The AddRan College of Liberal Arts is proud to celebrate an exceptional group of graduates from the class of 2025. A few seniors reflect on their journeys at TCU and share 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 students embraced new ideas, challenged themselves inside and outside the classroom and built a strong foundation for success beyond college. From internships and research projects to student organizations and study abroad experiences, their stories showcase the many ways a liberal arts education empowers students to think critically, communicate effectively and lead with purpose.

Jack Graham 

Major/s: Political Science

Organizations and leadership roles: Housing & Residence Life, Student Success, TCU Orientation, Frogs First, Model United Nations, research assistant, SGA representative and Chancellor’s Host

Why did you choose TCU?
When I was touring TCU, I was lucky enough to run into Chancellor (Victor J. Boschini, Jr.) walking around. He introduced himself, got my name and we had a full conversation. When I arrived home, he sent me a handwritten letter with a keychain, and I knew I wouldn’t get that intentionality anywhere else.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
One lesson that I’ve learned during my time in AddRan is to learn equally what you can improve at, while catering to your strengths when engaging in leadership roles.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Dr. Eric Cox, (associate professor of) political science, has impacted my AddRan College experience the most through his leadership, ability to give feedback and desire to see students grow.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Get engaged in everything that you can and figure out what you do and don’t like. It’s better to know something than to look back with regret.

What’s next for you?
I will be returning home to pursue a career in law.

Jackson Kaiser

Major/s: Political Science; Economics; Communication Studies; and John V. Roach Honors College

Organizations and leadership roles: Secretary for the John V. Roach Honors Cabinet, TCU Speech and Debate team president, Bob Schieffer College of Communication DEI Committee student representative, research assistant and resident assistant

Why did you choose TCU?
When I was originally choosing where to go to college, I thought that I wanted to move out of Texas and go somewhere new. However, after taking the tour at TCU and seeing the great opportunities that exist here, I knew that TCU was the right choice. Since coming to TCU, I have benefited from small class sizes, personalized attention throughout the university, various extracurricular programs and numerous academic opportunities.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
One lesson that I have learned is to always reach out to your professors if you have questions or are interested in what they research and teach. You can learn a lot from them and find new opportunities that you may not have known about otherwise.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Dr. Zack Hawley of the economics department made the largest impact on my AddRan College experience. Dr. Hawley was one of my first professors at TCU and also gave me an opportunity to work as his research assistant in real estate economics for the following two years. After I completed my work as a research assistant, Dr. Hawley also advised my thesis project for departmental honors. All these experiences not only taught me about real estate economics but also made me a better researcher and writer in the process.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
I would encourage all incoming students to try anything that seems interesting to you on campus. You can go to a meeting for an organization and decide that the organization is not a fit for you. The important thing is to try everything so you can then pick what you are most interested in.

What’s next for you?
I will start law school in the fall at the University of Texas at Austin.

Juliana Shoun

Major/s: Criminology & Criminal Justice; Comparative Race & Ethnic Studies (CRES); and John V. Roach Honors College

Organizations and leadership roles: CRES Department Fellow, United Latinx Association Board and Spectrum Board

Why did you choose TCU?
TCU was my “Goldilocks” school. I wanted to go somewhere small, but not too small. I wanted to go far, but not too far. TCU was just right. The campus was beautiful and bustling; there were so many ways to get involved. I knew I could find my place here.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
One lesson I have learned during my time at AddRan is to question everything: my professors, peers, the status quo and my own preconceived notions – the list goes on.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Dr. (Luis) Romero (assistant professor) has become one of my favorite professors and a mentor throughout my college experience. He logged onto a Zoom meeting with me to talk about CRES, and the rest is history! His courses challenged me to be a better student, and I could not have completed my research project without him.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
I would say to explore all the TCU community has to offer and plug in. Something is always happening on campus. There is so much more out there than what our reputation suggests. Check your emails, follow social media accounts, and try something new.

What’s next for you?
I hope to pursue a career with local nonprofit organizations in DFW in a direct contact role with community members.