Class of 2008, Forensic Science Major
Hometown: Richmond, Mich.

Brian Grabowski has done the undergrad thing. He’s done the football captain thing and the Dean’s List thing.
   
And as if that weren’t impressive enough, after graduating in December he’s going to do the grad school thing.
   
Grabowski, who is originally from Richmond, Mich., is a forensic science major with an emphasis in DNA/serology. He initially came to The University of Findlay because the coaching staff called on him to play football.
   
“I had never heard of Findlay before they called,” he said. “I had a couple other options for football but I don’t regret not going somewhere else. I’m really happy with the education and football experiences I got here. Findlay’s been good to me.”
   
As a fifth-year captain of the football team and a starter for the past three seasons, Grabowski caught the attention of several people who are impressed with the way he balances a demanding athletic schedule with an equally demanding academic one.
   
“Brian has been a regular on the Dean’s List and was also a 2007 Academic All-GLIAC selection,” said Kory Allen, assistant head coach and offensive line coach for the Oilers. The GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) is the conference in which UF competes athletically.
   
Grabowski says many of his best memories from his time at UF are from football, including one win over Ashland in particular.
   
“We were on a heck of a losing streak and Ashland was supposed to be pretty good,” he said. “It snowed, and that was terrible, but the excitement of everyone after the game was definitely a highlight of my career.”
   
Of course, Grabowski has been more than just a football player in college. When he first came to Findlay he was a criminal justice major, but after his first year the school created the forensic science program so he switched.
   
He says many of his classes and professors have been interesting and enjoyable, but has been especially influenced by Philip Lucas, assistant professor of criminal justice.
   
“I’ve had him for a few classes, and he’s really been a mentor for me. He’s not my adviser but I go to him a lot for career advice,” he said.
   
One recent conversation the two had was about Grabowski considering a career in education, a decision he has decided to pursue upon his graduation from UF. He will be attending Wayne State University to get a master’s degree in education. His career goal is to teach high school science.
   
And so in just a little while, Grabowski will be able to add another achievement to his already impressive list: football player, dedicated student, graduate student and, eventually, science teacher.
    
By Paige Aten, communication major, Napoleon, Ohio