As graduation day approaches, seniors at the university are reflecting on their college experiences, the lessons they learned and their plans for life after college.
Business, biology, and communications majors alike share a common thread: appreciation for the university’s close community and the personal growth they gained here.
Business management major Jackson Havel has made the most of his university experience both in class and in student organizations.
Originally from just east of Indianapolis, he said his decision to attend the university came from both family tradition and opportunity. “I’m a fourth‑generation student,” Havel said. “I loved the small class sizes and the structure of everything here. I didn’t want to be at a school where I had to sit in a 200‑person lecture hall.”
Havel first joined the men’s tennis team but found a lasting home in FSL when the men’s tennis program ended. “The most meaningful thing I’ve done since I’ve been here is being part of my fraternity, Kappa Sigma,” he said. “I learned a lot more about how to run a business or be part of a group than I have in my classes.”
He served two years as fraternity president and took pride in representing the university’s fraternity and sorority community. “We prioritize service, giving back to the community, and raising money for philanthropies,” he said. “I feel like it brought a better outlook on [FSL] than when I originally came in.”
After graduation, Havel will begin a full‑time position with Arrive Logistics in downtown Columbus. “I feel like I’ve been prepared by [the university] to go in and be able to learn,” he said. “I’m a little nervous, but I’m very excited.”
His advice for younger students is simple. “It flies by,” he said. “Have fun with people around you, [and] make new friends because it really does go fast.”
For biology major Gavin Billingsley, staying organized and focused guided his time at the university.
“Being a bio major and a team manager to the women’s volleyball team [has] forced me to set schedules,” Billingsley said. “When I wake up, when I go to sleep, when I eat — I feel like an old person sometimes because of how I like my schedule.”
Despite hurdles of advisers and tough schedules, he found strong support among professors. “I’ve had the same professor for four years,” he said. “It’s nice because we actually know each other. You’re not just a number.”
Outside the classroom, Billingsley worked as a manager and practice player for the university’s volleyball team. “I help design plays and write up who I think did the best each day,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. I basically make them look bad during practice and find the cracks so we as a coaching staff can repair them.”
Billingsley really enjoyed the university’s small size because it can create personal connections that larger schools often lack. “Basically every student here is a person, not a number,” he said. “That’s a big difference from somewhere like [The Ohio State University].”
After graduation, Billingsley will attend Ohio State and work at one of its hospitals while pursuing further medical education.
“My end goal is to work in the [psychiatric] part of a hospital,” he said. “Patients that come in with schizophrenia or dementia — I want to be able to work with them on their medical crises.”
Business management major Adeline Hennessy describes her college experience as busy, fulfilling and transformative.
Hennessy became deeply involved on campus through Alpha Sigma Alpha, serving as Panhellenic Council president and working in the university admissions office. She also played tennis for three years and joined several honor societies.
“I like just being on campus and being involved,” she said. “The sorority people are different [from] the tennis people and the theater people. I liked getting to know all those different groups.”
She said the university’s supportive environment helped her grow both academically and personally. “They really make sure you are preparing for an actual job,” Hennessy said. “It’s not just like we’re teaching you these things to teach you; it’s hands‑on and about what you’ll do next.”
After interning with iHeartRadio, Hennessy plans to continue in marketing and promotions. She also has goals to go further and is open to many new opportunities.
She said her proudest contribution to the university was helping strengthen FSL.
“Panhellenic wasn’t really anything that was moving before my class came in,” she said. “I think my biggest impact would be creating a foundation for fraternity and sorority life to grow.
Her senior advice is simple. “Do everything you can,” Hennessy said. “Go to things, even if you have to go alone. It builds your confidence, and you meet people you never would have otherwise.”
From FSL leadership to lab research, managing athletic programs to marketing for a major radio network, these seniors represent the university’s spirit of involvement and growth. They are each leaving the university stronger than they found it and are ready to carry its lessons forward.
