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Xavier Rivera ’26

emily.titsworth — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:46:25 +0000

Xavier Rivera ’26

Xavier

emily.titsworth Tue, 08/25/2026 - 12:46

Rivera

Civil Field Engineer | Kiewit

A mechanical engineering major with a minor in mathematics, Rivera was drawn to IC for the opportunity to build relationships with professors, including his advisor and mentor, Assistant Professor of Physics and Engineering Josiah Kunz ’12.

"Any questions I had or any problems I had, Dr. Kunz helped me and served as a great mentor," Rivera said.

Rivera also gained hands-on experience through his coursework. In community systems engineering, his class designed a playground for Jacksonville and presented the project to the city council. His senior capstone team developed a prototype biomedical device for Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.
Internships in civil design, surveying, bridge inspection and field engineering helped Rivera discover his interest in working on-site. After graduation, he joined Kiewit as a civil field engineer. He is now working on a power plant project in Maryville, Missouri, helping coordinate operations, planning and daily work with construction crews.

Rivera credits IC's challenging engineering coursework and accessible professors with giving him confidence as he began his career.
"I come out here, and I feel like I can do anything because I did all that they assigned to me," Rivera said.

For Rivera, being Graduate READY meant leaving IC with both the technical preparation and relationships to succeed in the field.

"Having good role models, good people around you, good advisors, and having the accessibility to talk to them and build a relationship with them is something I think IC really helped prepare me for in the real world.”

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Major

Mechanical Engineering

Judivine Sydouane ’26

emily.titsworth — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:57:16 +0000

Judivine Sydouane ’26

Judivine

emily.titsworth Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:57

Sydouane

Trauma and Burn Intensive Care Nurse | Springfield Memorial Hospital

Growing up in Cameroon, Judivine Sydouane ’26 witnessed firsthand the impact healthcare professionals can have on families during difficult moments. Those experiences inspired her to pursue nursing.

“I grew up around hospitals because of my family’s health experiences,” Tagakou said. “I saw both the good and difficult parts of healthcare, and I wanted to help people the way nurses helped my family.”

After moving to the United States in search of educational opportunities, Tagakou chose �պ��ֲ� because of its close-knit campus community and strong nursing program.

Upon graduating from IC’s nursing program, Tagakou has secured a position as a Trauma and Burn Intensive Care Nurse at Springfield Memorial Hospital while she prepares for long-term goals of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Tagakou says �պ��ֲ�’s partnership with Memorial Hospital gave her valuable clinical and professional experience.

“I started as an intern and then became a nurse extern,” she said. “Those opportunities helped me feel comfortable and confident in the clinical environment before graduation.”

She credits faculty mentors and hands-on learning experiences with helping her transition successfully into healthcare.

“The professors cared about us academically and personally,” Tagakou said.

As she prepares to begin her nursing career, Tagakou says �պ��ֲ� helped her build confidence, resilience and professional readiness.

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Nursing

Major

Nursing

Brooke Loveall ’26

emily.titsworth — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:51:24 +0000

Brooke Loveall ’26

Brooke

emily.titsworth Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:51

Loveall

Behavioral Technician | Atlas Autism Health

Brooke Loveall ’26 entered �պ��ֲ� knowing she wanted to pursue a career connected to science and healthcare.

Now, after four years of balancing her biology major, athletics and leadership opportunities, she is preparing to work as a behavioral technician at Atlas Autism Health before applying to medical school.

“I discovered I really loved working with children,” Loveall said.

That passion grew after completing internship experiences working with youth and special education students.

“I realized I wanted a career where I could combine healthcare with helping people directly,” she said.

At �պ��ֲ�, Loveall found opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. A member of the softball team, she also served as an involvement leader and student influencer.

“Being involved helped me grow as a leader and become more confident in myself,” she said.

Loveall says the close relationships she formed with faculty and teammates helped make IC feel like home.

“It really has a family atmosphere,” she said. “People want to see you succeed.”

Academically, Loveall enjoyed courses that connected biological science with real-world healthcare applications, particularly parasitology and other advanced science classes.

As she prepares for the next chapter, Loveall says �պ��ֲ� helped her develop both professionally and personally. “The leadership opportunities, internship experience and professors who pushed me to grow have given me the confidence to pursue my professional goals.”

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Biology

Major

Biology

Alyssa Burglund ’26

emily.titsworth — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:45:18 +0000

Alyssa Burglund ’26

Alyssa

emily.titsworth Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:45

Burglund

Fourth Grade Teacher | Auburn Middle School

Alyssa Burglund ’26 knew early in her �պ��ֲ� experience that she wanted to make an impact in the classroom.

Now, the elementary education major is preparing to begin her career as a fourth grade teacher at Auburn Middle School. “I’m really excited,” Burglund said. “Student teaching confirmed that this is exactly what I want to do.”

