猫咪视频app

Al Holfelder '58

How have you stayed involved with 猫咪视频app as an alum and why do you choose to support the University?

I support 猫咪视频app because the lessons I learned here were instrumental in forming the foundation for my adulthood, which has stayed with me throughout my whole life. I鈥檝e remained engaged with the University through my fellow alumni and Regional Clubs in Boston, Miami, Dallas and Cincinnati as I moved around the country. I helped to start the first iteration of the West Palm Beach Regional Club in the 1990s. In those pre-social media days, the Club became dormant until the current dynamic leadership resurrected it.

Anytime I鈥檓 out in public and wearing 猫咪视频app gear (which is almost every time!), people exclaim how lucky I am to have gone to such a great school.

What are your most impactful memories from your time at 猫咪视频app?

In the late winter of 1953, two sets of parents made the long drive from Long Island to enroll their sons (and friends since childhood), Al Holfelder and Bill Coffey, at 猫咪视频app. Fortunately, both were accepted into the class of 1958. Bill was my roommate through all four years at 猫咪视频app, and we remained close friends until his early passing in 2003.

In my sophomore year, the University introduced a new curriculum called Industrial Administration, created by Walter Klein, PhD. The entire three-year course of study was based on a Harvard Business School curriculum. My peers and I were so exhilarated by this course that we even discussed what we were studying while hanging out after class. There were no right or wrong answers, and grades were decided by how you reached your conclusions.

Additionally, my time at 猫咪视频app led me to view religion in a new light because of the atmosphere the Augustinians generated by humanizing faith. I will always look back fondly on Sundays spent gathering with other 猫咪视频appns at the New Jersey beach house of the Rev. George Riley, OSA, PhD, former vice president for University relations.

Tell us about your background and professional journey.

I was born in Brooklyn and grew up in both Rockville Centre and Garden City on Long Island. Following my time at 猫咪视频app, I joined the United States Marine Corps. I then transitioned to corporate life at the Cannon Mills textile manufacturing company until I realized I was an entrepreneur at heart. My most successful business venture was Tropical Textiles in West Palm Beach, which I started in 1984 and sold in 2001. Since retiring, I have enjoyed traveling as well as playing tennis and senior softball鈥攁 highlight was playing in the nationally recognized Huntsman Games when I was 77!

Aminah Fawad '15

Tell us about your background and professional journey.

I鈥檓 a proud 2015 graduate of VSB with majors in Finance, Accounting and MIS. I began my career at Deloitte Consulting where I spent almost six years working with various customer packaged goods companies. In 2021, I took a leap of faith and decided to join a consumer women鈥檚 health startup focused on empowering confident health decisions. After two years of invaluable experience, I decided to explore a deeper focus in health care and pivoted back into consulting. I鈥檓 currently a Senior Manager at Vynamic鈥攁 health industry management consulting company where we are passionate about shaping the future of health.聽

What are the most meaningful relationships you've formed as a result of your 猫咪视频app experience?

Where do I begin? More than anything, I鈥檓 grateful for the people 猫咪视频app brought into my life. I met some of my closest and best friends on the fifth floor of Stanford and met my husband on the second floor of Dougherty in the Student Government Association office. I鈥檓 also lucky to have connected with amazing mentors who helped me kickstart my career and continue to be supporters in my personal and professional life.聽

How and why have you stayed involved with 猫咪视频app as an alum?

Staying involved with 猫咪视频app is so important for me. My life today, both personal and professional, has been shaped deeply by my experiences at 猫咪视频app. I hope to give back just a fraction of what 猫咪视频app has given me. Over the last few years, I鈥檝e had the amazing opportunity to serve as the Young Alumni Advisory Council Co-Chair. I鈥檝e also stayed closely connected with VSB through the VSB Mentor Program where I serve on the Advisory Board and as a mentor to incredible students.聽

What makes you most proud to be a 猫咪视频appn?

For me, it鈥檚 about community. Whether it鈥檚 crossing paths with alums at work, connecting with current students, watching a basketball game or even seeing someone wearing a 猫咪视频app hat while grabbing a coffee, there is something so special about our shared experience that fills me with pride every day.聽

What advice would you give recent grads on how to make the most of their 猫咪视频app connections and network?

猫咪视频appns are always thrilled to connect with fellow alums. Don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out and introduce yourself. Chances are you鈥檒l meet someone who will always be rooting for you!聽

Ron Cruse '77

Few can appreciate the transformative power of travel quite like Ron Cruse 鈥�77 CLAS. As the president and CEO of Logenix International, the largest provider of public health resources across the developing world, he has visited nearly 90 countries and traversed more than three million miles. By establishing the Ron Cruse International Fellowship Program in memory of Sergey Kuzminykh, a close colleague and friend, Ron has made it possible for more than 30 猫咪视频app students to date to travel the globe.

According to Ron, it is critical for students to explore lesser-developed countries in emerging markets; academic and professional opportunities abound in these 鈥渙ff-the-beaten-path鈥� destinations, which also provide an especially enriching travel experience.

