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Katherine Proffitt didn’t plan to join the Army when she arrived at Old Dominion University — but one class changed everything. Now, the international studies major is preparing to commission as a field artillery officer and lead soldiers overseas. Read how her journey through ROTC shaped her into a leader ready for the global stage.

Decades after a life-altering experience shaped her interest in healthcare, Miasha O’Neal is graduating with a Doctor of Health Sciences degree. A research specialist and alumna of the Master of Public Health program, she built her career at the institution connected to the physician who once treated her mother. At Commencement, she will be hooded by that same surgeon, marking a full-circle moment that reflects her journey, growth and commitment to advancing health and research.

Jay Belknap is a Navy veteran, Old Dominion University student, and associate engineer helping a rural Virginia electric cooperative navigate the challenges of powering the modern data center boom, while finishing the degree he started more than a decade ago.

Doctoral student Paige Agnew studies biomechanics and prosthetics at Old Dominion University, focusing on how individuals with lower extremity amputation walk and run.

As Old Dominion University’s inaugural Maritime Student of the Year, senior Finley Stoops is poised to make waves in the blue economy. 

For Adyn Moehring (’26), the journey from struggling student to future special education teacher has been anything but easy.

Jordan Narcisse, a sociology major set to graduate in May, hopes her strong academic performance and legal internships will lead to a career as a civil rights attorney. At Old Dominion University, she was eager to help fellow students with problems, both large and small.

Senah Stephens grew up in a rural Virginia town where access to specialty care was limited, but one orthopedic surgeon showed her what was possible. Now, the MD Class of 2026 graduate is heading to an orthopedic surgery residency with plans to one day return to communities like the one that shaped her.

Makendra Crosby (B.S. ’24) will graduate with her master’s in data science and analytics with a concentration in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and a full-time job in hand thanks to an internship. She plans to use the technical skills she has acquired at Old Dominion University to support small businesses and underserved communities, making technology work for everyone.

Khamal Fisher’s experiences with flooding in Norfolk’s Campostella neighborhood helped shape his path to civil engineering and a broader focus on improving his community. Now a graduating senior at Old Dominion University, he is part of a senior design team implementing nature-based solutions to reduce flooding, while building trust with residents.

Portsmouth native Jerome Newsome found his passion in creative writing. He will graduate with a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) with plans to teach and continue writing.

A summer program helped Ben Quansah turn a long-standing interest in dentistry into a clear career path. After completing his prerequisites with a 3.9 GPA and earning admission into Old Dominion University’s competitive dental hygiene program, Ben is graduating prepared to enter clinical practice. With plans to continue his education, Ben is building on a foundation shaped by discipline, curiosity and strong family support.