Goldey-Beacom College

05/27/2026

Some people see a place. Emily Bonavita sees the story inside it.

A recent Goldey-Beacom College graduate in Communication and Media Studies, Emily uses photography to capture the fleeting details that often go unnoticed: quiet moments between people, the glow of a landscape, and the feeling of being somewhere before it becomes a memory.

Her creative work has been shaped by travel, observation, and connection, from exploring Greece, Ireland, and Scotland to building relationships on campus as a transfer and commuter student. Emily shared that getting involved made a meaningful difference in her GBC experience, even when she was only on campus once or twice a week.

Now, she is taking a gap year to focus on her work, gain hands-on filming experience, and keep building toward a future in visual storytelling, especially in cinematography or the art department in film.

Congratulations, Emily. We’re proud to have you as part of the GBC alumni community, and we can’t wait to see the stories you tell next. ⚡💙

(The first three pictures are Emily's photography, and the last image is her self-portrait.)

05/26/2026

What does strong writing have to do with career readiness? A lot.

In this episode of the Practice to Profession podcast, Goldey-Beacom College writing professor Caleb Curtiss shares how reading, writing, language, and creative expression help students build confidence, think critically, and prepare for evolving careers.

Listen to the full episode at go.gbc.edu/podcast to hear more from Professor Curtiss.

05/25/2026

At Goldey-Beacom College, we’re also grateful for the veterans and military-connected students who bring purpose, discipline, and perspective to our campus community.

Recent graduate Cesar Aguilar is one of them. A son of immigrants, U.S. Army combat medic, boxer, entrepreneur, and business student, Cesar’s path reflects resilience, service, and a drive to keep building toward what comes next.

As Cesar shared, “Don’t be afraid of going really high.”

This Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifices that make stories like Cesar’s possible, and we’re proud to celebrate members of our Veteran Community who continue to lead with purpose.

Read Cesar’s full story: https://www.gbc.edu/about/news/built-for-more-cesar-aguilar/

05/22/2026

From GBC fairways to the U.S. Open, Michael Tobiason, Jr. has built a golf career worth celebrating.

A GBC alum and 2017 GBC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Michael was a two-time PING All-American, four-time CACC individual champion, four-time CACC Player of the Year, and a key part of GBC golf history. Today, he serves as Head Golf Professional at Deerfield Golf Club, where he leads instructional programs and helps golfers make the game simpler and more enjoyable.

Next Thursday, May 28, Michael will be one of the golf instructors at the GBC Golf Outing at Deerfield Golf Club.

There are still opportunities to join us, whether you want to play a round or take advantage of golf lessons with experienced instructors. Come out, connect with the GBC community, and spend the day on the course with fellow Bolts.

Register here: go.gbc.edu/golf ⚡💙

05/21/2026

Save the date, future Bolts! ⚡💙

Join us on Thursday, June 25, from 4–7 p.m. on the GBC Quad for a Block Party celebrating local high school graduates.

Come enjoy an evening of music, food, fun, and community as we celebrate this exciting milestone together.

Register and learn more: https://choose.gbc.edu/blockparty2026/inquiryform

05/19/2026

The corner of Stoney Batter and Limestone Road may be looking a little more empty than you’re used to.

The landmark signs outside Goldey-Beacom College are currently being replaced, and before they make way for something new, we want to celebrate the woman behind so many of the messages our community has come to know.

Meet Paula.

Since the signs were installed in 2009, Paula has helped write and schedule the messages drivers see while waiting at the red light. Some share campus events and GBC updates. Others offer a simple word of encouragement to someone passing by.

That inspiration is not random. Paula plans the signs two weeks at a time, with four messages a day, seven days a week. She gathers ideas from books, quotes, magazines, coworkers, Facebook, and the world around her, then carefully fits them into the character limits of each sign.

And people notice.

Over the years, Paula has received calls, voicemails, and messages from people who said they were having a hard day, saw the sign, and felt a little better. Some even call to ask what a message said so she can help them find it again.

Paula has been part of Goldey-Beacom College since 1983. Through roles in Student Affairs, External Affairs, and the President’s Office, she has seen generations of students move through GBC with motivation, ambition, and purpose.

As the signs are updated, Paula hopes one thing stays the same: that they continue to inspire the people driving down Limestone Road.

Thank you, Paula, for being the thoughtful voice behind a local landmark. ⚡💙

If you want to see what would have been featured on the signs during construction, follow along on our Instagram stories.

05/15/2026

What makes college worth it?

For J.J. Becerra, who was the student speaker at Honors Day earlier this month and is heading into his senior year at GBC, it’s about more than earning a degree.

It’s about gaining confidence, finding mentors, building connections, and discovering what you’re capable of along the way.

J.J. shares a thoughtful, honest student perspective on what college has meant to him and why the experience is shaped by what you put into it.

Read his full story: https://www.gbc.edu/about/news/is-college-worth-it-student-perspective-from-jj-becerra/

05/14/2026

The Class of 2026 did more than earn a degree. They reached a milestone built on years of hard work, encouragement, perseverance, and purpose.

On May 8, Goldey-Beacom College celebrated its 139th Commencement Ceremony, awarding degrees and certificates to 352 graduates representing 11 states and 44 countries. It was a proud day for our graduates, their families, and the entire GBC community that supported them along the way.

Commencement speaker Dr. Kemal Erkan, MBA, FACMPE, founder and Chief Executive Officer of United Medical, LLC, chairman of United Medical ACO, and proud GBC alumnus, reminded graduates that their education has prepared them not only for the workforce, but for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

He encouraged the Class of 2026 to think beyond boundaries, commit to lifelong learning, and lead with integrity and purpose.

As GBC celebrates its 140th anniversary year, this commencement was a powerful reminder of what our community does best: helping students move forward with confidence.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We are so proud to celebrate you. ⚡💙

Photography by Becca Mathias - Photographer

05/12/2026

What does poetry have to do with career success?

Quite a bit, actually.

In our latest Practice to Profession episode, Dana Kinsey, career coach, poet, and Goldey-Beacom faculty member, shares how creativity, communication, and confidence all play a role in standing out and getting hired. From guiding students through interviews to creating hands-on learning experiences in the classroom, her approach highlights the value of finding your voice—and using it with purpose.

Listen now: go.gbc.edu/podcast 💙

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

What a beautiful day to celebrate the Class of 2026. 🎓💙⚡️

Today’s commencement ceremony was filled with so many of the moments that make graduating special: proud families cheering from the audience, friends taking photos together afterward, faculty and staff helping students prepare for the big walk across the stage, and graduates celebrating years of hard work finally paying off.

We loved seeing the creativity and personality shine through in the decorated grad caps, hearing inspiring remarks from student speaker Hannah Bell and commencement speaker Kemal Erkin, and enjoying a wonderful performance from the Skyline Middle School choir. There were heartfelt moments, joyful moments, and even a few funny ones, including President Colleen Perry Keith getting startled by the confetti cannon at the end of the ceremony.

To our graduates: thank you for letting us be part of your journey. We are incredibly proud of you and cannot wait to see where life takes you next.