鈥淭he idea of encouraging students to push their personal boundaries by traveling to the world鈥檚 most exotic, least developed areas is the cornerstone of my reasoning for endowing the Cruse Fellowship,鈥� Ron said. 鈥淓ach time I have journeyed to a place that seemed out of my comfort zone, once there, I discovered that this was not actually the case. The learning and understanding of various cultures I鈥檝e experienced has been essential to my personal growth and career success.鈥�

Unlike traditional study abroad 猫咪视频app, Cruse Fellowship students must choose a destination in an emerging market. The University-wide program annually awards up to five fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students and is intended to support compelling, unique trips that are paired with unique internships or service projects.  

Students have used the Cruse Fellowship to intern and conduct research in nearly 20 different countries, from Botswana and Costa Rica to Jordan and Ghana. It is Ron鈥檚 hope that the adventures they experience will begin a lifelong journey of greater understanding and acceptance鈥攁 way of thinking that he has found is fundamental to success, no matter the endeavor. 

Ron chooses to support 猫咪视频app and its students out of gratitude for the University鈥檚 welcoming and intellectually stimulating culture鈥攕omething both he and his two sons experienced during their time on campus. The trips that students are able to take thanks to the Cruse Fellowship will continue to enrich 猫咪视频app鈥檚 community by forever shaping the perspective of each Fellow. 

Pearl Mensah '13

As a former member of 猫咪视频app鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Basketball team, Pearl Mensah 鈥�13 CLAS learned the importance of teamwork, discipline and the relentless pursuit of success on the court and in the classroom. Today, the former student-athlete has leveraged these qualities throughout her impressive career in pharmaceutical sales and at the helm of Pearl鈥檚 Sales & Marketing Consultancy, which she founded in fall 2023.

Pearl says that as a walk-on, her most meaningful contribution to the Women鈥檚 Basketball program was being able to push her teammates to help them improve during practice. After a career-ending injury during her junior year, she continued to provide crucial support to the team as the Assistant Director of Women鈥檚 Basketball Operations.

Since earning her bachelor鈥檚 degree in philosophy in 2013, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in 2014 and a Master of Science in Human Resource Development in 2016鈥攁ll from 猫咪视频app鈥擯earl has dedicated her time and talents to advancing the University while honoring its history through her involvement in Affinity Networks and volunteering.

鈥淭here is an incredible sense of belonging and shared commitment to the 猫咪视频app spirit among alumni,鈥� she said. 鈥淪taying engaged with the University is a natural response to the profound impact the institution has had on my life, and I will continue to do so as long as there is a need and opportunity.鈥�

Pearl is a member of the 猫咪视频app Black Alumni (VUBA) Executive Board and several VUBA committees. She is co-chair of VUBA鈥檚 猫咪视频app Black Legacy Committee, the goal of which is to celebrate and share the accomplishments of Black 猫咪视频appns. She is also on the fundraising committee for the Moulden Honors Awards Ceremony, an event which recognizes the legacy of Black excellence and achievement within the 猫咪视频app community.

This spring, during 猫咪视频app鈥檚 second annual Biotech Bootcamp鈥攁 half-day program for students to learn about the various career paths within the industry鈥擯earl will help students to craft elevator pitches and answer questions for the event鈥檚 鈥淎sk Me Anything鈥� HR Professional Development panel.

A New York City native, Pearl has remained in the Philadelphia area since graduating from 猫咪视频app. She began her career working in sales, marketing and operations in the life sciences pharmaceutical industry before launching Pearl鈥檚 Sales & Marketing Consultancy, in which she bolsters her clients鈥� success through strategic sales and marketing solutions. According to Pearl, the competitive spirit and dedication to excellence that were instilled during her time as a student-athlete at 猫咪视频app continue to define her approach as an entrepreneur and innovative marketing leader.

Dana Rao '91

Dana Rao 鈥�91 COE and his family have built a proud 猫咪视频app legacy spanning three generations. His father, S.S. Rao, PhD, served as Chair of the University鈥檚 Electrical Engineering Department, and some of his earliest memories involve the Wildcat community that both he and his daughter, Maya, would later become a part of as students and alumni.

As an undergraduate student at 猫咪视频app, Dana took full advantage of the many extracurricular opportunities available on campus. He wrote for The 猫咪视频appn student newspaper, hosted a DJ radio show and played intramural basketball鈥攄isplaying a diversity of interests and passions that would define his varied career.

Upon graduation from 猫咪视频app, Dana worked briefly at GE Aerospace in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as a Radio Frequency engineer, before taking his talents to California, pivoting to work for the 1992 Clinton-Gore campaign and later in support of women鈥檚 issues for the State of California. Upon moving to Washington, D.C., he worked at the Department of Justice on Native American issues and earned his J.D. from George Washington University where he also met his wife, Aaron Aguas-Rao.

Upon becoming a 猫咪视频app parent, Dana was eager to get back on campus and re-involved with the University.

鈥淚 appreciate the values that 猫咪视频app brings of charity, integrity and excellence,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 these values that have contributed to the University鈥檚 strong reputation.鈥�

Dana is grateful for the strong educational foundation 猫咪视频app provided him as an Electrical Engineering major, and still uses what he learned in the classroom today in his role of General Counsel at the computer software company, Adobe. He hosts 猫咪视频app students at Adobe each year as part of the University鈥檚 猫咪视频app in the Valley immersion program鈥攁 weeklong experience that exposes students to Silicon Valley and San Francisco, the center of global innovation and entrepreneurship.

