Meet the Class of 2023

Anyaoku enjoyed a wealth of opportunities as a member of campus organizations like Alpha Delta Pi, the Black Student Union, and the Gettysburg African Student Association. “I was not 100 percent sure what I wanted to dedicate my life to since I had so many interests, but the way Gettysburg’s curriculum was set up allowed me to explore everything I was interested in,” said Anyaoku. A health sciences major, Anyaoku received the John and Barbara Horowitz Outstanding Undergraduate Abstract Award from the American Physiological Society for her scientific research. After graduation, she will attend Georgetown University to pursue a master’s in biotechnology.

Bishop was a member of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music Student Advisory Council, Senior Admissions Intern, and Badminton Club. The music and biology double major is most proud of completing her biology research capstone and senior recital capstone in music and has made lifelong memories studying tropical marine biology in the Bahamas. “From concerts, chamber ensembles, the musical, and the instrumental ensembles’ tour in the Baltic states, I have been able to share memories and music with my closest friends,” said Bishop, who has been accepted into graduate school for composition. “Being a Gettysburgian means being a kind and supportive community member, and using the knowledge and skills we have gained to do good in the world.”

 “I am most proud of being part of the Eisenhower Institute Undergraduate Fellowship program. Being surrounded by seven other intelligent and hard-working seniors who had such a passion and drive for the topic was an incredible experience,” said Boyer, who is a triple major in political science, Spanish, and international and global studies. “Being able to take our knowledge to Paris and hold amazing discussions and presentations has given me such a sense of fulfillment that I am on the right career track.” Boyer served as section leader of the color guard in the Bullets Marching Band and held several officer roles in her sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma. She studied abroad in Argentina, participated in EI programs Inside Civil Rights and Inside Washington, and was a member of Model United Nations all four years.

 “To me, being a Gettysburgian means taking advantage of the opportunities presented to you,” said Chaga, a political science and public policy double major. “As a transfer student, I sought to get involved on campus in order to make up for the lost time. However, I found that I was hardly even keeping track of the time. Being involved in clubs, sports, study abroad, academic extracurriculars, and things that brought me joy, I discovered that being at Gettysburg meant being in the moment.” Chaga, who traveled to Rwanda and learned Swahili, wants to combine her passion for learning languages with her dual degrees to pursue a career in foreign service or work in the linguistics department of an intelligence agency after graduation.

“The ability to participate in independent research was one of the reasons I chose Gettysburg, so it is very rewarding to look back over the last few years and see what I was able to accomplish,” said Cooke, a biology major and neuroscience minor. Cooke was recognized as the John and Barbara Horowitz Outstanding Undergraduate Abstract Award recipient and recently presented her research on Down Syndrome at the American Physiological Society Summit. Outside of the lab, Cooke enjoyed her time in ceramics classes and serving as an officer in Alpha Delta Pi. “Not only did I learn valuable research skills, but I also learned extensive leadership and collaboration skills through our small class sizes and the variety of extracurricular opportunities offered.” After graduation, she will pursue her Ph.D. through the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

 “My favorite memory has to be taking the First-Year Walk to hear the Gettysburg Address. It was a very warm and fitting welcome to both the town and the campus,” said Dudley. A member of Alpha Chi Rho, the international affairs and political science double major participated in several Eisenhower Institute programs and studied abroad in Amman, Jordan, two of the main reasons he decided to attend Gettysburg. After graduation, Dudley hopes to launch a career in international affairs and security. “Being a Gettysburgian means to be someone who is willing to be a loyal member of their community that does great not because they have to, but because they want to.”

 “I am most proud of the picnic that I planned at the Painted Turtle Farm in collaboration with OSAGL, Farm House, GECO, and Listeners and Performers,” said Fee. “It made me so happy and fulfilled to see so many people come together to enjoy the farm and the work of our peers.” Fee developed an individualized major called “The Philosophy of Poverty” to go along with a second major in English. She was a member of several campus organizations focused on sustainability and preservation, including Students for Indigenous Awareness/Gettysburg Acknowledging Local Earth and the President’s Climate Change and Sustainability Council. Fee, who studied abroad in Tunisia, will complete a service fellowship before pursuing a graduate degree in philosophy.

 “One skill that I think will help me greatly in the future is my ability to think critically,” said Fullowan. “My professors and coaches have always fostered an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions. I've learned the importance of constant learning and curiosity for what I have yet to learn.” An All-American attacker on the women's lacrosse team, Fullowan worked as a Peer Learning Associate for Intermediate Microeconomics and was a member of Delta Gamma, Student-Athlete Impact Leaders (SAIL), and Community GIGs. “Gettysburgian to me means that you are a part of a community that is bigger than yourself. You look out for one another and do your best to support them however you can.” After graduation, the mathematical economics major will work as a risk analyst at BNP Paribas in New York.

