly care. I will never forget how he made me feel as a student and the belief he has for each person at HPU. ‘You got this, Al,’ has ​​catapulted me into my next journey.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “I had some of the best moments of my life at High Point University, like meeting lifelong friends and creating memories every single day. While studying at HPU, I was heartbroken by the loss of my grandmother and father. At that moment, I did not want to continue my studies. But HPU was there through it all and made sure I had the support to continue on. Receiving calls from HPU President Dr. Qubein, counseling services speaking with me, professors reaching out weekly, the Office of Student Life continuously reaching out and peers motivating me was so impactful. It was at this moment I realized that HPU cares and loves their students! At my breaking point and lowest times, they were there to encourage me. I learned not to give in, but seek greatness in all you do as you press on. It has been my goal to first please God in all I do, and secondly make my grandmother and father proud. I will never forget how HPU was there for me and how it made me feel to be a part of this special family.”

What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU allows every student to reach their highest potential. Some of the life skills HPU helped me develop are critical thinking, adapting a growth mindset and effective communication. In the First-Year Seminar of Life Skills, Dr. Qubein talked about the power of communication, and I still have the book written by him titled, ‘How to be a Great Communicator.’ Communication has been essential as I explore my goals, dreams, hopes and challenges. Having a growth mindset gave me the ability to think with a clear mind while learning new things. Long-term, these life skills will help me in any environment and are a solid foundation which I can continue to build on and grow.”

What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “High Point University is an institution that stands on honesty and integrity. Those are the values I will take on throughout my life and were the things I held close as a leader on campus. Whenever I am in the workforce or continuing my education, integrity will be key in new environments. I have valued HPU’s honest approach in all they do so every person has a clear understanding of what is happening. I believe that if I keep the values of honesty and integrity, my future will be bright!”

Advice for underclassmen: “I come to encourage you! Senior year is stressful — looking for internships, applying for jobs, searching for a place to live, looking at graduate schools and getting ready to step into the real world. During my sophomore year, I sat down to think about what life would be like after HPU. I wrote down goals and dreams I wanted to accomplish. So, my advice is to believe in your goals and dreams and write them down so you know what you want to achieve. If you believe something, walk in newness and know that it will happen. Everyday, before I get my day started, I proclaim and speak what has not occurred yet but I have the belief that it will. Allow yourself to measure your success by doing things you are passionate about.”

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

 View more Graduate Profiles  

Major: Neuroscience with a minor in psychology

Post-graduation plans: Hesterman will be joining J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. in their Rotational Analyst Program as a corporate analyst. The program focuses on project management, analytics and process improvement across various divisions at J.P. Morgan, including operations, cyber security, strategy, finance and risk management. Hesterman’s role at each rotation will be to help drive projects through to completion by analyzing and presenting key data to improve products and offerings.

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU’s Honors Program provided a holistic approach to education — by challenging me to become proficient in multiple areas and allowing me to pursue disciplines outside of my chosen major. Additionally, throughout my journey over the past four years, the faculty and students at HPU supported and guided me in my professional endeavors.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Kristin Ackerman, director for MS Biomedical Sciences, and assistant professor of medical sciences, has been a tremendous mentor to me. I took many classes with Dr. Ackerman, in addition to being a member of her research lab for the past four years. From my first class with Dr. Ackerman, I saw that she had a profound amount of respect for all of her students and was deeply concerned about their success on an academic and personal level. Dr. Ackerman was also transformational in showing me how I could take my experience in science to pursue a career in finance.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “There was one particular moment in my class, The Cost and Value of Higher Education, that had the most influence on my life and career choice beyond graduation. The professor, Dr. Nathan Hedman, opened class by asking the question ‘What would you do for the rest of your life if you made a guaranteed $70,000 each year?’ My classmates and I answered the question with what job would make us happiest. My gut response was a career in finance — rather than being a doctor, which is what I had been pursuing for the past three years of college. This moment initiated a realization that maybe I should pursue what will make me most happy. From this point, I began to pivot away from science and to a career in finance.”

Advice for underclassmen: “My brother often tells me. ‘Ryan, be patient. We are all on our own journey.’ I would offer the same advice to underclassmen. It can be easy to look at your peers and see that they have a phenomenal internship lined up for the summer or that they have a 4.0 GPA and you do not. It can lead to us feeling inadequate or behind, causing anxiety. Of course, there are times when observing our peers can inspire us to become better students and better people; however, don’t allow comparison to get in the way of your own happiness and your own journey.”

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

 View more Graduate Profiles

Major: International business

Post-graduation plans: Schiavo will be joining Sendero, a management consulting firm, as an associate consultant in Dallas, Texas. She will be working with a team to provide companies with solutions to issues they are facing — focusing on strategic planning, digital transformation and organizational effectiveness.

