On May 10 and 11, 2026, the UConn Neag School of Education will recognize graduates as they meet a major academic milestone.
Learn about a few of the 500 students who will soon become Neag School alumni.
Paige Bjerke — BS, Sport Management
Hometown: Weston, Connecticut
Why did you choose UConn? I knew I wanted to be at a bigger school that would provide the sort of “rah-rah” college experience that you can only get once in a lifetime. I also liked that UConn was closer to home, but far enough away for me to still feel independent. Though I was not entirely sure what to expect coming in, it wasn’t long at all before I completely fell in love with Storrs!
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I am both a Sport Management major and Communication major. I chose Communication first because I was interested in media and entertainment, but later realized I wanted to work in the sport industry, and the Sport Management major seemed like the perfect way to prepare for my career. Now that I am soon to graduate and enter the job market, I am especially grateful that I chose that major! I still greatly enjoyed my Communication courses as well, and I love how UConn gives students lots of freedom in choosing unique plans of study.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life? UConn has provided me with unmatched opportunities to develop as a student, an emerging professional, and a person all at once. Getting involved with the Sport Business Association and its Sport Business Conference was definitely my most formative experience here, providing a fantastic avenue to develop my leadership skills. There are so many amazing opportunities in the athletics department as well, and my internship with UConn Athletics Ticket Sales helped me narrow down the career I want to pursue and gave me hands-on experience. Finally, the Sport Management program — both its faculty and curriculum — has prepared me immensely for entering the industry, enabling me to stay confident in a competitive job market. No matter what this next chapter brings, I have no doubt that my years at UConn will always stick with me as I navigate both my professional and day-to-day lives.
Alexandria Crawford — Ph.D., School Psychology
Hometown: Salem, Illinois
Why did you choose UConn? After leaving the Air Force, I knew I wanted to use my benefits to pursue higher education. Honestly, I wish I had a more exciting answer — but I Googled “school psychology programs in New England” and UConn’s was the first one that popped up. I’d like to say it was careful and strategic decision-making, but it may have just been a good example of primacy bias, because no other option felt like as strong of a fit after that.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I am earning my Ph.D. in school psychology. I chose this field because I recognized the powerful role that schools can play in children’s lives, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. During my practicum at the American School for the Deaf, I was exposed to pediatric health psychology and fell in love with the field. I realized that I could apply my school psychology training in consultation, assessment, and intervention within medical settings as part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. I’m so grateful to my program for supporting me in this pursuit – I truly feel like I’ve found where I’m meant to be!
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree? After graduation, I will begin my postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at the Yale School of Medicine and work toward licensure as a pediatric health psychologist.
Megan Fuchs — BS, Elementary Education
Hometown: Alexandria, Minnesota
Why did you choose UConn? I have always wanted to attend UConn; it was my dream college. When I was looking at colleges to apply to, I was primarily looking at their education programs. No matter what college I toured or what program I saw, nothing compared to the Neag School and the opportunities that they offered; I knew that was where I wanted to be.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I am an Elementary Education major with a concentration in Mathematics. Similar to why I chose UConn, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I always want to do everything in my power to help those around me and support them in any way that I can. Teaching gives me the opportunity to do just that — guiding students, encouraging their growth, and celebrating their successes alongside them. My Aunt Kathy is an elementary teacher, and she was my greatest inspiration to teach. I hope that after graduation and when I have a classroom of my own, I can create the same positive environment and be the same inspiration to my students that she has always been to me.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree? The Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s (IB/M) teacher preparation program grants me the opportunity to get my master’s degree the following year after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. This summer before returning for my master’s year, I plan to go home to Minnesota and spend the summer working as a head counselor at the YMCA summer camp! When I’m not working, I will be attending as many concerts as I can; I love listening to live music. Following my master’s year, my plan is to return home to Minnesota and hopefully start working in the school districts in the Alexandria area!
Taylor Jeffrey — BS, Sport Management
Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Why did you choose UConn? I chose UConn for the opportunity to compete on the Division I rowing team while pursuing my academic goals, as well as for its strong sense of community and beautiful campus.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I am in UConn’s sport management program. This program gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for sports beyond my role as an athlete.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life? UConn has prepared me for the next chapter by providing a rigorous and engaging academic experience that encouraged me to explore my interests and grow as a learner. With the mentorship and connections of my professors, I was able to secure meaningful internships that offered real-world experience and prepared me to confidently take the next step in my career.
Furong “Betty” Li — BS, Special Education
Hometown: Kunming Yunnan, China
Why did you choose UConn? When I was researching colleges, I immediately loved UConn’s campus environment and the Husky spirit! It felt like a place with a strong sense of community where I could grow academically and personally!
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I’m a Special Education major. I was drawn to this field because I care deeply about inclusive education and supporting students with disabilities. Growing up, I saw how limited special education services can be in some communities, and that motivated me to learn research-based practices and become a teacher who helps make schools more accessible, equitable, and supportive for every learner.
Any advice for incoming students? Four years go by so quickly, so explore as much as you can! Campus events, clubs, campus jobs, and different courses… You’re capable of far more than you expect, and the friendships and opportunities you find can be more meaningful than you imagine. Saying “yes” and trying new things will make your UConn experience so much richer!
