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The CLAAS ceremony will be Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m. at Goggin Ice Center, Oxford Ohio.

At this ceremony you will receive your diploma cover, be individually recognized as your name is read, and be professionally photographed.

Please note that ceremony attendance is not mandatory. Your diploma and an official academic transcript will be mailed separately to you approximately four to six weeks following the commencement date, provided there are no holds on your academic record and you have met degree requirements. One Stop - Diplomas.

Brandi Brewer’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. She began her academic path at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University in 1994 as a nontraditional student, earning an Associate of Arts in 1997. She continued her studies and earned a Bachelor of Arts - Political Science in 2001.

With over fifteen years of experience in human resources, Brandi built a dynamic career across corporate, nonprofit, and mid-sized business sectors, holding key roles at respected organizations such as Coca-Cola, IKEA, and The Hillman Group. Her work in talent management, compliance, and operational efficiency shaped deep expertise that would later fuel her entrepreneurial success.

In 2018, Brandi took a bold step by acquiring Fastest Labs North Cincinnati, a drug and DNA testing service provider known for speed, accuracy, and reliability. Drawing on her HR background, she reimagined industry standards by improving service delivery, enhancing accessibility, and driving operational excellence.

After seven years of steady growth, Brandi expanded her business by opening a second FASTEST Labs location in Central Cincinnati in March 2025. Her continued commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified her reputation as a respected leader in human resources and business ownership.

An major at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Regionals, Sarah McKillop didn’t take the traditional path to college. As a young mother in her teens, she thought of college as a luxury. McKillop never imagined that she would one day graduate from college, but also make lifelong friends and follow her research interests to a summer undergraduate research program in upstate New York.

“She is among the strongest students within the strong cohort of Applied Biology students,” wrote her nominator, David Berg, University Distinguished Professor and chair of Biological Sciences. “Sarah has achieved academic excellence and pursued cutting edge research while remaining a mother to her daughters and working several jobs. I have no doubt that in the future, we will consider inviting her to another CLAAS divisional ceremony as one of our distinguished alumni.”

Once she graduates, McKillop hopes to work in conservation with a non-profit organization or government agency.