The AddRan College of Liberal Arts is proud to celebrate an exceptional group of graduates from the class of 2025. This December's spotlight features students with diverse paths and experiences, each reflecting on their journey at TCU and how their liberal arts education is shaping their future and preparing them to be ethical leaders in a global society.

Throughout their time in AddRan, these graduates embraced new ideas, challenged themselves in a variety of settings and built a strong foundation for success at TCU and beyond. From internships and research projects to professional roles, campus involvement and community engagement, their stories highlight the many ways a liberal arts education empowers learners to think critically, communicate effectively and lead with purpose.

Judy Altenberg

Major/s: General Studies/Criminal Justice

What inspired you to pursue your degree at this stage in your career and life?
I have worked at TCU for 20 years, and I saw other people my age and older taking classes. I thought if they can do it, I can do it too. They were my inspiration. I have wanted to pursue a degree for many years and I actually enjoy being a student.

How has being both a TCU employee and a student shaped your experience in AddRan?
Working full time and being a student is hard to do. However, if you enjoy the classes you are taking and are interested in them, it makes a difference. I enjoyed all of my criminal justice classes in AddRan. The professors were very knowledgeable and encouraging.

Were there particular classes, projects or experiences that were especially meaningful or transformative for you?
My crime scene investigation class was very enlightening. I learned how crime scenes are processed and that it is something I might be interested in doing.

What advice would you give to other working professionals who are considering returning to school?
If you are interested in pursuing a degree at TCU, go for it! You will be setting an example for your children, you will inspire others to do the same and most importantly, you will be proud of what you were able to accomplish.

Destin Drummond

Major/s: Political Science and John V. Roach Honors College

Organizations and leadership roles: Black Student Association, TCU Men's Track and Field, President and Co-Founder of Black Student-Athlete Alliance, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (Big 12 Representative and President), Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, Student Summer Research Program, Political Science Distinction and NIL Consultant for Neeley Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Why did you choose TCU?
My dad attended TCU in the early '90s. When he took me to my first TCU football game in 2009, I knew that I wanted to attend TCU. Though, like most, I had several other institutions that garnered my interest throughout high school. After visiting the campus, I knew TCU would be a place where I was not simply a number. I knew I would thrive in a small environment, where I could build meaningful relationships with my professors and classmates as well as develop into the athlete I have dreamt of becoming. TCU set my father up for the utmost success. Therefore, I had no doubt I would do the same for myself.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
The one lesson I learned during my time in AddRan is that how much you put in reflects how much you’ll take away. Doing the bare minimum will only get you the bare minimum. For example, taking extra time to get to know your professors and build genuine relationships with them can go a long way. Throughout my three and a half years in AddRan, I can confidently say that every single professor I have encountered, whether related to my major or minor, truly wanted me to be successful.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Professor (Emily) Farris, Professor (Jasmine) Jackson, Professor (Matthew) Montgomery and Mrs. Maria (Trevino)! These four have contributed to my growth and development as both a student and a human being. Dr. Farris, Jackson and Montgomery, as my professors, have equipped me with vital skills that will serve me well in my future academic and professional pursuits. Most importantly, all four of these individuals have acted as my biggest supporters and advocates. Dr. Farris has opened doors and provided opportunities for me that have paved the way for my future success. Dr. Jackson has guided me through my lowest moments and greatest achievements. Dr. Montgomery has instilled in me a great deal of confidence in my abilities. Mrs. Maria has been a witty, compassionate and nurturing friend who made the most stressful days swiftly pass.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Find a way to positively leave your footprint on the university. Leave your mark!

What’s next for you?
I am currently being recruited to continue my athletic career at another Division I, power four university. I will be earning my master’s in sports law/sports management.

