Graduating Spiders share their special memories and future plans

June 3, 2025

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Six members of the Class of 2025 reflect on their UR experiences.

Calvin Ciorba – Jepson School of Leadership Studies

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Leadership Studies

After-graduation plans: Teach elementary school in Minneapolis' Twin Cities with Teach for America

Why did you choose your major?

One of my favorite classes was my Leadership Ethics class because we challenged everyday beliefs and notions we previously had, giving us a more rounded perspective of people and the world.

What were some of your extracurricular activities?

I was captain of the Spidermonkeys, a men's ultimate frisbee team. We practiced several times a week and traveled to Virginia and North Carolina for tournaments. We even flew to Seattle for Nationals. I made my best friends on that team.

What memory will you always associate with UR?

Watching the sun set on the pfoots (a nickname for the River Road grass fields) playing my favorite sport with my best friends.

Outside of your major, what was your favorite class?

Literature and comedy with Dr. Pelletier was a hilarious, yet thought-provoking class. My favorite part of the class was watching comedy — Richard Pryor and Doug Stanhope, among others — and then having a classroom discussion about them.

Did you study abroad?

I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland. I had the opportunity to take interesting Irish history courses and play for the ultimate frisbee team there. It was super fun to play ultimate in Ireland. It allowed me to immerse myself into the culture since the entire team was Irish. I even played two tournaments with them in Cork and Limerick. 

Meet some of our 2025 graduates

Gregory Hilldrup
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Gregory Hilldrup
Six members of the Class of 2025 reflect on their UR experiences.
Anna-Laura Houston
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Anna-Laura Houston
Six members of the Class of 2025 reflect on their UR experiences.
Hannah Pham
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Hannah Pham
Six members of the Class of 2025 reflect on their UR experiences.