From community college to commencement: Meet ASU’s spring 2025 transfer graduates

This spring, Arizona State University is proud to highlight a group of remarkable students who are earning their bachelor’s degrees after beginning their academic journeys at community colleges. 

Though each student’s path is unique — from public health to sustainability, psychology to art — what ties their stories together is the support they received from MyPath2ASU. By providing a clear transfer pathway, personalized guidance and a strong connection to ASU before they even arrived, MyPath2ASU helped each of these students turn their goals into reality. 

Read on to learn more about the inspiring journeys of these spring 2025 graduates.

Transferred from: Chaffey College (California).
Degree: Bachelor of Science in public health.

Though Andrea Perez is older than her sister, it was her younger sister’s achievement — earning a bachelor’s degree — that sparked Perez’s own pursuit of higher education. At the time, Perez was still enrolled at a community college and made a personal promise that she, too, would earn her bachelor’s degree.

She chose to begin her journey at Chaffey College because of the affordability and accessibility it offered, especially after having faced academic struggles in high school.

Perez originally dreamed of attending Oregon State University, but a heartfelt and unexpected gesture from ASU changed her decision.

"It still amazes me that, despite being accepted to Oregon State University, I ultimately decided to attend ASU," she said. "I loved receiving all of the cards and letters of congratulations from the public health professor here at ASU informing me of my acceptance. It really touched me to know that I could reach out to a professor who I have never met before for advice or questions, since it demonstrated to me that ASU has knowledgeable professors who genuinely care about their students and want the best for them."

As a transfer student, Perez found MyPath2ASU to be an essential part of her transition.

"It was able to assist me since it provides direction, which is beneficial for me as a transfer student because it eliminates stress," she said.

She offers this advice to future transfer students:

"It definitely won't be easy at first, but one thing is for sure: you will always have support here at ASU, whether it comes from a faculty member, professor, counselor or even a friend. Don't be afraid to ask for help; don't hesitate to reach out, even if you think the question is silly. It's great that all of the faculty members are approachable."

After graduation, Perez plans to pursue work in government and continue her education to eventually become a professor.

Transferred from: Glendale Community College (Arizona).
Degree: Bachelor of Science in sustainability.

For Connor Sprague, education has always been a family legacy. His grandfather and his mother both earned degrees from ASU. Following in their footsteps was natural.

Sprague attended Glendale Community College for his first two years of college, choosing the campus for its affordability and proximity to home in northwest Phoenix. He recalls his experience at GCC with deep appreciation and gratitude.

“There were honestly so many good professors at GCC,” he said. “I remember everyone in the community fondly. I took my first two sustainability classes, Sustainable World and Cities, with Dr. Michael Strong. He helped a lot in my last semester with transferring to ASU.”

It was during this time that Sprague landed on sustainability as his major, through the College of Global Futures, drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the field and its potential for global impact.

“Sustainability stuck out to me because of its interdisciplinary nature and possibilities within so many different types of jobs,” he said. “Mixed with my goals of trying to make a positive difference in the world and enjoy my work, it was kind of a no-brainer.”

Sprague credits MyPath2ASU with making the transfer process more manageable.

“The MyPath2ASU program helped a ton in figuring out which classes to take, which I feel everyone knows can be slightly difficult in college without the direct help of a counselor,” he said.

Since transferring, Sprague has embraced every opportunity to grow academically and professionally. He’s conducting research on clean hydrogen production and storage as part of his role at Lightworks ASU within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. His involvement began after being accepted into the SURE (Sustainability Undergraduate Research Experience) Program in last spring.

He also participated in a weeklong study abroad program in Hawai’i led by Jon Kelman and Nathan Parker, where students explored the island’s ambitious clean energy initiatives.

“It was super insightful and enlightening,” he said. “I think it’s my favorite trip I’ve ever been on.”

After graduation, Sprague is considering either continuing his education through a graduate degree at ASU or pursuing an internship in the public or private sustainability sectors — possibly both.

Transferred from: Mesa Community College (Arizona).
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in art (painting and drawing).

For Serenity Nez, college has always been part of the plan. A first-generation student from the Navajo Nation, Nez’s dream of pursuing higher education was shaped early on by her family — especially her grandfather.