 “One of the people on campus that made a big impact right from the start of college was Prof. Benjamin Kennedy,” said Gibbs. “He changed my perspective on how to approach challenges and to always have a positive outlook on every situation that I encounter during my college career. Another person that had a very big impact on me was Prof. Ryan. E Johnson. He took me under his wing during the early stages of my college career and helped me to develop a big picture mindset which allowed me to have the confidence to pursue anything that I wanted to do in my life.” A member of the football team and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Gibbs intends to use his physics major to enter the aerospace field as a systems engineer and work on defense systems for the government.

 “The accomplishment that I am most proud of is helping establish the E-Sports Program here,” said Gill, a political science major and history minor. “With the help of the Student Senate we were able to secure funding for six top-notch gaming computers to get the club going.” Gill served as president and house manager of Sigma Nu and vice president of the Class of 2023. He also completed a summer internship with Congressman Matt Cartwright and was a prominent figure helping drive Gettysburg’s robust campus recreation programming. After graduation, Gill will serve as the college and career advisor for the Pennsylvania College Advising Corps at Shippensburg Area High School. “The most important skill that I learned throughout my time here was how to work with so many different kinds of people. Gettysburg cultivated me as a leader and I’m super grateful for all the opportunities I had.”

 “The accomplishment that I am most proud of is winning Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the Centennial Conference,” Giordano, a four-year member of the track and field team. “It represents not only my achievements academically, but all the hard work I put on the track.” A double major in public policy and political science and religious studies minor, Giordano worked in Campus Recreation and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After graduation, he plans to attend law school at Florida State University. “I learned to be my own biggest advocate through my time at Gettysburg. It endowed me with the confidence that I am capable of great things.”

As a student worker in the Athletics Department and writer for The Gettysburgian, Herr has seen his share of exciting moments at Gettysburg. “Working as the announcer at the men's basketball playoff game versus Franklin & Marshall this past season was an incredible experience,” said Herr. “Seeing the student crowd get behind the team on every play was electrifying, and being a part of generating that enthusiasm on the microphone was a special feeling.” Herr served as the sports editor for the school newspaper for two years and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa last fall. The political science and German studies double major was also team captain of the ultimate Frisbee team and has his sights set on working in policy research after getting his law degree.

An All-American midfielder for the men's lacrosse team and head of its Community Service Board, some of Howard’s favorite memories are the First-Year Walk, Servo omelets, and beating top-ranked Salisbury. He is most proud of his resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. “A lot of things could have gone very differently if I let the unprecedented situation push me off my course. However, I remained driven to find success both on the lacrosse field and off of the lacrosse field, achieving many personal goals along the way,” said Howard, who cited communication and time management as two key skills he developed at Gettysburg. After graduating with a business, organizations, and management degree, Howard will pursue a career in finance in New York City.

 “A large part of what I learned at Gettysburg within my majors is simply how to communicate with people from different backgrounds than my own,” said Jury. “I learned the importance of understanding everyone’s stories and how wonderfully different they can be–each just as special and important as the next.” Jury is most proud of her work as the lead intern for Communications & Marketing, which included development of the “Humans of Gettysburg” media campaign that highlighted individuals across campus. With a double major in women, gender, and sexuality studies and international and global studies and a minor in peace and justice studies, Jury plans on continuing her work in the communications and marketing industry as part of a public relations firm or a nonprofit.

 “I first discovered Gettysburg during my recruiting journey,” said Kurtt. “I did research on Gettysburg's successful women's golf program and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Other than sports, I chose to attend Gettysburg because of the support I knew I would have not only during my four years here, but for the rest of my life. The faculty, coaches, and alumni network I met gave me the assurance I needed to make my decision.” Kurtt, who helped the women’s golf team win the Centennial Conference championship this spring, was the director of new member education of Alpha Omicron Pi, co-president of Student-Athlete Impact Leaders (SAIL), and participated in the Snell-Shillingford Leadership Symposium. After graduation, the English major and business minor will work in donor research and prospect tracking as the foundation coordinator at the United States Golf Association.

 “[Being a Gettysburgian] means working hard to achieve your goals and to go out of your comfort zone if you want to be successful outside of college,” said Letizia, who is a history major with minors in public history, Italian studies, and peace and justice studies. Letizia studied post-genocide restoration and peacebuilding with the School for International Training (SIT) Rwanda program through Gettysburg and was a fellow with the Civil War Institute. She also contributed to the Gettysburg Historical Journal and the Gettysburg College Civil War Journal. Letizia, whose favorite memories on campus include the International Food Fest and going into town with her friends, plans to pursue a master’s degree after graduation.

