Sawyer Day receives his Monmouth College diploma from President Patricia Draves
MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (May 20, 2025) — When you first meet Sawyer Day, you're struck not just by his intelligence — though that's undeniable — but by his calm confidence and genuine kindness. He's the kind of person who makes excellence look effortless, even though behind it is relentless dedication, a love for learning, and a passion for people.
Day, who graduated summa cum laude from Monmouth College on Sunday, has worn many hats: president of the college's chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Fighting Scots tennis team member, supplemental Instructor, researcher, and award-winner. His next hat is being a dental student at Texas A&M University.
So how did he manage to balance a rigorous academic load, extracurricular leadership, and athletic involvement without burning out?
"For me, it was about doing things I actually enjoyed," said Day. "Tennis helped me reset mentally after long days of class. Teaching as an SI was super rewarding, and ACS events were just fun. When you enjoy what you're doing, it feels less like 'work' and more like something you get to do."
That mindset helped him thrive in tough courses such as organic chemistry and biochemistry. But he's quick to credit his support system, too.
"Having a good group of friends who cared about school made a huge difference. We'd study together, quiz each other and keep each other in check."
A heart and hands for teeth
Day's path to dental school wasn't about ticking boxes or chasing prestige. It was about following what felt meaningful.
"I love hands-on dentistry and how quickly you can build relationships with people," he said. Shadowing dentists confirmed his calling. "Every time, I came away feeling like, 'Yeah, this is it.'"
This fall, he'll begin his dental journey at Texas A&M, a decision rooted in connection.
Two weeks before Commencement, Day, a tennis team member, was one of the Monmouth athletes honored at the annual Fighting Scots Awards
"I clicked with the people there, and the location just felt right," said Day, who came to Monmouth from Cupertino, California. His brother, Saxon Day, graduated from Monmouth in 2018 and also went into dentistry. "I wanted to be closer to home, and the program really supports students, both academically and clinically."
His ultimate goal? To become an oral surgeon known not just for technical skill, but for trust and compassion.
"I want to be the kind of oral surgeon people recommend not just because of how good I am, but because of how I make them feel as patients," he said.
The humble leader
As president of Monmouth's ACS chapter, Day focused on building community and curiosity.
"Leading our Halloween chemistry demo at a local elementary school was one of the most rewarding things," he said.
"Seeing kids get excited about chemistry — that was really fulfilling."
In the lab, he brought that same curiosity to life. He worked on detecting Streptococcus mutans in saliva using qPCR research that has practical implications in preventive dentistry.
"It helped me see how lab work connects to real-world health issues," he explained.
His academic achievements didn't go unnoticed. Day earned the biochemistry department's awards for both freshmen and seniors — honors that reflect years of dedication. But he's modest about it.
"I wasn't aiming for the awards," he said. "I was just trying to make the most out of my time here."
If he could give advice to underclassmen, Day would say to be open. "Try new things, even if they scare you. The times I grew the most were when I said 'Yes' to experiences that intimidated me."
And if he could go back to freshman year?
"I'd worry less," he admitted. "I spent too much time stressing over things that worked themselves out."
Looking ahead, Day sees himself building a practice focused on care and community. In ten years, he hopes to be serving patients who've been underserved or are anxious about dental care.
"I want to change the way people experience dentistry," he said.
From a student who made the most of Monmouth College to a future oral surgeon with a heart for healing, Sawyer Day is the kind of person whose story reminds us that greatness isn't just about intelligence. It's about intention.
But, yes — he also just might be the smartest person you'll ever meet.