“Ever since I was young, I knew that I wanted to go to college because there was a way to pursue a degree in something I was passionate about,” she said. “My family, especially my grandfather Monroe Ashley, encouraged me to attend college before he passed away on New Year’s Eve in 2023.”

Nez began her academic journey at Mesa Community College, attending through the Hoop of Learning program, an early high school-to-college bridge initiative that supports Indigenous students in earning college credits while still in high school. As a sophomore in high school, she took classes on weekends and during the summer at MCC’s Dobson campus. She graduated high school in 2020 during the pandemic, which made the transition to a large university feel daunting.

She credits the Hoop of Learning (HOL) program for giving her a head start — and a deep connection to her Indigenous roots. One professor, in particular, helped shape her path.

“One professor that stood out to me was Dr. Mona Scott Figueroa, when I took her Native American Pride and Awareness class as an elective for HOL,” she said. “I look up to her as one of my mentors as she made an impact on my educational journey and gave me opportunities to give back to the HOL program for future students. And I am very excited to be the keynote speaker for the Hoop of Learning Senior Recognition Ceremony for the class of 2025!”

Though her first college plan was to attend Northern Arizona University, Serenity changed course after the pandemic and chose ASU for its robust support for Native American and transfer students.

“I looked at ASU and saw how they had many resources for Native American students, transfer students, and I admired the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts,” she said. “I definitely could say that I am glad that I changed my mind.”

At ASU, she found her artistic voice through painting and drawing — and continued a family legacy of creativity.

“I come from a family of artists ranging from silversmiths from my grandparents and powwow dancers from my mother and uncle,” she said. “I have loved drawing and painting since I was a child. My friends, teachers, and family always admired my art and encouraged me to keep going.”

Originally considering more traditional career paths, Nez ultimately realized that her creativity was something she could turn into a career — and a way to uplift her community. 

“It warmed my heart to see how my art could make an impact on my Indigenous community,” she said.

Her favorite ASU experience so far has been working as a peer mentor for the INSPIRE program, a summer initiative for Native American high school students hosted by ASU’s Office of American Indian Initiatives.

“This job was very rewarding because of the bonds I made with my students and how the program encourages our Indigenous youth to pursue a higher education,” Nez said.

She is also deeply involved in the ASU community through several student groups. In spring 2023, she joined the Iota Chapter of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority Inc., the first and largest Native American-founded sorority in the nation. She serves as the vice president of the American Indian Art Association and regularly volunteers with the Office of American Indian Initiatives, traveling on the Tribal Nations Tour to speak to Native youth about her educational journey.

After graduation, Nez plans to take a break while building her portfolio before applying to Master of Fine Arts programs — ideally at ASU.

In addition to painting and drawing, she enjoys beadwork, sewing and cosplaying. One of her favorite courses at ASU was Indigenous Fashion, taught by Professor Wanesia Misquadace. 

“It helped me find my love for creating Indigenous fashion accessories and hopefully carry on my grandparent’s business,” she said.

Transferred from: Glendale Community College (Arizona).
Degree: Bachelor of Science in information technology.

For Korah Maruska, the pursuit of higher education was deeply rooted in family values and a powerful promise to herself — one shaped by her mother’s unwavering encouragement.

“From a young age, my mom instilled in me the importance of higher education,” Maruska said. “She always emphasized that a college degree is something incredibly valuable — something that is just for me and that no one can ever take away.”

That message became Maruska’s foundation as she set an ambitious goal: to graduate debt-free. She started at Glendale Community College on a scholarship, joined the Navy Reserves for a sign-on bonus and took advantage of tuition reimbursement programs while working at ASU.

“My mom's guidance has been a constant source of inspiration, shaping my determination and resilience. I am proud of the journey I've taken and grateful for the values she has instilled in me,” Maruska said.

Her path shifted when she entered the workforce and discovered the field of insurance, prompting her to reconsider her major. After initially exploring computer science, she found her fit in information technology with ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Growing up across from the ASU stadium, Maruska always felt a connection to the university.  

“It felt like a natural choice, almost as if it was meant to be,” she said. 

That feeling was solidified when she landed a job at ASU’s Cronkite School, further embedding her in the ASU community. 

“Working at the Cronkite School, especially near AZ PBS, has deepened my love for ASU and confirmed that this is where I belong,” she said.

