"I’m originally from Kigali, Rwanda,” he says, “but I often say I was ‘assembled from
leftover fragments of Ubuntu’ and claim no fixed national identity beyond that of
humanity.”
Happy Herman’s ’28 path to TCU began during a gap year, when he volunteered with a nonprofit supporting students across Africa in pursuing global education. One moment shaped him.
“A student I worked with had fled conflict, traded his gun for a pen and pursued education to break the cycle of violence,” he recalls. “When he was accepted into a top U.S. college, I realized how powerful one acceptance letter can be, not just for one life, but for entire communities.”
A vital part of TCU’s International Admission team, Happy plays a key role in guiding students through the complex admissions process. Whether responding to inquiries, helping students overcome challenges or collaborating with counselors, his work directly impacts countless futures.
“When decisions come out and I see a student post their acceptance, I’ll think, ‘Wait... that name sounds familiar,’ and I realize I was part of that journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to know my efforts help open doors and change lives.”
Beyond admission, Happy is a budding entrepreneur. He recently raised $20,000 for his AI startup, which is aimed at teaching English to students in Rwanda, with $8,000 in seed funding coming directly from TCU through its CREATE Accelerated program.
“Not all schools do that,” he says. “TCU doesn’t just want you to earn a 4.0 GPA and go home. It invests in your growth – your ideas, your internship, your future. Its Career Center fights for you.”
So, what makes TCU stand out for international students?
“If you want more than just grades – if you’re dreaming bigger – this is your place,” he says. “There’s only one TCU, and it’s the only place in the Milky Way where you can be a Horned Frog.”
His advice to students?
“Be real. Don’t try to fit some imaginary mold. TCU is looking for you. Ask for help. Trust the process. You belong here just as much as anyone else.”
One of Happy’s favorite first-year memories was posing with TCU Police Officer Long and Officer Martinez after a self-defense workshop at the Rec Center. What began as a fun photo turned into a lasting friendship – and a cultural surprise. He hadn’t expected campus officers to be so approachable, always smiling and even offering students rides around campus.
At Frog Camp Challenge B, a simple “GO FROGS!” selfie with a new friend turned into something much bigger for Happy. What started as two strangers celebrating the TCU spirit quickly grew into a close friendship now marked by concerts, shared meals and a bond that began with one spontaneous photo.
After winning the Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) Nationals, Happy stood proudly with his coach, Communication Professor Dan Moss, Ph.D., whose late nights and unwavering support made the victory possible.
“Dr. Moss fought for me, burning the midnight oil to help me prepare, refine and recite my speech. He stayed late after class, guiding me every step of the way. Without him, I wouldn’t be a PKD National Forensics Champion. Through his commitment, scholarship and empathy, Dr. Moss reshaped my understanding of education and passion, leaving an impact that goes far beyond the mere classrooms.”
Work hard, play hard – that’s a TCU maxim Happy lives by. How does a star student balance Speech and Debate, admission work, a strong GPA, family and business? Happy opts to restore his energy at our Rec Center.
“The Rec Center has been central to my wellbeing as an international student. When thoughts weigh heavy, I race them on the track, lift them away with the weights and breathe in the victory of knowing I am the wheel – because a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.”
