Meet some of our May 2027 graduates! These soon-to-be Millersville University alumni tell us about their experiences as students at MU, favorite memories, and share their plans for the future.

Eric J. Schubert

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am from Medford Lakes, NJ, but have lived in Lancaster these past few years. I am graduating with my M.A. in history.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am thankful that I was accepted into Ph.D. program for an American Studies! I look forward to continuing my journey as a public historian through continued research, publications and scholarship, in addition to continuing my role as an internationally recognized genealogist and genetic genealogist.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memories of Millersville involve my classmates in the history department! Millersville has not just helped me further understand the role of a professional historian, but it has also given me so much valuable time with people who share the same interests, career goals and research plans. Between events, discussions and plans before and after class, I am very thankful for my classmates in the history department and the spirit of research and partnership. These make up a majority of my favorite Millersville memories - I can never pick one!

What organizations have you been part of?

I am a member of Millersville University's Phi Alpha Theta Chapter, the National History Honors Society.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

I am fortunate to have met so many incredibly knowledgeable professors in the Millersville University history department. I am beyond lucky and especially thankful for the advice and support of Dr. Clarence Maxwell, assistant professor of history and graduate coordinator. Dr. Maxwell is always encouraging students to pursue exciting research opportunities and supporting them in their interests, and he is so passionate about his field. It shines through in his teaching, and students like me are all the better for it.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

At the start of my master's program two years ago, I would tell myself that long-term research pays off. Great research and scholarship take time!

Anything you'd like to add?

I am appreciative of being the recipient of the 2024 and 2025 Millersville University Jack Loose Sons of the American Revolution Prize, as well as being awarded a Student Research Grant. It is rewarding for my research to be supported, and I am thankful.

Tevon B. Kerr-Hornbaker

What is your major, and where are you from?

I majored in government, law, and international relations with a minor in environmental hazards and emergency management. I am from Hummelstown, PA, which is right outside the state's capital of Harrisburg.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work either within the state government or local government, with a plan after that to run for elected office.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

I have many memories that made my time at Millersville so special; however, my favorite ones are the everyday get-togethers with those closest to me.

What organizations have you been part of?

Throughout my time at Millersville, I have been a member of the International Association of Emergency Managers, vice president of the Yoga Club (2024-2025) and the Student Government Association president (2024-2026).

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

The faculty member who has had a significant influence on me is Dr. Adam Lawrence. Dr. Lawrence's Intro to American Government class was one of the first courses I took within my major and helped further solidify my passion for the government sector. I will be forever grateful for the kindness and support given to me throughout all of my courses taken with Dr. Lawrence during my time at Millersville University.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

My advice to my freshman-year self would be to join that club, because the people I met would become some of my closest friends. I'd also tell myself to ask questions; that is how you figure out your career passions!

Anything you'd like to add?

I just want to say thank you to every single person I crossed paths with during these last four years. Every conversation has been a steppingstone to where I am today. I am grateful that I have such amazing people around me, cheering me on and supporting me every step of the way. And finally, thank you to the students for putting your trust in me to represent you as your student body president.

Dylan Weist

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am a Media Arts Production Major and I'm from Morgantown, PA.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm planning to move to Seattle as a freelance videographer to capture drone footage and do promotional content.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory from Millersville is working at the 2022 PSAC men's soccer playoffs. The group of people and the staff there made it a ton of fun.

What organizations have you been part of?

I've been a part of MU Athletic Communications for four years, and I was a part of MUTV for one year.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

The faculty who had the biggest influence on me was Prof. James Machado. He really helped me elevate my videography, and he taught me to look in unexpected areas for work and to always put yourself out there in situations because you never know where the connections may lead.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

My piece of advice would be that it's okay to fail sometimes. I failed so many times going through college but trying new things, going new places and meeting new people made every failure absolutely worth it.

Samuel Malesker

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am studying business management and business analytics. I am from York, PA.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, my plan is to go from an intern to a full-time data analyst at the company I've been with for the past two summers. As I grow in the role, I'd love to eventually move into a leadership position where I can take on more responsibility and share my passion with others on the team.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory from Millersville would be the powerlifting competition that was held in the rec center in the spring of 2024. I won squat and deadlift for my weight class! I planned multiple weeks of prep with my coach for this competition, and having all of my friends there cheering me on made it a core memory of mine from MU. What an exciting evening.

What organizations have you been part of?

I have been in the Marauder Fund Student Investment Association for six semesters now. I love being involved with like-minded individuals who enjoy investing in their future.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Dr. Kevin Robinson from the math department has had a very positive influence on me. He teaches MATH-256 Data Visualization & Communications. This class opened me up to the world of data analytics and Microsoft's Power BI, which is a tool that I will be using heavily for the rest of my career!

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

If I could give my freshman-year self one piece of advice, it would be to not stress about the cost of college. The experiences and connections that I've gained during this time in my life are truly priceless.

