Poole College Congratulates Fall 2024 Graduates

On Dec. 12, 357 undergraduate students will cross the stage in Reynolds Coliseum to officially become Poole College alumni and begin their professional careers.

Meet Our Graduates

Claire Hollifield — Business Administration, Human Resource Management Concentration

Meet Claire Hollifield, graduating this December with a degree in business administration, concentrating in human resource management. Upon graduation, Claire will join Campbell’s Soup HR team.

During her time at Poole, Claire served as vice president of professional development for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), ICR committee head for Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity, and was a member of the student Wolfpack Club.

One of Claire’s favorite college memories was being part of the SHRM Executive Team. “It was an extremely rewarding experience. I enjoyed building a strong foundation for this student-led organization, and I hope it thrives for many years to come.”

Ria Kapuria — Business Administration, Operations and Supply Chain Concentration

Meet graduate Ria Kapuria! Ria has been actively involved during her time at Poole, serving as vice president of the Poole Student Advisory Board, a member of Consult Your Community, and a Poole Student Ambassador.

One of Ria’s favorite college memories is the Paymaster marketing study abroad experience in Sevilla, Spain, where she enjoyed discovering Spain alongside 30 fellow NC State students. Originally from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Ria also completed a finance co-op in Apex, North Carolina, which gave her valuable hands-on experience and prepared her for her upcoming career.

After graduation, Ria will be moving to Washington, D.C. to join her family’s company, Jaykal LED Solutions, as a process improvement specialist, while preparing for the GMAT. Before starting her role, she plans to spend two months traveling — first volunteering at an orphanage in South Africa and then exploring Europe with friends.

Patricia Coates — Business Administration, Finance Concentration

In addition to her business administration degree, graduate Patricia Costes will earn minors in accounting and Spanish. This fall, she’ll return to Poole College as a full-time student in the Jenkins MBA program, ready to continue her academic and professional journey.

During her time at Poole, Patricia made an impact as recruitment chair and head of alumni outreach for the Poole Ambassadors, supported Poole admissions as an intern, and was an active member of Women in Business and Beta Alpha Psi. Her favorite memories include studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, where she honed her Spanish skills and explored European culture, and working Open House events, where she was able to share her student experience with prospective students.

Patricia’s advice to current students? “Seize every opportunity! So many of the best and most transformative experiences I’ve had at Poole were the result of me deciding to let go of fear and spontaneously trying things.”