Graduating seniors from the Class of 2020 were asked to write a letter to the Oglethorpe professor who impacted them the most. Watch as those professors read letters from their students and share a moment together.

After earning an associate’s degree from Georgia State University, Sam Katz ’20 transferred to Oglethorpe University, where he immediately began taking high-level courses. Katz is majoring in Biology and minoring in Public Health and Psychology. He served on the Student Government Association and Honor Council, and is responsible for starting a campus-wide tobacco and nicotine-free initiative.

Dr. Karen Schmeichel, associate professor of biology, served as a long-time mentor and advisor, working closely with Katz as he pursued his passion for public health. Katz will be attending the University of Georgia to earn his Master of Public Health in the fall.

“He has made us very proud with his work at the CDC and also on our own campus.” says Dr. Schmeichel.