How HPU helped you get there: “Support from my advisors and professors gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me figure out how my skills and interests align with different career paths. Through the Office of Career and Professional Development, I gained help building my resume, attended HPU in the City in Washington, D.C. and took advantage of networking experiences early on. Throughout freshman and sophomore year, I applied to various internships through the Office of Career and Professional Development and gained strong interview skills from mock interviews. After junior year, I interned with Coca-Cola Consolidated which was possible through connections I had made through their office. This internship experience allowed me to apply skills and knowledge I’ve gained in the classroom and other job experiences in a real-world setting.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU is Dr. Tessa Gurney. Dr. Gurney has been a part of my HPU journey since freshman year, and she encouraged me to apply to both academic and career-related opportunities. Her support has helped me develop as a student and person and has taught me the importance of applying for opportunities even when you think you may not get them.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment was sophomore year when I had the opportunity to represent HPU at a fellowship conference hosted by The National Italian American Foundation in Washington, D.C. This was the first time I had applied to a fellowship or scholarship program outside of HPU. Attending this weekend allowed me to connect with students at other universities who had similar interests, and this award gave me the confidence I needed when applying for future opportunities. The experience I gained through this process and event has helped me while applying for internships, my job and earning a Gilman Scholarship.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Any experience is relevant when applying for opportunities. Whether it be a part-time job, internship or class project, I promise it is relevant. Finding a way to articulate how those experiences have shaped your skills is key to securing more opportunities.”

                   Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

 View more Graduate Profiles

Major: M.A. communication and business leadership

Post-graduation plans: As newly promoted senior community and operations coordinator at Pomp Beauty, Diehl is responsible for managing the outreach and growth of the esthetician community for Pomp Professional, onboarding and training estheticians, working with Pomp’s coveted brand partners, being the main point of contact for Pomp’s esthetician community, understanding the entire Pomp platform, and assisting with customer service and order fulfillment.

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me by providing excellent professional development resources, caring mentors and thoughtfully curated classes. I was a peer advisor in the Office of Career and Professional Development my senior year at HPU. Working this job helped me gain a deep understanding at what employers are looking for in a great resume and cover letter.” 

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Professor Nanelle Napp has had a huge impact on my professional development. She gave me great professional connections and has written me several recommendations. I now happily mentor some of her fledgling students from time to time in effort to give back in the same way she helped me.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “The most impactful moment of my career at HPU was receiving my undergrad degree at Commencement. Looking back at all the hard work and growth I had achieved in four years was exciting and made me very proud of what I had achieved from my hard work.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Utilize all of the opportunities HPU provides, and get involved. Not only is it a great way to boost your resume, but you never know what types of connections you will find as well.”

                   Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with us for a chance to be featured! 

 View more Graduate Profiles

Major: Strategic communication with minors in business and marketing

Post-graduation plans: Brown will be joining GE Healthcare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in their Commercial Leadership Program. In this rotational program, Brown will work in three different cities over the span of two years. He will learn all aspects of the business development process and use his understanding of the company to shape his career beyond the program.

How HPU helped you get there: “The student employment positions I held, such as student ambassador and summer advantage representative, helped me improve my sales, interpersonal and public speaking skills. In the Office of Career and Professional Development, I gave back as a peer career advisor by helping other students build resumes, cover letters and giving them career advice. You only learn when you are thrown into real-life experiences, and HPU provided me opportunities for those experiences. The career advisors in the office have also helped me. As an underclassman, they showed me how to make myself stand out, build a resume and write a cover letter. Now when I work in the office it feels good to know I am a part of something that will help students reach their goals.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentors are Dr. Doug Hall, Dr. Virginia McDermott and Jim Scott. These professors and mentors have been with me since the beginning of my journey at HPU. They have encouraged me, given me advice and provided me opportunities. At the end of the day, they are true friends.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment was in junior year, when I gave a speech at an admissions Open House event in front of hundreds of parents and students and froze —  forgetting everything I was going to say. This made me take a step back and realize I cannot move too fast before I’m ready. This experience set me up for another speech I gave that landed me my job at GE Healthcare.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Establish what you want in life. When you fail, get back up and try again. Be relentless in your pursuit of success, and do not give up.”

                   Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?

Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

 View more Graduate Profiles

Major: Marketing with a minor in sales

Post-graduation plans: Thomas will be joining J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. in their Corporate Analyst Development Program. As an analyst in the program, he will work on process improvement, project management and analytics.