 “All of the students and faculty within music education have been incredibly supportive and a wonderful small community to be a part of where I am challenged to think out of the box and push myself to learn more,” said Newton, who is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and participated in the Bullets Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Orchestra, Clarinet Ensemble, and Audeamus. The music education major and peace and justice studies minor plans to teach general music at an elementary school after graduation. “Gettysburg has helped me gain self-confidence in whatever I do, which has helped me immensely in building my teaching and lesson planning skills and leadership skills.”

 “Both college athletics and computer science can be challenging and require individuals to persist in the face of adversity,” said Nd-Ezuma. “Learning to bounce back from setbacks, overcome obstacles, and stay motivated helped me to develop resilience and perseverance, which are valuable qualities in any career.” The computer science major and data science minor was a member of the men’s basketball team, served as a community advisor in Residential Education, worked in the athletics equipment room and athletics center, and served as a Peer Learning Associate in computer science. After graduation, Nd-Ezuma plans to work as a software developer or data analyst. “Being a Gettysburgian means striving for excellence in everything that you do, whether it's on the playing field or in the classroom.”

 “I am very fortunate to have been able to work with absolutely amazing, smart, and caring superiors,” said Nguyen. “The staff at the Center for Global Education are also my mentors who guided me through my college experience. The librarians I work with at Musselman Library have shown what being passionate about one's work looks like and have always inspired me to seek additional educational opportunities. These people all play a huge part in my Gettysburg experience.” Nguyen studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, and was a member of the Vietnamese Student Association, International Club, and BOMB Squad. The sociology and international and global studies double major is looking at professions in higher education, international education, consulting, research, human resources, and communications.

 “Brad Lancaster at the International Student Office made the biggest impact on my Gettysburg experience,” said Ou, an economics major and data science minor. “There are always additional layers of challenges and steps we need to complete being an international student in the U.S., especially for employment-related things, and I honestly couldn't imagine how I would navigate them all without Brad.” As a first-year, Ou participated in the Center for Public Service U.S.-Mexico Border Immersion Project and represented Gettysburg at the National Student Leadership Diversity Convention through the Garthwait Leadership Center. She was also a summer fellow in the Eisenhower Institute, where she helped translate news articles from English to Khmer for Voice of America. Following her passion for utilizing data analytics tools and research to evaluate and improve organization systems, Ou plans to become a data analyst after graduation.

“Being a Gettysburgian means serving my peers and mentors (coaches, professors, supervisors) to the best of my ability; to better myself and those around me; to drive success in the classroom, on the field, and in the workplace; and to take advantage of the opportunities at hand, and grasp them with 100% effort,” said Pasternak. Pasternak’s proudest moment was serving as captain of the women's lacrosse team this spring. Additionally, the health sciences major and biology minor was a student worker in athletic training and athletic communications, a member of Chi Omega, and served as a Peer Learning Associate in anatomy and physiology. After college, Pasternak will work as a physician’s assistant specializing in sports medicine or orthopedics.

“Gettysburg is a historic place marked by a major war, but the school provides an atmosphere of growth centered in an open-minded attitude and culture. My time here has taught me so much and that has happened because I have been willing to listen to new ideas and go out of my comfort zone,” said Ritchie, a political science and public policy double major and economics minor. Ritchie was captain of the field hockey team, served on the executive board for Alpha Omicron Pi for two years, and worked in the athletics equipment room. Following graduation, Ritchie will pursue a law degree at the University of Richmond School of Law.

 “I learned how to be more open-minded and honest with myself about who I am and who I want to be,” said Roshon, a history and English double major and Civil War era studies minor. “Not only have I developed my skills in research, writing, and critical-thinking, but I have also learned how to be a better person, both for myself and others. These are skills that every human needs to function in the real world and their careers, including my own.” Roshon was a member of the Bullets Marching Band and symphony band, served as a tutor at El Centro, and studied abroad in England. The summer before her junior year, Roshon completed the Diane Werley Smith ’73 Internship in Gettysburg College’s Special Collections, which alongside the continuous support of Prof. Ian Isherwood. helped cement her career goal of becoming an archivist after getting a master’s degree in library and information science.

 “Being a Gettysburgian to me means being a learner, one that is immensely interested and curious of what else there is to learn,” said Sanchez. The picturesque landscape and stunning sunsets are just part of the reasons Sanchez trekked from the Midwest to Gettysburg. The psychology major with a French minor participated in several volunteer services, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Casa swimming, and SCAAP, and studied abroad in France. She cites leadership and communication among the main skills learned at Gettysburg that will help her in the future as a member of the Peace Corps and eventually as she continues her education.

