Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Growing up, Ryan Pogemiller said he never liked school — so much that at times he questioned if he would complete high school.
But once the Cave Creek, Arizona, native enrolled at Arizona State University, he noticed a shift. His courses, he said, were the perfect intersection of digestible and rigorous to be enjoyable.
This spring, Pogemiller is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (morality, politics and law) from the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies via ASU Online. He originally wanted to major in astrobiology but quickly realized philosophy was a better fit for his interests, citing his love for reading, writing and thinking.
“I think philosophy is such an important degree in general,” he said, “but specifically as it pertains to my future, the degree gives me a foundational understanding of how to think creatively for whatever I do.”
And Pogemiller has his sights set for the future. This fall, he is attending Harvard Medical School to pursue a master’s degree in bioethics. From there, he plans to pursue his J.D. at Harvard Law School.
And after that? He hopes to help design clinical research studies with ethical considerations, though he has never shaken his childhood dream: becoming president of the United States.
“I still have the little drawing I made in kindergarten when they ask everyone what they want to be when they grow up,” he said. “I had two choices: president or a hairdresser. My hair is fabulous, don't get me wrong, but I think I would prefer politics.”
During his time at ASU, Pogemiller received scholarships from the Jane Calmes ALS Scholarship Fund, as well as the New American University’s Dean’s Award.
We spoke with him to learn more about his time at ASU.
Note: Responses have been edited lightly for length and/or clarity.
Question: Did any ASU support play a role in your journey?
Answer: Yes! Daniel Brouwer really touched my soul when I was a freshman. Honestly, I was a mess when I first started college. Dr. Brouwer made me feel safe in being smart for the first time in my life. He believed in me, and he made it a point to remind me that it was worthwhile to keep learning and questioning the world. I found out last year that he had passed away unexpectedly and was devastated. I don't think he knew how much of a profound impact he had on my life, but I hope that his memory lives on forever as one of the kindest teachers I have ever encountered in my life. May he rest in peace.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to other students?
A: Don't worry about having a set path. Things happen — you jump left to right, but you always land. However, don't jump mindlessly; jump with a goal in mind, but be OK with shifting if you don't land where you intend. Also, and maybe even more importantly, remember this key rule that got me through the hardest moments in college: The time will pass anyway! It seems so much easier to drop out sometimes ... but then what? You'll come back to school later and be at a deficit. Just keep going. Don't give up. The time is going to pass, so you might as well utilize the time you have productively!
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would invest every penny into researching a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It's the disease my dad died from when I was 15. It's so brutal. I want to live long enough to see a cure for it, but that's a bit optimistic. If I could save any of the money for personal gain, I would give as much as I could to my mother to ensure she never had to work again. It would be my thank you for all she has given up for me to succeed.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your time as a student at ASU?
A: The only thing I can say is that college is what you make of it. If I could do it all over again, I would get more involved with more clubs. I would live on campus. I do not regret anything, however, I mention this because I want to encourage anyone who might read this to truly immerse themselves into the college experience. Getting great grades is great, but you're still a person. Have a personality and know who you are as a person; be a developed person with substance — otherwise, having a perfect GPA is meaningless.
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