Portrait of a Graduate
Meg Gargulinski ‘11
Franciscan University of Steubenville
After graduating from Oakcrest in 2011, Meg Gargulinski knew that Oakcrest had given her the intellectual foundation, confidence, and habits of character to guide her future.
Ms. Gargulinski went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Minor in Accounting from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She applied her passion for deep, analytical thinking and her love of people to her job working as a financial planner for Morgan Stanley, where she collaborates with clients on the details of their personal financial plans, developing strategies to help them achieve their goals.
Ms. Gargulinski’s love of deep, critical thought was cultivated in her many Oakcrest classes, where teachers would challenge her to push herself to broaden her intellectual horizons. She especially loved her Philosophy class with Holly Salls, who has been an Oakcrest faculty member for over 12 years.
Ms. Gargulinski credits Oakcrest’s liberal arts education with shaping some of the fundamental values she lives by today. “The liberal arts education has led me to seek a balanced, integrated, and purpose-driven life,” she explains. “I highly value the strong study habits, the breadth of subjects, and the critical thinking. I also implement the practice of putting spiritual or intellectual enrichment into my everyday life.”
After college, Ms. Gargulinski wanted to find a way to give back to Oakcrest. Since she played lacrosse in college and had coaching experience, assuming the role of lacrosse coach at Oakcrest was a natural choice. During the spring of 2019, Ms. Gargulinski served as Head Coach of Oakcrest’s Middle School lacrosse team, which ended its season undefeated. She finds it very rewarding to be back on campus spending time with Oakies. “I love the game of lacrosse so getting to build the Middle School program is invigorating,” she says. “It’s been a fun experience to be back!” Ms. Gargulinski also inspired alumna Emmy Mohler (‘19) to play lacrosse at Franciscan University of Steubenville, passing her passion on to a new generation of Oakies.
Ms. Gargulinski serves on the board of the Oakcrest Alumnae Association. Her advice to Oakcrest students is to live in the moment and treasure every day at Oakcrest. “And once out in the world,” she says to current students, “remember your roots, be authentic, and look for good mentors!”
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