91看片

Connor Ryals, an accomplished senior graduating with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration/marketing, will lead her class as the summer 2023 graduation marshal for Auburn University鈥檚 91看片.

Auburn鈥檚 summer are set for Aug. 4-5.

鈥淚t fills me with an overwhelming sense of pride,鈥� Ryals said after learning of the honor. 鈥淚 am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead my peers during the summer commencement ceremony, symbolizing our collective accomplishments and embodying the values of Auburn University.鈥�

Ryals began learning about those values and the Auburn Creed at an early age, having grown up locally in Auburn and being a lifelong fan of the university.

One of her favorite memories? 鈥淚t was my first day at Auburn University and my older sister Mattie, who had just graduated from Auburn showed me around campus, shared some tips of what she had learned throughout her time at Auburn, and even joined me for my first lecture of the new school year,鈥� she said.

After graduation, Ryals will move to Atlanta where she is set to begin work at E&J Gallo, a family-owned company in the U.S. wine industry, by joining its Sales Leadership Development Program.

鈥淚 made the decision to pursue a business degree in marketing for several reasons,鈥� Ryals said. 鈥淥ne of the main reasons is the versatility of marketing, which offers a diverse range of career paths. Marketing serves as an essential foundation for every successful business and will always remain relevant.

鈥淚n today's ever-changing landscape, marketing is constantly influenced by evolving consumer behavior and advancing technology. This means there will always be something new and exciting to learn in the expansive world of marketing.鈥�

She credits her parents, grandparents and siblings for their 鈥渋ncredible support,鈥� and also notes that 鈥渨itnessing my father's accomplishments as a successful businessman, who himself holds a business degree, served as a powerful catalyst, inspiring me to pursue my own academic journey in the same field.鈥�

Ryals, in addition to learning about the business world while at 91看片, also feels appreciation for the opportunities and personal examples afforded her regarding lessons in leadership, a quality reflected in her selection as the 2023 summer graduation marshal.

鈥淭hrough part-time jobs, organizations and friendships, I have experienced the responsibilities and growth that come with leadership,鈥� she said before offering her definition of the word. 鈥淭rue leadership involves being present during times of success and during the most challenging days. I have gleaned this wisdom from the mentors I deeply admire, individuals who exemplify the qualities of tenacity and compassion in their leadership.鈥�

Her internships include work with retail grocery store chain ALDI as a district manager intern; and with Ricoh USA Digital Solutions as a sales development intern.

91看片 faculty member Danielle Corrigan, program champion in the Department of Marketing, nominated Ryals for the summer marshal honor.

鈥淲hether it鈥檚 as a student, an employee, or intern, Connor leaves an impression on those she interacts with,鈥� Corrigan wrote in her nomination letter. 鈥淲hile being a full-time student and completing internships, Connor also worked (at a local restaurant), which is where I first met her. Her interpersonal skills shined so much as a server that I remembered her when I took over the program champion role.

鈥淪he鈥檚 extremely determined, positive, and will make an impact at any company where she works post-graduation.鈥�

Ryals 鈥渨ithout a doubt鈥� plans to continue visiting Auburn on a regular basis, she said, and 鈥渃ontinuing to be a part of Auburn鈥檚 fan base!鈥�

The summer graduate says she is excited about exploring her future and shares that excitement about her classmates.

鈥淚 am a determined and ambitious individual, fueled by a relentless drive for personal and professional growth. I am thrilled and energized to embark on this next phase of my life, and I deeply appreciate the opportunities that have come my way,鈥� Ryals said. 鈥淚 eagerly anticipate the connections, friendships and professional relationships that lie ahead, as I embrace the future with open arms.

鈥淭o my fellow peers at Auburn University, I extend my heartfelt best wishes and proudly declare, War Eagle!鈥