Meet the spring 2025 Panther grads
Meet the spring 2025 Panther grads
All the hard work of our Panther seniors has paid off, as they’ve made it to Commencement time! We are proud of all they’ve accomplished and excited to see where they go in the future. Get to know a few of our graduates below!
Anita Sekic
Hometown: Born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but have lived in Waterloo, Iowa, since 2009.
Majors: Elementary Education and Middle Level Education
Post-graduation plans?
Elementary or middle school teacher (pursuing ELL Endorsement) likely within Waterloo
What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my time at UNI was the opportunity to take online classes while working full-time and raising a family. Attending in-person classes full-time simply wasn't a feasible option for me, so the flexibility of online learning was invaluable.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
My journey has taught me the importance of perseverance. No matter what life throws at you, never give up on pursuing your dreams. There will be challenges and obstacles, but with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals.
Carter Miller
Hometown: Albert Lea, Minnesota
Major: Construction Management
Minor: Business
Post-graduation plans?
Assistant plant manager for Manatts Ready Mix in Waterloo, Iowa.
How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?
I was able to become prepared for post-graduation thanks to the Construction Management Club. The exposure you get from weekly contractor meetings to jobsite tours to the golf outing and job fairs is something very unique. It is fun, engaging and rewarding. I have loved every minute of being a construction management major. The knowledge you gain from outside of the classroom will take you very far.
How have you been involved outside of the classroom?
The Construction Management Club is a club I have been an active member with since I came to UNI in fall 2022. Being a part of this club allowed me to be exposed to many things, and the most valuable have been the student competitions I was able to be a part of. I was involved in the Associated Schools of Construction competition twice, and the Associated Builders and Contractors competition twice. The ASC competition is held regionally in Nebraska every fall, and the ABC competition is held nationally every spring.
Christopher Lartei Aryee
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Program: Master of Arts in Community Health and Recreation
Post-graduation plans?
I plan to pursue a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis, focusing on developing treatment plans for individuals with dementia and autism.
What excites you about your future plans?
I'm excited about furthering my education in Applied Behavior Analysis to contribute evidence-based, culturally appropriate interventions for people with dementia and autism. My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between behavioral science and public health to enhance the quality of life for aging populations globally, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What was your most rewarding experience at UNI?
The most rewarding experience was presenting my dementia care research at a campus symposium, receiving valuable feedback from peers and faculty. My advisor’s mentorship was especially influential, guiding my academic growth and shaping my thesis into a practical framework for dementia care in Ghana
Darrin Gage
Hometown: I was born and raised in Oelwein, Iowa, and have lived in Mount Vernon, Iowa, since 2003.
Program: Master of Public Policy
Post-graduation plans?
I will continue in my current position as director of policy and administration for Linn County in Cedar Rapids.
What brought you to UNI?
I chose UNI as a graduate school because the MPP program is designed for off-campus, non-traditional students with work experience and is a cohort program that provides many meaningful ways to learn from other professionals in the same career field and from professors who have taught relevant classes and performed applicable research.
How did you become interested in your program?
I have worked in local government public administration since 1995. The MPP program is a natural extension of that work and develops additional skills and experience to perform actual on-the-job responsibilities including policy research, analysis, development, implementation and evaluation.
Kai Smith
Hometown: Granger, Iowa
Majors: Criminology and Psychology
Minors: Legal Studies and Spanish
Post-graduation plans?
Law student at Drake University Law School in Des Moines
Which was your most rewarding experience at UNI?
Dragaganza! Each year, I either performed in or helped organize the event. It has been incredibly rewarding each year seeing how much we are able to raise for LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Each year we have been able to raise an extra $1,000 since I started volunteering. This year we raised $3,245 for the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund.
What skills/experiences from your major will be the most helpful for your future?
I had the opportunity to intern with the Black Hawk County Attorney's Office for class credit. At the internship, I observed court cases and helped prepare evidence for trial. This internship affirmed for me that I wanted to become an attorney, and helped me understand the trial environment and legal actors.