Tanner Osolinski

Major/s: Criminal Justice & Criminology

Organizations and leadership roles: Founding Member and President of Kappa Alpha Pi, Policy & Advocacy Team Lead for AddRan Ambassador, Recording Secretary for Phi Gamma Delta, Resident Assistant, TCU ACHA Club Hockey Team, Pre-Law Society and Criminal Justice Society

Why did you choose TCU?
I chose TCU because of the immediate sense of community I felt when I visited. It instantly felt like a community I wanted to be a part of, and one that wanted me to be a part of it. That sentiment has remained true throughout the past 3 ½ years here, and I know it is something that I will be a part of for the rest of my life.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
Resilience. College is time where you face a lot of change and adversity, and it’s important that you not only work through those changes but also embrace them. I admit I have grown more as a person in the past 3 ½ years than I have in the rest of my life. Alongside that, it’s important to be open to everything. Just because something may seem hard, or you may believe you are not qualified for it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for it. Those times where you believe you’re not up to par with certain requirements, reinforce the idea of resilience, and overall effort you put in both during your time in school, and afterward.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Two people most impacted my experience within the AddRan College. The first being Dean (Sonja) Watson, and the second being Professor Rachael Houston.

Dean Watson has been an incredible support to me in my efforts to expand TCU and AddRan’s support systems for those looking to continue their education on to law school. Dean Watson has been there to hear out my feedback, and has provided so many platforms for myself, and my peers to grow considerably during my time at TCU. She is one of the most selfless individuals I have met, and has helped me to achieve my goals both academically while at TCU, and professionally for my time beyond TCU.

While I am not a major in the political science department, Professor Houston has been one of the most influential people I have interacted with during my time at TCU. I initially signed up for a course discussing First Amendment rights without knowing she was the professor. This class made me find a passion within law, and ultimately made me desire to continue on to law school. She has consistently been there for me whenever I had any questions about the process, and I greatly cherish the support she provided me.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Say to “yes” to everything. Many of the opportunities and experiences you will participate in in college will be reflective of your decision to say “yes.” By putting yourself out there, and pushing yourself to experience as much as possible you’ll be sure to get the most out of your college experience.

What’s next for you?
After graduating from TCU, I am going to take a semester off then later attend law school in the fall of 2026. I plan on going to school in either Texas or my home state of Colorado with a variety of options in each, focusing on trial advocacy and litigation.

Alex Thompson

Major/s: Political Science

Organizations and leadership roles: TCU Student Veteran Association. Although our members study a wide range of majors, we’ve been able to connect through shared deployment experiences, duty stations and the friendships formed along the way. With the support of the Veteran Services team and our chapter president, we have continued to grow and accomplish more for student veterans each semester I’ve been here.

Why did you choose TCU?
I chose TCU because I wanted to attend a university that supports veterans, offers a strong alumni network and provides a holistic education. From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely welcomed and encouraged to succeed both academically and personally. TCU’s commitment to community, leadership development and meaningful student engagement has allowed me to grow beyond the classroom and build connections that will continue to shape my career and life long after graduation.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
I learned that your major doesn’t define you at AddRan. Even though I was a Political Science major, I was able to build equally meaningful relationships across other departments. AddRan encouraged interdisciplinary learning, collaboration and curiosity, which allowed me to connect with faculty and students in a variety of fields. That support helped me grow beyond a single academic path and appreciate the value of diverse perspectives and academic interests.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Professor Alberto Wilson has had the greatest impact on my AddRan experience. His courses challenged me to sharpen my analytical skills, question assumptions and approach historical narratives with a critical mindset. Through his guidance, I learned how to break down complex events, evaluate sources more thoughtfully and recognize how historical patterns continue to inform political and social realities today. His influence not only strengthened my academic foundation but also deepened my ability to think strategically and interpret information with direction and purpose.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Some advice I’d offer to incoming students is this: embrace what makes you different, not what makes you the same. Your background, experiences and perspective are what set you apart, and that’s exactly what this community needs.

What’s next for you?
I will be attending graduate school at The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University to pursue a master’s in international policy, with the goal of contributing to meaningful work in national security and diplomacy.