For Georgian Court University senior Hunter Rindos, the path forward has been clear for as long as he can remember.
Growing up on Long Island in Islip, New York, Hunter was inspired early on by his grandfather, a detective in Nassau County. Surrounded by family and friends in law enforcement, he knew from a young age that he wanted to follow a similar path. Now, as the 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Speaker, he is preparing to take the next step toward that goal.
Hunter will graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, he plans to enter a police academy and begin his career in law enforcement. “When I got the message asking to come to the Dean’s office, I thought I was in trouble,” he laughed. “When they told me I was selected to speak, I was honestly shocked. But I’m excited and ready for it.”
At Georgian Court, Hunter found exactly what he was looking for in a college experience. “I wanted to be away from home, but not too far. I’m not a large school person, so the size of GCU just felt right,” he explained. “From the start, I felt like I belonged here.”
That sense of community became a defining part of his time on campus. A four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team, Hunter played defense and helped lead the team to a conference championship last year, a moment he says he will never forget.
“Being part of the team gave me some of my closest friendships,” he said. It really shaped my experience here.”
Hunter also took on many leadership roles. He served as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for two years, acting as a voice for student-athletes across campus. In that role, he worked closely with administrators and student representatives from every team to improve the overall student experience.
One initiative he is especially proud of is the launch of a campus refuel station, a grab-and-go space stocked with snacks for busy students and athletes. “It was something I was working on for a while, so seeing it finally come together was a great feeling,” he said.
Hunter also served as a resident assistant for three years, building connections with students across campus and providing support when needed. “I’ve met people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise,” he said. “Just being there for people has been one of the best parts of that role.”
One class that stood out to Hunter was Criminal Justice Systems, taught by Professor Mitch Little, a former police chief. “Hearing his stories and learning from his experience really opened my eyes,” he said. “That class made me realize this is exactly what I want to do.”
Outside the classroom, Hunter stayed active in community service efforts through campus organizations and campus Ministry. He participated in programs like Read Across America at local schools, worked with the Boys and Girls Club, and helped organize clothing and food drives, as well as holiday donation efforts, in the Lakewood community.
“Giving back has always been important to me,” he said. “It’s something I grew up with, and it’s something I want to carry into my career.” He credits Georgian Court’s Mercy Core Values, especially respect and integrity, for shaping how he approaches both his work and his future. “Those are things I try to live by every day,” he said. “They’re going to stay with me wherever I go next.”
Hunter also expressed gratitude for those who supported him along the way, including his coach, who played a key role in his experience at Georgian Court. “I want to thank Coach Hover for giving me the opportunity to come to GCU, believing in me, and teaching me lessons on and off the field that shaped who I am,” he said.
As he prepares to address his classmates at commencement, Hunter is focused on keeping his message simple and honest. “One thing I keep coming back to is that this isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning,” he said. Reflecting on his own experience, he hopes to remind his classmates of how much they’ve grown and the role the Georgian Court community played in helping them get there. “We’ve all worked hard to get here, and now it’s time to take that next step.”