Though she studies remotely through ASU Online, Maruska has made the most of her experience. She was recently inducted into IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), the honor society for electrical and computer engineering — a recognition of both her hard work and her passion for technology and innovation.

After graduating with her bachelor's degree, Maruska plans to continue directly into her master’s program. 

She credits many of her ASU professors for making a lasting impact, even going so far as to nominate several for Outstanding Professor awards.

“My advice is to focus on the opportunities available to you rather than getting caught up in the timeline,” she said. “Embrace every chance to learn, grow, and connect with others.”

Transferred from: Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Arizona).
Degree: Bachelor of Science in psychology.

For Bridget Danquah, pursuing higher education was inspired by the people closest to her.

 “My parents were my biggest inspiration to pursue a higher education,” she said. “Also, with the path I want to take for my career, it was necessary for me to do so.”

Danquah began her journey at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and during that time she made the switch to psychology from her original major in nursing. 

“While I was doing well academically, it wasn’t a career that I could see myself doing as I got older,” she said. “I also felt that me being a nursing major at the time was mostly for my parents, and it felt like I was doing what could make them happy instead of doing something that makes me happy.”

A prerequisite psychology course — “I remember falling in love with the course” — changed everything. Inspired by her own mental health journey and motivated by the lack of representation in the field, Danquah began to explore a future where she could make a difference.

Danquah chose The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ASU because it allowed her to stay close to her family, and transferring her credits from CGCC was seamless. Through MyPath2ASU, Danquah connected with ASU counselors who visited her community college. 

“They not only helped me with making sure that my credits were able to transfer, but they gave me an idea of what being at ASU would look like for me, and it made the transition from community college to ASU a little more easier,” she said.

In addition to her academic journey, Danquah serves as a transfer student ambassador with ASU Academic Alliances, a student worker position that allows her to support and connect with prospective students who are planning their own transfer to ASU.

She has also found connection and support through the African Student Association and the Black African Coalition. 

“Those two alone have helped me feel more comfortable attending ASU because I’m surrounded with people that look like me and know where I come from,” she said.

After graduating, Danquah plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology and begin her career as a mental health therapist.

Transferred from: Mesa Community College (Arizona).
Degree: Bachelor of Science in parks, recreation and sport management.

Lea Stough always knew where she wanted to be.

“It’s going to sound cheesy, but I’ve dreamed about it since I was a kid,” she said. “Same with my high school, I just knew where I’d be when I was a kid.”

Transferring from Mesa Community College to ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Stough pursued a degree in parks, recreation and sport management — a decision she made spontaneously but wholeheartedly.

“Woke up one day and decided, ‘Huh, park ranger sounds fun,’ and I decided in my first semester at MCC,” she said. “I got pushback because my family hates the outdoors, but I’m in love with it.”

Stough chose to attend community college because it was her only financial option right after high school. While at MCC, she found community through Kajukenbo, a martial arts club that helped her feel a sense of belonging on campus. She also credits several professors at MCC with shaping her journey, including Rod Golden and Cole-Larson Whittaker.

Through MyPath2ASU, Stough felt supported even before stepping foot on campus.

“It made me feel connected to ASU without being here first. I felt secure in my choices,” she said.

Since transferring, she has immersed herself in all ASU has to offer — including research, travel, and student organizations such as the Sports Parks and Recreation Club.

For Stough, the most rewarding part of her ASU experience has been the opportunity to learn from experts in her field. “Absorbing so much knowledge from the best in their fields,” she said, is what she has enjoyed most.

Her advice for new transfer students comes from the heart:

“It’s hard. I’m not going to say it’s not. You feel behind and are playing catch up, but you aren’t,” she said. “In fact, you are actually smarter than your classmates who didn’t (transfer) — you know why? You have a different perspective and experience than everyone else that you use to your benefit.”

After graduation, Stough plans to continue her academic journey with a master’s degree and eventually a PhD focused on social interactions in nature — a path entirely inspired by her experiences at ASU.

These journeys are just a few examples of how MyPath2ASU empowers transfer students to achieve their academic goals with confidence and support. If you're a community college or university student planning to transfer to Arizona State University, take the next step toward your future by signing up for MyPath2ASU today. The new and improved sign-up form makes it easier than ever to create your personalized transfer pathway and stay on track toward your ASU degree.