Undergraduate Alumni Success Stories
Meet our School of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Alumni
In the profiles featured below, meet undergraduate alumni from the Departments of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies; Literature, Culture and Society; Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology and Psychology.
Our School of Arts and Sciences alums discuss why they chose Point Park University and talk about their experiences with course work, class sizes, faculty and student interaction, campus life and how their bachelor's degree has helped them reach success in their career fields.
Justin Stengel
B.S. in criminal justice, 2021
Patrolman, Findlay Township Police Department
"Point Park’s small class sizes and experienced professors set you up with a unique chance to gain an excellent comprehension of your field before you even begin your career. By choosing Point Park, you set yourself up to be successful in your chosen field."
Alejandro Sthory
B.S. in electrical engineering, 2022
Electrical Engineer, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
"Point Park offers an excellent engineering program. Since the classes are not as big as other schools, this will allow you to take advantage of each class and connect with professors, both of which will greatly contribute to your success."
Joseph Kozarian
B.S. in criminal justice and M.S. in criminal justice administration, 2015 and 2022
Chief of school police, school safety and security coordinator, Fox Chapel Area School District
"I think what sets a degree from Point Park apart from other universities is that the professors have decades of practical experience in criminal justice fields. Additionally, Point Park offers smaller class sizes, and professors truly get to know each student."
Teresa Rodgers
B.A. in global cultural studies, 2020
Program Assistant, JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, Jewish Family and Community Services
"The best thing about the Global Cultural Studies program is that it showed me the real-world perspective. It is mind-opening and answers questions you never thought you could have theorized."
Kimberly Crawford-Champion
B.A. in Psychology, 2016
M.A. in Clinical-Community Psychology, 2019
Pursuing Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, 2022
Veteran of the United States Army Reserve
"My Point Park University family resembles my military family in that it has offered me the opportunity to engage with a diverse population and to explore psychology through a humanistic lens."
Frederick Livingston
B.S. in Criminal Justice, 2015
Police Officer, Edgewood Borough Police Department
"I have been able to use the knowledge I gained attending Point Park University in every aspect of my professional career from organizational management, administration and ethics to economics, policy and organizational behavior."
Anthony Romano
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 2019
Application Engineer, Benshaw, Inc.
"The professors at Point Park are very knowledgeable within their subject matter. The instructors presented material in an approachable format without compromising the content of the material being taught. They were very helpful with providing one-on-one instruction when needed. Also, the faculty were helpful for providing career ideas and advice."
William Utzman
B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, 2000
President, Morris Knowles & Associates, Inc.
"When I started at Point Park I was a cadd/drafting technician and have since worked my way to president of a multi-million dollar civil engineering and surveying firm. Point Park did something right."
Kidde Kokole
B.A. in English, 2018
Native Guest English Teacher, English Program in Korea (EPIK)
"From department panels to independent projects, Point Park’s English program not only guided me, but also pushed me to excel. These experiences have shaped my professional and creative outlook in my post-graduate endeavors."
Emily Marburger
B.A. in History, 2010
Mayor, Bellevue Borough
"My education at Point Park University provided the foundation for my political career. I was active and aware in high school, but at Point Park, I found myself immersed in a diverse community who shared my passion for social justice and progressive politics."
Alexis Sherman
B.A. degrees in Legal Studies and Political Science, 2018
Paralegal, Kraemer, Manes & Associates
"My legal studies and political science classes have helped me so much in my current job. When I’m faced with a case that requires me to know the ins and outs of the law, I bring myself back to sitting in my Introduction to Legal Studies class."
Hana Rydl
B.S. in Biological Sciences, 2015
Environmental Inspector Supervisor, TruHorizon Environmental Solutions
"After two years, I transferred to Point Park University and continued my B.S. degree in biological sciences that I started in Maryland. Point Park's position in the city, class sizes and the full athletic scholarship I received were the biggest factors for why I transferred to Point Park.."
Josh Hrala, Andie Fullmer and Patrick Morris
B.A. in Creative Writing, 2012 and 2014
Founders, The Archanist
Josh Hrala ‘12, Andie Fullmer ‘14 and Patrick Morris ‘14 founded The Arcanist, a web-based literary magazine focused on genre-based flash fiction and in-depth looks into pop culture’s biggest stories.
Robyn Roux
B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2012
Kindergarten ESL Teacher in Vietnam, APAX English
"The global cultural studies program is unique because you touch on topics that you otherwise would not encounter in a traditional educational setting and really dig deep to critically think on those subjects. I can’t imagine anyone who takes a single GCS class leaves without having their world view shifted in some way."
Lauren Gerlowski
B.A. in Global Cultural Studies and B.F.A. in Dance, 2018
2018 Distinguished Student Award Recipient
"I am so grateful for the recognition. It truly made me realize how much I have grown and how much I have accomplished while at Point Park. I could not have done any of it without my inspiring peers and the wonderful faculty at this University. I am passionate about education, teaching and art and hope to use all three in efforts to create positive change."