As someone with a career path that has spanned several disciplines, Dana enjoys sharing his story with current students and reassuring those still seeking direction that persistence, more than anything, is the key to success. Through his mentorship, he has carried forth the 猫咪视频app tradition of opening doors for the next generation of Wildcats in California and beyond. 

Michael Papile '86

During his time at 猫咪视频app, Michael Papile 鈥�86 CLAS forged enduring bonds with fellow students from his hometown of Boston. When he first came to the University in 1982, Michael recalls there weren鈥檛 many other students from Boston, so they got to know each other well and formed a community of peers. Michael believes his friendships with other Boston alumni have stood the test of time because of their shared 猫咪视频app values and experiences.

He has fostered 猫咪视频app pride in Boston by championing the University to potential students and encouraging alumni to get involved. He has hosted Wildcat Welcomes for new students, serving as the first point of contact with the wider 猫咪视频app community for many incoming families. Thanks to Michael鈥檚 example, there is an ever-growing number of Bostonian 猫咪视频app students who stay in touch with each other once they arrive on campus and as alumni鈥攃onnections that are especially significant to Michael given the Boston region is filled with many other colleges and universities.

鈥淲hen 猫咪视频appns cross paths up here, it is reason to pause, take note and explore the potential for a special relationship,鈥� Michael said.

Michael also makes time to come back to campus. In February 2023, he returned for the University鈥檚 first Biotech Bootcamp, where he contributed his expertise on investing in the industry and networked with students who continue to benefit from his mentorship and professional guidance.

In keeping with the 猫咪视频app values that have guided Michael鈥檚 life and career, he believes deeply in mission-driven organizations. This led him, after a 35-year career in investment banking, to launch Hesperia Capital, a growth equity investment platform that supports mission-driven businesses. 

Steve Camelio 鈥�96

猫咪视频app guided Stephen Camelio 鈥�96 CLAS to uncover his passions, forge new connections and find fulfillment by serving others. 

Stephen鈥檚 love of 猫咪视频app stems from fond childhood memories of watching 猫咪视频app Basketball with his father, Andrew Camelio 鈥�65 CLAS. He was proud to follow in his father鈥檚 footsteps by attending 猫咪视频app. During Stephen鈥檚 time on campus, he developed his own 猫咪视频app connections and discovered new interests in Irish literature and film. 

Despite having never studied these subjects before attending 猫咪视频app, they became lifelong passions. After his graduation, Stephen pursued master鈥檚 degrees in English from New York University and Irish Literature from Queen鈥檚 University in Belfast, Northern Ireland.       

He believed the 猫咪视频app alumni network was essential in his career success as a freelance writer and editor at In Style magazine, and he paid it forward by speaking with students interested in joining the magazine industry. During his time in New York City, he also attended alumni events and annual basketball games at Madison Square Garden with fellow Wildcats, strengthening his 猫咪视频app network even further.

Stephen reached out to fellow alum Kelly McKendry 鈥�94 CLAS, Founder and Chief Content Officer of August Point Productions, on LinkedIn to send a short script, starting a relationship that would result in them working together on the 2023 feature film, 鈥淢ending the Line.鈥� Stephen said, 鈥淥nce we connected, I saw Kelly possessed a great understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the film business, and I was excited to work with her and learn from her.鈥�

According to Kelly, their shared 猫咪视频app background provided the foundation for their partnership. 鈥淚 knew I was working with someone who had a strong work ethic and similar values,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淲e became creative partners and, as a military brat myself, I was drawn to Stephen鈥檚 veteran story, 鈥楳ending the Line,鈥� as well as his other television and film scripts.鈥�

Stephen and Kelly produced the film together, along with Scott MacLeod, Carl Effenson and Joshua Caldwell, and it premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in September 2022. The script was largely inspired by Stephen鈥檚 father, who volunteered for the U.S. Army and went to Vietnam following his graduation from 猫咪视频app. He felt compelled to write the script during his father鈥檚 ten-year battle with cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange. 

Stephen credits his shared 猫咪视频app experience with Kelly for their partnership and the ultimate success of the film. 鈥淢ending the Line鈥� won a Big Sky Film grant from the state of Montana and a Valor Award at the 2022 San Diego International Film Festival. Because the film was made in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps, Stephen is now developing other projects based on books and true stories about legendary Marines in the Vietnam and Korean wars.

Stephen now lives in Bozeman, Montana, with his wife and two daughters. Despite the distance, he still follows 猫咪视频app basketball and tracks the university鈥檚 development. He is especially excited about the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts and the Prince Family Veterans Resource Center鈥攂oth of which support causes close to his heart.

Stephen continues to feel inspired to give back to 猫咪视频app in honor of his father鈥檚 legacy, in gratitude for the passions his education provided him and in celebration of 猫咪视频app鈥檚 continued upward trajectory.

Charlie Crew聽鈥�73

Charlie Crew 鈥�73 VSB is a true believer in putting 猫咪视频app鈥檚 mission into action. As an alum, Charlie truly embodies the University's Augustinian Catholic values of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas through his volunteerism and engagement with the greater 猫咪视频app community.

