Alumni Notes
Alum Joins Point Park’s Board of Trustees
Jamie Inferrera (COM ’10) is the newest member of the University’s Board of Trustees. She is serving a three-year term. Inferrera graduated from Point Park in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication with a minor in dance. After graduation, she worked for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as director of communications and district office manager for a Western Pennsylvania state representative. Inferrera later graduated from the Duquesne University School of Law, taking evening classes while she worked as a court clerk for the Honorable Donna Jo McDaniel in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Criminal Division. She was a member of Point Park’s Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2013 to 2020, serving as president the last three years. “As an alumna, I am honored to join the Board of Trustees,” Inferrera said. “Point Park is a vibrant and innovative institution and I am excited to continue to be a part of the University’s dynamic culture.” Inferrera is now an attorney with Eckert Seamans, with a diverse practice that is an interplay among the law, business and government. She frequently represents municipal authorities and nonprofit organizations in issuing bonds to finance new projects and to refinance outstanding debt. She also represents business owners in transactional and administrative matters involving governmental entities and agencies. “Jamie is a longtime member of the Point Park University community, and we are immensely proud of her contributions as part of our Alumni Board,” said President Paul Hennigan. “As an attorney, she is embedded in the local business and nonprofit communities, and she will be a valuable asset to our Board of Trustees.”
1970s
Robert Blobner (RSOB ’75) writes, “I started own company, 1 Inspector LLC, in 2014. Still going strong! Coming up on 37th anniversary with my wonderful wife Nancy!” Blobner, a Florida resident, earned his degree in industrial marketing in 1975.
1980s
John Isaac Harris (RSOB ’83) writes, “The Point provides great information and updates regarding the University’s progress through the years. Outstanding concept for sure.” Harris earned his degree in public administration in 1983.
Michael Mauer (COM ’84) won an award for one of the top feature articles in the 2020 Veterans of Foreign Wars National Publications Contest. Mauer, an Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm, won the Silver Award for his article, “Two Mon Valley Veterans Use Pittsburgh Warriors Hockey Action To Ice Wounds.” This is his second VFW writing award in four years.
Mauer has written scores of articles about the VFW and veterans over the last three decades. His stories have appeared in local, regional and state-wide publications. In 2016, Mauer won the grand award for best feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest. He has been a life member of the VFW since 1995. He has also received citations for his work over the years with the VFW from both the Pennsylvania State Senate and the House of Representatives. He was appointed a VFW National Aide-De-Camp in 2006. As a Point Park student, Mauer served as editor of The Globe and interned with the United States Small Business Administration.
Mauer won the Army’s highest journalism honor, the Keith L. Ware award, in 1991. He was also awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions as a military reporter in Operation Desert Storm. In 2010, Mauer was inducted into the Southwestern Pennsylvania Veterans Hall of Fame. He is also a graduate of the United States military’s Defense Information School, and the Field Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Mauer is employed with the United States Veterans Administration and currently lives in Pittsburgh. He has been married to his spouse, Marsey, for 34 years. She graduated from Point Park University in 1984 with a degree in business management and an associate degree in computer science. They have two daughters, Sarah and Rachel.
Cathy Yonek (COPA ’88), wrote and directed the film “Average Mom.” It is available now on Amazon Prime. Yonek earned her degree in theatre in 1988.
1990s
Bobbie Norman-Cubbage (COM ’96) started a new business, "Pandemic Press Publishing" with husband and fellow alum Samuel Cubbage. The couple published a cookbook, "Cooking Fun with Mrs. Cubbage"! Norman-Cubbage graduated with a degree in journalism and communications in 1996.
2000s
Chris Wagner (COM ’06) is assistant news director at KHGI/KFXL in central Nebraska. He has been producing local news in Nebraska for more than 12 years. Wagner earned his degree in broadcasting in 2006.
Becki Dennis (COPA ’06) writes, “I was cast as a recurring dancer in the new Showtime TV show Penny Deadful: City of Angels. I worked on four episodes. [The show] premiered on April 26. She earned her degree in musical theatre in 2006.
2010s
Robert Gregg (COM ’10) writes, “My mother passed away on January 16, 2020 and I was there by her side. …She was around for me through my college years at Point Park, which I am thankful for. She helped me and always wanted me to try and help others, which is probably why I am using my experience in the field of communications to help me to communicate with passengers and my coworkers at the Pittsburgh International Airport. My coworkers (ramp agents for Delta Global Services) who deserve extra praise from me are Samantha Teets and Mike Hollinger. They were at the right place at the right time and were helping to make sure that I was getting enough support at the times when they couldn't be there. They made me want to pay it forward to someone else who is struggling. [In] my time at Point Park I witnessed many selfless acts of kindness. … [In addition], my current job has provided me with the chance to take some magical Disney vacations. So I'm doing alright, and I guess if I had to give advice to my college self I would tell him to have more faith in how everything could really be coming together in order to allow him to serve his purpose.”
Brenda McGrath (A&S ’11) writes, “After completing my MSW at the University of Vermont in 2019, I've begun work as a private practice therapist with the Vermont Center for Resiliency, a new community practice that strives to be trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based. I couldn't have gotten here without the education I received at Point Park. Shout-out to our amazing Psychology department!” She earned her degree in psychology in 2011.
Amanda King (COM ’12) and Josh Finkenbinder (COPA ’12) were married on June 27, 2020. King earned her degree in broadcast journalism and Finkenbinder earned his degree in cinema arts, both in 2012. King writes, “I married my best friend … We first met as students at Point Park in 2010! We've been together since 2013.”
Matt Desmond (COM ’12) is a creative content segment producer for NFL Media. According to Desmond, “I produce and edit branded and original content including: custom highlights, features, interviews, behind-the-scenes, how-to/instructional, historical documentary, animation and other original video on demand (VOD) series for NFL’s digital and social platforms.” Read more: https://www.pointpark.edu/news-communication/Matt-Desmond-12
Heart of Point Park
Emily Madden (A&S ’18) purchased a brick in Alumni Park as a surprise Valentine’s Day gift for her girlfriend, Kristi Chenarides (RSOB ’18). The two met at Point Park, became best friends for three years, and began dating their senior year. Their Valentine’s Day dinner was in Market Square. On the walk over, Madden surprised Chenarides with the brick that reads, “Kristi, Where It All Began Forever & Always, E.” Madden earned her degree in civil engineering technology and Chenarides received her degree in sports, arts and entertainment management. Both graduated in 2018. Bricks are a wonderful way to commemorate a degree completion, honor your favorite faculty member, thank a supportive friend or family member, or celebrate a special milestone. Bricks can be purchased for $225 each and funds support a Quality Student Experience. To leave your legacy with a brick in Alumni Park, please visit pointpark.edu/give.
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