An Inside Look at the Class of 2025

On May 3, the Queens University of Charlotte class of 2025 turned their tassels and stepped into their next chapter.

We’re highlighting 16 of those Royals who represent just a glimpse of what makes the class of 2025 so special. They’ve grown, pushed through challenges, found their purpose, and shaped their time here in unique ways.

No two journeys look the same — and that’s the beauty of it. Scroll on to meet a few of the many grads who’ve left their mark on Queens (and beyond).

Chase Aldous

At Queens, Chase Aldous dove headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. He launched two ventures, took home first place in the 2023 Pitch Competition (now known as the Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition), and was a finalist again in 2025. He helped co-found the Entrepreneurship Club, studied abroad in Paris during the 2024 Olympics, and jumped headfirst into every opportunity to grow his network. Next up for Chase is growing Vault Labs, his e-commerce marketing agency, while working with a tech-based Charlotte startup and training for his first marathon.

“Queens has been pivotal to my growth and has laid a strong foundation for what I want to achieve in my career. Some of my closest friendships were formed at Queens, and the support system I’ve built here has made a lasting impact.”

Zac Baker

A biology major and interior architecture and design minor with a passion for zoo habitat design, Zac Baker gained hands-on experience while at Queens — interning at the Carolina Raptor Center, managing the swim team for four years, and serving as president of the Queens chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). He’s a four-time national champion with the triathlon team and he led the school in volunteer hours all four years of his undergraduate career. This month, he’ll begin the Project Dragonfly graduate program at Miami University of Ohio.

“Dr. Jeff Thomas has made the biggest difference in my life. He helped me bring my dreams to life and has brought out the most amazing love for my career path. I would not be who I am without his guidance and support.”

Keely Billiar

Keely Billiar majored in biochemistry with a minor in music — and fully embraced both. From performing in choir competitions and campus musicals to conducting chemistry research as a first-year student, she thrived as an interdisciplinary scholar. Keely also served as president of Phi Mu and was a Royal Ambassador during her time here, sharpening her leadership and communication skills. A summer research experience at NC State confirmed her passion for materials science, which she’ll continue to pursue in a Ph.D. program at Clemson University.

“I truly believe that if I didn’t come to Queens, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.”

Sarah Brown

A leader in and out of the pool, Sarah Brown made waves at Queens through her involvement with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and as founder and president of the Sports Business and Marketing Club. She credits Queens, and Charlotte as a whole, for shaping her into the sport management professional she is today. Next up for Sarah? A summer fellowship with UNCC Athletics and a master’s program at Catawba College.

“Truly the people make the place, and my peers and professors in the sport management program as well as the swim team made Queens home. They have pushed me to be my best and grow in all areas of my life, and I could not be thankful enough for the family I have here.”

Jacob Cendejas

Jacob Cendejas, a marketing major, truly made the most of his time at Queens. Some of his highlights include studying abroad in Malta through the university’s John Belk International Program (JBIP) and winning the 2025 Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition. For Jake, some of the most impactful moments came from building relationships with peers and mentors who encouraged him to grow in unexpected ways. After graduation, he’s weighing several opportunities but is confident that whatever comes next, he’ll pursue it with purpose.

“Queens [has] provided me with plenty of opportunities to grow and challenge myself. Being able to make such great friends from all around the world has made an immense difference in my life.”

Curtis Davenport

Curtis Davenport returned to the classroom after nearly four decades to pursue a Master of Science in Talent and Organization Development. He quickly became a leader at Queens — being inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies, becoming the first current student to present at the MSTOD program’s semi-annual residency weekend, and earning the 2025 MSTOD Leadership Award. Curtis also served on the MSTOD Advisory Board and helped set the stage for future students to take on visible leadership roles. After graduation, he’ll continue his journey at Queens as an adjunct faculty member in the McColl School of Business.

“From the beginning, Queens welcomed me wholeheartedly. The faculty encouraged me to freely share my ambitions, and they embraced both my past experiences and future goals. Their unwavering support and guidance — along with the vibrant campus community — helped me grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.”

Shelley Dean

During her MBA journey, Shelley Dean leaned into every opportunity for growth — from confronting her strengths and weaknesses head-on in Dr. Sparks’ leadership courses to gaining a global perspective on sustainability during a study abroad trip to Costa Rica. She also helped start a nonprofit supporting students with special needs.

“I would like to continue growing both personally and professionally — for the benefit of my company and the nonprofit I helped start. I believe staying connected to Queens and giving back by sharing my MBA journey is essential. It’s also a meaningful way to demonstrate sustainability by supporting opportunities like internships and real-world experiences for students.”

Lauren Glase

Lauren Glase, who holds an undergraduate degree from Queens, returned to her alma mater in 2023 to earn her master’s in talent and organization development. Her time in the program was shaped by hands-on learning, including a trip to Costa Rica where she saw firsthand how cultural differences affect business practices. After graduating, Lauren plans on continuing her work here at Queens as the graphic designer — a role she’s been thriving in since 2022.