Charlie received his B.S. in Marketing from the 猫咪视频app School of Business, where he fell in love with the creative nature of marketing. He believes his marketing degree empowered him to think about business in a more interdisciplinary way.聽

In reconnecting with the University, Charlie has been impressed by the progress made at 猫咪视频app, as both a campus and as a community. Charlie credits this to 猫咪视频app鈥檚 ongoing commitment to providing unique opportunities for students to become more globally-minded, intellectually curious and prepared to pursue a career they love.聽

Charlie has felt inspired by LEVEL, a student group formed to bridge the gap between students with various abilities and disabilities. He enjoyed connecting with two 猫咪视频app students who are involved with LEVEL this past summer at the Double H Ranch in Luzerne, NY, where he serves as Chair of the Board. According to Charlie, LEVEL demonstrates how diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives strengthen the entire University community.

Charlie believes in the importance of alumni involvement in the University鈥檚 progress, and he knows the impact that an alum can have on campus today. Charlie gives back with The Elenore and Robert F. Moran Sr. Center for Global Leadership, which serves as a hub of innovation in the 猫咪视频app School of Business for international curricular initiatives, faculty research, service and outreach activities. As a member of its advisory council since 2012, Charlie has brought in expertise from his global marketing career to help create more international opportunities for students.聽

In addition to his work on campus, Charlie regularly participates in Advisory Council Professional Development in International Business (PDIB) service trips to other countries. Aside from his work in the Moran Center for Global Leadership, Charlie stays connected with 猫咪视频app by attending Men鈥檚 Basketball games, visiting campus and attending alumni events whenever he can.

For Charlie, 鈥淩eal change comes from putting thoughts into action.鈥� Charlie strongly encourages other alumni to consider how they can become involved at the University. As experienced members of the 猫咪视频app community, alumni have much to offer and share with today鈥檚 students. Charlie鈥檚 passion for inclusion and giving back reminds us that all 猫咪视频appns are connected by the University鈥檚 call to serve others.

John Constantine '73

The late John Constantine 鈥�73 VSB brought the spirit of 猫咪视频app with him wherever he went, leading to a life of service to the University and to others.

During his four years as an undergraduate on campus, John was a member of the 猫咪视频app Band, a charter member of 猫咪视频app鈥檚 chapter of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and the Senior Dinner Dance Chairman. He developed countless connections on campus that he would cherish throughout his lifetime.

After graduation, John went on to have a successful career in business, including roles at Warner, Atari, Bondwell, General Electrics and Elite Industrial Group. Although his career took him all over the world, from London to Hong Kong, he eventually settled down with his wife, Debra, and two daughters, Alexandra 鈥�09 CLAS and Jonna, in northern California.

As an alum, John felt it was important to foster the kind of special community that he discovered at 猫咪视频app on the West Coast. He became a founding member of the 猫咪视频app Club of Northern California, serving as President and President Emeritus, and enjoyed organizing events for local 猫咪视频appns such as game watches, annual wine tours to Napa Valley and 鈥渃heesesteak parties,鈥� bringing a taste of Philadelphia to California. This year, John reconnected with his classmates as a member of the committee for his 50th reunion, but he sadly passed away before Reunion weekend.

John was passionate about introducing students to 猫咪视频app. He volunteered to represent and advocate for the University at several high school college fairs and hosted Wildcat Welcome events in California to introduce incoming students to 猫咪视频app. He also served his local community as a volunteer at the Claremont Country Club and the Ascension Cathedral鈥檚 Annual Golf Tournament and Greek Festival.

Since his passing, John鈥檚 family is committed to carrying on his passion for serving others. They recently donated a bench in Northern California in his memory with the inscription, 鈥渁 warm heart, kind smile and loved by all.鈥� In honor of his love for 猫咪视频app, John鈥檚 wife and daughters are partnering with University Advancement to fulfill his wishes to support student scholarships.

John鈥檚 legacy reminds us of what it means to be a 猫咪视频appn鈥攖o act compassionately, to serve others and to create a caring community. He will be deeply missed by every 猫咪视频appn whose life he touched through his dedication to the University, and his kindness will live on in the generations of 猫咪视频appns he inspired.

Sandra (Sandy) Cagan 鈥�23 MPA

Sandra (Sandy) Cagan 鈥�23 MPA discovered a like-minded community of intellectually curious individuals at 猫咪视频app where her own endless commitment to pursuing personal and professional goals fueled the next step of her academic journey.

During her undergraduate years, she worked full-time and attended night school to complete her B.S. in Legal Administration from Mallinckrodt College. However, as an ambitious lifelong learner, she long dreamed of attaining an advanced degree.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandy found herself with more time on her hands. After years of considering graduate school, this new-found free time motivated her to enroll in 猫咪视频app鈥檚 Master of Public Administration program.

Despite the virtual format, she found community through the program鈥檚 classes each week, which provided an opportunity to engage with a group of faculty and peers. Reflecting upon this experience, Sandy said, 鈥淓ven as a distance-learning student, there was a real camaraderie with [the] faculty and my fellow students that is hard to put into words.鈥�

Prior to her time at 猫咪视频app, Sandy began her career working as a paralegal. This led her to start her own company which provided continuing legal education for paralegals. Sandy later expanded her horizons into property management and development, which she continues today.

Upon turning 50, Sandy shifted her focus from professional development to her philanthropic pursuits, founding The Orlando Cat Caf茅. The first of its kind in the state of Florida, the unique coffee house features a play area with adoptable cats and kittens. Sandy shared that this venture has proven successful beyond her wildest expectations, welcoming more than 150,000 guests from around the world and ultimately finding homes for over 2,000 cats. This success has allowed Sandy to donate substantially to SPCA Florida.