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU helped me achieve my goals through their holistic approach to a life skills education. I learned how to make myself a stand out candidate for positions, inside and outside of the classroom. HPU has also afforded me the great opportunity to network with and learn from global leaders like Cynt Marshall, David Horsager and John Maxwell. The Office of Career and Professional Development was instrumental in my job search. I spent countless hours working on my resume and cover letter with both a peer career advisor and career advisor in the office. Through the training in professional dining at 1924 Prime and Alo, I learned the proper skills and etiquette to shine as a candidate and feel prepared to have an interview over a meal.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU is Dr. Doug Hall. Dr. Hall is a role model and mentor to many on this campus and I am blessed to have him in my corner. Dr. Hall has always made it a point to check in on students and help them achieve their dreams. I have come to Dr. Hall unsure about something and after we talk about it, I leave refreshed, energized and ready to take on the world.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was getting an internship my sophomore year at AT&T. By then, I knew I was on the path to achieve what I came to HPU to do and that I would get a good job when I graduate. The internship at AT&T was a starting point for me and proved my hard work, in and outside of class, was paying off.”

Advice for underclassmen: “My advice to underclassmen is to get involved. HPU has so many resources to advance you personally, professionally and spiritually. Join a club your first week of school, find a group of friends who push you to excel and connect with a faculty or staff mentor. When you get involved and engaged on campus, a world of opportunities are opened to you.”

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

View more Graduate Profiles

Major: Business administration with a minor in finance

Post-graduation plans: Tops will be joining BlackRock Alternative Investors (BAI) as an analyst. She will work to produce reports for clients and implement new technologies and processes to enable BAI to scale.

How HPU helped you get there: “HPU’s Internship Guarantee Program and my career advisor, Allen Unger, in the Office of Career and Professional Development helped me get to where I am. Unger helped me build my LinkedIn profile and be recruited for the Accelerator Program. Rushing the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity also built my confidence and taught me to better present myself in interviews. My mentor at HPU, Dr. Jim Wehrley provided me direct interview help during the second round of interviews for my internship.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU is Dr. Jim Wehrley. He has been a mentor for me since my first semester when I decided I wanted to graduate early. He helped me select courses, consider minors, prepare for interviews and talk through different career paths.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was attending the internship fair my freshman year. When I entered the building, I had a brief conversation with a gentleman as we walked into the fair. Later, I visited his table and he asked me, ‘if money wasn’t an object, what would you be doing?’ Then he hired me on the spot as the lead retail sales intern for the Carolina Cobras Arena Football Team. This internship was short due to COVID, but his question has stuck with me and the gentleman, Mike McMillan, has become a great mentor.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Explore your interest, take advantage of novel opportunities and use the resources that HPU provides to make the most of your experience.”

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

View more Graduate Profiles

Major: Actuarial science and data analytics with minors in Spanish and math

Post-graduation plans: Cummings will be joining JP Morgan Chase and Co. as a markets analyst. She was offered the full time position after interning at JP Morgan Chase and Co. on the equity algorithm team where she worked on data projects.

How HPU helped you get there: “My peers at HPU have helped me. My classmate Doug Terc was the one who encouraged me to apply to JP Morgan Chase and Co. because he thought I had the right skillset. He was helpful and made me feel confident throughout the whole process. My experience as VP of Finance for Alpha Chi Omega gave me a passion for finance and working with money. I felt comfortable leading my chapter which made me feel confident at my job. Another helpful experience was tutoring on campus. Tutoring helped me learn how to explain complex ideas in simple terms. This is a skillset I will use daily in my new role when explaining algorithms. My sophomore year, I explored careers through HPU in the City in New York City. This trip sparked my dream of living in NYC after graduation. The Office of Career and Professional Development was also a helpful resource during my time at HPU. I’ve met with Kellie McLeod since my freshmen year when I needed help with my resume and interview practice. She was great and made me feel very confident.”

Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most impactful mentor at HPU is my data analytics professor, Dr. Matt Slifko. I met with Dr. Slifko for advice when I was thinking about adding a major because I really enjoyed his data classes. He encouraged me to add the major and believed in me. After I added the major, I grew closer to him and learned more about statistics and programming, in addition to what we were taught in class.”

Most impactful moment at HPU: “This is a tough question for me because I’ve had many impactful moments. Some of them include joining the HPU Honors Scholar Program, becoming a tutor, serving as VP of Finance and being a junior marshal. However, if I had to just pick one single moment, I would choose adding a second major. I started freshmen year as an actuarial science major, but later realized I didn’t want to be solely an actuary. The moment I decided to add a second major sparked confidence in me. This was extremely helpful in getting my internship because I had a diverse skillset of math and programming.”

Advice for underclassmen: “Take advantage of mentors here on campus. Your connections will take you far in life. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. Attend events through the Office of Career and Professional Development and start practicing interviewing now!”

Are you an HPU graduate with an exciting job or graduate school offer?
Share your news with us for a chance to be featured!

View more Graduate Profiles