BGSU Fall 2025 graduates reflect on finding their place, defining their futures
Graduates share how Bowling Green helped them learn, lead and prepare for their next step
This December, nearly 1,000 Bowling Green State University students will graduate – each with their own story of how they reached this milestone.
There are stories of friends they met along the way, professors who fueled their ambitions and experiences that shaped who they’ve become.
As they prepare to begin a new chapter, they carry with them the lessons, memories and confidence built at Bowling Green – a university with the right in-demand academic programs, the right size for growth and opportunity and the right place for a true college experience in one of America's best college towns.
Fall 2025 graduates, in their words
Graduates recently reflected on their time at Bowling Green, which – for six years in a row – has been ranked by the Wall Street Journal as the No. 5 university in the nation and No. 1 university in Ohio students say they would choose again.
Kara Haake '25
Aviation, flight technology and operations major
Next step: cadet flight instructor at Envoy Air (a regional airline for American Airlines)
"Choosing BGSU has played an instrumental role in shaping the graduate I am today. BGSU offered many different opportunities to grow my skills and traits as a person, student and pilot. I am especially grateful for the professors and flight instructors that the program provided; their expertise and real-world experience were invaluable. The knowledge and skills I gained here have truly set me up for success in my career."
Devin Darr '25
Physics major, astronomy minor, Life Design ambassador
“I have grown so much since first arriving at Bowling Green. I see myself as a completely different person now in the best way possible. I owe a ton of gratitude to BGSU and Life Design for helping me build such a strong foundation for my future. It has been incredible to pour my heart and soul into a program that, in turn, poured its heart and soul into me, empowering me to become the person I’m meant to be."
Zachary Dunson '25
Six Flags resort and attraction management major
Next step: Build a career in the food and beverage sector in Traverse City, Michigan
"BGSU and the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program advertised themselves on experiential learning, and they absolutely delivered. Without BGSU's strong relationships with partners like Six Flags, I don't believe that I would've gotten half the value I did. It is because of these relationships that we were able to go on property and see firsthand what makes a hospitality venue run."
Finn Hogan '25
Marketing major, influencer, Falcons wide receiver
"Coming to BGSU has probably been the best decision I’ve ever made. When I got to BGSU is when my content took off to a new level. I had some good years on the field, but I really got to learn the business side of it, which is when brands started to reach out. I realized, with the right care, it could grow into what it is today. I can say 100% that I wouldn’t be where I am right now without a lot of the people at BGSU who helped me.”
Melanie Boatwright '25
Construction management major, Falcons cheerleader
Next step: Mechanical project engineer, JE Dunn Construction in Perrysburg
“BGSU helped me discover a major that I have thrived in and provided me with so many opportunities to get involved. A big part of my college journey has been supporting the University as a cheerleader, including helping to revive the all girl’s squad my junior year. I’m grateful to BGSU for providing me with the best college experience and preparing me for my future in construction management."
James Eastman '25
Honors College, Political science major
Next step: project manager at Epic Systems
"I’m really grateful to have chosen BGSU, partly because of how great the political science department is. I’ve learned a lot about my subject. More than that, though, BGSU has taught me a lot about being a good citizen; the intense commitment to the public good makes me feel ready to enter the real world and use my degree to advance that public good."
Grace Wasserman '25
Accounting major
Next step: Tax staff at GBQ Partners in Sylvania, Ohio, while studying for the CPA
"I would not be where I am today without BGSU. BGSU exceeded my expectations by providing a balance of academic challenges, professional preparation, and a strong sense of community. BGSU also pushed me to grow personally in my own life and brought me connections and friends that I will cherish forever!"
Taylor Reinhart '25
Applied health science major, pre-physician assistant track
Next step: Marietta College’s physician assistant program
"Something that I love about BGSU is that you're not treated like just another number. They truly care about you and are invested in your journey as a person, and that support is so valuable and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. If I had to do it all over, I would choose BGSU again in a heartbeat."
Reagan Brothers '25
Honors College, Communication sciences and disorders, Falcon Marching Band member
Next step: graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist
"Being a student at BGSU has provided me with countless opportunities to succeed. I have worked with the Honors College and esteemed faculty from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders to conduct research and performed in the world-renowned St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, as a member of the Falcon Marching Band. These opportunities, combined with numerous others over the past few years, have set me up for tremendous career success."
Anthony Jack (AJ) Rubeis '25
Exercise science, pre-physical therapy track
Next step: graduate school to earn a doctorate in physical therapy
"BGSU has offered me numerous opportunities to not only develop as a scholar but also as a future clinician, through superb academia and experiential learning in the real world. I loved the fact that BGSU offered an amazing college experience, all while providing a hometown feel."
Morgan Shelton '25
Honors College, Visual communication technology major
Next step: graphic artist, project manager and marketing team member at Sandusky Packaging
"I’m grateful I chose BGSU because no other school in the area offered a program quite like visual communication technology. It’s given me the opportunity to be creative while developing practical, career-ready skills that blend design, technology and strategy."
Updated: 12/10/2025 10:40AM