Congratulations to the class of spring 2023! We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see what you do next.

To celebrate your achievements, we’re highlighting some of our graduating seniors.

Kyle Biscoglia

Hometown: Waukee, Iowa

Major: Biology, Biochemistry, and the Study of Religion

Post-graduation plans: After graduation, I will attend the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa starting in the fall of 2023.

“I came to UNI for a variety of reasons. As a wrestler, I felt the coaching staff at UNI would be able to help develop me into the best wrestler and person I could be. Academically, UNI was appealing to me because of the intimate feel of the classes. I felt I would be able to build personal and meaningful connections with professors from all my majors. Overall, I felt UNI would be the best place for me to develop as an athlete, student and person.

“I do not think I could have built a better foundation for future success at any other university. Through my science coursework, I feel I have a strong background in all the information relevant to medical school. Even as I was studying for the MCAT, I was amazed at how much of the content was review because the professors did an excellent job of teaching the material.”

Chase Eikelenborg

Hometown: Greene, Iowa

Majors: Management Information Systems (MIS) and Marketing

Post-graduation plans: I will be starting my full-time career as a data analyst at Holmes Murphy, ICS in Des Moines. 

“My student organization involvement has been the most enjoyable aspect of attending UNI. Being a part of Pi Sigma Epsilon sales and marketing fraternity allowed me to grow professionally, develop leadership skills and make lifelong friends. 

“I am excited to continue to be a lifelong learner. I believe my UNI Business education has positioned me perfectly to begin my career, and I am excited to learn and grow as a professional.”

Derek Krogmann

Hometown: Manchester, Iowa 

Majors: Finance: Investments and Real Estate

Post-graduation plans: I am looking to pursue a career in real estate development and hope to eventually own my own business.

“I was fortunate to have many great experiences at UNI. Some of my favorites include traveling to Italy for basketball, taking part in the NAIOP University Challenge in Minneapolis and participating in the annual Monopoly tournaments in Des Moines. My coaches and real estate and finance professors have been very influential during my time here.

“While at UNI, the knowledge and skills I’ve gained have provided me with a strong foundation in finance, real estate and business in general. I have also been able to apply these skills to real-life situations. Whether that be the NAIOP real estate development project where we conducted market analysis, found the highest and best use for two real properties, found the construction and financing costs and presented our findings or the StokTrak competition where I competed against my classmates while trading derivatives to try and have the portfolio with the highest returns, we were given many opportunities to apply concepts from class.”

Emma McMenomy

Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Majors: Political Communication and Public Administration

Post-graduation plans: I hope to work in state or local government somewhere in the Midwest. 

“Both of my degrees have prepared me for working on campaigns and within government while specializing in messaging. Language, whether making official language for a candidate or proposing city ordinances, is extremely important. 

“Don't be intimidated by double-majoring. I was unsure if adding public administration was the best decision for me, and it's now the direction I want to take my career. Academic advisors are willing to work with you and make sure you graduate in a timely manner.”

Heden Moises Perez

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois 

Major: TESOL Teaching

Minors: Spanish, Spanish/English Translation

Post-graduation plans: I accepted a job as an ESL (English Second Language) teacher at Marshalltown High School.

“I met with some UNI professors back when I was in high school, and I was amazed at not only the wisdom and knowledge they carry but also the human aspect. Many professors I have met from other universities were really closed off, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the connection I made with the professors even before I decided where I wanted to go, on top of the reputation that UNI teaching majors had in the educational realm made me want to attend UNI.

“I am so excited to finally be able to teach and make a difference in the lives of emergent bilingual students, as well as to be an inspiration to other first-generation students to pursue their success, be it in higher education, trade school, joining the workforce and other things!”

Karissa Schmidt

Hometown: Waucoma, Iowa 

Major: Kinesiology and Exercise Science

Post-graduation plans: Following graduation, I have been accepted into Palmer Florida College of Chiropractic.

“Even though I haven’t begun chiropractic school, I know there are classes at UNI that give me confidence in my education. Ms. Mary McDade’s Anatomy and Physiology course gave us as students the opportunity to learn from syndavers in the lab. When studying human anatomy, it is very beneficial to have an accurate representation of muscles, bones and organs. Since the syndavers are life-size, they provide a strong representation of the human body, which allows students to connect the dots between lecture and lab. UNI is one of very few colleges that is fortunate enough to learn from syndavers. 

“I am very excited to continue my education studying human anatomy and physiology. I look forward to radiology and neuroanatomy classes as well! Outside of the classroom, I am looking forward to moving to a new state where I will be roughly 1,360 miles from my hometown. While this may frighten some, it excites me as I will have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life!”

Marah Schmitz

Hometown: Johnston, Iowa 

Major: Interior Design

Post-graduation plans: I am thrilled to join the team this summer at Jeid Studio in Des Moines!

“In high school, I was debating between a few options for majors but had a strong interest in interior design. I decided to sign up for my high school's school-to-work program, a work-based learning opportunity in which I got to complete an internship in my desired field as a senior in high school! I thoroughly enjoyed my internship in the Des Moines area, which sold me on the major, and I've loved my experience in UNI's design program. Everything from the classes to the faculty and the field trips has been nothing short of amazing. 

“By far the people I've met and the connections and memories I've made here at UNI have been the most rewarding. Through my orgs, involvements and classes, I've made so many valuable friendships and have gained mentors who have positively influenced my experience. I've also enjoyed making memories living on campus my first two years, attending UNI sporting events, shows at Gallagher Bluedorn and trying new restaurants in the Cedar Valley.”

Bridget Weber

Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa 

Major: Early Childhood Education

Post-graduation plans: I plan on going back home and working for my mom and aunt as a preschool teacher and then move up to be a director.

“I feel like my field experience has helped me see who I am without hearing it from my mom and aunt. It has also grown me as a person and pushed me to do better in the classroom. It also made me want to go into this field even more.

“I would say UNI had a perfect number of students in the class, and all professors took the time to get to know every student. I feel like each professor cares about every student as they are willing to work with students during office hours and show they care, and if I had any questions, they were willing to help me and work with me, which is why I love UNI as you can tell teachers care a lot about their students.”