Celebrating Meredith’s Class of 2022

As the spring semester comes to an end, we want to celebrate the Class of 2022 and all they have achieved while at Meredith College. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for our newest alumnae, but we know they will continue living a life of purpose and impact. 

We hope these Strong Stories from the Class of 2022 inspire you in your college search. 

Ally Cefalu

During her time at Meredith, Legacy Scholar and Honors student Ally Cefalu, ’22, double majored in biology and psychology, became a Student Assistant, conducted lab research, and formed a strong bond with the Meredith community. Ally has a passion for raising awareness about mental health and hopes to work with older populations and become a geriatric counselor one day.

After graduation, Ally will be working as an Analyst I at BioAgilytix in Durham.

Suzanna Gracyk

Wings student Suzanna Gracyk, ’22, is passionate about promoting health through nutrition. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic posing many challenges, Suzanna put in the work and achieved her dream of finishing her degree. 

She’ll continue her studies in Meredith’s Master of Science in Nutrition program with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered dietitian.

Jeanine Carryl

Computer science major Jeanine Carryl, ’22, was drawn to STEM fields from an early age. Jeanine wants to make an impact on the world and feels computer science is the best space to excel. While attending Meredith, she served as vice president of the Student Government Association. She’s built meaningful relationships with her classmates and professors.

Jeanine is working as an associate web developer resulting from her internship.

Celeste J. Herra

At 10 years old, Celeste Herrera, ’22, armed with her Barbie fashion kit, decided she would be a fashion designer. As an immigrant coming to the United States with little money, her mom taught her how to maintain their clothes. After learning how to sew, her love for fashion bloomed. During her time at Meredith, she was chosen as the Rising Star Scholar and got to go to New York City. She also worked an internship at Belk, where she gained valuable skills and experience.

Aspen Degler

Transfer student Aspen Degler, ’22, earned a double major in criminology and sociology with a minor in forensics. Meredith’s StrongPoints® program, a paid internship at the Surf City Police Department, and faculty mentors helped her determine her strengths and explore her career interests.

Tylena Brown

After sharpening her skills in the United States Marine Corps, Tylena Brown, ’22, chose to attend Meredith College as a Wings — Adult Education student studying business administration with a concentration in human resources. She engaged with the campus community in various ways, from leading the WINGS student organization to serving as the field hockey team captain. She is passionate about training and employee relations and looks forward to a career in human resources.

Joselyn Marroquin Aparicio

At Meredith, Joselyn Marroquin Aparicio, ’22, discovered a passion for studying the reproductive system and maternal health. She hopes to encourage other Latina women to pursue their dreams and earn a college degree.

Sophie Lee

Psychology major Sophie Lee, ’22, came to Meredith ready to take on new challenges. Identifying her strengths helped her decide on a career path, including pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational psychology at Meredith.

Sarah Powell

As a first-year student at Meredith College, Business & Economics major Sarah Powell, ’22, learned that she had the power to advocate for change. While researching for a paper, she found a North Carolina law stating that once someone initially consents to sex, they cannot withdraw that consent. Sarah began raising awareness about the law and, after partnering with lobbyists from North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault, was able to push for a bill that changed the law. 

Casey Corpening

Class president and environmental sustainability major Casey Corpening, ’22, is a Meredith College and NC Teaching Fellow. After graduation, Casey is applying her strengths to the classroom as a middle school teacher in the Wake County Public School System.

Did you connect with any of our students’ stories? You can find more on our Strong Stories blog, and if you want to learn more about becoming a Meredith student, connect with our admissions team today.