New graduates pursue top graduate programs, land dream jobs, and make history in athletics and public service
From doctoral programs at prestigious universities to professional sports contracts and global teaching positions, the Class of 2025 at Presbyterian College has proven that a transformative liberal arts education prepares students to thrive wherever they go next.
Presbyterian College President Dr. Anita Gustafson praised this year’s graduates for their ambition, resilience, and service-minded goals.
“The Class of 2025 represents the very best of what it means to be a Blue Hose,” Gustafson said. “They are bright, compassionate, and driven—and they are already making a difference in their communities, careers, and the world. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”
Ph.D.s, Fulbrights, and Prestigious Fellowships
Several members of the Class of 2025 are heading straight into graduate programs at top-tier universities or have earned prestigious fellowships and scholarships.
English major Samantha Hauff, the Outstanding Senior in Communication Studies and a member of the nationally-ranked Blue Hose women’s wrestling team, earned a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Bulgaria, further exemplifying PC’s global reach and academic excellence.
Patrick Buchanan, who earned dual degrees in history and religious studies and was recognized as Outstanding Senior in both disciplines, will pursue a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He was also a Fulbright semi-finalist and one of PC’s valedictorians.
The Class of 2025 represents the very best of what it means to be a Blue Hose. They are bright, compassionate, and driven—and they are already making a difference in their communities, careers, and the world. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”
Dr. Anita Gustafson, PC President
Six members of the 2025 class earned prestigious fellowships ranging from $27,000-$40,000 to pursue doctorates in their respective fields.
Amanda Bailey, the Outstanding Senior in Biochemistry, is pursuing her doctorate in organic and medicinal chemistry at Duke University.
Physics major Jacob Clerc, PC’s Outstanding Senior in Physics, and chemistry and physics double major Lauren Driggers, are both beginning Ph.D. programs at Vanderbilt University. Clerc will study physics, and Driggers will pursue chemistry. The two graduates also got married this summer before relocating to Nashville.
Biochemistry major Mackenzie Partsch, who earned an American Legion Award last spring, will begin her Ph.D. program in biomedical physics at Clemson University.
Kayla Ponchamni, the Outstanding Senior in Chemistry, is pursuing her Ph.D. in organic chemistry at North Carolina State University.
Abbi Weatherford, a biology major, is at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she has begun her doctoral studies in biomedical sciences and cancer biology.
Graduate School Bound
Several other members of the Class of ’25 are also furthering their educations.
One of PC’s valedictorians, Kelly Hall, an accounting major and goalkeeper for the Blue Hose women’s soccer team, passed the second and final part of the Certified Management Accountant exam after earning the CMA Scholarship from the Institute of Management Accountants. She will begin her master’s program in accountancy at Mercer University this fall.
Inspired by her internship at the South Pacific World War II Museum in Vanuatu, history major Gabby Brinez-Pardo is pursuing a master’s degree in public history at Duquesne University.
Ella Casto-Waters, an English major who earned the Joseph O. Nixon Leadership Award last spring, is advancing her passion for student success with a master’s program in higher education administration at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies.
Psychology major Caroline Rairigh, named PC’s Overall Outstanding Senior, was accepted into a summer research position at Duke University, where she is studying eating disorders in Dr. Nancy Zucker’s psychology lab. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
Internships Become Careers
PC’s internship culture and mentorship helped several students seamlessly transition into full-time roles.
Kelby Goodrum, a business administration major who interned with Trane Technologies, earned a spot in the company’s highly competitive Accelerated Development Program. The 2.5-year rotational experience will prepare the Outstanding Senior in Management for leadership in accounting and finance.
Alan Turner, a chemistry major, is now a chemist at International Vitamin Corporation, while business administration major Rebecca Knight and economics major Conley Davis leveraged internship experiences into jobs at Langston Construction and Stryker, respectively. Davis transitioned from Crosslink to medical device sales at Stryker.
Aurelia Santoyo, a business administration major, turned a wealth management internship into a full-time analyst position at Bank of America in Atlanta, while English major Worth Warner joined CosmoLex, a legal tech company.
Teaching and Ministry Around the World
Business administration major Ezra King is teaching English as a Second Language at Altiora Academy in South Korea, while history major Ella Beam, a member of the women’s wrestling team and the winner of the Hay Bible Bible Award, accepted a ministry position with Young Life in Germany.
Former Griffith Scholar Sarah Grace Stanley has begun her career in ministry as the director of youth and children’s ministry at James Island Presbyterian Church in Charleston, S.C. A religion and philosophy major at PC, she is continuing her education as she begins the Master of Arts program in reformed theology through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Julia Ringley, an English major, is serving as an Atlanta Zacchaeus Fellow—a faith-based leadership development opportunity with strong ties to the Presbyterian Church.
Leadership and Law
Dakota Price, a political science major and member of the men’s wrestling team, was PC’s Outstanding Senior in Political Science. Price will pursue a career in law at the University of South Carolina School of Law this fall.
Jy Nunley, who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the South Carolina Army National Guard last spring, graduated with a degree in sociology and will pursue a career in law enforcement following her service in the military. 2nd Lt. Walker Mathews, a history major, is serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, while 2nd Lt. Hannah Rikabi, a biology major, is serving in the chemical corps of the S.C. Army National Guard.
PC Grads Go Pro
The Class of 2025 also produced several professional athletes making headlines internationally.
Men’s soccer star Damorney Hutchinson, a sociology major, signed a professional contract with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. Hutchinson, the Big South Men’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, set program records for most goals in a season and career. He also earned All-Conference honors and was named the 2023-24 Big South Newcomer of the Year.
Kaleb Scott, a business administration major, signed with AS Papagou in Greece’s Elite League to play professional basketball, and sociology major Jamahri Harvey is playing professionally in Germany.
Two members of the Blue Hose football team – linebacker Alex Herriott, a business administration major, and defensive back Anthony Thornton, who also majored in business administration – are playing professionally overseas for the Helsinki Roosters in Finland’s Vaahteraliiga.
Business administration major Jack Wofford is pursuing a career with the Professional Golf Association, bringing his talents to the competitive world of pro golf.
Four members of the Blue Hose baseball team who started with the Class of ’25 are playing professionally this summer, as well. Slugger Joel Dragoo, a business administration major, was drafted in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Phillies and is currently playing for the Clearwater Threshers in Florida. Right-handed pitcher Daniel Eagen, an English major, was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks and is playing for the Hillsboro Hops in Oregon. Left-handed pitcher Charlie McDaniel was signed by the San Francisco Giants and has been promoted to the Eugene Emeralds in Oregon. Infielder Brody Fahr, who earned a degree in business administration, is playing for the independent Lincoln Saltdogs in Nebraska.
A Class to Remember
Though only a small sample of this year’s graduating class, these members of the Class of ’25 highlight the mission of Presbyterian College—to develop the whole person through a transformative liberal arts education that prepares graduates for lives of meaningful service, leadership, and success.
Whether they are breaking records, helping others, or continuing their education, these young alumni are poised to shape the world.
“They are dreamers and doers,” said Dr. Gustafson. “And they have only just begun.”
