The AddRan College of Liberal Arts is proud to celebrate an exceptional group of graduates from the class of 2026. A few graduating students reflect on their journeys at TCU and share how their cross-disciplinary education through the general studies program (BGS) is shaping their plans for the future and preparing them to do anything.

Muriel Cormican, associate dean of undergraduate students and professor of German, has the privilege of working with and supporting students who are resilient, adaptable and intellectually curious as the director of the degree program.

"They graduate with a broad-based education and a versatile skill set that prepares them to navigate an evolving job market shaped in part by advances in AI," Cormican said. "Their ability to work hard, pivot when needed and apply diverse disciplinary perspectives to complex, big-picture challenges positions them well for long-term success."

Throughout their time in AddRan and across campus, these students embraced new ideas, challenged themselves inside and outside the classroom and built a strong foundation for success beyond college.

"Dylan, Luke and Marty are all great examples of how the BGS program provides a strong, meaningful degree while giving students the flexibility to shape their own paths," Cormican said.

Their stories showcase the many ways a liberal arts education empowers students to think critically, communicate effectively and lead with purpose.

Marty Taylor

Major/s: General Studies with Geology emphasis

Why did you choose TCU?
I wanted a real education, not just a paper degree.  Even though I was in my 50’s, I really wanted to have the college experience by being personally in class and walking across campus on a daily basis.  In addition, I had heard that TCU did a phenomenal job with its alumni network. TCU provided these and much more.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
Take advantage of everything TCU has to offer, especially for veterans.  The faculty and staff at TCU go out of their way to assist our veterans.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Dr. Wes Watters (adjunct professor of history). Although I swore an oath to the U.S. Constitution and served in the military as a Navy SEAL for almost 25 years, Dr. Watters provided clarity and passion for the document in a way that very few educators could. His class was my favorite course taken at TCU.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Swing for the fences!  Never be afraid to break through perceived barriers or paradigms.

What’s next for you?
I have accepted a position as a professional landman with Norwood Land Services in Fort Worth. I have also applied for and expect to continue my education at TCU in Neeley’s Executive MBA program, starting in the fall.

Luke Terrana

Major/s: General Studies with Italian emphasis 

Organizations and leadership roles: Froggie Friends at Starpoint School, substitute PE teacher at Starpoint School

Why did you choose TCU?
I chose Texas Christian University because I wanted a school that felt personal, community- driven and full of opportunities to grow both academically and professionally. TCU gave me the chance to explore different interests while building strong relationships with professors, classmates and mentors. I also appreciated the balance between academics, campus life and the strong alumni network that supports students long after graduation.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of consistency and showing up every day, even when things get difficult. Success usually comes from discipline and persistence more than talent alone. Whether it was academics, athletics, work or traveling for umpiring, I learned that growth happens when you stay committed and continue improving over time.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Two people who had a major impact on my experience in AddRan were Nicholas Albanese (associate professor of Italian and chair of modern languages) and Adam Baggs (former assistant vice chancellor for school & college development). They were both incredibly supportive of my professional career and always made themselves approachable and easy to talk to. Having professors and mentors who were understanding and supportive of my goals outside the classroom made a huge difference in my college experience. Their encouragement helped me feel confident balancing academics with professional opportunities, including my work as a professional umpire and traveling across the country.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Don’t spend all four years only trying to protect a GPA. Academics matter, but college is also the time to build real-world experience, take risks, meet people, and figure out who you are outside of a classroom. Some of the most valuable things I learned came from experiences outside of school and sports. For instance, traveling, working, handling pressure, meeting people from different backgrounds, and putting myself in uncomfortable situations that forced me to grow have been the most beneficial.

What’s next for you?
After graduation, I plan to continue building my professional experience through opportunities in sports, entertainment, media and travel while continuing my work as a professional umpire. I’m excited to keep growing my platform through DFW Ump Cam and continue developing opportunities that combine sports, entertainment and content creation. I also hope to continue impacting kids and fans, build connections and pursue new professional opportunities that challenge me to grow. 

Dylan Thomas

Major/s: General Studies with Theatre emphasis

Organizations and leadership roles: KTCU Radio DJ, Lucky Energy brand ambassador, TCU Black Student Association, Theatre TCU Black Excellence, Create+Collaborate 

Why did you choose TCU?
I chose TCU because it represented the wider culture of Fort Worth. Born and raised in Fort Worth, I have always seen TCU as a place of endless possibilities. It was almost magical. As far as Texas’ colleges go, I’d practically say it’s Disney World. Attending the Young Men’s Leadership Academy as my high school in Fort Worth gave me the chance to receive a full ride and become a TCU Community Scholar, making my dreams to go to TCU a reality. While I had other good colleges try to recruit me, I believed my best option was to stay home. As far as I’m concerned, 817 over everything.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your time in AddRan that you’ll carry with you?
The best lesson I learned is to always trust yourself. You’ll never truly be out of options, because when one door closes, another one opens. As long as I believe in myself, I think I can achieve any goal that I want to.

Who most impacted your AddRan College experience and why?
Dr. Muriel Cormican has been the most important person in my AddRan College experience as my academic advisor. She has been my guide, my mentor and my lifeline in times of worry. She isn’t just a professor. She’s a friend. Her value is instrumental to my success. 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to incoming students?
Be yourself and always dream big, even if the dream seems too big. 

What’s next for you?
I plan to further my career as a video streamer moving forward. I’m a streamer on YouTube and Twitch and post reactions, gaming content and challenges. I’m close to being a partner on YouTube (this is when you make money from your YouTube content) and am already an affiliate on Twitch (meaning I get paid to stream through ads and subscriptions). My goal is to become a full-time creator. I also plan to further my acting career now that I have the experience and have been in two short films.