Meet our Humanities and Human Sciences Alumni and Students

In the profiles featured below, meet alumni and students from the Department of Humanities and Human Sciences at Point Park University. These alumni and students discuss why they chose Point Park and talk about their experiences with course work, class sizes, field experience, faculty and student interaction, campus life and how earning or pursuing a degree is helping them to reach their career and life goals.

Alumni

Elizabeth Soucek, Esquire

B.A. in English, 2007
Attorney, Sergovic, Carmean & Weidman, P.A.

I was extremely fortunate at Point Park to have wonderful professors who encouraged me and helped me to grow. Dr. P.K. Weston in particular helped me to develop my talent for writing, and hone my skills in the area of literary analysis. All of the professors I was privileged to learn from in the English program were passionate about their subject matter, and about their students."

"Point Park gave me a solid foundation to build upon when I went to law school."

Julia Franzen

B.A. in global cultural studies, 2011
Logistics Coordinator, Back to the Roots

“I was so blessed at Point Park to have such stellar professors. They taught me to see the world through many different lenses and fostered in me a hunger for knowledge and truth."

"GCS opens a lot of doors. My educational background has given me a bigger vision for life than I could have ever imagined.  The global cultural studies degree has equipped me not just for my job, but for life.”

Nick Williams, Ph.D.

B.A. in psychology, 1998
Program Director, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

Williams credits the humanistic style of psychology taught at Point Park for giving him a strong foundation in the field.

“The humanistic perspective taught me that psychology is at the heart of all inquiry, whether it’s in the natural sciences, computer science, social sciences and so on.”

“Being at Point Park was great. I got exactly the kind of exposure to psychology that I needed to get."

Marcia Sturdivant, Ph.D.

B.A. in psychology and behavioral sciences, 1978
Deputy Director, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families

"I liked that Point Park offered small class sizes where you can get one-on-one attention.  Also, there was just something about the atmosphere at Point Park that intrigued me.  It was such an inviting, friendly environment and had a real 'family feel' to it."

"I got a good foundation at Point Park that encouraged me to continue my studies.  The professors were very forward thinking.  I believe positive undergraduate experiences encourage students to want to continue learning."

Eric Probola

B.A. in global cultural studies, 2010
Administrative Assistant to Community Planning, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

"The staff at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh liked that I had a degree in global cultural studies since they do a lot of work overseas.  My work-study job with Point Park’s Office of International Student Services also played a role in helping me to land the job."

"I had professors who really challenged me and took the time to give me real feedback, which definitely prepared me for my current job.  The professors are also a great intellectual resource."

Amanda Lynch Morris, Ph.D.

B.A. in English, 1997
Assistant Professor and Director of the University Writing Program, Kutztown University

"I would not have thrived at a huge, four-year research school. There were schedules at Point Park, but the professors and the small class size provided one-on-one attention."

"At Point Park, you are not a number, but a name. The professor really cares about what you learn. I knew I wanted to teach.”

Anthony Costulas

B.S. in political science, 2012
Assistant Community Director and Graduate Student, University of Maryland Baltimore County

"At Point Park University, you have a good combination of courses that deal with theory and courses that are very focused on the 'real world approach.' For example, I took two courses from Professor Paul Costa who also serves as a state representative in the Pennsylvania Legislature."

"Take advantage of the size of this institution, get involved, and stay involved. There are so many incredible ways to participate outside of the classroom at Point Park."

Veronika Panagiotou

B.A. in psychology, 2011
Graduate student in applied developmental psychology, The University of Pittsburgh

“My graduate advisor at Pitt was really impressed with my academic background and the practical experiences I gained at Point Park. Like Point Park, Pitt’s psychology program also teaches qualitative research methods.  Not many college programs teach this more humanistic style of research."

"Psychology has so many different niches. When you find the niche that is right for you, you'll know it because it will no longer seem like work."

Anthony Sanchez

B.A. in behavioral sciences, 1982
Attorney, Andrews and Price

"The small classes and personal attention from professors were important to me.  I first began to see myself as someone that could succeed professionally because of the encouragement of some of my professors.  I also learned a great deal from many friends that attended Point Park."

"Take advantage of the unique opportunities that Point Park provides – smaller classes, the opportunity to interact with your professors and make great friends, and the access to everything that Downtown Pittsburgh has to offer."

Holly Kuhl

B.A. in global cultural studies, 2012
Teaching English classes abroad

"The program (global cultural studies) facilitates the development of a critical lens that exposes the power dynamics that direct the formation and operation of these cultural constructs. It is a mindset and a lens that is relevant and applicable in all professions and fields of study."

"The professors are extremely intelligent and very engaging. Each professor has a very cultivated range of knowledge and applies it to a specific area that is unique to their interests."

Students

Emily Petsko

Pursuing: B.A. degrees in global cultural studies and journalism
Expected graduation: May 2013

"...my studies within the global cultural studies department have taught me to think critically about the underlying causes of issues in society, which I believe can only enhance my work as a journalist."

Over the summer, Petsko traveled to Nepal as part of an independent study, earning six credits towards her global cultural studies major. She taught English and worked in an orphanage.

Jesse Padjune

Pursuing: B.A. degree in English/creative writing
Expected graduation: May 2014

"I knew that one of the major tie-breaker qualities in a university for me was the class size. I did not want to sit in a room with 100 other students. I wanted to get close to my mentors and let them really see who I am as a person and for them to see my writing grow."

"One of the most outstanding facts about a lot of the professors in the English/creative writing program is that they do not just drone through lectures and forget about the students once they’ve left the room. They care about their students as human beings and are great mentors."