More than 750 Neeley graduate and undergraduate students completed their studies, officially becoming TCU alumni. From professionals enhancing their careers to those just starting, learn about some of our graduates and their next plans.
May 22, 2023
Anna Kate Sundvold, Finance with minor in Accounting
What are your professional plans following commencement?
Following commencement, I will be starting a career with 49 Financial in August.
How has TCU Neeley prepared you for the next steps you’ll take after graduation?
Neeley has offered me many opportunities to grow in my involvement. I was a Neeley Navigator my junior and senior year, allowing me to help fellow classmates with any questions they may have in regards to advising topics. I was also able to be a part of the first graduating class of Neeley Complete. This helped me find areas to grow in like leadership, service, employer work, and intercultural experiences. By being involved in these Neeley activities, and seeing all that people have accomplished as well, I know that I am prepared for my next steps of life. I have grown in many personal and professional characteristics through my involvement and I am excited to see how they impact my life.
In your opinion, what makes TCU Neeley different than other universities or colleges?
Neeley is different from other universities in many ways. For starters, the smaller class sizes allow professors to really get to know their students, which allows them to tailor their teaching skills to each class's needs. Even with a small class size, we still were able to have a big university feel with our sports teams. Our professors even loved being involved with sporting events as well. I was a part of the Showgirls dance team, so when I would have basketball games to dance at night, sometimes missing class, my professors were really great with working with me and ensuring that I knew anything that I might have missed.
Not only do the professors really care about each of their students' successes in the classroom, but they care about what they do outside of the classroom and in the workforce. Every professor I have had was so great with advice on jobs and providing connections in the real world. They truly care about your successes in life and are always so excited when they hear about students' good news.
What’s your favorite TCU Neeley memory?
My favorite TCU Neeley memory was getting to see all of my friends graduating on Commencement Day. Being able to see people who I had classes in the past years with walk the stage was super exciting. I hadn’t seen many of them in years, so it was great seeing them again. Also, walking the stage and seeing the many professors I have had over the years made me feel extremely grateful for my classes and memories made at Neeley.
Do you have any special summer plans you’d like to share?
I am going back home to Missouri for a bit over summer so am excited to see my family and hometown friends.
Haley Freeney, Marketing
What are your professional plans following commencement?
I will be a marketing professional at IBM in Austin, TX
How has TCU Neeley prepared you for the next steps you’ll take after graduation?
Neeley has built a strong foundation for my professional career by providing a well-rounded curriculum that equips me with knowledge and skillset in various areas, not just my major. For example, my data analytics course has equipped me with in-demand skills that will benefit me in my career, especially with IBM.
In your opinion, what makes TCU Neeley different than other universities or colleges?
Neeley has a real-world application focus that gives students exposure to and experience in relevant and significant problems in their career field. For example, when I studied abroad in Rome, my professor asked the class how many people had created a marketing plan. In a class of nearly 30 upperclassmen, I was one of the few who raised their hand. Neeley gives students a competitive advantage, and I am fortunate to have received it.
What’s your favorite TCU Neeley memory?
In my Sports and Entertainment Marketing class with Professor C. Kevin Smith, we were tasked with creating a marketing pitch for the Dallas Mavericks. To prepare for this pitch, the class attended a Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center and met the Maverick's CMO and Director of Corporate Sponsorships. Furthermore, we presented our marketing pitches directly to them the following week. This was one of my favorite class projects and among the most rewarding experiences as a Neeley student.
Do you have any special summer plans you’d like to share?
I am going on a family trip to Jamaica! My family began taking annual summer trips a few years ago, but I could never participate due to internship conflicts. This is my first free summer in years, and I am so excited to be with my family and get some R&R in the Caribbean!
Max Muskat, Marketing
What are your professional plans following commencement?
Previously I interned at Dell Technologies, and I fell in love with the culture, products and the team. I’ll be returning to Dell starting July 10, and I’ll be on the federal software team focused on the military. That’s very special to me because I served four years in the Navy as a dog handler.
How has TCU Neeley prepared you for the next steps you’ll take after graduation?
I would say what really separated TCU from other universities was importance of being in the classroom. We were in the classroom, hands-on, we were collaborative. You can see the difference when interacting with other students from other universities. I was able to gain real-world application and engagement. Also, Neeley’s push and exposure to internships. That stems from the career center and having an engaged alumni network. I credit the professional development center and my mentors at Neeley who placed me in a position of success.
In your opinion, what makes TCU Neeley different than other universities or colleges?
The student body. Private schools can have a reputation. At another university my friends and I visited multiple times so, I had a strong idea of what the student body was, they weren’t nearly as welcome or curious about my background as I experienced at TCU. That’s really what separates TCU from any university. You get those private school benefits, but you also don’t have the [poor] attitude in the student body. With my financial background, I was concerned about coming to a private school. I wasn’t confident of the social aspect or being able to enjoy myself. But that didn’t impact any of my relationships or any of my social life. That was a big difference. TCU has a special student body.
What’s your favorite TCU Neeley memory?
I could list so much, like this last football season and being involved in the TCU Sales Center. But I’d have to say my semester abroad in Europe was probably my most memorable and having the ability to travel overseas during the pandemic. Not a lot of schools were willing to trust their students. But the experience that came from it was amazing. Every other weekend traveling to a different country. I enlisted in the military to travel, and this was one way I had that inter-culture experience. That was the biggest impact. It sparked a new passion of mine and broadened my perspective.
Do you have any special summer plans you’d like to share?
Celebrating my brother’s graduation from pharmacy school. I’ll also hang out with mom and grandma, and help out. I plan to enjoy the family time that you sometimes take for granted.
