By Izabela Zaluska 

Graduating student Lucie Brennan said the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences connected her to faculty members, staff, and students who will support her after graduation and as she begins her career.  

“I will remember the welcoming, but academically challenging, environment that CLAS fosters,” said Brennan, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, minor in Spanish, and certificate in event management. 

Brennan, of Iowa City, is among the more than 600 CLAS students graduating this fall and will deliver the student address to her peers. The ceremony will be held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. 

Her remarks will focus on the importance of kindness and empathy. 

“Success can be defined in many ways, but the most essential impact you will have on other people will not come in the form of professional achievements alone,” Brennan said. “My hope for this graduating class is to continue the growth they have experienced at Iowa and continue to be good people.” 

Brennan said her mom, a wedding planner in Iowa City, inspired her to pursue event management—which is Brennan’s “true passion.” A bachelor’s degree in communication studies is beneficial for a variety of careers and worked well with the event management certificate, she added.  

Adding a Spanish minor was an easy decision, Brennan said, because she loves the language. 

“It is also so important to learn how to communicate effectively to all people, and that includes in different languages,” she added. 

During her time at Iowa, Brennan was involved in the World Language Student Ambassadors program and the Student Advancement Network. She also studied abroad in Spain. Brennan said these experiences grew her communication skills and helped her feel confident and comfortable speaking with others in various situations. 

“All these experiences allowed me to interact with people and share my love for the University of Iowa,” Brennan said.  

After graduation, Brennan will move to Des Moines to work at ITA Group, a company that works will various clients to plan incentive travel, meetings, and events. As event coordinator, she will help deliver effective solutions to companies to motivate employees and channel partners and customers. 

For more information about the ceremony, visit the commencement website. You can watch the ceremony, including Brennan’s address on YouTube live or a replay later.