Natalia Murphy — MA, Elementary Education
Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY
Why did you choose UConn? I chose UConn because I felt like I belonged immediately after setting foot on campus. I loved my experience at the Neag School of Education student panel and connected naturally with faculty and students alike.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I completed my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and am graduating with my master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. I’ve been drawn to teaching my entire life; from teaching toddlers in taekwondo to providing private viola lessons to younger kids in my school district, I’ve thrived in instructional settings my whole life. I love being able to experience “a-ha” moments with learners, and I can’t wait to contribute to empowering future leaders in our world!
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree? After graduating with my master’s, I plan to teach in an elementary or middle school near my hometown and work toward additional certificates; I also plan to enter a doctoral program soon!
Taina Smith — BS, Music Education
Hometown: New London, Connecticut
Why did you choose UConn? When I started looking at colleges in high school, I had a feeling it was UConn or nowhere. I only applied here and to two safety schools. I was heavily interested in the five-year, three-degree Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s (IB/M) Teacher Education Program. Few other schools offered an intensive and concentrated program like this one. As a first-generation student, this program showed a strong path to what I wanted in my future. My first UConn Bound day set everything in place for me. From the Student Union to the Fine Arts Complex that I would soon spend every day in, everything about the campus and its energy felt right. Four years later, I never doubted that this was where I was meant to be.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? My major is music education. I always said growing up that I wanted to be on television as a newscaster. My favorite section was the weather. Despite saying that, my biggest passion has always been learning. I loved going to school and learning something new every day. The music room was always my favorite place. I also grew up with a lot of family members who worked in education, meaning even more time spent enveloped by school. By high school, I was set on being a music teacher. I spent every extra moment I had in the music classroom. Now because of my journey in music at UConn, I have been on television at basketball games multiple times, and I am even in a UConn-sponsored commercial. So, my dreams came true one way or another!
Any advice for incoming students? My two top pieces of advice: Try everything and go with your gut. UConn offers so many different clubs, resources, and opportunities. Use your time here as a chance to do anything and everything you have wanted. If it doesn’t exist yet, start it yourself! You will always find support and interest at this campus. Along with that, you should always trust your gut. If your major does not feel right or you just want to explore more, do it. You know yourself best, and there’s an entire world out there just waiting for you to discover it.
Ben Snyder — BS, Sport Management
Hometown: Quincy, Massachusetts
Why did you choose UConn? I chose UConn because of the beautiful campus and its strong passion for athletics and academics.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I came to UConn undecided and, after my great experience working as a student-manager with the men’s ice hockey team, I pursued my degree in the Sport Management Program.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life? From the lifelong friendships to all the great connections I have made during my four years, I will always be able to count on my fellow Huskies for support. The work ethic I have learned and sharpened during my time at UConn will also prepare me well for the future. I am excited for the next chapter in my life because my experience as a Husky has been so great that I know I will be successful.
Cianna Tangishaka — BS, Sport Management
Hometown: Randolph, Massachusetts
Why did you choose UConn? I wanted that state school feel but not be in the same bubble of people from my high school.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I am a sport management major. Despite growing up in a sports-loving family, I didn’t really consider sport management until my senior year of high school, and it was after I got hurt and missed most of the season. I helped with our junior varsity team, and it was really rewarding to see how the work we did in the background came together. Being able to take what I did and didn’t like about our team culture from past years and help reshape it so that it better reflected our values and our school was transformational not only for the younger players but also for myself.
Any advice for incoming students? Do it alone, do it scared, do it anyway. There are so many opportunities and experiences that college and UConn specifically has to offer, you will miss out on so much if you do not take the leap to do some things before the rest of the group can follow.
Graham Wilker — BS, Special Education
Hometown: Madison, Connecticut
Why did you choose UConn? I chose UConn because it offered an expansive and diverse course load while also being close to home. From the moment I first toured campus, I knew it was the place I wanted to call home for the next four years! The basketball programs didn’t hurt either.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? I am graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the Neag School of Education. The opportunity to work with students of all ages, both in group settings and one-on-one, has always been very appealing to me. Furthermore, the opportunity to make a positive impact in young students’ lives and inspiring them to be the best they can be is something I’ve always looked forward to doing. I have had some amazing teachers during my academic career, and I’m looking forward to working my hardest to become an amazing teacher for my future students.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree? I’ll be completing my master’s year in the Neag School’s IB/M program while studying abroad in London during the fall semester!
Michelle Zhu — BS, Math Education
Hometown: Storrs, Connecticut
Why did you choose UConn? I chose UConn for a lot of reasons, but especially because of the education program and research opportunities. I want to be well-prepared to support my future students as best as I can.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it? Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education. I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until my last year of high school that I decided to pursue a career as a math teacher. As for mathematics, I chose to major in it for wo reasons. Firstly, I have always enjoyed working in mathematics and thinking creatively through problem solving, and I wanted to learn higher level mathematics to further my personal knowledge. Secondly, I wanted to have a deeper understanding of mathematics and have a stronger foundation of higher-level math to better support my students in their learning.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree? After graduating and receiving my undergraduate degrees, I plan to stay at UConn for one more year to complete the IB/M program. Following the completion of my graduate year, I plan to work as a high school math teacher while simultaneously working to get my TESOL certification to teach English language learner math.
