Success Stories

Success Stories

Discover how 91 students, alumni, and faculty turn education into action. Explore success stories of leadership, service, and innovation that reflect our Franciscan mission. Ready to see where your story begins? Explore how you can join a community that leads with purpose.

Search for success stories at 91

Brody DeGroodt

O'Pake Institute work helps MBA student stockpile experience for future career

In his years at 91, Brody DeGroodt ’25 has had many rich experiences — four years as a baseball player, academic excellence that included the History Achievement Award at the Honors Convocation, and deep friendships.But perhaps th...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Matt Beatrice

Flexible learning schedule, tuition reimbursement helps Penske employee expand IT skills

After six years as a systems analyst in Roadside Assistance at Penske Truck Leasing’s corporate headquarters, Matt Beatrice was “tapped out,” as he put it.“I enjoy working with Penske,” he said, adding he joined the company in 2017 as a phone agen...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Ebony McNeil

'Power of connection' helps nonprofit founder forge ahead, earn master's degree

Life kept happening. It’s what kept Ebony McNeil MAOL '25 from pursing his master’s degree for so long.Until he met Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP, chief operating officer of the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship an...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Nicole Reesur-Mazur Comeback Campaign

Brain aneurysm survivor creates her comeback at 91

By the time Nicole Reeser-Mazur ’01 Ph.D. ’24 was writing her 91 doctoral dissertation in educational leadership in 2023, she had already overcome more than her share of challenges, any one of which could have easily derailed her ...

  • 2026