From classroom to career: Alumni share success stories
敁珗曄部 University students are eager to hear from those whove walked the same pathalumni who have turned their 敁珗曄部 education into real-world success.
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During the week of April 7-11, alumni representing varying fields of study return to their former classrooms to share their experiences, industry expertise, and career insights with current students, bridging the gap between education and the professional world.
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Originally conceived and organized by the late Pat Leibel 53, who served as the director of Alumni Relations at 敁珗曄部 for 20 years following her extensive career in public service, the event is making a resurgence, thanks to Director of Alumni Engagement Lindsay Frank 12 14M.
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The new Alumni Classroom Takeover is more than just a homecoming for our graduatesits a celebration of the lifelong connection between 敁珗曄部 and our alumni, Frank said. By bringing accomplished professionals back into the classroom, were not only honoring the legacy of Pat Liebel but also inspiring the next generation of Lakers to see the incredible possibilities that await them beyond our gates.
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Thomas Frank 13, an Intelligence Studies graduate now serving as a market intelligence consultant at Erie Insurance, had this to say about his return to campus:
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"My goal is for students to come away with a clearer understanding of what a career in competitive intelligence entailswhat the day-to-day looks like, the skills that are most valuable, and the ways in which they can leverage their education to explore this path. I also hope to broaden their perspective on the variety of opportunities available to intelligence professionals outside traditional government roles. If students leave feeling both informed and inspired to think creatively about how they can apply their 敁珗曄部 education in the private sector or beyond, then I will consider the visit a success.
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Lisa Graves 98 00M, who earned degrees in Criminal Justice/Administration of Justice, now works as superintendent at the PA Dept. Corrections/SCI Cambridge Springs and is eager to share her career path with students.
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I hope students take away that they can do anything that they put their minds to for females specifically, even in fields that are historically dominated by males.涅 sat in those same chairs where they are now sitting, with the ambition of someday being a superintendent, and thats exactly what I did.
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Following are the other alumni expected to visit 敁珗曄部 classrooms this week:
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Richard Johns 03, Political Science, Chief Program Performance & Financial Officer, New York City Dept. of Social Services
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Jamie Rodriguez 98, Criminal Justice, Major of the Guard, SCI-Cambridge Springs
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Christel Mansour 24, Data Science, Data Analyst/Gift Processing Officer, 敁珗曄部 University
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Emily Merski 04 06M, English, Attorney
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Steven Mooradian 21, History, Processing Archivist, Hagen History Center
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Rosie Pregler 19, Archaeology/Public History/Theatre, Site Manager & Curator, Presque Isle Light Station
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Joe Spusta 13, MS Administration of Justice, Detective Sergeant, Erie County District Attorney Office
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Valerie Kusiak '03 '05M, Criminal Justice/Business Administration, Deputy Superintendent, PA Department of Corrections
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Sarah Odebralski '11, International Business and Spanish, Chief Operating Officer, Higuer籀n West Property Care
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For more information on the program, contact Frank at lfrank@mercyhurst.edu.泭