While at IC, Burglund balanced academics with leadership opportunities and collegiate athletics as a member of the women’s volleyball team. She also became involved with the Center for Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging (CSEIB) as an involvement leader.

“After my first-year experience, I knew I wanted to help other students feel welcomed and supported the same way I was,” she said.

Burglund says the education program gave her practical classroom experience while also helping her build relationships with faculty mentors. “The professors genuinely care about your success,” she said. “They want you to become the best teacher you can be.”

One of the most meaningful moments came during student teaching, when she saw firsthand how classroom relationships can shape students’ confidence and growth.

“You finally have that moment where everything clicks,” Burglund said. “You realize the impact teachers have every single day.”

Looking back, Burglund says �պ��ֲ� prepared her not only academically, but personally. “My time at IC has given me real classroom experience, leadership opportunities and people who believe in me.”

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Education

Major

Elementary Education

Beamlak Tesfaye Hiltework ’26

emily.titsworth — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:38:11 +0000

Beamlak Tesfaye Hiltework ’26

Beamlak

emily.titsworth Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:38

Hiltework

Animal Care Techinician | Turner Scientific

When Beamlak Hiltework ’26 arrived at �պ��ֲ� as a nursing major, she wasn’t sure what direction her future would take. Everything changed when she discovered student-faculty research.

“I realized research was something I was really passionate about,” Hiltework said. “That experience completely changed my path.”

Hiltework switched to biology and added a chemistry minor, eventually building extensive laboratory and research experience through faculty mentorship and conference presentations.

After graduation, she will work as an animal care technician at federally-funded research laboratory Turner Scientific while preparing to pursue a doctorate in biological sciences.

“The biology program gave me practical skills, communication skills and confidence,” she said. “Presenting research at conferences really helped me grow professionally.”

Hiltework says one of the defining parts of her experience was the opportunity to collaborate closely with professors on research projects.

“At IC, faculty want students to succeed,” she said. “They push you while also supporting you.”

As an international student from Ethiopia, Hiltework also found community and connection on campus. “Being far from home can be difficult, but I found people here who supported me academically and personally,” she said.

Looking toward the future, Hiltework says �պ��ֲ� prepared her for graduate-level work and scientific research. “My time at �պ��ֲ� taught me how to communicate, research and solve problems independently,” she said.

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Biology

Chemistry

Major

Biology

Alicia Pitkin ’26

emily.titsworth — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:30:46 +0000

Alicia Pitkin ’26

Alicia

emily.titsworth Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:30

Pitkin

Clinical Research Coordinator in Anesthesiology | Washington University in St. Louis

For Alicia Pitkin ’26, �պ��ֲ� provided the freedom to turn curiosity into opportunity.

Originally drawn to neuroscience because of an interest in how the brain works, Pitkin discovered a passion for neuropharmacology through hands-on learning and close faculty mentorship.

“The neuroscience department is smaller than those at public institutions, but that gives you so many opportunities to create your own path,” Pitkin said. “I was able to explore exactly what I was interested in.”

After graduation, Pitkin will begin working as a clinical research coordinator in anesthesiology at Washington University in St. Louis before pursuing a Ph.D. in neuropharmacology.

Pitkin credits faculty mentors, including former professor Jeremy Turner and Associate Professor of Psychology Alex Moore, with helping her connect classroom concepts to real-world research.

“I learned not just the science, but how to communicate ideas and think critically,” she said.

In addition to coursework, Pitkin created opportunities to teach and lead. She served as an introductory neuroscience supplemental instructor for three years and valued the chance to help other students succeed.

Pitkin also participated in a BreakAway trip to Denmark and became involved in campus organizations that expanded her understanding of psychology, neuroscience and global perspectives.

Looking back, she says the close connections she formed at IC made the biggest difference. “At �պ��ֲ�, professors truly care about helping students reach their goals,” Pitkin said. “I feel completely prepared for the next step.”

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Neuroscience

Major

Neuroscience

Laura Kaiser ’26

emily.titsworth — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:18:48 +0000

Laura Kaiser ’26

Laura

emily.titsworth Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:18

Kaiser

English Language Arts teacher | Olympia Middle School

Laura Kaiser ’26 says one of the best parts of the �պ��ֲ� education program was how well professors truly knew their students.

Now graduating with a degree in education and an English minor, Kaiser has accepted a position teaching sixth grade English language arts at Olympia Middle School.

“The support from professors throughout the job search process made a huge difference,” she said. Kaiser says faculty mentors helped guide her through interviews, career decisions and classroom preparation.

Outside of the classroom, Kaiser balanced academics with women’s volleyball, service opportunities through Alpha Phi Omega and a curriculum development internship at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. She also participated in international travel experiences through a BreakAway.

Academically, she especially enjoyed contemporary literature courses that strengthened both her communication skills and appreciation for storytelling.

