A story of one of our many students who have benefited from the generosity of our SEU donors. Learn more about Giving Day 2026 here.
Before turning 18, Andon Mirabile, ’26, had undergone approximately 28 surgeries. Yet through every challenge, he has remained grounded in his faith and determined to pursue art and design, and through his vocation, make a difference in the world. Now, as he prepares to graduate from Southeastern University this spring, Andon’s perseverance and creativity have led him to an incredible opportunity: becoming a staff artist at Sunday Cool, a Christ-centered apparel and graphic design company based in Tavares, Florida.
An Exciting Opportunity
Art and digital design are two of Andon’s greatest passions. Throughout his time at SEU, he’s been working toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a minor in Digital Design & Production.
During Andon’s freshman year at SEU, he worked to refine his digital design skills. He soon had the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps by entering the digital design industry. His father is the owner of the graphic design company Sweyda, and he has helped inspire Andon’s journey. That same summer, Andon landed an internship at Sunday Cool, where he was able to apply what he had learned in the classroom to real-world projects.
What began as an internship quickly turned into a dream role. Andon was invited to stay on as a part-time staff artist at Sunday Cool, contributing his creative vision to the organization’s mission of producing high-quality, faith-driven apparel for the next generation.
Financial Aid Paves the Way
As Andon entered his senior year, balancing medical expenses and tuition became a growing concern, especially with another surgery on the horizon. He received a scholarship from the Eleanor Thompson Senior Emergency Fund, which eased the financial pressure and allowed him to continue focusing on his education and health. Receiving help for his academic expenses made paying medical expenses less of a burden.This is especially encouraging him as he continues to work toward his career goals. “It was incredibly generous of them to provide that to me, and it just made me want to strive to continue to improve,” Andon said.
SEU’s Rich Environment
Andon has been studying at SEU to eventually work full-time for Sunday Cool and someday start his own brand/company. “I attribute a lot of the skills I’ve acquired to my four years at SEU,”Andon shares. “I think it was the best choice I made.”
Andon says that SEU has been amazing at preparing him to be an entrepreneur in the workforce. He appreciates SEU’s community and how being here has developed his skills and character. “SEU’sa Christian environment is so fulfilling in so many ways,” Andon says. His SEU experience has taught him how to take his Christian character into the real world. After graduation, Andon wants to get involved in the church and possibly begin public speaking.
Through the generosity of donors, students like Andon can persevere through both personal and financial challenges while continuing to pursue their God-given callings. His journey is a testament to how scholarship support opens doors of opportunity. Andon’s story reflects the powerful impact of a Christ-centered education made possible by a community that believes in investing in the next generation of creative leaders.
SEU Giving Day 2026
Giving Day 2026 is an opportunity for Southeastern University’s community of alumni, donors, and friends to come together and make a lasting impact. Contributions made on Giving Day support students through scholarship provision and campus-wide initiatives, including new program opportunities, all to empower students to pursue learning, answer God’s call, and make a difference in the world. Your generosity helps shape the leaders of tomorrow by fostering faith and expanding access to education at SEU.
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By Emily Carver, SEU Student Writer
Edited by Raevn Richie, SEU Student Writer
