Recent Transylvania University grads reflect on the faculty, community and personal growth that defined their college journey. Read more about the Class of 2026 here and on Facebook and Instagram.
Sommer Abrahim
Major: Theater design and technology
Hometown: Lexington
Who at Transy really influenced you, and how?
“The people at Transy that have really influenced me are my professors, specifically Daniel Bennett, Tosha Fowler and Melissa Gilbert. They have influenced me in so many ways, but to be more specific, they encouraged me to follow a path that I truly loved. It was always clear how much these professors really cared about their students’ success and happiness. For them, this was more than just a job. Their guidance and support have helped me gain confidence not only in the choices I made, but most importantly in myself.”
Alice Beatty
Majors: Literary translation and Spanish
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
What would you tell your first-year self?
“I would tell my first-year self that she was about to find some of the best people she’s ever met, and to put more time into getting to know them. I’m leaving Transy as someone who is passionate about creative expression and language, and who is much more confident than when she first came to Transy.”
Taylor Dooley
Majors: Theater design and technology, political science
Hometown: Smiths Grove, Kentucky
Who at Transy really influenced you, and how?
“Professor Melissa Gilbert. Through taking multiple classes with her and working on numerous shows together through the Transy Theater program, she became a mentor to me and continued to push me to be the best version of myself and explore opportunities that I was truly passionate about.”
Samantha Farr
Majors: Psychology and theater performance
Hometown: Frankfort, Kentucky
Who at Transy really influenced you, and how?
“Dr. Scott Whiddon. He has been my professor, boss and mentor for all of the four years that I have been going to Transy. He has believed in me when I did not believe in myself, gave me guidance and support no matter what and provided me with information that extends beyond the classroom. I would not be who I am today without him, and I am forever grateful.”
Erin Kendall
Majors: Computer science and Spanish language and literature
Hometown: Lexington
What would you tell a student thinking about coming to Transy?
“There are plenty of schools that teach you how to do a job, but Transy teaches you how to be a person.”
Ethan Kroll
Major: Biology
Hometown: Abingdon, Maryland
What unexpected interest did you discover while at Transy?
“One of my favorite things to do that I do not think I would have gotten into without Transy is bird photography. I took Ornithology the May term of my sophomore year, and ever since that I have been in love with birds.”
Jayden Otto
Majors: Accounting and business finance
Hometown: Covington, Kentucky
What unexpected interest did you discover while at Transy?
“Accounting. If you would have asked me before college about math, I would have said it was my worst subject and I never enjoyed it. However, Transylvania pushed me to take risks, and after my first accounting class with Dr. Hayne I realized I actually enjoyed the class, and she encouraged me to pursue it.”