Miranda Hardy ’25
Miranda Hardy’s experience at Wilson has been a blend of growth and community engagement, transforming and shaping her in ways she did not expect. “Wilson felt very much like high school to me, like a small, close-knit family. By the same token, I feel like I have grown into the best version of myself here. And that surprises me,” she said.
Hardy, a veterinary nursing major with minors in biology and chemistry, has been active in the Pre-Vet Club, Campus Activity Board (CAB), and as an orientation leader. This year, she took on a significant leadership role as the president of the Wilson College Government Association (WCGA). “Last year, I was vice president, and I felt a little more engaged with the student body, but this year as president I feel I represent the student body as I’m more involved with student development, faculty members, the board of trustees, and alumni,” she said.
As a student leader, Hardy has three primary goals for her presidency: more student involvement on campus, giving back to the College and Chambersburg communities, and addressing student concerns. She hopes the new clubs and activities on campus inspire more students to connect. Looking back, Hardy remembers the fear she felt when transitioning from high school to college. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know how to be a college student,” she said. “Having your close-knit friends there with you, growing with you, changing with you, seeing you at your highs, seeing you at your lows, it just really makes you transform into the best version of yourself.”
Hardy’s goal is to become a veterinarian, and she is already applying to graduate schools. “The positive things I’ve heard from vet schools have been enough for me to know that Wilson is where I needed to be to get where I want to go.” She completed an externship at the Texas Zoo in summer 2023 and an equine medicine internship in summer 2024. She hopes to open a veterinary practice before moving into a public health position.
During her 2024 internship, she worked with a practitioner whom she has known for years. “The veterinarian had nothing but good things to say about my education and said it was nice to see how much I’ve grown as a student and as a person. That happened because of Wilson. This place set me up for success,” said Hardy.
Adrián Lugo ’25
The Covid-19 pandemic brought disruptions to sports activities worldwide, including Puerto Rico’s baseball leagues. It also led senior Adrián Lugo to Wilson.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought disruptions to sports activities worldwide, including Puerto Rico’s baseball leagues. It also led senior Adrián Lugo to Wilson. Lugo grew up in Puerto Rico, where his favorite hobby was playing baseball. In 2020, when all Puerto Rican leagues ceased operations due to the pandemic, Lugo’s team did what they could to find opportunities to play, and despite the risks, they traveled to Salisbury, Md., for a baseball tournament in August 2020. Lugo ended up staying for eight months, continued playing baseball, and was eventually recruited by Wilson.
“I had other offers, but then I came here for my visit, and I was really impressed with the science technology here.”
Initially, Lugo did not think he would like to attend a small school like Wilson. Growing up, he always went to small schools where everyone knew him, something he was not necessarily comfortable with. He soon learned that Wilson’s small size was a positive. “When I got here, it was scary, but Wilson immediately felt like home.” The small supportive community Lugo feared is now something he appreciates.
“Because it’s such a small school, you get to interact with everyone. You get to work hands-on. I feel that helps you not isolate yourself. Instead, you can work together.”
Lugo appreciates the help he received when he first arrived on campus. His Spanish accent was thick and even though people could not always understand what he said, they always helped him.
Now, Lugo helps others through work as an Orientation Leader, helping new students navigate their surroundings, and as a pitching captain for the baseball team. Both roles allow him to provide mentoring and guidance.
In addition to baseball, Lugo is passionate about mental health. He serves as a representative on the new campus chapter of Morgan’s Message, a national program dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among student athletes. His senior research project also focuses on mental health and will look at the connection between genetics and the effectiveness of depression medications.
Lugo is working toward a bachelor’s degree in biology with a chemistry minor and plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s in forensics. As he contemplates his future career— whether as a forensic detective or a forensic doctor—Lugo’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of others remains a central theme in his journey.
