Go Far. Do Well.
Student Profiles
Elmhurst students have the drive to Go Far and receive the knowledge to Do Well. Read their stories.
A Game Plan for Success
For Elmhurst University student-athlete Stefan Soh ’28, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it extends into every corner of his experience. Through hands-on opportunities that blend academics, athletics and innovation, the sophomore computer science major and Bluejay point guard is building the knowledge and skills that will serve him for a lifetime.
Building on a Strong Foundation
When Natalia Bryja ’22, M.Ed. ’25, decided to seek her graduate degree in Teacher Leadership, there was little deliberation about which university she would choose—her Elmhurst undergraduate degree in early childhood education prepared her so well for her vocation as a kindergarten teacher that she knew the University was the best place to equip her with the skills to take her career to the next level.
Finding a Home and a Calling
When Soromtobechukwu Victorious Uzondu ’25 set out to pursue college, she had a clear plan in place. Living with family in New York City, Uzondu had her sights set on a university in Burlington, Vt. But the global COVID-19 pandemic changed all that and rerouted her to an unexpected yet ultimately transformative home at Elmhurst University.
On the Fast Track to Her Goals
Junior Amina Irfanullah ’27 is taking the fast lane to her degree and getting a jump-start on her career as part of the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Accelerated Program at Elmhurst University. In just five years, she’ll achieve what often takes much longer: earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and become a certified speech-language pathologist.
A Vision for Educational Transformation
When Mateo Gomez Bedoya ’26 came to America from Colombia seven years ago, he brought with him a clear sense of purpose and vision for his future. Today, at Elmhurst University, the senior double majoring in secondary education and Spanish, with double minors in Italian and ESL, is building the foundation to bring his dream of empowering the next generation to life.
Leading the Way at Elmhurst and Beyond
When Lucia Gaviria ’25 accepted her degrees in finance and economics at Elmhurst University’s Commencement on May 24, she did so as one of the Class of 2025’s shining stars. Two weeks earlier, Gaviria earned the coveted Senior of the Year Award at the Student Leadership Awards ceremony, capping four years of impact at Elmhurst University.
Turning Community into Family
Junior digital media major Davionne Jakes ’27 is a storyteller. He aspires to create a television series one day — maybe even star in it. For now, he’s writing the opening chapters of his own story at Elmhurst University.
Challenging Norms, Defying Expectations
From a childhood of volunteer service to dreams of protecting and serving, Zeel Mody ’26 has always embraced the unexpected.
Lissette Discovered Harmony
When Lissette Hernandez ’26 first picked up a saxophone in sixth grade, she had no idea the instrument would shape her future.
Ryan Forged His Future
A recent graduate from Elmhurst University, Ryan Coates ’25 of Pingree Grove, Ill., is officially an alumnus—but his Bluejay journey is far from over.
Chioma is Making a Difference
From the moment she first considered her future, Chioma Echefu ’25 knew she wanted to make a difference.
Maddux Found the Right Equation
From solving equations to directing plays to composing his own music, secondary education mathematics major and theatre arts education minor Maddux Masopust ’26 is making the most of his time at Elmhurst University, combining an aptitude for numbers with a love of the arts at a school that allows him to do it all.
Nolan is Rounding the Bases to Success
Sophomore Nolan Brozyna ’27 has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. The latest development in his athletics journey? Joining the team at Elmhurst University.
Lucia is Leaving Her Legacy
As her time at Elmhurst University comes to a close, senior environmental studies and economics double major Lucia Zdenahlik ’25 can look back on her college experience with no regrets – she really did it all.
Haley is Thriving On and Off the Field
When Haley Jeske ’27 got the opportunity to return to her Chicago-area roots by attending Elmhurst University, she never realized her new school would also reignite her passion for soccer and bring her lifelong friends.
Aron is Center Stage
The transfer process can be a big step for students as they choose to leave a place with many connections and familiar faces. But by doing so, it provides the opportunity to grow in new ways and forge even more lifelong friendships.
Alyssa Has Wrap-Around Support
Alyssa Yezzi ’27 isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, immersing herself in every new project she takes on. She completely renovated her home’s bathroom on her own, from tearing out the old fixtures to laying new tile and installing a brand-new sink.
Elliot is Orchestrating His Success
For freshman Elliot Schaffrath ’28, the supportive community and strong academics at Elmhurst University have been music to his ears.
Jada’s Memorable Bluejay Experience
Between the lifelong connections made as a member of the volleyball team and her impactful academic experiences in the classroom, Jada Wiley ’25 has been building strong Bluejay memories both on and off the court.
Emily is Prepared for the Future
When Emily Murphy ’24 hops off the train in downtown Elmhurst and starts her short walk to Elmhurst University, she feels like the main character in a film.
Darius Saw Opportunities for Enhancement
Darius Lane ’25 already earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering and had his traditional ‘college experience,’ but he saw Elmhurst University as the ideal place to enhance it.
Tina Chooses Academics and Finds Community
For Tina Imanlihen ’28, it was the research opportunities which made her choose Elmhurst University, and the community she found here that made her stay.