Onward, with a degree to light the way
Each year, the University of Minnesota awards 15,000 degrees. These students talk about what they learned and where they’re going next.
Set foot on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus during May and you’re likely to encounter that signature “I did it!” look, as students don caps, gowns, and smiles as they pose for photos among family and friends at their most memorable campus spots. It’s commencement season, and while the journey may be the most important part of the college experience, a degree in hand acts as a beacon, making the future more clear and certain.
Each year, the University of Minnesota awards more than 15,000 degrees and hosts numerous commencement celebrations to recognize students across its five campuses.
These students will go on to be our state and nation’s dentists, pharmacists, nurses, veterinarians, startup founders, business leaders, teachers, playwrights, and more.
Here, several students share short highlights about their time at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, what they valued most, and what’s next.
Trina Zanon knew she wanted to work in the medical field at an early age. When she was 11, her father was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. He underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and more.
“I remember sitting there, realizing this was the reality of disease progression,” Zanon recalls. “It was devastating. But even in that difficult time, I witnessed something powerful—a team of healthcare professionals working with determination and compassion to save someone’s life. That left a mark on me. I thought, what if I could be that person for someone else?”
This May, Zanon graduates from the College of Continuing and Professional Studies with a bachelor’s degree in health and wellbeing sciences (HWS). Since the HWS degree is highly customizable, Zanon was able to choose the classes that would position her for a PA (physician assistant) program, which she will attend beginning this summer.
Samuel Swartzendruber, College of Science and Engineering
Dual-major: Materials science, physics
College of Science and Engineering (CSE) senior Samuel Swartzendruber was born in Ethiopia, but grew up not far from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in St. Paul. But it wasn’t just the proximity to campus that drove his decision to come to the University of Minnesota, it was the strong engineering programs and opportunities for research.
With an interest in nanotechnology and materials, research became a large part of Swartzendruber’s college experience. While at CSE, he took his skill set to Medtronic for an internship and held leadership roles in the student-led group Material Advantage, all while mentoring first-year students.
“My research experience … allowed me to mature both as an engineer and as a scientist,” says Swartzendruber. “I have been exposed not just to how science works, but, more importantly, how we can use it to create beneficial technologies for the rest of society.”
Swartzendruber plans to spend the summer teaching at a school in El Salvador, after which he’ll pursue a PhD in molecular engineering at the University of Chicago.
Zeynab Rzayeva says that meeting people who genuinely want to make a difference has been the highlight of her Carlson School of Management experience. “Supportive faculty, staff, and peers with fresh perspectives constantly inspire me to grow and think critically,” says Rzayeva.
Rzayeva believes that the emphasis on teamwork in her classes was one of the most influential experiences in her time at Carlson.
“At first, it seems simple, but working with people who have different ideas and approaches really pushes you to see things from new perspectives,” says Rzayeva. “Disagreements happen, but that’s where the real learning begins—figuring out how to navigate conflict, negotiate, and find common ground. These moments have taught me so much about collaboration and compromise—skills that are absolutely essential for a career in HR.”
Rzayeva says that her time at Carlson School reinforced her passion for the field of human resources. She’ll now continue her education through the University of Minnesota’s PhD program in Human Resource Development.
Rachel Huberty, College of Liberal Arts
Dual-major: History, political science
Rachel Huberty chose the University of Minnesota in part because her father is an alumnus. “I grew up coming to [Gopher] football games as he's a season ticket holder, and I wanted to stay close to home,” says Huberty.
Huberty says that one aspect of her dual major in history and political science has surprised her.
“In many of my political science classes, it has been easier for me to grasp concepts and make connections between issues and topics because of my background in history,” she says. “I wish more people, specifically political science majors, also pursued history as either a double major or a minor because of how deeply interwoven they are.”
Ultimately, Huberty plans to be a licensed teacher by the fall of 2026, but first she’ll attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development through the Social Studies Education & Initial Licensure Program.