Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

On February 7, 2024, Catholic University of America-Tucson proudly announced its first graduate of its pilot program, Samantha Reynolds. In a statement by Keiran Roche, Assistant Dean of CUA-Tucson, he expressed the institution's excitement, saying, “I want to express how thrilled we are at Catholic University-Tucson about this significant accomplishment. It's truly a momentous occasion for our institution, and we couldn't be more proud of our graduate and her remarkable journey."

Reynolds shared her motivation for joining CUA-Tucson, highlighting her desire to be seen as an individual with unique goals and ambitions. She mentioned, “I was seeking somewhere that would help me grow academically and professionally to better enter and contribute to the workforce.” Despite initial nerves about joining a pilot program, Reynolds found herself immersed in faith-based business classes, professional skill-building, networking, and internships, which she described as opportunities she might not have had elsewhere.

One of the key aspects that Reynolds appreciated about CUA-Tucson was the integration of Catholic teachings into the program. She emphasized, “What I really enjoyed about the CUA curriculum is that internships are a required part of the coursework. You had to go out and have experience so that when you graduate, you don’t just have a piece of paper. You had real-life skills to supplement the knowledge you gained attending CUA."

Reflecting on her experience at CUA-Tucson, Reynolds also noted the university's commitment to its Catholic identity, stating, “I am very happy with the way they integrated the Catholic faith into their lessons and course requirements.” Through the program, Reynolds discovered her leadership potential and is now poised to mentor future CUA-Tucson students.

In conclusion, Assistant Dean Roche commended Reynolds for her courage and determination, stating, “She embodies the spirit of our program at Catholic University-Tucson, where we encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones, pursue their goals relentlessly, and support one another along the way." Reynolds herself recommended CUA-Tucson to others, emphasizing the growth and opportunities the program offers.

As the first graduate of CUA-Tucson's pilot program, Samantha Reynolds stands as a shining example of the university's dedication to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for students to thrive. With the program expanding and more students joining, the future looks bright for Catholic University-Tucson and its commitment to integrating faith and education.