John Carroll University Graduate School

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Today, we are honoring the accomplishments of over 200 graduates participating in our Graduate Commencement Ceremony. As...
05/16/2026

Today, we are honoring the accomplishments of over 200 graduates participating in our Graduate Commencement Ceremony. As the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Canda, shared in our May 2026 Graduate School newsletter, "We hope that students who are celebrating the completion of their programs will remain active members of our Graduate School community, as well as take time to rest and celebrate as they look back on their many successes during their time at JCU".

The featured individuals over the past 8 days capture a glimpse of the range of opportunities and growth that have been made by our JCU graduate school students in their time as master's students. Check out their stories by clicking on the link in our bio.🔗

Onward, on to all receiving a graduate degree today 💙⚡️

Commencement Spotlight: Mariam Hammoud, School Counseling (M.Ed.) 🎓 Mariam Hammoud, '26G entered the M.Ed. in School Cou...
05/15/2026

Commencement Spotlight: Mariam Hammoud, School Counseling (M.Ed.) 🎓

Mariam Hammoud, '26G entered the M.Ed. 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.

Commencement Spotlight: Tristan Weigand, Exercise Physiology (M.S.) 🎓For Tristan Weigand, ‘25, '26G, the journey through...
05/14/2026

Commencement Spotlight: Tristan Weigand, Exercise Physiology (M.S.) 🎓

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.

Commencement Spotlight: Ashley Brumit, Biology (M.S.) 🎓For Ashley Brumit, ‘24, '26G, JCU has been a second home for six ...
05/13/2026

Commencement Spotlight: Ashley Brumit, Biology (M.S.) 🎓

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.

Commencement Spotlight: Robert Boyer, Sports Management (M.A.) 🎓Robert Boyer, '26G proved that it is never too late to c...
05/12/2026

Commencement Spotlight: Robert Boyer, Sports Management (M.A.) 🎓

Robert Boyer, '26G proved that it is never too late to change course and pursue a true passion. After working in supply chain and logistics, Robert realized his heart remained in the sports business classes he had enjoyed during his undergraduate years. An encounter with Graduate Admissions at a JCU job fair led him to the Master of Arts in Sports Management program, a move he describes as a "leap of faith", which became a chapter of his life that he reflects upon with gratitude. During his two years as a graduate student, Robert became a fixture of campus life, serving as a Graduate Assistant for Recreation and participating in multiple search and university committees. His professional reach extended into the Cleveland sports scene, working with both the Cleveland Browns and the Akron RubberDucks. Robert leaves JCU with a vast professional network and newfound support, stating, “I am confident and know that I have an army of people who want to see me succeed, and for that to be the case, even through a short program, I made the right choice in coming to JCU.” He looks forward to securing a full-time role in a professional sports production booth.

🎓 + 📸Graduating students: Don't forget to drop by our office in SIH 126 this week (M-F, 10-4:30PM) to iron/steam your go...
05/11/2026

🎓 + 📸

Graduating students: Don't forget to drop by our office in SIH 126 this week (M-F, 10-4:30PM) to iron/steam your gown, take regalia photos, and pick up your commemorative wine flute!

Onward, On!

Commencement Spotlight: Samantha Pulling, Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S.) 🎓Samantha Pulling, ‘24, '26G first discovered...
05/11/2026

Commencement Spotlight: Samantha Pulling, Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S.) 🎓

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.

Commencement Spotlight: Chris Harding, Boler Professional MBA 🎓For Chris Harding, ‘12, '26G, returning to John Carroll U...
05/10/2026

Commencement Spotlight: Chris Harding, Boler Professional MBA 🎓

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.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Chris highlights that his academic and professional growth over the last few years would not have been possible without his wife Kelsey’s dedicated support at home. Reflecting on the challenge of juggling a leadership career and a master's program, Chris shared: “My wife has been incredibly supportive throughout this entire journey. Balancing a demanding job, travel, and this program wouldn’t have been possible without her. She’s taken on so much at home, and I’m very grateful for everything she’s done”.

Commencement Spotlight: Lyn'Nazia Davis, School-Based Program Adolescent/Young Adult Integrated Sciences (M.Ed.) 🎓Lyn’Na...
05/09/2026

Commencement Spotlight: Lyn'Nazia Davis, School-Based Program Adolescent/Young Adult Integrated Sciences (M.Ed.) 🎓

Lyn’Nazia Davis, '26G, is graduating with a School Based M.Ed. 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.

🎓 Commencement Spotlight: Ben Lozar, M.S. in Digital Marketing & Communication StrategyBen Lozar, ‘20G, '26G recognized ...
05/08/2026

🎓 Commencement Spotlight: Ben Lozar, M.S. in Digital Marketing & Communication Strategy

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's 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.

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