When Ohio Northern University awards Simran Kaur her diploma on May 17, 2026, she’ll fulfill the aspirations of a generation, becoming the first college graduate in her family.
“As a first-generation Sikh-American, I am the promise of immigration--the manifestation of my parents’ lifelong dreams,” she says.
A political science and public policy student on the pre-law track, Simran’s goal is to become an Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG). After a gap year and participation in the LSAC+ program, she’ll enter law school in fall 2027.
Throughout her three years on campus, Simran has been a force for leadership and service. From founding a campus organization to being awarded a prestigious U.S. State Department scholarship to study in China, she’s “aimed for the sky and aspired to grab the clouds as a souvenir for my way back down.”
True to her word, Simran celebrated her graduation by literally leaping into those clouds—skydiving over Dayton with her sister.
Simran is just one example of the ambition found within the Class of 2026. It’s a cohort of students defined by proactive networking, a willingness to step outside their comfort zones, and a consistent track record of high achievement.
We are proud to kick off our graduation profiles with an immersive look at Simran’s path. From Welcome Weekend to her final weeks on campus, explore her journey in her own words and pictures.
Explore the Journey of a Polar Bear: Simran Kaur