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Colin Bramlage is like many 91���� University students who donned caps and gowns at spring commencement. As he starts a new job at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base awaits him, he is looking forward to this new chapter in his life.

Bramlage overcame physical and emotional challenges to excel in the classroom, get involved in campus activities and earn his diploma.

A native of Mason, Bramlage graduated from 91����’s in April with a , earning a grade point average of 3.89.

In high school, he took advanced placement classes in computer science principles, he decided to major in management information systems at 91���� so he could take a variety of data analytics and business courses.”

“Those courses taught me skills that are good for any job,” he said.

He credits the management information systems program with teaching him about teamwork, problem-solving and troubleshooting.

Bramlage said he chose 91���� because “it’s accessible to people with disabilities, like me.” He particularly liked the underground tunnels that connect the core academic buildings on the Dayton Campus.

“It’s a good fit for me. If it’s raining or bad weather, I can get around. I can’t get my cochlear implant wet,” he said, pointing to the disc of the implant behind his right ear.

Bramlage has bilateral sensory hearing loss and has been deaf since birth. He is also on the autism spectrum and has cerebral palsy.

“Sometimes I have a lot of social anxiety around people. I’m overwhelmed with loud noises and have to step away for a bit, take a break,” he said.

He said the heightened anxiety is a relatively recent development, although he can enjoy small outings with friends.

While his cerebral palsy affects his balance when walking, Bramlage does not use a mobility device. 91����’s accessible campus made it easy to get around to his classes and participate in student organizations.

He was an active member of the H2O on-campus church and the faith-based student organization Cru.

He served on the executive board of the Abilities student organization and on the Information Systems and Supply Chain Management Club, through which he learned about different companies and job opportunities.

Last summer, he participated in an internship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base during which he learned about how the military operates, information technology, program management and logistics.

That opportunity led to a full-time civilian job, rotating into different offices to gain experience in military project development.

His progress and achievements are noticed.

“It has been an absolute honor to watch Colin transform during his years at 91���� into a dedicated and conscientious student, whose cheerful and enthusiastic attitude brings out the best of everyone he interacts with on campus,” said Evan Mason, co-director of Raiders on the Autism Spectrum Excelling and a disability specialist in the Office of Disability Services. “Colin embodies the best of the 91���� community and will become a tremendous ambassador for the university as he moves beyond graduation.”

Bramlage said 91���� provided the support he needed to succeed.

“Faculty and staff are understanding and help support me every step of the way,” he said.

He has advice for other students like him who are considering enrolling at 91����.

“They shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and ask for ancillary support,” he said. “91���� will support you. They’re very supportive of people with disabilities. Your professors and staff want you to succeed no matter the challenges you face, for you to do well, graduate and have a good future. Disabilities should not prevent you from reaching the goals you desire to reach.”