Class of 2025: Commencement Speaker, Kylie Groh

A NEW OPUS

From a Fairview Elementary School Falcon to a Jefferson Middle School Cyclone, to a Rockbridge High School Bruin and a Mizzou Tiger, Kylie Groh has experienced a lot of mascots in her education here in Columbia, Missouri. And although her "mascot days" are likely behind her, she's grateful to carry them with her going forward. Though she dreams of traveling to places rich with nature and wildlife—especially Iceland to see the northern lights—her heart and family will likely keep her home. 

Kylie often contemplates how past experiences shape the future. She was selected by student council to serve as the student speaker at the Trulaske College of Business commencement ceremony—an honor that both humbled and excited her as she meticulously prepared for it. Much of her speech encouraged students to reflect on their past and incorporate those lessons, memories and experiences into the foundation of what lies ahead. "What will you miss the most? Did you discover what you're good at? What makes a good friend and what makes a bad one? Did you learn who your biggest supporters are?" These were all questions Groh posed to encourage reflection among her classmates. But the most important question she presented to her fellow graduates was, "Why do you want what you want?" She uses this question to realize a greater purpose for her own path and hopes to inspire others to do the same. "I don't believe that growth comes from our own strength alone, but I do think reflection grounds us in gratitude and points us toward truths about ourselves and the world around us," Groh said. This self-awareness is a testament to her commitment to betterment. 

Kylie diversified her experience at Trulaske by working for the marketing and communications department, participating in Business Week, serving on committees and student council, winning numerous awards and even earning Student of the Year. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing at Trulaske, she minored in music. She plays the viola and was selected to perform with the University of Missouri's Philharmonic Orchestra. Her favorite piece to play is Romanze, Opus 85 by Max Bruch. It begins with a melodic, calm, and romantic pace, then—like much classical music—accelerates into a crescendo of strength, power, and a feeling of triumph. She says she loves the style, and this piece offers plenty of room for personal expression. 

Speaking of finding her pace, she's discovered it in marketing. Her experience working in the marketing and communications department at Trulaske confirmed her career path. "Her integration into our office was so complete that we included her in campus-level professional development opportunities—and she took time out of her busy schedule to attend,” Casey Baker, her former supervisor, said. “She said yes to more professional development opportunities than any student I've worked with. She truly thought and operated like a full member of our team, taking on responsibilities that benefited the college's marketing and communications efforts.” 

Kylie says she'll miss walking on campus daily, continually encountering familiar faces, and spotting frogs in the pond outside Lefevre Hall, but the time has come to learn a new opus. She has accepted a position as account manager for a local agency. She's thrilled to apply all of her learning and experience to "the desk." Agencies are typically known for probing deeply into the objectives of their tasks and continually asking their clients "why?" She'll fit right in. And perhaps she can even suggest a mascot.