Featured Alumni: Undergraduate Program Testimonials
Kristin Dupree

Major: B.A. in Classics, Latin Minor
Graduation: May 2019
Post-Graduation Plans:
M.A. in Classics at the University of New Mexico, Fall 2019
Testimonial:
Studying Classics at Texas Tech has truly been an amazing experience, and I am so
grateful to have been able to further my education here. Professors and graduate students
have always gone above and beyond to support and encourage me. I definitely will not
forget anyone anytime soon!
Colby Gordon

Major: B.A. in Chemistry and Biology, Pi Squared Undergraduate Research Program - Classics
Graduation: May 2020
Post-Graduation Plans:
M.S. in Health Professions, University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, Spring
2020.
Testimonial:
My experience with Latin and the Classics was different than most. All of my course
studies were in Biology and Chemistry, yet I had interest in researching ancient antiquity
and its connection to medicine. Through the Honors Undergraduate Research Program
in Inquiry and Investigation (Pi Squared Program), I was able to find my mentor, Dr.
Zinn, in the Classics department, and got to do this work. Her guidance and this experience
opened my eyes to other forms of academic studies and opportunities. I was able to
grow as a person, academic, and researcher in ways I hope to apply to a career in
medicine one day. The skills I learned and the memories I made will get to stay with
me for life.
Ethan Mickna

Major: B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry Minor, Latin Minor
Graduation: May 2020
Post-Graduation Plans:
Gap Year, followed by M.S. in Molecular Pathology
Testimonial:
I came to Texas Tech with no plans of continuing my study of Classics from high school,
but the community of this passionate program brought me back into my love for the
Latin language. The thoughtful discussions of ancient civilizations and their languages
gave me a kind respite from my other studies, and I truly believe all I have learned
and experienced will translate well into my future endeavors. I am thankful to all
my professors who have shared their passion for Classics with those willing to learn.
Chloe Morris

Major: B.A. in Classics, Latin Minor
Graduation: December 2018
Post Graduation Plans:
M.A. in Classical Art and Archaeology at Kings College, London, Fall 2019
Testimonial:
Studying Classics at Texas Tech has provided me with many invaluable experiences,
including traveling to Italy with the Libarna Urban Landscapes Project, and serving
as the president of the Classical Society. The close knit community of professors
and students in the department has created an environment of encouragement and support,
which has prepared me to continue my studies in an MA program.
Kwame Opoku

Major: B.S. in Biochemistry, Biology Minor; fulfilled Foreign Language requirement with Latin
Graduation: May 2019
Post Graduation Plans:
Medical School at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine,
Fall 2019
Testimonial:
Taking part in the TTU Classics program, and specifically the Latin program, during
my time as an undergrad was a great and rewarding experience. The Latin program was
able to illustrate for me the beauty and relevance of the Classics in today's modern
age, while also granting me the opportunity to further develop my critical thinking
skills as well as make wonderful friends along the way. I know that much of the knowledge
and skills that I have gained from this program will translate over to my future career
goals, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it all. The experience I had with
this program will be one that I will always cherish and remember.
Maxwell Parsons

Major: B.A. in Psychology, Sociology Minor; fulfilled Foreign Language requirement with
Latin
Graduation: May 2020
Post Graduation Plans:
M.S. Criminology, University of Texas at Dallas, Fall 2020
Testimonial:
TTU Classics brings with it many challenges and experiences. There are a copious amount
of students, including myself, who are insecure about studying a foreign language.
It was difficult to appreciate the opportunities I was given at the time, because
I was compelled to study and view things in a different way. However, I do not believe
there was a more impactful program during my undergraduate education. Studying Latin
presented with it a rich history, and an appreciation of the language and the interrelation
of other languages. In retrospect, I genuinely enjoyed and value my experience with
the TTU Classics program and I am excited to apply what I have learned in my later
education.
Abigail Raef

Major: B.A. in Classics, Latin Minor
Graduation: May 2019
Post Graduation Plans:
Medical School at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Fall 2019
Testimonial:
My story is quite unique: while my goal was to attend medical school, I wanted to
spend my undergrad years studying something I was passionate about. Majoring in the
Classics has allowed me to accomplish both. My Classics professors supported and encouraged
me in the classroom, in my personal life, and in my medical school application process,
and my humanities education has prepared me to think critically and inquire curiously--skills
I will use not only in my career as a physician, but in the rest of my life as well.
Megan Simmons

Major: B.A. in English, Psychology Minor; fulfilled Foreign Language requirement with Latin
Graduation: May 2019
Post Graduation Plans:
Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University, Fall 2019
Testimonial:
Latin has been surprisingly a very pleasant experience for me. I was not looking forward
to taking so many foreign language hours, but every semester I was amazed by the connections
I found between the Latin I learned and my other courses. Not only has my writing
improved, but I have come to realize just how much legal terminology derives from
Latin, and I am looking forward to using my knowledge of the language to further my
law career. Even though I had very negative expectations and fears about learning
a language, I know that I have been positively effected by my experiences in my Latin
courses, and I am thankful for all they have taught me.
Marisa Laree Stephens

Major: B.A. in Classics - Ancient Greek Emphasis, B.S. in Kinesiology
Graduation: December 2020
Post Graduation Plans:
Special collection library work with the Remnant Trust; in the longer term, M.A. in
Classics.
Testimonial:
My adventure into Classics started with a foreign language requirement, which I fulfilled
by taking on the task of comprehensively learning Attic Greek. The Classics department
at TTU instantly stole my heart as I began finding myself relaxing from my other science-based
course work by translating Greek. Shortly after, I studied abroad with The American
School of Classical Studies in Athens. Studying abroad was a life altering experience
as I emersed myself completely in the modern and ancient Greek cultures. Working closely
with the guidance of a member of the TTU Classics faculty, I was able to develop my
seminar research term paper for publication by Stanford University's Undergraduate
Classics Journal, Aisthesis. Deciding to pursue my B.A. with the TTU Classics staff
and faculty was the most positively influential decision of my college academic career.
Rebecca Vollene

Major: B.A. in Classics, B.A. in History
Graduation: December 2019
Post Graduation Plans:
M.S. in Library and Information Science, University of North Texas, Spring 2020
Testimonial:
The Classics department truly changed the trajectory of my academic career. I originally
came to Tech as an English major and signed up to take La n my first semester for
my language fulfillment. I fell so in love with the language, the history, and the
department that I changed my major that semester to double in Classics and History.
Being a Classics student reignited my passion for learning and the research I completed
there is some of my proudest work. I decided to pursue a Masters for academic library
work because I want to be a research librarian for History and Classics, so that I
can help other students find sources that makes their research feel complete. I'll
be eternally grateful for everything I learned in the department, for the amazing
and caring professors, and for the wonderful way it molded my future.
Classics
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Phone
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