Although commencement has concluded, 51ºÚÁÏ continues to celebrate graduates who have overcome obstacles, achieved significant milestones, or fulfilled 51ºÚÁÏ’s mission in and beyond the classroom.

Today, we celebrate Jay Kropf ’25.

51ºÚÁÏ: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at 51ºÚÁÏ?

JK: I spent a year working as an in-classroom tutor at different K-8 public schools near 51ºÚÁÏ. My main focus was providing individual support to students with various neurodivergences such as dyslexia and ADHD.

Additionally, I've been a peer mentor with FYE since Fall 2023, and it's been an incredibly rewarding experience helping new 51ºÚÁÏ students adjust to university life during the challenging transitional period into college.

I have also been involved as an election polling location worker since May of 2025. I believe it to be essential that people my age start becoming more politically active.

51ºÚÁÏ: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at 51ºÚÁÏ?

JK: I have had the fortune to build lasting relationships with several professors during my time at 51ºÚÁÏ. Many of my professors have taken the time to learn my interests and goals, and they’ve offered guidance both inside and outside of class. I feel comfortable reaching out when I need help or clarification. 

The staff I’ve interacted with have also been welcoming and strongly supportive of both my academic progress and my personal development.

These connections have made 51ºÚÁÏ feel like a community where I’m encouraged to grow and succeed.

51ºÚÁÏ: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?

JK: 51ºÚÁÏ has inspired my future by instilling in me a genuine passion for learning. Through my coursework and the encouragement of faculty, I’ve come to appreciate the value of pushing myself academically and exploring subjects in-depth. 

51ºÚÁÏ has helped me recognize my potential and has motivated me to further my education. As I finish my undergraduate studies, I now have a clear goal of pursuing graduate school and continuing to grow both intellectually and professionally.

51ºÚÁÏ: How do you think you have fulfilled the 51ºÚÁÏ’s mission?  

JK: My work in both statistics and graphic design has been largely formed around 51ºÚÁÏ’s central mission of dedication to the needs of the community. 

As a statistician, I have centered my research as an undergraduate and future graduate student to improving the quality of life for the communities surrounding me by advancing social and medical research.

My courses as a graphic design minor have especially helped me to exemplify the mission of 51ºÚÁÏ because my primary focus as a designer is in improving accessibility to valuable knowledge and resources that I have as a college-educated individual.

51ºÚÁÏ: Do you have a career lined up, and how has 51ºÚÁÏ been instrumental in that process?

JK: While I do not have a specific job ready because I'm primarily focusing on getting a Master's degree before I pursue full-time work in my field, I am intending to work as a graduate assistant in graduate school. I would say the individual professors I've had and made close connections with have made a lot of effort to help me apply to and be accepted into graduate school.

Congratulations, Jay!