Walsh University is proud to celebrate the achievements of its first graduates who transferred from Notre Dame College following the institution’s closure last year. Among the 23 students graduating this year are Teryn Marais and Hunter Stratton, both members of the Walsh Men’s Rugby Team, who made the successful transition to Walsh and will walk across the stage at the 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 3.
Marais, a Sports and Business Management major, reflected on the challenges and rewards of transferring during his senior year.
“At first, the idea of transferring colleges for my final year was quite daunting,” said Marais. “But entering an unfamiliar campus alongside all of my friends and teammates made the jump a lot less fearful and rather exciting, and it felt like starting a new chapter with some familiar faces. Walsh staff made it easy by guiding us through every step, from applying to financial aid.”
Stratton, a Government and International Affairs major, echoed Marais’ sentiments about the supportive Walsh community.
“What stood out to me the most is how much support we got from the rest of the university when we transferred in,” said Stratton. “Walsh made the transition between schools super easy because of the thorough communication and always answering any questions we had.”
The students’ successful transition was the result of a proactive partnership between Notre Dame College and Walsh University. Following Notre Dame’s announcement that it would cease operations after the spring 2024 semester, Walsh quickly stepped in to support these students. University leaders traveled to Notre Dame College to meet with more than 100 potential transfers, bringing them to Walsh’s North Canton campus for an afternoon tour. Through a formal teach-out and transfer agreement, Walsh guaranteed admission to displaced Notre Dame students, promised a 100% transfer of all earned credits, and matched their net tuition costs to ensure an affordable path to graduation.
Now, just one year later, Walsh celebrates these students’ resilience, leadership, and accomplishments — and welcomes them as the newest members of its proud alumni community.
“My favorite experience while at Walsh was suiting up against Bowling Green State University under the lights,” Stratton added. “I’ll never forget that night.”
After graduation, Marais plans to complete his MBA and pursue a career that allows him to impact others. Stratton will begin his career as a Management Trainee with Enterprise Mobility.
For both students, graduating from Walsh carries special significance after a year marked by change and growth.
“Graduation, to me, means a fresh start and gives me the confidence to attack any opportunity in my future,” said Stratton. “It also means I will forever have a community that I can always be involved with.”
In addition to their academic achievements, both Marais and Stratton made their mark as part of Walsh’s Men’s Rugby Team. Stratton fondly recalled one of his favorite moments at Walsh: suiting up against Bowling Green State University under the lights, a night he says he will never forget.
Post-graduation, Marais plans to pursue an MBA before launching his career with a focus on making a meaningful impact, while Stratton has already secured a management trainee position with Enterprise Mobility.
Walsh University remains committed to supporting students impacted by college closures, providing pathways to degree completion while welcoming them fully into the Walsh community.