Nicole Miller
B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, 2014
Civil Associate II, Michael Baker International
"The civil engineering technology program at Point Park was a perfect fit for my work schedule. A lot of my coworkers had graduated from Point Park and had great things to say about the program. I also liked that there were a lot of hands-on learning opportunities in the program, which have been very useful when practicing civil engineering in the real world."
Angel Melendez
B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, 2017
Service Engineer, IMS Systems, Inc.
"It was an easy choice for me. Point Park offered me a baseball scholarship, the campus is located in the heart of the City of Pittsburgh and the University has a good science and engineering department."
Anthony Costulas
B.A. in Political Science, 2012
Program Analyst, U.S. Government Accountability Office
"Today, I work directly for Congress, and classes such as Constitutional Law and various American government courses I took while at Point Park helped provide me with tools that I use today while preparing for tasks such as briefing congressional staff."
Nina DelPrato
B.A. in Liberal Studies, 2016
Program Assistant, Amizade
"My professors in the global cultural studies program always encouraged critical thinking regarding social and economic disparity. They provided us with a background on how hundreds of years of systemic racism, classism and sexism shape the increasingly global world that we live in today."
Laier-Rayshon Smith
B.A. in Political Science, 2015
Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Coro Pittsburgh
"Throughout my political science classes, and some of my history classes, we considered the actions, personalities and effectiveness of individuals or groups as they attempted to make an impactful influence in communities, pass legislation or ignite a movement. As a Coro Fellow, I constantly think about this because we are trying to make impactful differences in Pittsburgh and we can only do this by building inclusive relationships in the city."
Chivas Whipple
B.A. in Liberal Studies, 2010
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Westminster College
"The University was very understanding of me wanting to continue my education as a veteran. I also chose Point Park because it was very diverse and it allowed all people from all different walks of life to thrive in a comfortable environment."
Courtney Mahronich
B.A. in Political Science, 2011
Director of Trail Development, Friends of the Riverfront
"My studies at Point Park have helped me greatly in this role. My classes in political science have helped me with working with municipalities, county government and state agencies. All of my professors had life experiences to share with their students."
Ryan Howley
B.S. in Intelligence and National Security, 2014
Facility Securities Officer, Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie Mellon University
"Having lived in Pittsburgh for most of my life, I love the city with all my heart. I had been considering a few other schools for their criminal justice programs, but when I found out about Point Park and its intelligence and national security program, I knew it was the school for me."
Kerry Glova
B.A. in Psychology, 2015
Graduate Student, Weekend Activities Coordinator, Data Collector and Quality Improvement Intern
University of Pittsburgh, The Academy Schools, City Parks Alliance/RAND Corporation and Allegheny HealthChoices, Inc.
"The research and writing I did at Point Park really benefited me, along with the support and guidance I received from faculty in the Department of Humanities and Human Sciences. Also, my behavioral science courses with Dr. Sarah Schulz taught me a lot about social work and encouraged me to pursue jobs in this field."
Taylor Goska
B.A. in Psychology and Dance, 2015
Job Coach, Jewish Community Services of Greater Baltimore
Dance Teacher, Bel Air Dance Academy and Supernova Dance Company
"I have many great memories of my four years at Point Park. I enjoyed performing in dance shows and have great memories of the classes I took at Point Park. I really value all the friendships I made with my fellow students throughout the years. Also, I had some great professors in both psychology and dance who were truly passionate about what they were teaching me."
Casy Stelitano
B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2014
Program Coordinator, Pittsburghers for Public Transit - fellowship through PULSE Pittsburgh
"I think the critical thinking skills and eagerness to fight for social justice issues that I developed during my time as a global cultural studies major really helped me land this fellowship. The GCS professors teach you how to ask the hard questions, combat societal injustices and relate personal struggles to social issues."
JoAnn McDaniel-Chinn
B.S. in Criminal Justice, 2010
Corporate Compliance Manager, MDLIVE, Inc.
"I would like to say thank you to every professor who taught me throughout the years. I utilize the knowledge I gained at Point Park every day and try to help others along the way. "
Rick Moody
B.A. in English, 2005
Clinical Outpatient Supervisor, Pittsburgh Mercy
"My undergraduate degree in English has allowed my business communications to flourish and given me an edge in writing reports and medical records. It has also helped me stay cognizant of cultural inclusion and different humanistic angles to approach my tasks with on a daily basis."
Chad Anderson
B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, 2015
Engineer I, General Dynamics Electric Boat
"The classes introduced me to a wide variety of topics in the engineering field. My job has me working on various systems so being versatile is a must. Working in a group environment on projects and lab assignments helped prepare me for working within my engineering group."
Julianna Bagwell
B.A. in Creative Writing/English, 2013
Lifestyle Editor, LOCALpittsburgh and Freelance Writer, Thrillist
"I decided to transfer to Point Park when they offered me an amazing financial aid package that included departmental scholarships. I've grown to love Pittsburgh and Point Park is responsible for bringing me to the city that I now call home."