Looking ahead to her teaching career, Kaiser says �պ��ֲ� helped her feel prepared both professionally and personally. “The meaningful classroom experience, leadership opportunities and professors who supported me every step of the way have prepared me for my future as a teacher.”

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

English

Education

Major

Education

Luke Laurenzana ’26

emily.titsworth — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:23:44 +0000

Luke Laurenzana ’26

Luke

emily.titsworth Thu, 07/02/2026 - 09:23

Laurenzana

Master’s in Computer Science | Southern �պ��ֲ� University Edwardsville

Luke Laurenzana ’26 says �պ��ֲ� gave him the opportunity a lot of schools couldn’t: pursuing both computer science and the arts.

While many people on campus knew him through music ensembles and drumline, Laurenzana spent much of his academic career immersed in computer science research and software development.

After graduation, he will continue his education pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at Southern �պ��ֲ� University Edwardsville.

“The computer science program here gave me opportunities to go beyond the classroom,” Laurenzana said. Working closely with Associate Professor of Computer Science Takako Soma, Laurenzana completed multiple honors projects focused on algorithms, data structures and software design.

“Dr. Soma encouraged independent thinking and helped me develop confidence as a researcher,” he said.

Laurenzana credits the small class sizes with allowing faculty to adapt coursework to students’ interests and skill levels. “I always felt challenged and engaged,” he said.

Outside academics, Laurenzana remained heavily involved in music performance groups across campus and credits Drumline Director Tyler Carpenter with feeling connected to campus outside of the classroom. “As a member of the drumline, I feel like a valued collaborator rather than just a mentee. Professor Carpenter gives it his all in a way that’s very inspiring.”

Looking toward the future, Laurenzana hopes to continue exploring research and academia within computer science.
“IC helped me learn how to think critically, solve problems independently and communicate complex ideas,” he said. “I feel Graduate READY for graduate school and beyond.”

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Computer Science

Major

Computer Science

Aklisia Debebe ’26

emily.titsworth — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:20:20 +0000

Aklisia Debebe ’26

Aklisia

emily.titsworth Wed, 06/24/2026 - 15:20

Debebe

MBA at Roosevelt University

When Aklisia Debebe ’26 first heard about �պ��ֲ� from a friend back home in Ethiopia, studying in the United States seemed almost unimaginable.

“A friend told me, ‘There’s a school in America you should apply to,’” Debebe said. “He helped me through the process, and before I knew it, I was accepted and had a scholarship.”

Now, Debebe is graduating from �պ��ֲ� with double majors in business administration and human resources management and preparing for the next step toward an MBA at Roosevelt University.

Debebe says the opportunities she found at IC helped shape both her professional goals and confidence.

“Coming to �պ��ֲ� pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “I learned how to communicate better, work with different people and build leadership skills that will help me in grad school and my career.”

During her time on the Hilltop, Debebe became involved in organizations including Sigma Phi Epsilon and the investment club while balancing academics and preparing for graduate school.

She credits the close-knit campus environment for helping her feel supported while adjusting to life in a new country.

“At a bigger school, I think it would have been easier to get lost,” Debebe said. “Here, professors and classmates actually know you and want you to succeed.”

As she prepares to continue her education, Debebe says �պ��ֲ� helped her feel prepared for the future.

“IC helped me realize that I can accomplish things I never thought were possible,” she said. “I feel Graduate READY for whatever comes next.”

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Business Administration

Human Resources Management

Major

Business Administration &

Haydn Leonard ’26

emily.titsworth — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:48:19 +0000

Haydn Leonard ’26

Haydn

emily.titsworth Wed, 06/24/2026 - 14:48

Leonard

Loan Officer Associate | Mortgage of Omaha Mutual

Haydn Leonard ’26 wanted a college experience that would allow him to explore both academics and the arts. At �պ��ֲ�, he found opportunities to do both.

A triple major in business administration, finance and economics, Leonard combined rigorous coursework with extensive involvement in music ensembles, drumline and campus leadership. Now, he works as a loan officer associate at Mortgage of Omaha Mutual.

Leonard says faculty mentorship played a major role in his success.

“The professors really pushed me to take the next step and challenge myself,” he said.

In addition to academics, Leonard served as vice president of the international professional music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon, participated in the investment club and traveled to Cuba through a BreakAway experience.

“Those experiences helped me grow as a leader and understand different perspectives,” he said.

Originally interested in engineering, Leonard eventually discovered a passion for finance and economics through coursework and faculty guidance.

“I realized I enjoyed understanding systems, problem-solving and helping people make informed decisions,” he said.

Leonard says the balance between academics, leadership and collaboration helped prepare him for a professional career. “At IC, I learned how to communicate, work with different groups and think critically,” he said. As he prepares for the future, Leonard says he feels confident entering the professional world.

Primary Department

Graduate Ready

Department

Business Administration

Finance

Economics

Major

Business Administration, Finance, Economics