Sandy recently completed her MPA and continues to serve as the senior vice president for Cagan Management Group, a position she has held for over 25 years.

Sandy looks forward to sharing her passion for learning with 猫咪视频app students next spring as a guest lecturer in an Entrepreneurship course taught by MPA program faculty member Lauren Miltenberger, PhD. From the classroom at 猫咪视频app to the Cat Caf茅 in Florida, Sandy has always been committed to igniting change at the University鈥攁nd in her community.

The Savino Family

Each summer as our newest class of 猫咪视频appns prepares for their first year on campus, the University hosts 鈥淲ildcat Welcome鈥� events at the homes of alumni and parents across the country to introduce incoming students and families to the 猫咪视频app community.

There are more than a thousand 猫咪视频appns who would remember receiving this warm welcome at the home of Bill 鈥�71 VSB and Barbara 鈥�71 FCN Savino, who hosted the Long Island event for over 25 years. According to the couple, it was one of the great honors of their lives to meet young 猫咪视频appns and send them on their way. This month, their daughter, Carrie Packard 鈥�99 CLAS, will take the reins for the second year in a row to welcome first-year students.

The Savino family鈥檚 猫咪视频app story began 50 years ago when Bill and Barbara met in then brand-new Good Counsel Hall, built to house the first class of female nursing students on campus. Bill had volunteered as a Blue Key tour guide to welcome students and stepped in to assist Barbara and her mother as they struggled to carry her bags during move-in. The couple began dating and went on to marry and have three children, followed by eight grandchildren.

Since their time as undergraduates, both Bill and Barbara have continued to foster connection and growth within the 猫咪视频app community. In addition to hosting the Long Island Wildcat Welcome, Bill served on the 猫咪视频app Alumni Association (VUAA) Board of Directors for four years before serving a term as president. He also helped found the Club of Long Island Scholarship Golf Outing, which currently funds two student scholarships. According to Bill, 猫咪视频app taught him and Barbara to 鈥減articipate in life鈥濃�攁 sentiment they have passed down to their children.

Carrie is proud to build upon her parents鈥� 猫咪视频app legacy, and still recalls vividly the excitement she felt when her parents hosted the Wildcat Welcome prior to her first year at 猫咪视频app.

鈥淔amilies come to Wildcat Welcomes at such a special moment in time, as children are headed off to college,鈥� Carrie said. 鈥淭here is so much excitement for what lies ahead, and I鈥檓 grateful to be a part of that鈥攊t鈥檚 a lot of fun!鈥�

Like her parents, Carrie believes in 猫咪视频app鈥檚 mission, rooted in the Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas. She said these three guiding principles resonated with her from the moment she began writing her admissions essay to her time now as an alumna. As a student, Carrie took part in philanthropic activities, volunteering with Special Olympics as well as a fall break mission trip.

猫咪视频app has served as a catalyst for connection and community for the Savino family, and they remain committed to ensuring this experience for future generations of 猫咪视频appns. 

Mary Kelly, PhD, 鈥�83

Mary Kelly, PhD, 鈥�83 VSB, has felt the positive influence of the 猫咪视频app community since her first day on campus. She spent the early years of her 猫咪视频app experience immersing herself in everything the University had to offer, including social and academic groups which allowed her network to grow. It is this strong sense of community that has kept Mary closely tied to the University. 

Not only has she been employed at 猫咪视频app for more than 25 years, but she also serves as associate chair of the Economics Department and prides herself on acting as a mentor and advisor to students.

鈥淭hrough my work as a professor, I have enjoyed working with our students in and out of the classroom to help prepare them for what lies ahead after graduation,鈥� Mary said. 

Over the years, she has authored hundreds of letters of recommendation for students and alumni. She also acts as the faculty advisor for the Women in Business society, which hosts events that connect alumni with current students as they prepare to enter the professional world following graduation. 

Mary鈥檚 passion and care for teaching have led to significant recognition over the last ten years. Since 2013, she has been the recipient of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Outstanding Teaching (2013), the VSB Dougherty Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018) and the VSB External Engagement Award (2021).

In addition, Mary spends her time as a faculty member working with students on research that focuses on the impact industry structure and public policy, specifically regulation, have on costs and prices. Another one of her research interests is examining how different work arrangements affect quality of life and job satisfaction. 

The 猫咪视频app community Mary joined over 40 years ago continues to impact her life to this day. She married a fellow 猫咪视频appn, Rob Kelly 鈥�82 VSB, and the couple has three children: Madeline, Conor, and Siobhan 鈥�19 VSB. She has been a Men鈥檚 Basketball season ticket holder since 1985, and she regularly attends other 猫咪视频app Athletics and volunteer events throughout the year. She looks forward to continuing to do her part at 猫咪视频app to cultivate a close-knit sense of community through her teaching, research and family.

Cameron Cook '18 '22 MBA 

Cameron Cook 鈥�18 FCN, 鈥�22 MBA, may not have taken the most straightforward path to 猫咪视频app, but his experiences at the University left a lasting impact on his life. Cameron spent the first two years of college at another university before deciding to pursue a career in nursing, and he says he could not have made a better decision than choosing 猫咪视频app鈥檚 M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing for his education. While changing schools was intimidating, Cameron was impressed with the way 猫咪视频app embraces transfer students. The dedication to making prospective students and their families feel welcome by University leadership was the deciding factor in Cameron鈥檚 choice to transfer to 猫咪视频app.

