Members of the Class of 2025 Ready to Spread their Wings and Head to College

As Saint Viator’s most recent graduates prepare for their freshman year, it bears reflecting on their wide-ranging array of college choices and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

They will be bringing their Viatorian education to schools across the country, from Ivy League schools – such as Princeton and MIT – to the University of Chicago, the Military Academy at West Point, New York University, Berklee School of Music in Boston, and Tulane in New Orleans, to name just a few.

The most significant concentration of graduates is headed to several Catholic Universities in the Midwest, where they can continue their faith and service development, with two going to Notre Dame, nine to Marquette, nine to Loyola, eight to Dayton, and four to St. Louis University. 

Still, others are headed to larger, public universities, including Big 10 schools like the University of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and UCLA, as well as the University of Alabama in the SEC, the University of South Carolina, Illinois State, Iowa State, and the University of Kentucky.

Mrs. Maggie Bleeker, College Counselor, describes the class as another in a long line of high-achieving graduates. 

“I continue to be impressed with the caliber of colleges that our students apply to,” Mrs. Bleeker says. “They aim high while also having realistic knowledge to create college lists of both challenging schools and attainable.”

They are making an impression on college admissions specialists, which not only helped them when they applied, but it also bodes well for future students applying.

“Admissions counselors who visit Saint Viator tell our students that they understand that our academic rigor is strong and challenging in this area,” she adds. “They are also impressed with how our students handle themselves in these visits and with their questions at information sessions.”

Kenzie Schwabe ’25 is preparing to leave soon for her freshman year at Princeton University. At this point, she hopes to major in philosophy and minor in theater, but as she says, “I’m completely open to finding new routes once I get there.”

She credits her challenging academic load and the wide variety of activities she was able to participate in at Saint Viator with helping her get into Princeton – and to being open to all that the university has to offer.

Like many of her classmates, Kenzie participated in sports during her time at Saint Viator, including lacrosse and cross country, while also participating in many of the fine arts opportunities, including choir and theatre outreach classes.

“This range of opportunities prepared me for the more nuanced and rigorous course load possibilities at a school like Princeton,” Kenzie says. “For students currently working on getting into their dream school, I would remind them that the intensity of their academic courses is important, but it’s just as important to step outside of their schoolwork and pursue their interests. Universities are looking for voices of passion and experience.”