News

With a head for numbers and a heart for leadership, mathematics major Olivia Melosci’s formula for success includes passion and a supportive community. During her time at Illinois State, Melosci’s passion for analysis extended beyond the classroom. In her final year, she worked as a research assessment assistant with the Center for Civic Engagement, playing a key role in community impact assessment, while blending her skills in mathematics and her desire to make a difference. Melosci is graduating from Illinois State this December.

For music education major Ethan Machamer, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a calling. The Frankfort native found his rhythm at an early age, starting piano lessons at 8 and picking up trombone at 10 years old. Guided by his inspiring music teachers and mentors, Machamer realized during high school that music and the arts were essential to his identity. Machamer is graduating from Illinois State this December.

For psychology major Rory Kuhn, the path to channeling their passion for helping others wasn’t straightforward, but it was worth the journey. Growing up in Gurnee, Kuhn's fascination with human behavior, coupled with their identity as a queer and non-binary person, inspired them to amplify voices in marginalized communities through research and advocacy. Kuhn is graduating from Illinois State this December.

Biology major Lauren Bartholomew has her sights set on making a difference in optometry. Captivated by the complexity of vision, the Gurnee native found her passion in sixth grade during the dissection of a cow's eye in class. She majored in biology and minored in Spanish at Illinois State—combining her love for science and desire to provide inclusive care. Bartholomew is graduating from Illinois State this December.