 “I gained several skills at Gettysburg, such as the importance of going the extra mile to be kind and to be inclusive of everyone in the community not just in college, but in the real world,” said Schendel. “It puts everything into perspective and makes you realize that showing care goes a long way.” The business, organizations, and management major with a writing minor was involved in Chi Omega, the Eisenhower Institute, El Centro tutoring, Campus Kitchen, and Order of Omega. “To be a Gettysburgian means to put the community above yourself and to treat people the way you want to be treated by spreading kindness.” Upon graduation, Schendel plans to move to Arlington, Virginia, and work at the Bloomberg Industry Group.

 “I founded the Gettysburg College Climbing Club, which now boasts 15 members, most of which only started climbing this year,” said Schultz, a political science major and environmental studies and writing minor. “I hope that my work in the climbing community will leave a legacy and the community will continue to flourish.” Schultz worked as an outdoor facilitator for the Garthwait Leadership Center and credits the organization and staff for helping him develop tools to be successful in project management, public speaking, facilitation, and other skills that will aid him as he pursues a career in outdoor education. “At Gettysburg I was able to further my career goals in my own profession on campus as an outdoor facilitator. This job allowed me to learn more about group facilitation and leadership as well as learn more skills to help me in my outdoor adventures.”

 “Gettysburg is where I was able to figure out who I was as a person and student. It is the experience that made me into who I am today,” said Seiple, a history major and German studies minor. Seiple was selected to the Brian C. Pohanka Internship Program through Gettysburg’s Civil War Institute and spent the summer working at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. She also interned at Fort Macon State Park, studied abroad in Vienna, Austria, and was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Seiple, who mentioned the First-Year Walk and Servo Thanksgiving among her favorite memories on campus, will pursue a career as a social studies teacher after graduation.

“I've really enjoyed all of the friends I have made during my time here. I've been involved in so many incredible clubs and taken advantage of so many opportunities, and they all have helped me grow so much as a person,” said Staub. A political science and Italian studies double major and religious studies minor, Staub wrote for The Gettysburgian and served as an Admissions tour guide, an intern in Annual Giving, and as a Peer Learning Associate in the Italian Studies Department. She studied abroad in Rome where she interned at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre. After graduation, Staub will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a Ph.D. in political science. “Being a Gettysburgian means taking advantage of opportunities and being dedicated to growing both within and outside of academics.”

Toothman was looking for a place where he could combine his love for baseball with rigorous academic learning and he found that at Gettysburg. A member of the baseball team and Alpha Tau Omega, Toothman is a mathematical economics major and a business minor. His favorite memories include going to Florida with the baseball team, competing in intramural flag football, and working in athletic communications, where he was able to serve as a commentator for basketball games. After graduation, Toothman plans on working for a sports equipment company and keep his sights set on an administrative career in baseball. “Being a Gettysburgian means being a part of a community of people that know each other and care for each other.”

 “I liked how Gettysburg had an amazing science program and building,” said Van Pelt. “I knew I would thrive in a school with a close-knit community where I could get to know my peers and professors. I’m so happy I chose Gettysburg!” Van Pelt crafted an academic career in health sciences that paved the way for acceptance into multiple dental schools. The two-time president of the Pre-Health Professions Club will attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and credits Gettysburg’s hands-on learning and personalized education for helping her achieve her goals. “Health sciences professors at Gettysburg want to set you up for success even before you start applying to medical school with their advising and mentorship.”

 “I am most proud of my role as Student Senate president,” said Zamora, a political science major and Spanish minor. “This role has allowed me to address a plurality of student concerns with administration and gave me a lot of networking opportunities as well. Specifically, I had the chance to represent the school at a White House conference with Vice President Kamala Harris.” Through her various activities on campus, such as Mock Trial, Honor Commission, and the Student Senate, Zamora has developed leadership and advocacy skills that will prepare her for a career in constitutional or criminal law after graduation. “Being a Gettysburgian means going above and beyond in order to ‘Do Great Work.’ I find that Gettysburgians are incredibly involved on and off campus, and that they are devoted to everything that they do.”

Benson, from Lexington, Massachusetts, came to Gettysburg to experience a myriad of leadership, service, and study abroad opportunities. She was a program coordinator in the Center of Public Service (CPS) and participated in various programs with the Eisenhower Institute, including Women and Leadership and Washington Summer Fellowship. Benson served on Student Senate and studied abroad in Mérida, Mexico. Benson received the Linnaean Award from the Alumni Association and the Outstanding Community Partner Award from Greek Life. During Spring Honors Day, Benson was recognized with the Gettysburg College Senior Prize, which is awarded to a female senior who exemplifies commitment to community and concern for the welfare of others during the student’s years at Gettysburg College, and who shows promise of future accomplishment in support of community, state, and nation. Following graduation, Benson plans to travel to Spain to work as a language assistant through the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) with the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain.