They all have something in common: they are each starting their next chapter armed not just with an academic degree, but with valuable experiences and skills they’ll carry with them forever.
Here, 10 of them share how Pitt State impacted them and where they’re headed next.
When Brown accepts his diploma on Friday, he’ll set his sights on the next chapter: using his passion for fitness and all that he’s learned as a student to help others reach their goals.
Brown has accepted a job as a fitness instructor at Skyterra Wellness Retreat — an award-winning, personalized wellness retreat in the mountains of North Carolina.
“Pitt State was a place that helped me learn a lot, with smaller class sizes where I’m not just a number, and more attention from the professors.”
Baker is preparing to move to Salt Lake City, Utah, to join Textron Aviation as a regional sales associate.
“Pitt State has meant the world to me as I've navigated my college years. The relationships I've built with both fellow students and faculty through being a member of the Honors College, a campus employee, and involved in various student organizations, will last me a lifetime. The Pitt State experience is truly special, and I am grateful for so many amazing people and experiences that make this campus so difficult to leave as I begin the next chapter of my life.”
After years of balancing military service and deployment, marriage, her own business, and two children, King has reached a milestone she’s been working toward since 2017.
King is exploring opportunities in the human resources field and is excited to find the right company to begin her next chapter.
“Pitt State has symbolized the end of a very long road for me,” she said. “Graduation finally marks the finish line for my educational journey — at least for now! A master’s degree may be in my future. But first, I’m celebrating this moment I’ve worked so hard for!”
From the classroom to the football field, Worcester made the most of his time as a Gorilla — and now he’s gearing up for a future that blends science, discipline, and his passion for fitness.
Worcester plans to focus on online fitness training as he works to “build the next empire in the fitness industry,” he said.
“Pitt State presented me with opportunities I never could have imagined,” he said — opportunities that shaped him as both a student and an athlete.
After accepting her diploma on Friday, Cantu will take her passion for understanding and helping others to the next level: she’ll apply to a clinical psychology graduate program as she continues her path toward a career of meaningful impact.
For her, Pitt State has been far more than a university.
“It became so much more to me than just a school,” she said. “It’s where I met people who completely changed my life — friends who turned into family, professors who believed in me when I wasn’t sure of myself, and even my partner. It’s where I grew, struggled, laughed, and learned who I really am. Every late night, every memory, every relationship shaped me into the person I am today. Pitt State gave me more than an education; it gave me love, support, and a home I’ll always carry with me.”
After completing his MBA , Ebenkamp will step into an exciting new chapter: He’ll transition from his role as a Principal Engineer to become the Manager of Captures and Proposals — a people-focused leadership position that will allow him to work closely with customers and guide teams toward success.
For Josh, Pitt State’s MBA program was exactly what he needed at the right time.
“Pitt State has been a great learning experience,” he said. “The online program helped me return to school after more than 25 years and made me feel at home and thrive in the environment.”
Morris has been shaping students’ futures as a cosmetology teacher at Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno, Oklahoma, and on Friday as she crosses the stage and accepts her diploma, she’ll completing a milestone of her own.
“Pitt State showed me that it was not too late and I was not too old to finish the degree that I started over 20 years ago,” she said.
After she crosses the stage to accept her diploma Friday, Castellanos has yet another goal: She will continue her journey at Duke University, pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Reflecting on her time here, she says: “I have loved everything about my time here. The chance to play soccer and finish up my career with an MIAA title has been amazing. The relationships I created here mean the world to me and I will take them with me wherever I go for the rest of my life.”
Griffin is ready to begin his career as a PE teacher where he can help students grow and develop to the best of their ability, just like he did at Pitt State.
“Earning my degree means so much to me. I learned a lot, grew professionally, and had a lot of fun along the way. I'm grateful for the knowledge, support, and experiences that prepared me for this next chapter! Pitt State helped me become the coach and educator I always wanted to be. It challenged me, taught me, and inspired me. I’m proud to be a Gorilla and grateful for the journey!”
“At the age of 15 I had a moped wreck where I had to relearn everything, even self care,” Holliday said. “I am the first in my family on both sides to have made it this far in school. My family is in awe of me, because of everything I have overcome to get here.”
