Celebrating the Class of 2025: SMU Graduation Reflections

As the semester comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate our CCPA Fellow seniors and everything that made their time on the Hilltop so special. We asked all graduating CCPA Fellows to share what they will miss most about SMU — whether that’s a tradition, a favorite place, a person, or a core memory that shaped their experience here. Through their SMU graduation reflections, these seniors cherish everything from walks along the Boulevard to late-night study sessions and spontaneous hangouts at Homebar and Barley. Their stories remind us just how much SMU feels like home. Here’s to reminiscing on four fantastic, formative years at SMU — and looking ahead to all the future holds.

Virginia Wall
“Something I know I will miss, and that will take getting used to not having, is the Boulevard during the fall. Whether you end up going to the game or don’t, enjoy football or not, the Boulevard offers a sense of belonging and community. You never know who you’re going to run into, whether it be a friend, professor, or alumnus, and that aspect made every Saturday home game so special. I hope I get the chance to attend a few games next fall as a graduate this spring, and I look forward to friendships and memories continuing to form all along the Boulevard.”

Mariana Villalobos
“My time at SMU has been nothing short of unforgettable. I’ve loved learning on such a beautiful campus, surrounded by inspiring professors who have truly shaped my journey. Whether it was late-night study sessions or spontaneous lunch breaks, some of my best memories were made alongside the incredible friends I met here. What I’ll miss most is the simple joy of seeing those familiar faces every day—sharing laughs, supporting one another, and making campus feel like home.”

Katherine O’Connor
“One of the things I’ll miss most about SMU is the feeling of walking around campus and constantly running into familiar faces. There’s something so special about living in a place where your closest friends are just a few steps away. Being surrounded by such a tight-knit, supportive community has made SMU feel like home, and I know I’ll always look back on those everyday moments — spontaneous run-ins, late-night talks, shared walks to class — with so much gratitude.”

Emma Barrett
“One of the things I loved most about my time at SMU was the chance to get involved in a variety of campus organizations and grow into leadership roles. A highlight was being a founding member of Alpha Delta Pi at SMU—an incredibly unique experience that allowed me to help build a new sorority from the ground up and shape it into something truly special. I’ll also miss the tradition of Thursday nights at Homebar with my best friends—some of my favorite memories were made there.”

Precious Nibigigwe
“Reflecting on my time at SMU, I’ve enjoyed every season God has blessed me with. While some semesters have been harder than others, it’s the community I’ve built around me that I’ll truly miss. My roommates and friends I consider family have poured into me when I needed them most, have made me laugh, cried with me, and given me the best four college years I never could’ve expected. Not going to the SCIE (Social Change and Intercultural Engagement) office in Hughes-Trigg Student Center every day, meeting with close friends, and chatting with staff will leave a big hole in my heart for some time. Nonetheless, I’m so grateful to have known each person I’ve grown close to—I have become a better person for knowing them. Thank you, SMU, you made a happy girl even happier.”

Natalia Lomelin
“What I’m going to miss the most from my time at SMU are the little everyday moments that made it feel like home. Thursday night outings to Homebar, spontaneous hangouts between classes—whether we were laying on the lawn, going to Fondren and Hughes-Trigg, or chilling at each other’s places—those are the memories I’ll always hold close. I’ll miss grabbing a quick bite or coffee with friends, laughing about something random, and just being in each other’s company without needing a reason. The energy of the Boulevards, the unforgettable game day fun, and most of all, seeing my best friends almost every single day—that’s the part that’ll be hardest to leave behind.”

Hank Minchin
“One thing I’ll truly miss about my time at SMU is the Boulevard. There’s something special about walking under the trees that stretch over the road, especially on a game day when the whole campus comes alive. The wide green lawns, the shade from the oaks, and the energy from students and alumni gathering together created some of my favorite memories. It’s more than just a road—it’s where tradition, community, and school spirit all came together.”

Henry Driscoll 
“My first SMU tailgate for Family Weekend as a freshman was honestly one of the best days I’ve had on campus so far. The Boulevard was packed with people, music was blasting, and everyone was decked out in red and blue. It felt like the whole school came together to celebrate. I walked around with my parents and siblings, grabbing food from different tents and running into friends. There was some great energy for a great game.”

Mollie Essner
“I am going to miss my time at SMU very much. The people I met, the experiences I had, and the perspective I’ve gained — I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I’m so happy I met some of my best friends through Tri Delta and beyond. I’m going to miss the energy on the Boulevards, late-night Shugs, walks on the Katy Trail, working out, game days, and all the amazing food. Thank you to SMU for all the fantastic memories. I’m going to miss everything about SMU.”

Chantae Embry
“One of my favorite memories at SMU has been my time with the Black Student-Athlete Committee (BSAC). Being part of BSAC has given me a strong sense of community and a space to connect with other Black student-athletes who understand and support one another. I’ve truly enjoyed the events we’ve organized—especially those that celebrate our culture, promote unity, and amplify our voices within the athletic community. BSAC has helped me grow both as a leader and a teammate, and it remains one of the most meaningful and empowering experiences of my time at SMU.”

As the Class of 2025 steps into their next chapter, they carry with them the friendships, experiences, and memories captured in their SMU graduation reflections — moments that will last a lifetime. We’re so proud of everything they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll do. Pony Up forever!