Meet the 2021 SOULS

Orientation season has officially begun. The office of orientation and transition programs will spend the next several months welcoming the Class of 2025 to Miami University. The orientation process is largely virtual again this year, with some improvements over last year. While orientation continues to evolve, the Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOULs) remain a cornerstone of the orientation experience.

SOULs are informed, resourceful guides who assist incoming students and their families throughout the orientation program. Changes to the SOUL position and experience this year will enhance connections and mentorship with the class of 2025.

Four new SOUL positions were added to the team, providing more versatility and options in engaging with students
Each new student will be paired with a ‘go-to’ SOUL who will be their main point person during the summer.
SOULs will host small group meetings, individual consultations, and social events. They’ll also share campus resources via social media and organize social events for the class of 2025.
SOULs will welcome families during real-time orientation sessions.

As an Orientation Student Coordinator, Maria Tirado Rodriguez is using her knowledge as a 2020 SOUL to lead the 2021 SOUL team. “I am so excited for the Class of 2025 to experience orientation this summer and meet the 2021 SOUL team,” said Rodriguez “This amazing group of unique individuals will welcome new Miamians to our community with open arms and lots of useful resources.”

“The 2021 SOUL team is impressive. Each of the 28 SOULs brings a vibrance and dedication to the orientation process that excites me.” said Liz Walsh, director of orientation and transition programs. “The team is committed to helping incoming students learn about student life, academic curriculum and resources. “

2021 SOUL Team

Abbi Adelsberger

Junior Speech Pathology & Audiology and French double major from Bellefontaine, Ohio

Favorite quote: "Happiness can be found in the darkest of time, if one only remembers to turn on the light" - J.K. Rowling

Antonio Alejandro

Sophomore Finance major with a co-major in Entrepreneurship from Liberty Township, Ohio

Fun fact: Antonio has no back molars. He'll never have to get his wisdom teeth taken out because they don't exist!

Zoe Blank

Sophomore Data Analytics and Strategic Communication double major from Mansfield, Ohio

Involved in: EcoReps, Miami Activities and Programming, Astronomy Club, Honors College, Community Leadership Team, and H.O.P.E.

Elle Boyle

Sophomore Sociology and Economics double major from Columbus, Ohio

Fun fact: Elle has her own radio show!

Emily Brace

Sophomore AYA English Education major from Westerville, Ohio

Fun fact: Emily is a Taurus and is obsessed with astrology

Alex Burns

Sophomore History major from Toledo, Ohio

Involved in: Army ROTC, Start Strong, Ranger Challenge Club, and Pershing Rifles

Simon DeBruin

Sophomore Mechanical Engineering from Bloomingburg, Ohio

Favorite quote: “Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.”

David Falokun

Sophomore Computer Science major from Twinsburg, Ohio

Fun fact: David knows how to play the bassoon

Lexi Fields

Sophomore Integrated Social Studies Education major from Milford, Ohio

Involved in: EHSA, sheTribe, and works at the One Stop. Lexi also hopes to bring Hope Squad/Grant us Hope group to campus by the time next year rolls around.

Nicolle Figueroa

Sophomore Social Work major from Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Involved in: Active Minds, Unidos, Comparative Religion Student Association, and the Social Work Organization

Lucy Gannon

Junior Biochemistry and Microbiology double major from South Point, Ohio

Involved in: the Anatomy and Physiology Club, Honors program, and Bridges Scholars

Laken George

Junior Social Justice Studies major from Lima, Ohio

Favorite quote: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace"- Jimi Hendrix

Meaghan Gilligan

Junior Fashion Business major with a co major in Media and Culture from Newark, Ohio

Fun fact: Meaghan’s sister and grandma also went to Miami.

Annah Hahn

Sophomore Creative Writing and Professional Writing double major from Kent, Ohio

Involved in: Spectrum, Asian American Association, Inklings Arts and Letters

Varnell Bubba Harris

Varnell (Bubba) Harris

Senior Journalism and Creative Writing double major from Westlake, Ohio

Fun fact: Bubba has been writing for gaming websites since his Junior year of high school

Katie Lees

Junior Marketing major from Columbus, Ohio

Involved in: the Multicultural Business Association (MBA), Shakerettes Dance Team, and as a Resident Assistant (RA)

Ellie MacDowell

Junior English Language Arts Education major from Powell, Ohio

Favorite quote: "You can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time" - Jessica Sims

Clare Mazzei

Junior Diplomacy and Economics double major from Mount Vernon, Ohio

Involved in: the UP Magazine, MUF&D, Toastmasters, and Greek Life

Will McKay

William McKay

Sophomore Art and Art Education double major from Houston, Texas

Favorite quote: "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Bradley Mraz

Sophomore Music Education major from Dayton, Ohio

Fun fact: Brad joined choir as a free art credit, and now he does it for a living.

Gabbi Purnell

Junior Early Childhood Education from Hudson, Ohio

Fun fact: Gabbi has wanted to be an elementary school teacher since she was 5 years old.

Regis Rugerinyange

Junior Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering double major from Kigali, Rwanda

Involved in: Engineers Without Borders, RedHawks Baja & SAE Formula1 Racing Team, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and as a Resident Assistant (RA) and Global Students Ambassador

Taj Simmons