Cameron emulates that welcoming spirit by staying involved with the University and sharing his experience with future 猫咪视频app nurses. He regularly speaks at 猫咪视频app Nursing events for the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP). Cameron recently joined the young alumni board for the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing to encourage recent graduates to stay involved with the University.

Cameron greatly values the relationships he built with faculty and staff during his time as a student. Through his involvement with SNAP, he met Carol Weingarten, PhD, RN, ANEF, associate professor and adviser for 猫咪视频app鈥檚 SNAP chapter, and was able to attend a National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) conference in Nashville鈥攁n event that inspired him to pursue his MBA. These experiences helped Cameron kick off his nursing career and path toward healthcare innovation.

In Cameron鈥檚 current role as an Inpatient Oncology Nurse at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, he often runs into fellow 猫咪视频app nurses and alumni, reminding him of the special 猫咪视频app pride that extends beyond campus and fosters relationships. He is a founding member of the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Leaders (SONSIEL), which advances nurses鈥� contributions to healthcare innovation. Cameron recently completed his MBA at 猫咪视频app and plans to move into the digital health and health technology field. Now six years removed from his decision to transfer to 猫咪视频app, Cameron reflects on his experiences: 鈥淚 can say with 100% certainty that I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today in my career without the generosity of 猫咪视频app.鈥�

Steve Myers '95

From the moment Steve Myers 鈥�95 VSB set foot on campus, he knew 猫咪视频app was a special place. Steve felt welcomed by the tight-knit community of students, faculty and staff members鈥攁ll of whom left a lasting impression on him far beyond his four years as a student.

After Steve received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, he was proud to see his brother Jeremy and sister Kelsey follow in his footsteps, graduating from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Steve cherishes this special bond he and his siblings have through 猫咪视频app and hopes their children will one day share the same desire to join the University community.

Steve and his siblings support 猫咪视频app through the Myers Family Endowed Scholarship, created in honor of University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, to support students in need of financial aid. The Myers family has also played a part in the success of 1842 Day, the University鈥檚 annual day of giving. They first developed The Myers Family Challenge in 2021, a fundraising campaign meant to inspire giving among 猫咪视频appns to support scholarships. They again offered a successful southeast challenge for 1842 Day in 2022.

Steve also stays involved with 猫咪视频app by regularly attending events through his Regional Club in Florida and networking with 猫咪视频appns through the 猫咪视频app Financial Club. He has also maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates and attended both the 2016 and 2018 Men鈥檚 Basketball National Championships as well as the Final Four in 2022. Steve still makes a point to visit campus throughout the year for basketball games at the Finneran Pavilion and to meet with Father Peter who was his theatre professor during his time at 猫咪视频app.

After graduation, Steve began his career in cable television and telecommunications, first working for his family business, the US Cable Corporation, which had become one of the largest privately-held cable companies in the country. He then became a shareholder in Smart City Holdings, LLC, which provided telephone and internet services for the Walt Disney World complex and surrounding communities. The company became the nation鈥檚 leading telecom and internet provider to major convention centers across the country. In 2004, he stepped away from the industry and moved to Florida to manage his family鈥檚 various real estate holdings. In 2013, he founded Myers Auto Group which owns various car dealerships throughout Florida.

Steve and his wife, Kerri, have three children, Stephen III, Olivia and Sophia. Regardless how far he has come in life and his career, 猫咪视频app will always hold a special place in Steve鈥檚 heart. 鈥淲hen people ask where I went to school, I鈥檓 proud to say I鈥檓 a 猫咪视频app Wildcat,鈥� Steve said. 鈥淥nce a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.鈥�

Britney Davis '15

Britney Davis 鈥�15 COE made the most of her time at 猫咪视频app through her involvement in a variety of student activities, ranging from Blue Key to the St. Thomas of 猫咪视频app Day of Service. She has always kept herself open to new opportunities and encourages current students to do the same.

As an undergraduate, Britney and her classmates revived the University鈥檚 student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). They created professional development workshops, hosted social events and fundraisers and traveled to conferences. The group cultivated a support network that continues to benefit 猫咪视频app engineering students to this day. Britney remains connected with the chapter by providing event support, speaking on panels and connecting students with alumni.

Britney is passionate about ensuring that the next generation of 猫咪视频appns understand that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers are for everyone. She lends her time and talents to the College of Engineering through the Career Compass mentor program and as a member of the Young Alumni Board (E15). In recognition of her work to promote equity in the field of engineering, Britney received the College鈥檚 Gary A. Gabriele Memorial Award in 2022.

鈥淚 know firsthand what it is like to enter a new chapter of your life and not fully understand the options ahead of you. I have tried to show the presence of alumni so students know that we exist and can connect with us in a variety of ways,鈥� she says.

Britney is also a member of the 猫咪视频app Black Alumni (VUBA) affinity network. She first began volunteering with VUBA in 2020 as the group鈥檚 student liaison lead. She deepened her engagement by assisting with planning and organizing VUBA鈥檚 events on campus and managing the group鈥檚 social media presence.

