Strategizing her Story

Spring 2025 Outstanding Graduate Kelsey Bruggeman Lives her Brand with Hustle and Heart

From a town with fewer than 100 classmates to leading University of Louisville College of Business graduates into Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies as the college’s Outstanding Graduate/Banner Bearer and Outstanding Graduate in Marketing, Kelsey Bruggeman’s story is anything but small. Having worked to earn over 50 credit hours before even stepping foot on campus as a first-generation student, this Saturday, Bruggeman will walk the stage to receive her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing with dual minors in business communication and professional sales–a feat she achieved in three years–while balancing work, internships and leadership opportunities.

We had the chance to connect recently with Bruggeman, who shared what first sparked her passion for marketing, the challenges she faced and overcame as a UofL student and the meaningful mentors and memories that helped define her college experience.

College of Business: Share with us more about your background and what life was like for you as you grew up.

Kelsey Bruggeman: I grew up in Tell City, Indiana–a small, rural town where everyone knew each other and there was a strong sense of community. I went to Perry Central Junior-Senior High School in Leopold, Indiana, part of Perry Central Community Schools–with preschool through 12^th grades, it’s considered a school community. I graduated in a class of fewer than 100 people, and it wasn’t uncommon for students to attend local colleges and eventually move back home. My parents both worked incredibly hard – my dad as a foundry worker and my mom as a hairstylist – so Saturdays were just another workday in our house. As a first-generation college student, I feel fortunate that college was always encouraged by my parents for my sister and me. Despite not having had the chance to or chosen to pursue higher education themselves, my parents have always supported our academic and career goals and wanted us to succeed in every way. That mindset made all the difference for me. I was also lucky to attend a high school that offered countless dual credit opportunities, which allowed me to graduate with over 50 college credits. Because of that, I’ll be earning my bachelor’s degree with two minors in just three short years. Choosing to attend UofL – only an hour away from home – gave me the best of both worlds: the chance to experience a new city and grow into adulthood, while still being close enough to home for my family to stay involved and supportive.

College of Business: Why did you choose to earn your bachelor’s degree at the University of Louisville?

Kelsey Bruggeman: As soon as I stepped onto UofL’s campus for a tour, it just felt right and like something clicked. I applied to several schools, but my heart kept coming back to UofL. There was something about the way people welcomed me with open arms that made it feel like home. I also loved knowing that when it came time to look for internships or start a career, I’d be surrounded by a strong network of businesses and have access to Fortune 500 companies right here in the city. Also, coming from a small, tight-knit community, I appreciated how easy it was to navigate campus and how most of my classes had no more than 40 students. That size made it possible to build real connections, recognize familiar faces and turn classmates into friends. UofL’s vibrant culture is contagious, and even during the most challenging times of my college experience, I’ve never once regretted my choice.

College of Business: What led you to pursue your bachelor’s degree in marketing, and how did that interest first develop?

Kelsey Bruggeman: My interest in marketing was first sparked during a high school internship with my hometown’s Chamber of Commerce, where I worked under the executive director. I spent one full day each week in the office during my senior year, gaining hands-on experience in content creation, social media and website management and planning community events. I loved the feeling of being behind the scenes – contributing to initiatives that brought people together and supported local businesses. It was the first time I saw how marketing could make a real, tangible impact. Whether I was promoting a local holiday celebration or updating business contacts on the back end, I found I enjoyed the balance of creativity and strategy. That experience helped me realize how meaningful it is to create work that connects with people and it made it clear that marketing was the path I wanted to follow.

College of Business: Have you experienced any challenges in this field of study, and if so, how have you overcome those challenges?

Kelsey Bruggeman: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been navigating the competitive job market, especially when most entry-level roles are asking for three to five years of experience. As someone graduating in just three years, I knew that I needed to be proactive in finding ways to build that experience ahead of time. I’m thankful to have been accepted into a year-long internship, which gave me exposure to the field and something meaningful to add to my resume. But even more valuable than bullet points on my resume were the relationships I built along the way. I’ve learned that who you know – and the effort you put into staying connected – can open doors just as much as what you’ve done. I’ve learned to ask questions, take initiative and surround myself with people who are where I hope to be someday. That mindset has made a huge difference in overcoming the initial intimidation of starting out with limited experience.

College of Business: What faculty members most left an impact on you during your time in your undergraduate program and why?

