Class of 2024: Oscar Laakso
Bachelor of Arts in History
Oscar Laakso will be the student speaker at the Fall 2024 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m. in the James A. Rhodes Arena. He is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts in History
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
High School: Firestone CLC
Parents: Angie and Brian Laakso
Q: Why did you want to go to UA?
A: UA was close to home and offered wonderful scholarship opportunities.
Q: What campus activities were you involved in?
A: I was vice-president of the Zip-Strike (Nerf Club) and served as vice-president, president and events coordinator of the Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honors Society Delta-Chi chapter. I also worked maintenance in the Student Union and served as a student ambassador for BCAS.
Q: What campus honors or awards have you received?
A: I have been on either the Dean’s List or President’s List for my entire college career. I was also named BCAS Student of the Month in November 2024 and was a member of Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Sigma Delta Honors Societies.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a degree in history with the end goal of entering academia as a professor.
Q: What is your favorite memory of UA?
A: My favorite memory of UA was interacting with the history department. I loved making new friends and collaborating with them in my work.
Q: What unique things should we know about you?
A: I enjoy a good fantasy novel and a game of Dungeons and Dragons. I am also colorblind.