On Saturday, May 16, John Carroll University celebrates the achievements of more than 200 graduate students at the 2026 Graduate Commencement Ceremony. We invited the Class of 2026 to reflect on their academic journeys and share how their experiences have prepared them to launch inspired futures. These featured graduates offer a glimpse into the diverse opportunities and profound growth defining the JCU master’s experience.
For Ashley Brumit, ‘24, '26G, JCU has been a second home for six years. After completing her undergraduate degree, she chose to stay for her Master of Science in Biology, specifically influenced by Dr. Rebecca Drenovsky’s mentorship in research collaborations. Serving as a graduate assistant for Principles of Biology labs, Ashley discovered a passion for teaching and developed essential communication and public speaking skills. In addition to professional growth as a master’s student, Ashley’s time at JCU was also a period of deep personal growth by way of rekindling her faith and integrating Jesuit values into her way of life. As she prepares to enter the workforce, Ashley feels ready to lead: “My biggest takeaway from being at JCU is being comfortable in leadership positions. I feel more confident giving instructions, providing feedback, public speaking, and communicating information." She is currently interviewing for roles where she can turn her graduate research into tangible professional contributions.
Lyn’Nazia Davis, '26G, is graduating with a School Based Master of Education degree with Initial Licensure, which she noted provided an ideal accelerated path to deepening her impact as an educator. Already working as a middle school math teacher, Lyn’Nazia sought a program that would challenge her while remaining grounded in the realities of the classroom. Through intentional reflection and research-based coursework, she transitioned from a dedicated instructor to a more confident, outcome-oriented educator. “JCU taught me that being a strong educator is about understanding students, using data to guide instruction, and making thoughtful decisions that support their academic and personal growth,” she reflected. Lyn’Nazia is prepared to step into a new role as Lead Teacher at her current site, where she will use her JCU experience to strengthen her approach with students as well as to mentor fellow educators. She is looking forward to taking the summer break to enjoy the growth she worked so hard for.
Mariam Hammoud, '26G entered the Master of Education in School Counseling program with a clear mission: to be an advocate for students who feel unheard and to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for growth. Her journey was marked by instrumental practicum and internship experiences, including the opportunity to co-present at the Ohio School Counselor Conference alongside a professor. These experiences helped Mariam build the confidence and professional skills necessary to be a mentor for her future students. She credits the JCU community for her growth, stating, “The faculty at JCU truly made me a better person, student, and professional. The support, encouragement, and knowledge shared by all of my professors will stay with me in my professional and personal life." After graduation, Mariam will begin her career as a full-time school counselor, continuing her commitment to positively influence the lives of future students.
For Chris Harding, ‘12, '26G, returning to John Carroll University for a Boler Professional MBA was a natural next step in a career that began on campus over a decade ago. Having graduated from JCU in 2012, Chris felt the pull of the Boler College of Business’s reputation and the university's powerful alumni network when his employer, Towlift, encouraged him to pursue further growth. Balancing his role as Director of Sales with rigorous graduate studies, Chris found he could immediately apply classroom insights to his leadership of a fast-paced team. Reflecting on his return to campus, Chris shared, “Coming back to JCU truly felt like coming home. The Jesuit values, especially being a ‘man for others,’ have stayed with me and continue to guide how I lead and how I approach relationships." After graduation, Chris looks forward to senior leadership opportunities and well-deserved family time with his wife and three children.
Ben Lozar, ‘20G, '26G recognized that to remain at the forefront of his field in high school admissions, he needed to evolve his digital marketing and strategic communication skills. This led him to the Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Communication Strategy program at JCU, where the virtual classroom became a laboratory for his daily professional life. By integrating new strategies into his recruitment efforts, Ben saw immediate results in his ability to attract and engage target markets. His biggest encouragement to prospective students is to embrace the supportive JCU community. As Ben puts it: “JCU made me a better employee! The faculty, staff, and students are a lovely community, committed to guiding you along the journey." Following graduation, Ben plans to combine his new marketing knowledge with advanced digital design skills.
Samantha Pulling, ‘24, '26G first discovered her passion for evidence-based practice while working at Fit Learning Cleveland, a curriculum-based tutoring center located in Pepper Pike, Ohio, during her undergraduate years at JCU. This experience drove her to pursue her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, where she could further study how data can transform the lives of learners with ADHD and their families. By balancing a demanding work schedule with graduate coursework, Samantha strengthened her clinical decision-making and time-management skills. She emphasizes the value of the mentorship she received from faculty throughout the program. Reflecting on her journey, Samantha noted, “The biggest takeaway from my time at JCU is the importance of applying the concepts I have learned to real-world settings." Following graduation, Samantha will continue providing meaningful contributions at Fit Learning Cleveland while allocating time to prepare for her upcoming wedding.
For Tristan Weigand, ‘25, '26G, the journey through the Master of Science in Exercise Physiology program was defined by a shift from being on the ice as a student-athlete to leading from the sidelines helping athletes to improve their performance, backed by data. Tristan found that his time with John Carroll Hockey was about far more than just sport; it provided an opportunity to find his voice in a group setting, a skill he has carried into his current job. While he entered JCU as an undergraduate student with a focus on athletic training, the Exercise Science Department’s rigorous curriculum and dedicated mentors helped him pivot toward a new passion in sport science. He values the authentic, face-to-face interactions that allow him to support athletes' holistic development. Reflecting on his professional evolution, Tristan highlights his experience, noting that the, “dedicated advisors, faculty mentors, and professional development at JCU allows you to find exactly what you want." Tristan has already begun his inspired future, currently serving as a sport science performance coach for the Chicago White Sox AAA affiliate.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and “caps off” to all our faculty, staff, and mentors who shared in your journey. For more information about John Carroll University's Graduate Programs, visit jcu.edu/graduate.
