When Sydney Gales crossed the stage at Trevecca’s 2025 commencement ceremony, it was more than a celebration of the two degrees she’d earned. It marked the continuation of a family legacy and a reflection on years of support and personal growth.
Gales earned a Bachelor of Arts in dramatic arts and a Bachelor of Science in organizational communication. A Nashville native, she is now working as the lead help desk technician for Trevecca’s IT department while also pursuing freelance work as a theatrical stage manager in Nashville.
But her journey wasn’t shaped by academics alone. Her time at Trevecca was deeply impacted by her family—especially her grandparents, Steve and Gail Pusey, who invested in her education through a savings plan years before she enrolled.
Dr. Steve and Gail Pusey have both been longtime members of the Trevecca community—Steve serving as provost for more than 25 years and Gail contributing in various campus roles. Sydney’s mother, Andrea Fowler, is also part of that legacy–she serves as Trevecca’s director of Waggoner Library and the University’s archivist, providing leadership in preserving the school’s history while supporting students and faculty.
Even with those connections, Trevecca wasn’t Gales’ only college option—but it made the most sense for both academic and financial reasons. She also found something else on campus: a stronger connection with her family, especially her mom.
“Honestly, having my mom on campus has been truly wonderful,” she said. “I was so busy in high school that I didn’t really see her a ton because I had late nights, but the fact that I could just go up to the third floor of the lobby and walk by her office—even just to say hi—it’s honestly been great.”
Gales said she and her mom would grab coffee or lunch together between classes, and that time helped them deepen their relationship. “Now that we’re adults, we’ve kind of gotten to that point where it’s basically like having a built-in friend,” she said.
That family connection, and the support that came with it, influenced her younger sister’s decision to enroll at Trevecca this fall.
“Part of the reason my sister has made the decision to commit here for next fall is because of the level of support I’ve been able to get through my family being here,” she said. “Having a legacy on campus has been great because it’s allowed me to connect with other students who also have that family connection, and I’ve gained some beautiful friendships through that.”
In considering all the growth she’s experienced over the past four years, Gales said the difference is significant.
“Looking back at myself from day one, I probably wouldn’t recognize the person I’ve become, but that’s not a bad thing,” she said. “I think I’ve changed my goals and aspirations so much, but that’s been through the nurturing, education and mentorship that I’ve gotten here at Trevecca.”
If she could give one piece of advice to future students?
“Ask questions, and know that it’s OK to ask questions,” she said. “One of the benefits of going to a smaller university is that you have that support around you, and they’re willing to help you, so ask.”
Now that she’s graduated, Gales looks ahead with gratitude—not just for what she’s accomplished, but for the people who helped her get there.