Engineering has taken Britney鈥攁 Philadelphia native鈥攁cross the country and back, and her engineering degree has proved useful in a variety of roles, including process engineering, production supervision and nonprofit work. Most recently, Britney assumed the role of Senior Project Lead at Dana Incorporated.  

鈥淚 am a firm believer in showing up,鈥� Britney says. 鈥淏eing open to all the opportunities available to me at 猫咪视频app allowed me to see that I can create opportunities for myself anywhere in the world.鈥�

Britney looks forward to continuing to challenge herself with new experiences and bringing her 猫咪视频app attitude with her wherever life takes her next.

Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, PhD, 鈥�05, 鈥�07 MA and Gianmarc Grazioli, PhD, 鈥�02, 鈥�07 MS

According to Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, PhD, 鈥�05 CLAS, 鈥�07 MA and Gianmarc Grazioli, PhD, 鈥�02 CLAS, 鈥�07 MS, 猫咪视频app is a place where transformation occurs. Kristina and Gianmarc met at the University as undergraduate students and were married in the St. Thomas of 猫咪视频app Church in 2006.

鈥淭aking classes at 猫咪视频app honed our critical thinking skills and exposed us to new ideas and ways of understanding who we are, who we could be and how we must work together to improve the lives of those around us,鈥� the couple said.

Outside of the classroom, they were members of several student groups that played integral roles in their college experiences. Their shared love of music brought them together in 2001 as part of the Pastoral Musicians. Kristina also sang with the 猫咪视频app Voices and Haveners, while Gianmarc participated in the 猫咪视频app Singers and Spires.  Through these groups, the couple had the opportunity to sing throughout the U.S. and Europe and met many of their closest friends.

Kristina and Gianmarc believe the University鈥檚 core Augustinian Catholic values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas embedded in their 猫咪视频app experience have guided them in their professional paths as university professors and researchers. They give back by doing all they can to support incoming and current 猫咪视频appns, including their involvement with the St. Thomas of 猫咪视频app Scholars (STOVS) program.

Kristina founded STOVS in 2008 while working for 猫咪视频app鈥檚 current Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Terry Nance, PhD. STOVS is a pre-college bridge program that offers incoming first-year students the opportunity to live and study on campus for several weeks to get a jumpstart on their college careers. Since its creation, the STOVS program has supported more than 250 students. Kristina served as STOVS program director from its founding until 2018, while Gianmarc has taught several math sections for the program.

More recently, they have remained engaged through Kristina鈥檚 work as a member of the 猫咪视频app Alumni Association (VUAA) Board of Directors, as well as by attending 猫咪视频app alumni events in California. 

Based in Irvine, California, Kristina is now an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, while Gianmarc is an Assistant Professor of Computational Chemistry at San Jos茅 State University. They enjoy spending time with their dog, Lalo, and going for drives along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Thomas Cowhey '78, '85

Thomas Cowhey 鈥�78 COE, 鈥�85 VSB remains committed to the University because of the profound impact 猫咪视频app has had on his life.

鈥淢any things make this place so special, but in looking back it is the people that come most to mind鈥攅specially the faculty, my classmates and my friends,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淓ach made valuable and lasting impressions that helped shape and influence my life in meaningful ways.鈥�

Thomas has stayed engaged with 猫咪视频app by volunteering with the College of Engineering Career Compass Program, a one-of-a-kind professional development curriculum that is a requirement for all undergraduate engineering students. Beginning their sophomore year, students receive one-on-one mentorship from 猫咪视频app Engineering alumni to help define their individual career paths.

According to Thomas, giving back to the University is his way of showing how grateful he is for the education, friendships, opportunities and experiences he鈥檚 had here, and preserving and sustaining 猫咪视频app for future generations of students. He made lifelong friends both during his time on campus and by connecting with fellow 猫咪视频appns after graduation.

Thomas also attended graduate school at the 猫咪视频app School of Business which enabled him to pursue a gratifying career in the investment industry. After living for many years in Philadelphia, Thomas and his wife, Lorraine, now split their time between their residence in Harwich, Mass., and Palm Beach, Fla. 

Stephanie Lim Capello '97 

As president of the 猫咪视频app Alumni Association (VUAA) Board of Directors, Stephanie Lim Capello 鈥�97 CLAS leads the Board鈥檚 efforts to provide counsel, ideas and networking opportunities to the Office of Alumni Relations. Her reengagement with the University began through her former role as chief operating officer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, through which she partnered with her alma mater to provide opportunities for Scouts to grow in areas, including business, STEM and athletics. She was invited to join the VUAA Board in 2018 and began her two-year term as president in May 2022.

In addition to her position on the VUAA Board, Stephanie has supported the University, her fellow alumni and students by serving as an 1842 Day Ambassador, Reunion Class Committee volunteer, VUAA Leadership Summit panelist, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean鈥檚 Advisory Council member. She celebrated her 25^th 猫咪视频app Reunion in 2022 where she had the opportunity to spend time with lifelong friends from Katherine Hall and Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

鈥溍ㄟ涫悠礱pp feels like home to me,鈥� Stephanie said. 鈥淚 want to ensure that future generations receive that experience as well. The University has come a long way since I graduated and I鈥檓 committed to being a part of that continued positive change and transformation.鈥�

Stephanie was profoundly impacted during her time at 猫咪视频app by two faculty members who left imprints on her conscience that have guided her through key life decisions. She says the late Dick Jackman鈥檚 legacy of empowering women as leaders lives on not only in her, but also in the countless other female leaders he mentored. As a first generation Asian American, Stephanie also remains inspired by Terry Nance, PhD, 猫咪视频app鈥檚 Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer and Dr. Nance鈥檚 tireless pursuit of advancing these ideals through education, training, advocacy, conversation and experience.