Leroy Headen
B.S. in Biotechnology, 2013
Chemical Laboratory Technician, Ashland Inc.
"I love science and a degree in biotechnology offered me an excellent opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a scientist. This degree has courses in biology, chemistry and genetics. That diverse combination of scientific disciplines qualifies me to work in a wide variety of fields with high earning potential."
Melissa Bender
B.A. in Psychology, 2007
Occupational Therapist, Masonic Village of Sewickley
"When I graduated from Point Park one of my goals was to utilize my psychology degree to open my own life coaching business. I have since expanded on that idea, as my dream is to create a functional, occupational therapy-based approach to helping others achieve happiness and wellness in their lives. Wherever my path may take me I know that Point Park helped provide many of the skills I am using to carve my way."
Taneka Davis
B.S. in Criminal Justice, 2010
Adult Probation Officer, The Judicial Branch of Arizona - Maricopa County
"I enjoyed the talented professors at Point Park and how they were willing to help you with projects and took on a true hands-on approach. They were very nurturing so you never felt like you were just a number in a classroom."
Elizabeth Soucek, Esquire
B.A. in English, 2007
Attorney, Sergovic, Carmean & Weidman, P.A.
"Point Park gave me a solid foundation to build upon when I went to law school. I learned how to develop a study schedule and stick to it, which was invaluable later on. The rigor of the Honors Program in particular prepared me for law school, and for the commitment to academics necessary to be successful in my field."
Jeffrey Gurski
B.S. in Intelligence and National Security, 2012
Working within the National Intelligence Community
"When I came upon the intelligence and national security program at Point Park and looked at the courses I needed to take, I was sold. It was the only way I would leave the Marines and go to school. I have a deep passion for the field."
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."
Arthur Chileshe
B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, 2007
Distribution Designer, Duquesne Light Company
"Funny enough, one of my best experiences during my undergraduate studies was when my classmates and I would be in the labs until 9 or 10 p.m. at night trying to figure out how to solve a problem. We had great relationships with our professors who took the time to explain difficult concepts to us but also made the classes fun."
Michelle Guaragno
B.S. in Biological Sciences, 2010
Co-founder of Marelle, LLC and M.B.A. Graduate Student at Point Park University
"I loved the science program at Point Park. I couldn't have asked for better professors. I liked going to a smaller school because I have been able to develop professional relationships with the faculty that I don't feel I would have been able to do at a larger school. The faculty members have a passion for education and their passion permeated to me."
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."
Alan Young
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2012
Pipeline Integrity Engineer, Det Norske Veritas
"Point Park was integral in helping me land my dream job with a really dynamic company. With the solid mechanical engineering education I received, I was a competitive player in a very tight job market."
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."
Rob Fausnaught
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2011
Automation Engineer, Eaton Corporation
"I knew that Point Park had a reputable engineering program that caters to non-traditional students like myself. The wide variety of courses available in the evenings, along with the convenient location made the decision pretty easy."
Graham Ferry
B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, 2002
Civil Engineering Project Manager, L.R. Kimball
"I chose Point Park for a number of reasons. I found the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios to be very attractive. I knew that I would have easy access to my professors and that I would continue to see a lot of familiar faces as I navigated my way towards my degrees."
Amanda Heinbaugh
B.S. in Criminal Justice, 2012
Graduate Student in Public Affairs, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
"I transferred to Point Park because the previous two schools I attended were not for me. I felt Point Park had more to offer in its criminal justice program and I had heard that the faculty did not just teach from the book but openly shared their experiences in the field with students."
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."
Nick Williams, Ph.D.
B.A. in Psychology, 1998
Program Director, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
"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."
Chas Ainsworth
B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, 2006
Facility Project Management Engineer, FedEx Ground
"My parents always pushed education as a key to success. I chose to study civil engineering technology at Point Park based on its diverse student population, transfer credit acceptance, flexible class schedule and student-to-instructor ratio."
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."
Joseph Reutzal
B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, 2005
Product Safety Engineer, Anasaldo STS
"I chose Point Park because of the smaller class size and because they offered me scholarships. Also, they had a transfer agreement that ensured that all the course work I took at community college would apply to my degree. I really loved Point Park. The hands-on training I got was very impressive."
Marcia Sturdivant, Ph.D.
B.A. in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 1 978
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."
Vasilii Savtchouk
B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology, 2011
Electrical Engineer, Westinghouse Electric Company
"My veteran benefits allowed me to go to any school of my choice as long as I completed a degree within 48 months. The small class sizes at Point Park really appealed to me. I was impressed with the faculty-to-student ratio and how 12 is the maximum number of students in an engineering technology class. I wanted to get the most out of my education and know what I needed to know."
Nicole Perry
B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, 2008
Civil Engineer Supervisor, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
"Point Park has prepared me for my career in many ways. One way is that Point Park taught me the basic fundamentals in the field of civil engineering. Attending college while working full time taught me useful time management skills. Without these skills, I would not survive in the fast-paced industry of civil engineering."