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.

Olivia Dugger

Major/s: Geography; Digital Culture and Data Analytics; Modern Language Studies (Italian Specialization) and John V. Roach Honors College

 

Organizations and leadership roles: President of Geography Club, President of Italian Club, AddRan Ambassador, Dean’s Student Advisory Council and AddRan Committee Member for TCU Sesquicentennial

Why did you choose TCU?
I chose TCU, and specifically AddRan, because it felt like a place where I wouldn’t have to choose between being technical and human- focused. I knew I wanted to study geography, but I also wanted to explore other areas of study. When I arrived at TCU, I found a college that actively encouraged me to follow my curiosity. From studying Italian and living in the language house, to pursuing internships and research projects that blend data, storytelling and social impact, AddRan helped me craft an education that’s both grounded and expansive — and entirely my own!

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
One lesson I’ll carry with me from my time in AddRan is that understanding people — through their language, culture or lived experience — is just as important as any technical skill. AddRan has shown me that empathy is a powerful tool and that the ability to listen, adapt and communicate across differences is essential no matter the profession. Paired with the transferable skills I’ve gained, such as critical thinking and clear communication, I feel prepared to navigate a world that’s constantly evolving and to do so with both competence and compassion.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Dr. (Nicholas ) Albanese — my Italian professor, the chair of the Department of Modern Language Studies and colloquially known as “Prof”— has played a pivotal role in my AddRan College experience. During my first-year spring semester, I enrolled in first-semester Italian to build comfort with the language I’d be speaking during my upcoming summer study abroad in Siracusa, Sicily — a trip Prof also led. Through that course, supplementary Italian conversation sessions and the immersive study abroad experience, I fell in love with the language. I went on to skip directly to third-semester Italian and pursue an Italian minor. I now serve as president of the Italian Club, coordinator of the Italian House and office assistant for the Department of Modern Languages. When the Italian major was introduced, I enthusiastically added it as my third major. In addition to being a professor and a boss, Prof has been an incredible mentor throughout my time at TCU.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Pursue your interests to the fullest. You’ll perform best and be happiest doing what you’re passionate about, so don’t choose your area of study based on superficial reasons.

What’s next for you?
After a celebratory graduation trip through Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy, I’m excited to begin my next chapter as an associate technical consultant at Esri, the leading geographic information systems (GIS) software company. I’m returning to the team I interned with last summer in St. Louis.

Davis McHenry

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

 

Organizations and leadership roles: Special Olympics, Frog Camp Facilitator, Chancellor Host, Beta Theta Pi, Pre-law Society and intramural sports

Why did you choose TCU?
I chose TCU because of the strong campus community and unparalleled opportunities for involvement. I knew that it would be a place where I could both challenge myself and enjoy the numerous benefits of being a student (sports, small classes, etc.).

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
One lesson that I will carry with me is that learning does not stop in the classroom. Many of the most impactful life and academic lessons that I have learned have come in the Fort Worth community (internships, volunteer events, TCU outings). What you learn in the classroom is only one part of a liberal arts education. It is vital to put it into action in the real world.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Dr. (Stepen) Quinn, professor of economics, has easily been the individual who has most impacted my TCU experience. Not only do his many classes engage in material that I find fascinating (Federal Reserve, economic history, etc.), but his teaching style is incredibly interactive and forces students to consistently think critically. I can say for certain that my writing, research and analytical skills have been forever improved due to Dr. Quinn.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
My piece of advice would be to give it your all. If you are passionate about the things you do, there is no such thing as doing too much. TCU is a special place and places the entire world before you. I encourage everyone, especially during their early years, to go for any opportunity you dream up because at TCU, it can/will become a reality.

What’s next for you?
In the fall, I will be starting law school at Harvard.

Dominic Mendlik

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

 

Organizations and leadership roles: Student Body President, Student Government Association, Moot Court Team, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and TCU Admission tour guide.

Why did you choose TCU?
I chose TCU because it offered the unique combination of excellent undergraduate teaching, small class sizes and a world-class student experience that I was looking for in a university.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
One lesson I have learned in AddRan is the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge that allows you to analyze problems from multiple perspectives and place issues in a greater context. I can’t tell you how many times concepts in my economics classes overlapped with discussions we had in political science and vice versa — without either, I would have had a less complete understanding of the other.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Because of the nature of our college, I have been blessed with many faculty mentors who have immensely enriched my education. However, Dr. Samuel Arnold, (associate professor of) political science, stands out for encouraging me to join Moot Court and stoke a love of appellate law and oral argument. Without him taking notice of me in an intro course, I may never have participated in one of my favorite activities during my time here.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is always to engage. The best way to find your group of friends, find opportunities to grow intellectually or professionally, or form strong relationships with faculty is to put yourself out there on campus and in the classroom. That’s how you open yourself up fully to everything AddRan and TCU have to offer. You won’t regret it!

What’s next for you?
After graduation, I plan to return to my home state to work in the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office before applying for law school. My time at TCU has prepared me well for graduate school, and I am looking forward to taking this next step.