2026
Inspiring Grads
In her commencement address, accomplished private wealth advisor Sara Ullman Pfaff ’77 drew a powerful connection between the graduates’ journeys and a principle at the heart of her profession: compounding.
“The concept of compounding applies to more than (interest). It’s the compounding of knowledge … Compounding of your education … And perhaps, most importantly, the compounding effect of building strong friendships, deepening family ties, and helping your neighbors.”
These members of the Class of 2026 illustrate that principle in action. Through the combined impact of academics, leadership, service, and community, they demonstrate how the many facets of the Otterbein experience build upon one another to create meaningful success.
Neil Reddy
Chemistry major
“Otterbein was the right fit because it allowed for ‘stimulated self-growth’ and personal development. It provided a community where I could pursue scientific research and different classes while remaining a leader in varsity athletics. The environment encouraged me to try new things — like traveling solo to San Francisco — which helped me overcome fears and gain full control over my personal growth.”
• Captain of men’s tennis team; received All-OAC second team honors • STEM Peer Mentor • Alpha Epsilon Delta honor society member • Conducted research alongside Professor Joan Esson, performing pigment identification, dating, and complex portable x-ray fluorescence on old Chinese paintings • Volunteer for Freedom Tails Ohio
NEXT: Ohio University Heritage College of Medicine
Mae Meldrum
Equine Pre-Veterinary Studies, Biology, and
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology triple major
“One of the clearest ways Otterbein helped prepare me for life after college was the preparation and mentorship I received when applying for veterinary school. The experiences, coursework, and encouragement from my professors helped me build a strong application, and I was honored to be accepted into one of the top three veterinary schools in the nation. That acceptance would not have been possible if it weren’t for the support of my Otterbein community.”
• Accepted by eight veterinary schools • Completed Honors thesis working with lions at the Columbus Zoo • Student-athlete for women’s softball team • President of Athletes in Action • Involvement in Women in Business, Athletes in STEM, Student Government, and Student Conduct Hearing Board • Van Sant Fellow • Leadership roles with Sports Pals and organizing events for Franklin County Animal Shelter and Fall Plunge • Peer Mentor • Orientation Leader
NEXT: Veterinary school at Colorado State University
Hanan Jama
Public Health Education major
“I’m most proud of the consistency and courage it took to build the life I wanted here. I’m proud that I didn’t shrink myself. I challenged myself academically as a pre-med student, completed my Honors distinction and research, stepped into leadership roles, and said yes to opportunities that honestly intimidated me at first. But more than titles or achievements, I’m proud that I stayed grounded in who I am. I learned how to lead with empathy, advocate for communities that look like mine, and pursue medicine in a way that feels aligned with my values and faith.”
• Named Undergraduate Student of the Year by Ohio Society for Public Health Education
• Presented research at several national conferences including the National Health Disparities Conference
• Research intern with Chisolm Lab (CCHEOR) and REaCH Labs Research Fellow at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital • President of Eta Sigma Gamma • Student Government member • Teaching assistant
NEXT: Applying for medical school
Kyle Miller
Computer Science, Mathematics, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies triple major
“Otterbein gave me the facilities to fully engulf myself in all fields I found interesting and gave me additional ammunition in the form of resources to craft my own projects. Otterbein trusted me entirely in whatever I was doing. It allowed me to go all-in on my ideas and construct my own dream. Otterbein prepared me for almost every aspect of life.”
• Computational Science intern with Riverside Research • Orientation coordinator • Lead Peer Mentor • Computer Science lab assistant • Mathematics ambassador • Completed study abroad experiences in five different countries focusing on Art History, Music History, and Anthrozoology
NEXT: Pursuing a master’s degree in computational social science at the University of Chicago
Julianna Grubich
Allied Health major
“I will miss being a part of Student Government, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and a member of Otterbein’s Board of Trustees. Each of these things gave me the opportunity to come out of my shell and grow as an individual and as a leader. One of my favorite things about Otterbein is the community. I met so many incredible people that care about the University and seeing others succeed. At Otterbein, it is so easy and so fun to get involved throughout campus.”
• Two-time captain and two-time Academic All-OAC honoree for women’s basketball team • President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee • Student trustee • Resident advisor • Recipient of Excellence in Leadership – Athletics, Recreation, and Wellness Award and Jean A. Rocks-Mizia Endowed Scholarship
NEXT: Pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training at Antioch University
Vincent Bostick
Music Performance major
“When I came to Otterbein, I never imagined I would be joining Greek life, nor gardening every Monday. This breadth of experience has been so eye-opening for me because I feel like I’ve become a complete person outside of my life as simply a musician. I’ve found a passion for leadership I never knew I had, and friendships and colleagues I’ll hold for a lifetime. I also feel like Otterbein allowed me to blossom into the musician I always believed I could be.”
• Otterbein Concert Choir, including a Baltic states performance tour • Performances with Opera Columbus • Otterbein Opera Theatre • Black Student Union • Pollinators rain garden club • Sigma Delta Phi fraternity
NEXT: Guest artist at Denison University, performer with Opera Columbus, applying for graduate school
