Leaving Her Mark

As secretary of Alpha Sigma Nu, Gracson Milton, ’26, helped revitalize SU’s National Honor Society by inducting more than 30 new members and applying for and receiving a grant to launch a faculty lecture series. For her efforts, Miller, along with fellow Alpha Sigma Nu leaders Alonso Lee, Owen Daryani and Lauren Ghrist, received the 2026 Provost’s Award. The award recognizes graduating students who made outstanding contributions to Seattle University by supporting the integration of academics, student life and the mission.

“I am deeply grateful for their leadership this year and I look forward to seeing Alpha Sigma Nu continue to grow from the foundation they have established,” Provost Shane P. Martin says.

In this Q&A Milton discusses her fondest memories as a student, professors who made the most impact and words of advice to the incoming class.

Name: Gracson Milton
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Psychology (minors in Business Administration and Marketing)
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

What made you decide to attend Seattle University?
I have attended Catholic school my whole life and Catholic values have always been a natural part of who I am. The Jesuit values are very aligned with the Catholic values, so it seemed like a perfect fit for me. I knew that I would be able to find a welcoming but small community where I felt included and could make a positive change. I also went here for the small class sizes because of the closer connections you can make with peers and professors.

What have you liked best about Seattle University?
I have loved all the different ways there are to get involved on campus and I have taken advantage of so many of them. You can join fun and casual clubs that do social events and are very low on commitment. You can be a part of honor societies where you are able to attend networking events and talk to industry professionals. You can also have a leadership role within your college or department and be a voice for students. I love how there is a spot, group and community for everyone on this campus.

How did you feel about winning a Student Excellence Award?
I feel so honored. I didn’t even know this award was a thing until I received it and I am so happy that all of the work, time and effort that I have given to the SU community is being recognized and appreciated. It is very validating to know that the times where I have felt overwhelmed have been noticed and that people are grateful for my contribution. I am also proud of myself for all the work I have done without expecting anything like this amazing award out of it.

What is your advice to incoming students?
It sounds cliche, but I would encourage all students to get involved, whether in clubs or departments. Being able to meet people who are similar and different allows for so much personal growth. I would also encourage students to explore the city because we live in such a unique neighborhood and city and there are always events, markets, concerts and new shops to explore.

What do you like to do for fun?
I like to explore Seattle. Trying new cafes and coffee shops, going to the local farmer markets on the weekends, taking the ferries to different islands and just wandering around to find hidden gems. I love to take advantage of being young and living in Seattle because I know that it won’t last forever.

Have you had any professors who have been particularly impactful to you?
Many professors shaped my college career in such a positive light by making me feel seen. I could tell they cared about me on a personal level and not just as a student. They care about what I will do in the future and want to see me succeed outside of the classroom. They care how I am doing mentally and emotionally because they understand that mental health is so important and when it is poor it can affect us in so many ways.

Dr. Alexandra Adame was my advisor in the psychology department and the conversation we had about classes and future careers made me feel very supported and welcomed.

Fade Eadeh was the first professor I had for a psychology elective when I was in my second year. He was always willing to talk about the overlap between psychology and the business world because of his personal experience. These conversations led me to adding two minors to the business school, which I am so grateful for.

I took financial accounting with Associate Professor Dr. Marinilka Kimbro and I was so nervous but the way she taught and the encouraging words she gave after class and during office hours gave me confidence in myself and my abilities that I am better for today.

Although not a professor, Emily Grigsby is a grad student and worked in the psychology department and now works in Albers. She gave so much support and time to the psychology department.

What are your plans this summer?
I plan on taking off two months before I come back to SU for my Academic Advising Resource Center position in Housing and Residence Life and before I start the Early Career MBA Program in the fall. I want to spend the summer being grateful and proud of myself for graduating and mentally preparing to come back for a one-year accelerated program.

What are your career ambitions?
I want to use my background in psychology and combine it with my future MBA degree to help business practices be the most effective while still taking care of the employees. I would love to see employees feel seen and heard within their business and feel like a real person instead of just a working machine. As long as I feel like I am making a positive change for people then I will be happy.

This is the first in a periodic series that will showcase students who received special recognition and awards for their contributions to Seattle University.