Kelsey Bruggeman: Dr. Kathleen Gosser and Professor Henrietta Pepper have both made a lasting impact on me. They’ve been more than just professors–they’ve been mentors I’ve looked up to. Through Dr. Gosser’s Collaboration and Negotiation class and Professor Pepper’s Marketing capstone course, I learned real-world skills that I will carry with me after graduation. Even more importantly, both women have been supportive of me outside the classroom. Dr. Gosser helped me navigate and negotiate a job offer with confidence, and Professor Pepper wrote me a thoughtful letter of recommendation, both of which meant so much to me during my job search. I’m confident that both of these instructors would go above and beyond to help any student who needed it, even if it’s just offering honest advice. Every moment in their classrooms was valuable, and I think all educators could take inspiration from how they teach and lead.

College of Business: What experience during your time in the College of Business and UofL impacted you most, and why?

Kelsey Bruggeman: One of the most impactful experiences during my time at UofL was receiving a scholarship in my senior year that covered my remaining expenses. This scholarship provided me with the financial freedom to focus on the many responsibilities that came with being a full-time student while also working 29 hours per week. It allowed me to dedicate time to my academics, search for a full-time job after graduation and navigate the many new challenges in the next phase of my life. I’m grateful to the committee for their support, which helped both mine and my family’s peace of mind. I hope my hard work has proven I deserved it. This experience proved how important financial and emotional support is and reminded me that we’re not alone in our challenges.

College of Business: How did you feel when you learned you were selected as the CoB Banner Bearer/Outstanding Graduate and Outstanding Graduate for Marketing?

Kelsey Bruggeman: I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honored. I’ve never been one to seek the spotlight. I usually just put my head down and do the work. So, to be recognized in such a big way really meant a lot. It made me pause and realize it’s okay to feel proud of everything I’ve put into the last few years. The first thing I wanted to do was pick up my phone and share the news with my parents. Their support has meant everything to me throughout college, so getting to celebrate that moment with them made it even more special.

College of Business: What does receiving these recognitions mean to you?

Kelsey Bruggeman: This recognition goes beyond my grades or accomplishments; it feels like validation for all the effort I’ve quietly poured into my education. It’s a reminder that the late nights, the long hours spent on projects and assignments and staying true to my values really did matter. More than anything, it’s a celebration of everything I’ve overcome and a reflection of the support I’ve been given from my professors, friends and especially my family. This has given me more confidence as I step into the next chapter of my life.

College of Business: What advice would you offer students considering pursuing a degree in marketing at UofL?

Kelsey Bruggeman: Stay curious and get informed about the industry. Follow the latest trends, explore up-and-coming brands and pay attention to what consumers are really looking for. The world of marketing is constantly evolving, and understanding where it’s headed will give you an advantage. I also highly recommend looking for an internship during your time at UofL. My internship experience helped me identify my strengths, new interests and understand the areas where I have room to grow. There are so many different directions you can go in after graduation and if one area doesn’t click with you, try another! This is your time to experiment and figure out what excites you. Don’t be afraid to feel unsure or to make mistakes because college is one of the few times you have the opportunity to learn through trial and error. Take full advantage of that freedom to grow.

College of Business: What plans do you have after graduation?

Kelsey Bruggeman: I recently accepted a full-time position at MasterBrand Cabinets in Jasper, Indiana, as a Visual Asset Associate. I start in this role at the end of May and will be helping manage and maintain digital assets to ensure things are organized, up-to-date and aligned with business needs. Outside of work, I’ll be moving back to Perry County, Indiana, which means I get to be closer to family and catch up with the people I’ve missed most during college. I’m also engaged to my high school sweetheart, and we’re getting married next May, so there’s lots of wedding planning ahead. This will be a season full of exciting changes for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything that is falling into place.

College of Business: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Kelsey Bruggeman: Thank you for the opportunity to represent the UofL College of Business. It is an honor that I don’t take lightly. I’m grateful for the professors who supported me throughout my college career – whether it was during office hours, over email or in a quick conversation after class. To my friends, thank you for understanding and being patient with all the “no’s” when I had to stay in and finish an essay or quiz instead of hanging out. And to those who took the time to tell me I was doing a good job along the way – thank you. On the hardest days, these words kept me going. I hope what I’ve shared encourages others to believe in themselves, even when it’s hard to acknowledge your own progress. You’re likely doing bigger things than you realize, and your peers see it, even if you haven’t yet. I never imagined I’d be nominated for something like this, but it reminded me how powerful encouragement can be. If nothing else, I hope this inspires you to tell someone they’re doing a great job. It might just make their whole day, the way it has for me.

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region, and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.

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