News from campus and beyond
Senior Spotlight 2026
Top, from left: Arnav Desai ’26, Luke Parsons ’26, Grace Guillaume ’26
Bottom, from left: Ashley Johnson ’26, Aruzhan Sakhariyanova ’26
University Communications congratulates the Class of 2026 and thanks the students, faculty and staff who helped us tell their stories, and, through them, the stories of Furman University. Special thanks to these five graduates, who represent a class of immense talents and immeasurable promise.
Arnav Desai ’26. Photo by Owen Withycombe, Furman University.
Arnav Desai ’26
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
“At Furman, I’ve done things I didn’t think I could ever do before.”
Desai came into Furman unsure of how best to put his servant’s heart to work. Between the Paladin Battalion, mock trial and his pre-law education, he found his passion. Now he’s headed to Wake Forest University School of Law.
Grace Guillaume ’26. Photo by Jeremy Fleming ’08.
Grace Guillaume ’26
Majors: Politics and International Affairs, History
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
“I found my confidence through attending events and meeting with people.”
Guillaume wields her passion for justice the way only a Paladin could. As president of the pre-law society and The Riley Institute’s Advance Team Lead, she experienced the intersection of policy and practice. Now she’s preparing for a growth year before tackling law school.
Ashley Johnson ’26. Photo by Owen Withycombe, Furman University.
Ashley Johnson ’26
Majors: Biology and Applied Mathematics
Hometown: Parker, Colorado
“You can do whatever internship you want, you can do whatever research you want and Furman will be there to fund you and help you.”
With her heart set on medical school, Johnson seized every opportunity she found at Furman. Mentorship, undergraduate research, clinical internships and international study in Portugal and Sweden set her up for success at any of the multiple medical schools she’s been accepted to.
Luke Parsons ’26. Photo by Jeremy Fleming ’08.
Luke Parsons ’26
Major: Economics
Hometown: Easley, South Carolina
“I knew that I wanted a smaller school. I knew that Furman was that for me.”
Parsons saw the value of a liberal arts education firsthand, exploring topics through his studies while narrowing his focus through internships and hands-on learning experiences. Outside the classroom, he built a network of connections that landed him a job with Wells Fargo months before graduation.
Aru Sakhariyanova ’26. Photo by Owen Withycombe, Furman University.
Aruzhan Sakhariyanova ’26
Majors: Sustainability Science, Communication Studies
Hometown: Astana, Kazakhstan
“Furman was the only school that had this niche program combining the humanitarian side of sustainability sciences with the theoretical, in the sustainability science major.”
Combining a passion for environmentalism that fueled her since childhood with technical skills she gained in Furman’s communication studies classes, Sakhariyanova took on a leading role as an Eco Rep Fellow for the Shi Institute. This summer she’ll be working with the City of Greenville to audit public sector sustainability efforts.