“I feel so proud to have two degrees from a university that feels like home. My Queens undergraduate experience gave me everything I needed to start my career. My Queens grad school experience gave me everything I needed to take my future into my own hands.”

Griffen Gonzalez

Griffen Gonzalez, a chemistry major with a minor in mathematics, maximized every opportunity during his time at Queens — both in the lab and across the globe. He interned at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and studied abroad in Cyprus. After graduation, Griffen plans to work in a chemistry lab for a year before pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering.

“Queens has been pivotal to my success by offering professors with immense expertise and by encouraging students to grow and develop. The entire chemistry department has pushed me to greater heights!”

Kayla McDuffie

As a multimedia storytelling major with a minor in sports communication, Kayla McDuffie used her time at Queens to explore the world, build meaningful connections, and grow as both a student and teammate. She traveled to France in the summer 2024 to cover the Paris Olympics, writing stories about the community and culture in Paris during the games. On campus, McDuffie found a sense of home with the women’s volleyball team, where she built lifelong friendships. She plans to take the summer off before applying to the brand-new sports management master’s program here at Queens.

“Queens was important in my growth of success by giving me opportunities and experiences I never would have had at another college.”

Sarah Quigley

Sarah Quigley’s journey at Queens has been marked by resilience and a drive to serve others. A dedicated member of the women’s field hockey team, Sarah had to medically retire during her sophomore year — but quickly pivoted to serve as team manager for the rest of her time at Queens. Off the field, she was treasurer of the Pre-Health Student Association, completed an internship with Seacrest Studios at Levine Children’s Hospital, and traveled to Spain through the John Belk International Program.

“I want to express my gratitude to all my friends and family. Your unwavering support in everything I do means the world to me, and thank you for always being there.”

Zoe Rosenberg

From studying abroad in the Czech Republic to interning with the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center and partnering with the Charlotte FBI, Zoe Rosenberg built a college journey rooted in civic engagement and global awareness. She represented Haiti at the Washington Model Organization of American States, attended two national interfaith summits, and took part in the Border Immersion experience. Zoe was a leader in several organizations, serving as president of the Hillel Jewish Student Organization, secretary of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society, and executive board member of Chi Omega. After graduation, Zoe is heading to Washington, D.C., where she’ll serve with AmeriCorps.

“Being involved with many clubs and orgs on campus over the years, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone, and had the opportunities to learn more about how to be a successful leader.”

Rae Sawyer

Rae Sawyer found more than just a degree at Queens. She found purpose, confidence, and community. One of the most defining moments of her experience was joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which gave her a deeper sense of leadership and service. She also credits her growth to the supportive campus environment and the professors who consistently championed her potential. Rae will soon head to North Carolina Central University’s School of Law to pursue her Juris Doctor.

“Queens pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and take ownership of my voice, my goals, and my future. I have been championed to lead, serve, and grow with purpose. I’m walking away from this experience more confident, more focused, and ready for whatever comes next — and that’s because of the foundation this place gave me.”

Masen Schechterle

Masen Schechterle, an exercise and sports science major, thrived at Queens through both academic and extracurricular experiences. He traveled to Spain through the JBIP program, where he built meaningful connections with classmates and embraced a new cultural perspective. He also played a key role as student manager for the Royals baseball team, making lasting friendships and gaining valuable leadership skills.

“Queens has played a major role in my growth as an individual. Being involved in small-class sizes and forming real relationships with the professors here helped with my success in the classroom.”

Kellie Williams

At Queens, Kellie Williams found the perfect stage for her artistry, scholarship, and advocacy. From playing Mrs. Lovett in a production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” to being awarded the Noble Fellowship for her ethnomusicological study of Black sacred work, she embraced every opportunity to grow as a musician and a leader. She was also honored with the Enedina L. Fernandez Humanitarian Award for her civic engagement and social justice work.

“Queens has provided me with the material resources and faculty support to succeed, given me many opportunities for new experiences, and I have been welcomed into a community of like-minded people who want to improve themselves in order to improve the world around us.”

Jingjing Zhao

Jingjing Zhao, an MBA graduate specializing in global business management, maximized her time at Queens by actively participating in leadership development opportunities. She participated in the inaugural Women Leaders Program and engaged in several impactful programs like Actualized Leadership Profile (ALP), Leadership Coaching, and Leaders in Action, each of which deepened her self-awareness and equipped her with essential leadership skills.

Whether learning from inspiring faculty and guest speakers or supporting peers through shared challenges, Jingjing says it was the people who made her Queens experience truly life-changing.

“Queens University of Charlotte was truly pivotal to my growth because it helped me become a more self-aware, socially conscious, and purpose-driven leader. Through leadership programs, coaching, and reflective exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of who I am — my strengths, areas for growth, and the impact I want to make in the world.”