When Paris Wills ’26 crossed the Commencement stage at St. Norbert College in May, she already knew what would come next: pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. But when she first arrived at SNC, that path was far from certain until she started interacting with faculty.

“All the professors really help and the resources here at St. Norbert very much helped me prepare,” Wills said. “My advisor was the first one helping me look at research universities.”

Wills’s story is one of many featured in St. Norbert College’s Great Starts series, highlighting graduates who are continuing their education or beginning professional careers. Her experience reflects a broader pattern at SNC: within nine months of graduation, 91% of graduates are employed, enrolled in graduate school or engaged in service, and 61% finalize their plans before receiving their diplomas. These outcomes are rooted in the College’s close-knit academic environment, where faculty mentorship, hands-on opportunities, and a strong sense of community help students discover their paths and build a foundation for long-term success.

For Barry Applewhite ’26, success at SNC wasn’t just about where he was headed next, it was about who he became along the way. Applewhite said he entered SNC lacking organizational and time management skills but graduated as a confident leader with multiple options ahead. After graduation, he accepted a position as a financial advisor with Voya Financial in Milwaukee and is deciding his academic path after being accepted into both the Master of Science programs in sport psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Northern Michigan University.

“I came out as a leader, as someone who can impact any community he sets his foot in, who will leave a lasting impact wherever he is. I’m glad I chose SNC.”

Barry Applewhite ’26

For Dominic Lagona ’26, a computer science major, success has meant translating classroom problem-solving skills into a professional setting. After starting at Baker Tilly as an intern the summer of his junior year, Lagona has transitioned into a full-time role as a risk advisory consultant in the Milwaukee office.

“I’d say critical thinking,” Lagona said when asked what skills from his coursework he is most excited to apply. “It’s something I really enjoy and got good at from being a computer science major. And problem solving. That was pretty much the basis of my computer science classes. You’re given a project and have to figure out how to get to the end goal, solving problems along the way.”

Growth came through involvement for Brian Coulter ’26. Graduating with a business administration degree, Coulter is continuing his education through the Schneider School of Business & Economics’ new MBA 4+1 program while building on his leadership experience as president of the Student Government Association.

“It was good to have that leadership experience to run an organization before I actually do, in the real world, if it comes to that,” Coulter emphasized. “I have another year here and I’m pretty excited about that. I get to keep learning from a lot of the professors I’ve already had.”

For others, success is shaped by support systems both inside and outside the classroom. Allison Jacobsen ’26, who will continue her education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, credits her experience as a student-athlete for helping define her time at SNC.

“I played hockey all four years at SNC, and I loved every second of it. The team is amazing. It really brought a good support system.”

Allison Jacobsen ’26

Owen Geddes ’26 took a different path, completing his psychology degree in just three-and-a-half years before beginning work full-time as a level II inpatient pharmacy technician at Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Center in Fredericksburg, Va. This summer, he will begin his doctoral program in occupational therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Coming from Virginia, Geddes said choosing SNC was a risk, but one that paid off.

“Coming in from out of state, I took a risk on a completely new environment, and it was the best decision I made, as it has shaped a part of who I am today,” said Geddes.

Despite their different experiences, these Great Starts graduates share a common appreciation for the experiences that shaped them. For the Class of 2026, success is not defined by a single outcome, but by the paths they have already begun to carve. Whether entering graduate programs or stepping into careers, SNC graduates leave with a sense of direction shaped by mentorship, opportunity and community.