By Brittney Bomnin Garcia [email protected] 05-07-2026

As she prepares to cross the stage at commencement, Ashley Sewall reflects on a University of Miami experience shaped by leadership, creativity, and connection. A public relations and graphic design honors major with a minor in business law, Sewall spent her senior year working with University Communications while balancing high-impact student leadership roles across campus.

From serving as director of communications for Student Government to co-chairing Hurricane Productions, she built a college career rooted in storytelling, service, and student engagement. Along the way, Sewall gained hands-on experience through internships in higher education, public relations agencies, and corporate communications-exploring media relations, social media strategy, and graphic design while staying closely connected to campus life.

Sewall looks back on what drew her to the U, the organizations that defined her college experience, and the people who helped make the University feel like home.

What attracted you to the University of Miami?

My dad has been the biggest Miami fan since the '80s, so I practically grew up watching the Canes. Which was really weird-my dad never went to UM, he didn't know anyone who went here, and he was born and raised in New Hampshire, like me.

Choosing to attend UM was the biggest plot twist of my life. For years, I was planning on moving to New York City or Boston, starting my college career in the northeast in a big city. My application to UM was sent so we could frame the decision letter and hang it with my dad's other UM merch (we never ended up framing it). I couldn't tell you why I changed my mind, but I can tell you I'm so glad of all the decisions that led me here.

What has kept you at the University?

The people. Every student, professor, and staff member I've met here has gone above and beyond to support me and make my experience here the best it can be. It's infectious because it makes me want to help others in the same way. The Canes Care For Canes motto is embodied by everyone you meet on this campus.

How did your career goals emerge?

When I first started college, I had a lot of different interests and things I thought I'd want to do after graduation. My advisor and I joked that each year I switched what I wanted to do. I was lucky to get experience with a few different internships, which really helped me learn what I liked and didn't like doing. Between that and my on-campus involvement, I was able to narrow down what I want to do after graduation. All of that really taught me that it's ok to change my mind.

What are some of your on-campus involvements, and what made you want to be a part of these organizations? What kept you involved?

I got involved with Hurricane Productions (HP) my freshman year, and it really defined the rest of my college career. I love keeping myself busy, and I knew HP put on several events throughout the year, so I decided to join. I started helping out with events at the Rathskellar, making graphics for them and getting to help run a watch party for our Final Four run in 2023. I made some of my best friends through HP, and this year I served as one of the co-chairs. It allowed me to give back to the organization that made such an impact on my college career, and I'm so grateful for everything that organization and the students in it gave me.

I also joined Student Government (SG) my freshman year and stayed involved all four years. I started as a School of Communication senator before moving to the Board of Communications, and I just finished my term as director of communications. Student Government put me in rooms with a lot of really impressive people and gave me some really unique opportunities. The students in SG are so impressive too, and SG gives them a platform to enact real change on the University, which is a testament to how much UM values their students' opinions.

Most memorable experiences at the U? Why?

My first football game as a student was surreal for me. I grew up going to games with my family because my dad was a huge fan, but we always went to away games, and we rarely sat in the Miami fan section. Going to that first game at Hard Rock under that Florida sun was so exciting for me. It didn't matter to me if we won or lost, I was just excited to be with other students watching the game and cheering on the Canes.

Who or what will you miss the most about the U?

I'm going to miss my involvement the most after I graduate. I had a hard first year of college and getting involved with organizations like Hurricane Productions and Student Government is what turned my experience around. They are what made UM my home for the last four years and brought me some of my best friends. My time in these organizations have shaped me as a person, helping me grow personally and professionally.

Who or what do you think had the greatest impact on you in the past four years?

The student leaders who came before me inspired me and really shaped who I am today. Their leadership is why I stayed involved and why I eventually applied for leadership positions myself. This school is full of really incredible students who help shape the student experience, whether that's through planning inclusive events, working with University administrators to give feedback from students, or writing about campus happenings to make sure students are always in the loop.