The May 2026 wedding of Payton Dziemburski ’19 and Zachary “Zack” McMaster ’19 was a celebration not only of the happy couple, but also of their many relationships that began at Wilson College. Several of Payton McMaster’s bridesmaids were former field hockey teammates and a former professor, now a colleague and friend, officiated their ceremony.

Payton Dziemburski McMaster graduated from Wilson College with a degree in exercise and sport science. The friendships, mentorships, and opportunities she had made ultimately led her back to campus, where she now serves as an assistant professor in the same program that helped launch her career.

McMaster first arrived at Wilson as a prospective student-athlete looking for a place where she could play field hockey while pursuing a career in healthcare. During her recruiting visit, she quickly felt at home.

“It was really the environment,” McMaster said. “I just felt very comfortable right off the bat. I knew this was where I wanted to go.”

That sense of belonging remained throughout her college experience. She credits Wilson’s faculty and staff with creating an environment where students were encouraged to succeed.

“I never felt like a burden,” she said. “I had so many resources and always felt supported.”

Like many exercise science students, McMaster entered college with a clear career goal. She planned to become a physical therapist, but a required internship revealed a passion for exercise physiology. After graduating from Wilson, McMaster earned a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Delaware, eventually becoming a clinical exercise physiologist working in cardiac rehabilitation.

“I tell my students all the time, pay attention to the classes and the things that come naturally to you,” she said. “It’s probably something you should pursue.”

Several faculty members helped shape that journey. McMaster cites former faculty member Tonia Hess-Kling as an important mentor and credits Kathryn Sarachin, associate professor of chemistry, with helping her overcome one of her most challenging subjects.

Wilson’s impact on her life extended beyond academics. As exercise and sport science majors, Payton and Zack spent years in the same classes before beginning a relationship during their senior year. Zack went on to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northeast College of Health Sciences in Seneca Falls, New York, and now practices alongside former Wilson exercise and sport science faculty member Tonia Hess-Kling who officiated their wedding. Zack also later worked at the College as an assistant men’s volleyball coach.

“I met my husband here. I met my best friends here,” McMaster said. “Those are things that stay with you for life.”

Now entering her fourth year of teaching, she has witnessed dramatic growth within the program. Through collaboration across campus and support from grant funding, students have access to advanced technology used for exercise testing, performance assessment, and health evaluation.

“It’s been really awesome,” she said. “I tell the students all the time, I didn’t have any of this stuff.”

Despite the program’s growth, she believes Wilson’s greatest strength remains unchanged.

“The core values still remain the same,” McMaster said. “The students know people care about their success.”

For McMaster, Wilson is more than the place where she earned a degree. It is where she found a profession she loves, built lifelong friendships, met her husband, and now helps students chart paths of their own. The same relationships that helped shape her experience as a student continue to influence her life and career today.

“It’s easy to love the students, love the field, and love teaching,” she said. “I feel very lucky to be here.”