Meet Kate Creech, a soon-to-be #NCState26 graduate majoring in parks, recreation and tourism management. 🎓 🐾

During her time in #NCStateCNR, Kate has been involved with the Tourism Management Association (@tmancsu), where she serves as treasurer. She is also currently a James Buzzard Leadership Development Program fellow for the 2025-26 cohort. She is a recipient of the Moses and Rea scholarships.

After graduation, Kate looks forward to working in the hospitality industry, specifically in hotel sales. She hopes to gain experience building relationships with various customer groups and creating memorable guest experiences.

One of her favorite memories at NC State is running to the Belltower after the NC State men’s and women’s basketball teams advanced to the Final Four in 2024. “The energy on campus was unforgettable, and celebrating with thousands of other students made it such a special moment.”

Her biggest piece of advice for students entering parks, recreation and tourism management?

“There are so many different opportunities within the parks, recreation and tourism management major, and you’ll meet people with a wide range of interests and career goals. Try as many things as possible early on, and talk to as many people as you can.

Get involved with clubs, internships, intramural sports, and campus events that help you explore different areas of interest. You will figure out what excites you the most by doing, so take advantage of the resources in CNR, NC State, and your peers to lead you exactly where you need to go.” —@katecreechh

Meet Hannah Miller, a soon-to-be #NCState26 graduate who will be earning her bachelor`s degree in environmental sciences. 🎓 🐾

During her time at NC State, Hannah has served as an ENVFY Peer Leader, chair of philanthropy and co-president of Epsilon Eta Iota, and secretary of the Forestry and Environmental Resources Leadership Board. She has also been a James Buzzard Leadership Development Program Fellow, CNR Ambassador, and a member of the Campus as a Classroom and the Environmental Resources Water Assessment Training programs.

After graduation, she will be working as a fisheries and aquatic technician with the Center for Aquatic Technology Transfer, which is in partnership with Virginia Tech and the U.S. Forest Service. As part of her job, she will be traveling across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, working in national forests, with a particular focus on monitoring and restoration in forests impacted by Hurricane Helene.

"Together, these past four years, we have learned side by side, whether in lecture halls, Schenk Forest, Rocky Branch, or even Carter-Finley Stadium. Through the small and big moments, we grew into capable, intelligent individuals. Where my capabilities might be stretched to their limits and fall short, I know others can pick up the slack.

Together, we will contribute to a future to be proud of. Even if you feel lost now, I know that the best will come your way if you keep searching for it. Do not underestimate what we have learned at this institution. We are the future, and the future is bright."

Meet Catherine Stucker, a soon-to-be #NCState26 graduate who will be earning her bachelor’s degree in sport management. 🎓🐾

During her time in the college, Catherine has served as a CNR Ambassador and been a member of the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program and the Women in Sport Club (@womeninsportncsu). She has interned with Wolfpack Sports and USA Baseball.

After graduation, Catherine looks forward to working as a corporate partnerships intern for NC Courage. After her internship ends in October, she plans on applying for full-time job opportunities within the sport industry and potentially starting her MBA the following year.

As she gears up herself to graduate next week, she has offered words of encouragement for the class of 2026 on commencement day:

“We all have different amounts of chapters. We have different beginnings, different ends, and even different "meals" along the way. But right now, Class of 2026, our chapter is the same and we are all on the same page. What you do tomorrow, the day after, and the year after that is going to be very different from the person sitting to the left and right of you.

But we are all moving one step closer to our goals. You know the goal I’m talking about—each of ours is different, but you know deep down what yours is. Everyday you are one step closer to that goal of yours.” —@catherinemstucker