University of Mississippi

Lindsay Ashton, of Franklin, Tennessee, has spent four years committed to her goal of becoming a doctor. The biology major at the University of Mississippi spent her college years shadowing doctors, working in clinics and volunteering her time at hospice centers.

Maxwell Glasser, of Franklin, Tennessee, shaped his college years like a well-paced play, each act defined by risk, passion, creativity and possibilities. As the University of Mississippi theatre arts major prepared to graduate and move to New York City, the curtain was rising on one of the most exciting acts of his life.

By the time he got to college, Christian Boudreaux already had a clear goal of what he wanted to do with his life: become a marine biologist and work to counteract climate change by improving conservation efforts and protecting the environment, particularly the oceans. The Starkville native enrolled as a biology major at the University of Mississippi, taking on minors in Spanish, chemistry and environmental studies. He also dove into research projects, many of which took him to all corners of the world, and got involved in the community.

As Claire Reynolds prepared to graduate from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor in French, the Ozark, Missouri, native reflected on a journey filled with unexpected turns and valuable discoveries. Starting as a chemical engineering major, Reynolds pivoted to economics after taking an introductory microeconomics course that revealed the field's connection to human behavior analysis. This change in direction would become a defining moment in her academic journey.

For the Keyes family, hard work and a deep sense of belonging have shaped a legacy closely tied to the University of Mississippi. This spring, Sadie Keyes, of Flora, continued that tradition by following in her sister's footsteps as the family's second Taylor Medalist, finding her own place at a university that had felt like home long before she ever set foot on campus as a student. "I knew from the start that I wanted Ole Miss to be my home away from home," said Keyes, an elementary education major.

Kaleb Henry's college experience can be summed up in one word: community. Leaving his close-knit hometown to come to the University of Mississippi was like walking into a room full of strangers for the Waynesboro native. However, he quickly found ways to get involved while navigating his own college courses. Henry served as an ambassador for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, vice president of the Ole Miss chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, and president of the UM chapter of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program.

When family responsibilities called Keisha Harrison home from Oxford during her undergraduate studies, the University of Mississippi at Grenada campus provided her the flexibility she needed to continue her education in her own hometown. After completing her bachelor's degree in elementary education, Harrison returned to the classroom as an educator before going back to Ole Miss Grenada to earn her master's degree in curriculum and instruction. Her educational journey continued as her love of learning led her back once more to pursue an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership degree.

From her first campus visit, Izzy Arthurs felt immediately at home at the University of Mississippi. The Jackson, Tennessee, native was captivated by the Ole Miss campus "at first sight" - a feeling that has guided her entire college experience. A recent UM graduate, who earned a bachelor's in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in French, Arthurs became an integral part of campus life. She studied abroad in France and performed her own music. She worked in the Department of Campus Recreation all four years of college, earned her certification in group fitness instruction, and taught yoga, Pilates, barre and sculpt classes, all experiences she describes as highlights of her university years.

From her Mississippi roots, Lauren Brown found a natural home at Ole Miss. The Ridgeland native chose interdisciplinary studies to integrate her interests in language and medicine - combining Spanish, chemistry and biological science into what she describes as a "holistic learning experience."

From his first campus tour to leading record-breaking fundraising efforts, Byron Swetman's journey at the University of Mississippi has been defined by a profound dedication to serving others. Swetman, of Vancleave, began his Ole Miss journey as an electrical engineering major before transitioning to computer science. While balancing a full course load as a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, Swetman immersed himself in the university community from freshman year onward.

Sean McClellan, from Vancleave, is headed abroad to hone his language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program. McClellan earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Chinese in May and is in the UM Chinese Language Flagship Program.

Sophia Toner, from Pass Christian, is headed abroad to hone her language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program. Toner earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Chinese from the University of Mississippi in May and is in the UM Chinese Language Flagship Program.

Emily Barron, from Blacksburg, Virginia, is headed abroad to hone her language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program. Barron earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese from the University of Mississippi in May and is in the UM Chinese Language Flagship Program.

Emma Jones, from Oxford, majoring in Chinese, psychology and elementary education, and studying in the Chinese Language Flagship Program at the University of Mississippi, is headed abroad to hone her language skills after being accepted for the Chinese capstone year program.

Gavin Carr, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Carr earned a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic and political science from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Nelson Cleveland, of Gulfport, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Cleveland earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Kharley Redmon, of Lewisport, Kentucky, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Redmon earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Mabrie Woods, of Louisville, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Woods earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Elizabeth Vise, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Vise earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Arabic from UM in May and is in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Catherine Simpson, of Madison, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Simpson is majoring in Arabic and biological science and studying in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Caroline Stanford, of Flora, is one of seven University of Mississippi students who have been accepted into the competitive Arabic capstone year program. Stanford is majoring in Arabic and interdisciplinary studies and studying in the university's Arabic Language Flagship Program.

Ahmed Orabi's journey to becoming a pharmacist began in Kuwait and ended with a walk across a stage in Oxford. He graduated in May from the University of Mississippi with his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees.

Caroline Brock, a Greenwood native, graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in public health with the mission of addressing health disparities.

As Gwen Pfrenger prepared to graduate in May with her degree in art history, she reflected on a life surrounded by art and literature. Growing up in Oxford, she found her academic home at the University of Mississippi, where she could fully immerse herself in the humanities she has loved since childhood.

When Lauren Munnell toured the University of Mississippi for the first time, she didn't just see a campus - she saw possibility. The Franklin, Tennessee, native had never imagined herself at a big Southeastern Conference school, but Oxford offered something special: a close-knit community where she could grow, be challenged and thrive.

When Ja'Ree Myers walked across the Grove stage in May, he did so with a degree in computer engineering, no student debt and a future he built from the ground up. A Jackson native, Myers first visited the University of Mississippi during his sophomore year of high school to attend a football game, and it made a lasting impression.

Christopher Buchan, from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, an international studies and Chinese major at the University of Mississippi, is one of five UM students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program.

From his first visit to campus as a high school junior for a Trent Lott Leadership Institute conference, Jakota White felt the "magnetic atmosphere" of Oxford calling to him. The Gulfport native couldn't shake "how Ole Miss had made me feel, and who they believed I could be" - a feeling that has continued throughout his college career. Majoring in integrated marketing communications with a minor in general business, White became deeply woven into the fabric of campus life.

Sean McClellan, from Vancleave, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and Chinese from the University of Mississippi in May, is one of four UM students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program. Boren Scholars commit to studying critical languages and preparing for careers in national security, public service or international affairs. Recipients immerse themselves in the cultures of regions such as Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Danielle Dey, from Waveland, is one of four University of Mississippi students who have been awarded David L. Boren scholarships from the National Security Education Program. Dey earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from UM in May. She minored in intelligence and security studies and Korean. Boren Scholars commit to studying critical languages and preparing for careers in national security, public service or international affairs. Recipients immerse themselves in the cultures of regions such as Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.