From Intention to Impact: Reflections on the First Semester of Founder’s College
By Carlos Martinez, Assistant Director of Programs
When Founder’s College opened its doors, it did so with a bold promise: to remove chance from student success and replace it with intentional design, deep community, and meaningful opportunity. On the first day of classes, students, faculty, staff, and partners gathered not just to launch a new academic program, but to affirm a shared commitment: we are here for you.
Now, as the inaugural semester comes to a close, that promise has taken shape in lived experiences, quiet moments, personal breakthroughs, and collective wins.
To reflect on this first chapter, we reconnected with members of the Founders College community – including students, faculty, staff, and Founding Dean Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty – and asked them to share their reflections on what Founder’s College has meant to them so far, in the form of three questions:
How would you describe Founder’s College in one word?
What is your favorite thing about Founder’s College?
What is a favorite memory or accomplishment from the first semester?
What emerged was a powerful portrait of a college that is already doing exactly what it set out to do.
Leadership Reflections
The ribbon cutting ceremony at Founder’s College, featuring Associate VP for Transformation Stephanie Hinshaw (far left), Butler President Jim Danko (center), and Founding Dean Carolyn Gentle-Genitty (second from right).
Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, Founding Dean
Founder’s in one word? "Intentional" or "Opportunity"
Favorite thing about Founder’s? Removing the randomness of student success.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? The first day of class when employers and Butler students alongside faculty and staff welcomed the inaugural class of Founder’s students, stating that they are here for them throughout the journey.
Stephanie Fernhaber, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Founder’s in one word? Impactful
Favorite thing about Founder’s? The students!
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? There is no one big thing that stands out, but rather all of the little wins - when we figure something out, adapting, coming together as a team, hearing laughter in the common area.
Rob Williford, Associate Dean for Student Success
Founder’s in one word? Illuminating
Favorite thing about Founder’s? The environment we are co-creating with students, faculty, and staff to ensure that every day is spent with purpose and deliberate actions, both inside and outside of the classroom. These students have so many stories to share, and our faculty and staff come together to solve problems effortlessly.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? No memory stands out against the next, but I can tell you that every small, quiet moment spent helping a student navigate something new, make decisions about their life, make a plan for getting on track, or having a lightbulb moment is what sticks with me from this first semester. So much of Student Affairs is found in the quiet moments. I hold these moments close to remember the purpose of the work we do every day.
Student Reflections
Students in Founder’s College’s inaugural class
Karmani Burton, Founder’s College Class of ‘27
Founder’s in one word? Blessing.
Favorite thing about Founder’s? The community. I am surrounded by faculty, staff, and peers who genuinely care about my future and my success. Everyone respects and supports one another, and that creates an environment where students feel valued and encouraged to grow. My professors and the dean consistently introduce me to new opportunities and connections through resources like our Bridge and Bond events. These events allow students to meet professionals from different companies, learn about various industries, and gain real-world insight through conversations and interviews. At Founder’s College, every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? One of my favorite accomplishments from my first semester has been building meaningful connections through our Bridge and Bond events. Meeting so many inspiring individuals and continuing to stay connected with them through meetings and mentorship has had a huge impact on my growth. Their guidance, encouragement, and shared experiences have motivated me to apply what I learn both academically and personally. Another accomplishment I am especially proud of is becoming a Student Brand Ambassador for Founder’s College. This role has allowed me to be more intentionally involved on campus and in the community by touring prospective students, representing Founder’s, and serving as a guide and inspiration for others. I truly love being able to share my experience and help others envision their own journey here.
Daviam Alamo, Founder’s College Class of ‘27
Founder’s in one word? Blessing.
Favorite thing about Founder’s? The sense of community and support. Being surrounded by motivated staff who genuinely care about our growth has made a big difference in my academic and personal journey.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone by speaking in front of the class for different projects and starting conversations with classmates I didn’t know before, and realizing how much I am capable of when I stay focused and committed to my goals.
Faculty & Staff Reflections
CTB’s Carlos Martinez with Founder’s Staff & Students
Dr. Adrianna Ernstberger, a.k.a. Dr. E., Faculty
Founder’s in one word? Illuminating.
Favorite thing about Founder’s? As cliche as it may be....the students. They make it all worthwhile.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? Getting to see, in real time, the moment students understood a complex concept in Psychological Inquiry (Classical and Operant Conditioning). Watching them wrestle with it, wrestle with me, and then finally wrestle with themselves to work through the challenge was extremely rewarding.
Abby Martin, Social Worker & Library Assistant
Founder’s in one word? Transformative.
Favorite thing about Founder’s? The sense of belonging and support we create for students. Founder's College meets students where they are and helps them thrive personally and academically. Every interaction feels intentional and meaningful because we’re building a community that truly cares about student success.
Favorite memory or accomplishment from this semester? Watching students grow in confidence and begin advocating for themselves when they need help. Over the semester, I’ve seen relationships deepen and students navigate both exciting milestones and challenging times. A standout memory was taking a group to a professional event and watching them light up as they introduced themselves and engaged with others. Seeing them put the skills we’ve been working on into practice, and realizing they belong in those spaces, was incredibly rewarding.
Concluding Thoughts
At the end of the semester, the message of Founder’s first day has not faded – it has been reinforced.
Founder’s College is no longer just an idea introduced on day one. It is a lived experience shaped by intention, strengthened by relationships, and measured by the confidence students are building in themselves.
As Founder’s College looks ahead to future semesters, one thing is already clear: when student success is designed with care, community, and purpose, impact follows.
