Student Speakers
Meet our student speakers for spring 2025 commencement.
Speakers by college:
- Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics (FCSM)
- College of Health Professions (CHP)
- College of Education (COE)
- College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
- College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC)
- College of Business and Economics (CBE)
Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics (FCSM)
Graduate Speaker | Hailey Christoph
Hailey Christoph will receive a master’s degree in biology, making her the first person in her family to earn a graduate degree. Originally from Wauconda, Illinois, she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Iowa State University in 2022.
At Towson University, Hailey focused her thesis on the microbiome and metabolome of Maryland’s northern map turtles. She served as vice president of the Biology Graduate Student Association, lead teaching assistant for BIOL 120L and a graduate research assistant for Cook Library.
After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in education and scientific research. She is grateful to her advisor, faculty, staff and peers—and especially thanks her friends and family for their unwavering support.
Undergraduate Speaker | Natalie Brownlowe
From Martinsburg, West Virginia, Natalie Brownlowe is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
At TU, she participated in the Applied Mathematics Laboratory, presented at conferences nationwide and co-led the Student Parent Club. After graduation, she will pursue a master’s degree in statistics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Natalie is especially thankful to the Mathematics Department, CCAMPIS Grant staff and her friends and family for their continued encouragement.
College of Health Professions (CHP)
Graduate Speaker | Aaron Meriwether
Aaron Meriwether, from Bothell, Washington, is graduating with a master’s degree in athletic training.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Aaron served honorably for 10 years before being discharged in 2020.
He earned his bachelor’s in exercise science from TU and is now set to begin a seasonal internship with the Seattle Seahawks.
Undergraduate Speaker | Maria Sarier
Maria Sarier, originally from Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology and a minor in cultural studies.
She was active in the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute. She also works in early childhood education and is active in PTA leadership.
Maria will pursue a doctoral degree in audiology at TU beginning in fall 2025. She is thankful to her professors, peers and family—and honors the memory of her father, who always believed in her dreams.
College of Education (COE)
Graduate Speaker | Andrea Jones
Andrea Jones, a Calvert County native, is graduating from the Instructional Leadership and Professional Development program with an Educational Administrator I certification.
She brings 14 years of experience as an educator across multiple states and countries. Andrea leads with a culturally responsive lens and is passionate about inclusive educational leadership.
She thanks her family and friends for their support and looks forward to expanding her leadership journey.
Undergraduate Speaker | Ashley Jeon
Ashley Jeon is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
A Howard County native, she collaborated with diverse students and faculty while at TU and will begin her career as an elementary school teacher in her home county. She engaged in research, assessment and data-driven interventions to support students.
Ashley expresses deep gratitude to her professors, mentors and especially her family.
College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
Graduate Speaker | Elizabeth Eakes
Elizabeth Eakes is graduating with a master’s degree in professional writing. She entered the program with a background in global studies, environmental science and elementary education.
She now holds two book deals and has presented at international conferences. She also worked for the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy and as a graduate assistant for Dr. Sarah Gunning.
Elizabeth is thankful to her professors, family and friends for supporting her journey.
Undergraduate Speaker | Jay Dutton
Jay Dutton (they/them), from San Diego, California, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in LGBTQ+ studies.
Jay was a member of the Sociology Honor Society and held roles including career peer advisor and outreach coordinator for Queer City Sports. They found their voice at TU and are committed to advocacy and nonprofit work post-graduation.
Jay extends heartfelt thanks to their chosen family, parents, sisters Kathryn and Amber, their late aunts and partner Danielle Lloyd.
College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC)
Graduate Speaker | Sydney Avelino
Sydney Avelino, from Fort Washington, Maryland, is graduating summa cum laude with a master’s degree in communications management. A first-generation college student, she also earned her bachelor’s in mass communication from TU in 2023.
She was deeply involved on campus — serving as president of the Filipino Cultural Association, resident assistant for the Global Village and graduate assistant for the International Student and Scholars Office.
Sydney hopes to work with mission-driven organizations and thanks her professors, friends and family—especially her parents—for their support.
Undergraduate Speaker | Christiana Wozniak
Christiana Wozniak, from Harford County, Maryland, is earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and dance performance and choreography.
A Dean’s List honoree every semester, she maintained a 3.99 GPA. She choreographed and performed in numerous TU productions and interned with the Sports Medicine Department and VTDance II.
Christiana will begin a master’s degree in athletic training at TU, supported by her mentors, friends and family.
College of Business and Economics (CBE)
Graduate Speaker | Alisa Charmaine Martin
Alisa Martin, a first-generation graduate from Mesopotamia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She is earning a master’s degree in supply chain management and a graduate certificate in project, program and portfolio management.
She returned to school after nearly 20 years, inspired by her late grandmother’s legacy. At TU, she contributed to research in the Empowering Secure Elections Research Lab, interned in the Procurement Department and led a nonprofit capstone project.
Alisa aspires to lead cross-functional teams in food safety and supply chain operations. She is grateful to her mentors, peers and loved ones for their steadfast support.
Undergraduate Speaker | Carina Hernandez-Soto
Carina Hernandez-Soto is a Maryland native. She is set to graduate from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration, with a concentration in finance.
Post-graduation, she will launch her career as a public tax accountant at Cohen & Company in New York City, where she plans to pursue her CPA designation. During her time at TU, Carina immersed herself in campus life, holding executive roles in Women in Finance (as Treasurer and later President) and the TU Investment Group (as Treasurer). She was also an active member of Badminton Club, TUSA, and Beta Alpha Psi (BAP).
As a first-generation college student, Carina deeply valued the sense of community she found at TU and embraced every opportunity to grow academically and professionally. She is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of her parents, friends, and the TU faculty, especially within the College of Business and Economics, who guided and inspired her throughout her journey.