Furman University Shines the Senior Spotlight on Class of 2024
Greenville, South Carolina – In a heartwarming tribute to the graduating Class of 2024, Furman University is casting a spotlight on six remarkable seniors who represent the diverse talents and incredible potential within the student body.
Conor Bready ’24
Hometown: Wallkill, New York
Majors: Chemistry and Applied Mathematics
Favorite memory:
Conor Bready fondly recalls the camaraderie and fun of competing in the Iron Chemist competition, a series of events that brought together chemistry researchers, professors, and students for some friendly competition.
Biggest influence:
Bready credits Dr. George Shields in chemistry and Dr. Christian Millichap in mathematics for their significant impact on his academic journey at Furman.
After graduation:
Bready is set to embark on a Ph.D. program in theoretical chemistry at the University of California Berkeley.
Yoana Reyes-Zapata ’24
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Major: Communication Studies
Favorite memory:
Reyes-Zapata cherishes the experience of planning and hosting Hispanic Heritage Month events on campus, along with engaging in various Cultural Heritage events organized by the Student Diversity Council.
Biggest influence:
The Communication Studies department, including professors and staff, played a pivotal role in inspiring Reyes-Zapata’s passion for media studies.
After graduation:
Reyes-Zapata has her eyes set on interning with a non-profit Latino organization in Washington D.C., followed by a potential career move to the nation’s capital.
Xavier Johnson ’24
Hometown: Greer, South Carolina
Major: Music
Favorite memory:
Johnson highlights his rewarding experiences as a summer orientation leader, welcoming new students and families to campus and forging lasting friendships.
Biggest influence:
Dr. Matt Olson, professor of saxophone and jazz studies, has been a mentor and guide for Johnson, imparting valuable lessons both in music and life.
After graduation:
Johnson plans to immerse himself in a MayX program focusing on American Indian culture before exploring further research opportunities.
Abby Stapleton ’24
Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Major: Chemistry
Favorite memory:
Stapleton’s cherished memories revolve around her time as a summer research fellow in the chemistry department, where she found a passion for biochemistry and formed lasting friendships.
Biggest influence:
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Anderson’s mentorship and passion for chemistry fueled Stapleton’s academic journey and inspired her to pursue a career as a physician scientist.
After graduation:
Stapleton is set to embark on an MD/Ph.D. dual degree program at The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson.
Miles Baker ’24
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Major: Sustainability Science
Favorite memory:
Baker fondly recalls the joy of being on the homecoming court, celebrating with friends, family, and fraternity brothers at a memorable homecoming football game.
Biggest influence:
Drew Washington, a fellow Furman graduate, served as a mentor and role model for Baker, inspiring him to pursue opportunities and make the most of his college experience.
After graduation:
Baker is gearing up to pursue a master’s degree in public affairs at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin.
Sophie Shaw ’24
Hometown: Granville, Ohio
Major: Health Sciences
Favorite Memory:
Studying abroad in Lisbon, Portugal, stands out as one of Shaw’s most treasured experiences, allowing her to combine her academic pursuits with a deep dive into global health and medicine.
Biggest influence:
Craig Clark, Furman’s associate athletics director for Sports Medicine and Performance, made a significant impact on Shaw’s college journey, providing support and mentorship.
After graduation:
Shaw is set to embark on a career with Gartner Inc. in their sales development program, leveraging her skills and knowledge in health sciences.
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
