First Wesleyan University Vets Posse Graduates

In May, Wesleyan University held its 186th commencement. Among the graduating class of 2018 were Scholars in the university’s very first Posse.

Selected as Posse Scholars in 2013, the graduating seniors—Royce Ebenal, John Fought, Robert Mendez, Andrew Olivieri, Ryan Poulter, Michael Smith, Bryan Stascavage, Darryl Stevenson and Joshua Wadlow—were the pioneers who created a thriving Posse Veterans community on campus. With one Scholar, Kyle Foley, completing her degree requirements and graduating a year early, Wesleyan University Posse 1 achieved a four-year graduation rate of 100 percent.

Wesleyan Posse 1 achieved a 100 percent graduation rate.

At the Posse graduation celebration the day before commencement, Scholars thanked those who supported them during their time at Wesleyan, including faculty, staff, administrators and their families. Their supporters, in turn, shared their pride and words of congratulations to the Scholars for persevering and achieving such a great accomplishment.

Graduating Scholars also expressed special thanks to their Posse mentor, Professor Andy Szegedy-Maszak, the university’s Jane A. Seney Professor of Greek. Following Andy’s congratulatory remarks to the Scholars at the event, the Posse surprised him with gifts, including a frame that held each of their military branch’s badges.

With majors spanning several disciplines, including political science, neuroscience and mathematics, the Scholars are now starting on new journeys as college graduates. Some have secured full-time employment and are looking forward to being leaders in the workforce. Others are pursuing further education through graduate study.

Whether starting on careers or continuing their educations, the alumni of Wesleyan University’s first Posse leave behind a great legacy on campus.