Doctors did not think Joe Akmakjian (B.A., ’13), born with muscular dystrophy, would live past his 12th birthday. However, the journalism and technical communication graduate celebrated his 24th birthday by going skydiving, attached to a professional skydiver. Named National Goodwill Ambassador by the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2017, Akmakjian encourages individuals with neuromuscular diseases to push the boundaries of what they can do: “Chase your dreams, and keep a positive attitude.”