Jennifer G. Juarez

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am a biology major with a concentration in animal behavior and a minor in chemistry. I am from Clifton, NJ.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am taking a gap year, but I am currently applying to veterinary school. During my year off, I will continue working as a veterinary assistant at Metro Pet Vet, shadowing at an emergency animal hospital and volunteering at Lone Oak Therapeutic.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memories were made at the dance studio with my friends. Throughout all four years of my time at Millersville, we would learn new choreographies to our favorite songs and film them for fun.

What organizations have you been part of?

I've been a part of the Biology Mentorship Program, the Entomology Club and the Super Smash Club.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Both Dr. Janet White and Dr. Carolyn Weaver have been with me every step of the way through my undergrad journey. They have pushed me to be the best version of myself and have taught me many lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The most important one is to not wait on asking for help when I need it.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

I would tell my freshman-year self to establish good habits early on and study harder. Your efforts reflect your GPA for a long time, and it is so difficult to bring back up.

Anything you'd like to add?

I am so grateful for the opportunities I was given during my time here at Millersville and I wouldn't be the woman I am today without the help of all my professors!

Grace L. Smith

What is your major, and where are you from?

My major is emergency management, and I'm from Harrisburg, PA.

What are your plans after graduation?

To continue working as the training and exercise coordinator for the Lancaster County Department of Public Safety.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory is going to a late-night food truck with my best friend, Sophia, and eating some tots. Also, just hanging out on the quad, just reading and laughing.

What organizations have you been part of?

I have been a part of the International Association of Emergency Managers, where I served as the treasurer and president.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Dr. Sepi Yalda showed me the world of emergency management when I knew nothing about it.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

One piece of advice would be to take care of yourself; burnout isn't worth it. It all goes by faster than you think, so actually enjoy it while you can.

Anything you'd like to add?

I will forever be grateful to Millersville for giving me my forever friends.

Abdilselam B. Ali

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am majoring in information technology, and I'm originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to secure my first professional role in IT where I can connect with people, continue learning and grow both personally and professionally.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

Some of my favorite memories at Millersville are the simple moments - studying with friends in the library, grabbing food at the Sugar Bowl and walking around the pond. Those everyday experiences helped me build meaningful friendships that I'll always value.

What organizations have you been part of?

I have been actively involved in the Muslim Student Association and the African Caribbean Student Association.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Dr. Farhad Afzali and Dr. Michael Douglas had a significant influence on me. They taught me the importance of discipline, critical thinking and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone earlier, take more risks and not be afraid to ask questions or seek opportunities. Growth happens when you challenge yourself.

Anything you'd like to add?

Millersville has been more than just a place for education, it has been a place of growth, connection and self-discovery. I'm grateful for the journey and excited for what's ahead.

Santina M. Cerquetelli

What is your major?

My major is environmental earth and ocean science with a concentration in environmental geology.

What are your plans after graduation?

Work on preparing for the Fundamentals of Geology exam, which is the first step to becoming a licensed geologist in Pennsylvania.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

Millersville has provided me with so many memories through the friends I have made during my time here. They have made me a better person, and I am so grateful to Millersville for bringing us together as I would not be the person I am today without them!

What organizations have you been part of?

I have been part of the Geology Club since I began my time at Millersville, and I served as its secretary for the 2025-26 school year.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Dr. Lynn Marquez had a significant influence on me. We conducted research together over the past year regarding the different schist units in Lancaster County, which allowed me to gain research experience while also learning about the topics I am interested in in more depth than what is seen in class. Additionally, I have taken a multitude of Dr. Marquez's classes, and they have made me into a better student than ever before!

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

Sometimes things will be very hard, and you will face many challenges, but it is so important to keep pushing through to become the best person and student you can be!

Kevin A. Brooks

What is your major, and where are you from?

Special education major from Lancaster, PA.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I am going to stay local in Lancaster County. I work over the summers at my local summer camp. I hope to land a full-time special education teaching position by the start of the next school year.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory of Millersville is taking chances on things I normally wouldn't do. Taking next steps to be the better person I want to be. Getting involved and always climbing the next mountain to near and higher journeys. Millersville has lots to offer, you just have to be the one to believe in yourself and make the effort.

What organizations have you been part of?

I have been involved in quite a few organizations over recent semesters. The most notable are University Activities Board, where I was the director of special events. I planned and programmed campus events like Foam Party, Fall Fest and most recently, Superfest!

I am also involved in a few leadership societies like Omicron Delta Kappe, as well as the National Society of Leadership and Success.

I also served as a first-year college mentor to several students and assisted them through their first semesters as new college students.