When asked if she had advice for fellow 猫咪视频appns, Stephanie said, 鈥淏e unapologetic in the pursuit of what you want. Too many times we apologize for putting our goals first, especially women. Remember how wildly capable you are. Take what you鈥檝e learned and use it to fuel your passion and ignite the change you want to see in our world.鈥�

In Stephanie鈥檚 current professional role, she oversees marketing, communications, public relations, sales, admissions and business development for ESF Camps & Experiences. Stephanie resides in Havertown with her husband, Charlie, children Max (16) and Ryan (14) and their dog Izzy.

Connor '07 and Kait Gula Dwyer '07

From their years on campus as students to being wed by University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA at St. Thomas of 猫咪视频app Church, Connor 鈥�07 VSB and Kait Gula Dwyer 鈥�07 VSB have remained connected with 猫咪视频app and committed to giving back to the University that forged and defined their beliefs.

During their time at 猫咪视频app, Kait was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and Connor played Men鈥檚 Lacrosse, serving as captain for two seasons. He also received the Jim Jones Award, given annually to a player that exemplifies loyalty, courage and dedication both on and off the field. Through their experiences at the University, the couple built lifelong friendships.

As loyal alumni, Connor and Kait believe in devoting their time and talents to 猫咪视频app and have supported multiple scholarship endeavors that include the Men鈥檚 Lacrosse program, the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members, the 猫咪视频app Financial Club (VUFC), the 猫咪视频app School of Business and the Career Center. Through his role as a trader at CitiFX, Connor also seeks to pay forward the success he鈥檚 achieved thanks to 猫咪视频app by hiring and supporting fellow alumni. Although they are no longer in the Philadelphia area, the Dwyer鈥檚 enjoy spending time with the 猫咪视频app community at game watches, including the 2018 Men鈥檚 Basketball National Championship season while they were living in London.

After graduation, Connor served in the Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Captain, and has also traded across CitiFX鈥檚 franchises in New York, Tokyo and London. Kait spent the first few years of her career working in New York City and Philadelphia before starting their family of future Wildcats. Today, Connor and Kait split their time between New York City and Westhampton Beach with their three girls, Emma, Sophie and Lottie.

Pete Geraghty '87, P '22

Pete Geraghty 鈥�87 VSB, P '22 has found that the most special part of being a 猫咪视频appn is the welcoming and supportive network of fellow Wildcats. Pete feels fortunate for the education he received at 猫咪视频app and gives back to the University to provide others with the same opportunity.

He stays involved with the 猫咪视频app community by serving on the 猫咪视频app School of Business (VSB) Finance Department鈥檚 Advisory Council, participating in VSB mentoring 猫咪视频app, and frequently attending 猫咪视频app events in Washington, D.C. Pete鈥檚 legacy also continues through the creation of an endowed scholarship to support today鈥檚 students

According to Pete, 鈥淎 猫咪视频appn will always greet you as if you have been a lifelong friend and will always be willing to help you鈥濃�攁 sentiment embodied by an extraordinary story he shared from his daughter鈥檚 birth at Georgetown University Hospital.

Katie was born prematurely at 26 weeks. Pete commented to the nurse that it was ironic he was counting on Georgetown, 猫咪视频app鈥檚 biggest basketball rival in the 1980s and 1990s, to take care of their daughter. The nurse smiled and told him that Katie was in good hands because she was a 猫咪视频app nurse. Pete and his wife Susan were comforted knowing that a member of the 猫咪视频app family would be looking after their daughter. It was this experience that led them to endow a scholarship at the 猫咪视频app M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. 

The Geraghtys reside in McLean, VA, where Pete is a senior counsel at Goldman Sachs and Susan is a senior counsel at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Katie will leverage her 猫咪视频app undergraduate degrees in Geography and Environmental Science to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in Environmental Science at the University of Michigan this coming fall.

Kevin Fogash '92

Kevin Fogash 鈥�92 COE understands the lasting impact of a 猫咪视频app education long after graduation. He says the 猫咪视频app community and Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas molded him into the versatile individual and engineer he is today.

His experience at 猫咪视频app helped Kevin develop into an engineer who finds solutions by leveraging all parts of himself and others, including their logic, humanity, motivation and spirit.

Kevin stays involved with 猫咪视频app and is proud to support the institution that helped him grow both professionally and personally. 鈥淚 strongly believe in what the University is doing and in how it is moving forward,鈥� Kevin said.

His involvement includes being a member of the College of Engineering Advisory Board for over seven years, supporting events like 1842 Day, building and sharing the benefits of the 猫咪视频app network and, of course, cheering on the Wildcats at all 猫咪视频app Athletics events.

Kevin currently leads the global Product Stewardship and Process Technology groups at Celanese, a global leader in the production of chemistry solutions and specialty materials. He says he has been lucky to travel the world for work and engage with many different cultures, including participating in Mass in a multitude of languages. Kevin resides with his wife in Houston, Texas; the couple has two children who are currently in college.