Graduates of the University of Virginia are taking bold steps into the future, equipped with degrees that open doors to diverse opportunities. The Class of 2024 is no exception, with alumni embarking on journeys that range from military service to prestigious consulting roles.
Highlighting the paths of recent graduates, UVA Today revisits the “What’s Next” video series to catch up with four alumni and their post-graduation endeavors. Here’s a look at where their UVA experiences have led them.
Matt Ganyard
Matt Ganyard, a 2024 graduate, has not only fulfilled a long-held dream but also captured national attention as the 34-year-old kicker for UVA’s football team. Ganyard’s journey began in 2007 when he first arrived at UVA from California, aspiring to join the Cavaliers. Although he initially didn’t make the team, he graduated in 2011 with a history degree and served in the United States Marine Corps.
After retiring from military service, Ganyard returned to UVA, enrolling at the Darden School of Business in 2022. In 2023, his persistence paid off as he finally secured a spot on the football team. Now, Ganyard is a consultant at Boston Consulting Group in North Carolina, applying his skills to the airline industry—a fitting role for a former Cobra helicopter pilot.
Reflecting on his time at UVA, Ganyard expressed gratitude for the supportive community at Darden and emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself. “Even at 36, with some unique experiences and accomplishments under my belt, I still find myself slipping into that comparison game, especially after entering the corporate world more than a decade later than most of my peers,” he shared. “Put on blinders.”
Ganyard also cherishes his current role as a father, having recently welcomed his third child. “To have this opportunity to have a long paternity leave, to support my wife post-birth, be there with our newborn and also just spend time with our two older kids, is truly a blessing,” he noted.
Unoma Aguolu
Unoma Aguolu’s transfer to UVA in 2022 was motivated by the university’s academic excellence and its robust Army ROTC program. Graduating with a degree in global public health, Aguolu has since joined the Army Medical Service Corps, embarking on a journey that has taken her from Fort Knox, Kentucky, to Germany, and now to Fort Johnson in Louisiana.
Aguolu fondly recalls the vibrant learning environment at UVA. “Education never stops. Most of my friends would always say, ‘How come you guys say third-year, fourth-year? Why not junior, senior?’ And I think the philosophy behind that is that at UVA, you’re never done learning. There’s always another step for growth,” she explained.
Her advice to current and future students is to remain present and embrace the collegiate experience. “Be present, make friends and don’t stress too much about the future, because you’re in an environment where you’re guaranteed to thrive and excel,” Aguolu advised.
Kevin Qi
Kevin Qi’s academic pursuit in physics and astronomy at UVA has propelled him into the skies as a pilot. After completing his degree, Qi underwent pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, having already earned his private pilot’s license through the UVA ROTC program.
With a swift transition from a casual job on base to active pilot training, Qi found himself quickly advancing. “Out of the blue one day, they told me, ‘Hey, you’re starting pilot training tomorrow.’ I’m fortunate in the fact that I got pushed through the system really fast,” he recounted.
Originally considering a philosophy major, Qi eventually chose to focus on astronomy and physics, leading to his decision to join ROTC as a second-year student. “It wasn’t something I’d given much thought to before, but I’m glad I did it,” he reflected.
Having completed his pilot training, Qi’s next mission will take him to England and other parts of Europe, fulfilling his aspirations of combining his academic background with a career in aviation.
Read More Here
Be First to Comment