Something that's not a university organization but has ties with Millersville is Autism On The Seas. I was an intern for the organization with Dr. Janet Bertoni back in the fall of 2025. The interns sailed to New Brunswick, Canada, on a five-night cruise while assisting the needs of families with children with autism on board. That sparked a passion in me, and I became a professional volunteer staff for AOTS, traveling on many cruises throughout the year.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

As I mentioned before, Dr. Janet Bertoni in the Department of Special Education has had a significant influence on my time here at Millersville. She was my professor for many of my classes. She was department chair and often times opened her office for my advising needs. I could always go to her with questions. Of course, she introduced me to Autism On The Seas and traveled with us on a sailing we will never forget. Dr. Bertoni also oversaw my work in field placement and guided me along the way. I have learned lots from Dr. Bertoni, and I value the time and effort she put in to shape my life and prepare me for a great career ahead.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

One piece of advice I would give is to not only get involved but stay involved and take risks. You always hear of college seniors saying they wish they got more involved. Yes, I do say that, too. However, we often fail or back down on that opportunity after the first failed attempt. Just because you didn't enjoy the first club meeting or event doesn't mean you should stop altogether. Try again, keep your head high and look for the positives. I didn't like my first club meetings and just stopped going. I didn't try for other clubs and didn't get involved. It wasn't until halfway through my junior year I decided I wanted to make a change and do something I would love for the rest of my life, and that is stepping up and taking chances.

Katrina Rhinehart

What is your major, and where are you from?

My major is accounting, and I'm from York, PA.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will study for my professional certifications and start working full-time in September.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory from Millersville is when I would get together with my classmates before every test to study. Everyone shared resources and brain power to work together.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Dr. Brian Trout was so helpful during my time at Millersville, he provided me advice and assistance and was a resource to lean on. If it was an advising question or a question about a potential job, I knew I could count on him for advice.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

Be involved! Do not be embarrassed or anxious about asking questions or trying new things. Everyone is there to help you and support your learning.

Anything you'd like to add?

As a transfer student I was worried about coming into Millersville later and not forming any friendships or connections, but I made so many friendships and connections throughout. I was able to get an internship and job offer because of the support I had from faculty and staff from 'Ville, and I am so grateful!

Jessica L. Cabibbo

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am a double major in environmental earth and ocean sciences and emergency management. I am from Conshohocken, PA.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to move back home and look for environmental specialist/technician positions.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory of Millersville is all the special memories I made with my friends. There are just too many to recount, from late nights in the South Village common area and study rooms to now getting together on the weekends to hang out! Millersville has helped me find lifelong friends!

What organizations have you been part of?

I was a part of the Student Government Association, where I served as vice president, the Honors College Student Association, where I was president this last academic year, and the Geology Club, where I was the treasurer. I was also a member of ODK and the Cygnus Society.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

One faculty member who had a significant influence on me was Dr. Lynn Marquez in the earth science department. I really enjoyed taking classes with her, and she was also my thesis advisor. Through her classes and mentorship, she taught me how to approach research with confidence and consistently pushed me to think beyond surface-level understanding. Her guidance has had a lasting impact on how I approach both academic and professional challenges.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

Be confident! Over the years, I gained more confidence, but when I first got to campus, it was really hard mentally to put myself out there to try to make friends. Just be confident in yourself, and you will find your group!

MJ E Music

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am an entertainment technology major, and I am from York, PA,

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to keep working as a server as I look for jobs in theatres around the Philadelphia and West Chester area, specifically in audio.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory is playing a prank on a professor for April Fools' Day with my best friends.

What organizations have you been part of?

I have been a part of Millersville Concerned Women, Geology Club, All Campus Music Organization and Phi Sigma Pi fraternity.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Professor James Machado taught me that being confident in my work and having fun with it is much more important than stressing about the minor details and getting everything perfect on the first try.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

Be confident in yourself and your ability to do work! You will meet so many wonderful people and experience so many amazing things, even the hard things will prove to be great lessons.

Anything you'd like to add?

Being at Millersville has been such an interesting experience. As a first-generation college student, it wasn't something I could ask my family about to understand better. I have had many days where I've struggled or felt like I didn't belong here, but I got involved with clubs, shows and people who showed me how great things could be! I am so grateful for the friends I have made and the support I have received in helping me get this far.

Marissa Farmer

What is your major, and where are you from?

I am completing my Master of Arts in English. I am from Lancaster, PA.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to search for full-time positions as a digital content specialist.

What is your favorite memory from Millersville?

My favorite memory from Millersville has been attending the PrideFest Drag Show each year.

What organizations have you been part of?

I am a part of Millersville's communications and marketing department as a social media and communications graduate assistant. I have been given many opportunities that I, as a commuter, don't think I would have ever had the courage to take. I have talked to many students, collaborated with various MU departments to create content and made lifelong friendships. I will always value the experience this position has given me, as it has set me up for success in my desired career path.

Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?

Dr. Emily Baldys has made a significant influence on me as a scholar and as a person. She has provided invaluable lessons of perspective, the human experience and how we use rhetoric and composition to make a difference.

If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?

I would tell my freshman-year self to get out there more. Go to more events, talk to more people and seize the opportunities Millersville University provides.