Grace Beyer has made the most of her time at Roosevelt University, shining as a student-athlete, scholar and podcaster. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Beyer transferred to Roosevelt after two years at Valdosta State University, drawn to Chicago by the opportunity to pursue journalism and continue her basketball career. "I just loved the journalism program. I got to meet several professors on my visit, and I also loved the basketball program and just the environment here at Roosevelt." Beyer is a Journalism and Media Studies major with a Psychology minor.
Beyer's passion for journalism grew as she sought a creative outlet. "When I got to college, journalism just gave me a lot of opportunities to refine my skills in not only writing, but also in photography, videography and reporting and all these different things." Her experience in Roosevelt's journalism program exceeded her expectations. "The journalism program, I think, could compete with some of the top programs in the country."
Two professors who greatly influenced her were Dr. Peter K. Fallon and Professor John Fountain. "Professor Fountain teaches more convergence journalism and multimedia reporting, and Dr. Fallon teaches more media ecology and Media Studies. He was actually my mentor for my honors thesis project." Of his time working with Beyer, Dr. Fallon says, “In 33 years of teaching college students, I have never had a student with Grace's enviable combination of curiosity, intelligence, determination, responsibility and fierce work ethic. In whatever years I have left in this vocation, I seriously doubt I'll see a student like Grace again. She is remarkable.” Her thesis examined the media coverage of women athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, exploring how "the growth of social media has impacted this shift in the representation of women."
As a Herczeg Scholar, Beyer found a community of support and inspiration. The Joan Deutsch Herczeg Scholars Program empowers individuals of all gender identities to be allies of women in leadership positions, and to champion initiatives to close the gender gap for female leaders. "You get paired up with a mentor that can kind of help guide you within your career." Her mentor, Margaret Price "has just been amazing. I've learned so much from her." The program offered opportunities like "Lunch and Learn" events featuring women leaders and entrepreneurs in Chicago.
Beyer also launched the Live with Grace Podcast, designed for "athletes, dreamers and leaders” in 2022 and has expanded it to several podcast and social media platforms during the last few years. She explained, "I love interviewing people. I love talking to people, learning from people, and I really like making a positive impact on people around me."
On the court, her time with the Roosevelt women's basketball team was transformative. "I've met some lifelong friends, and I've had some great experiences getting to travel to different places." She recalled a bittersweet standout moment: "Our last game of the season last year...we actually lost by three points. I had shot the last shot, and it went in and out at the buzzer."
Living in Chicago offered both excitement and growth. "I did go through a bout of homesickness, but it's been super exciting. I love exploring different places." She found peace in the city’s parks and forged deep connections. "I wouldn't have met any of those people or made any of those connections if I was still down south."
Looking ahead, Beyer plans to pursue a graduate degree in broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University in England while playing another year of basketball. Her dreams include becoming a reporter, public speaker and author, and expanding her podcast into a brand that empowers young athletes.
Reflecting on her Roosevelt journey, Beyer shared advice for prospective students: "Take the risk. There's some amazing people, some amazing professors. You'll make some lifelong friendships. Just be yourself and put yourself out there, and you'll be great."
