ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳

Julia (Kittell) Coughlin '17 and Dillon Coughlin '20 are ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ alumni who experienced overwhelming support from the ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ community after Julia's diagnosis with a brain tumor in 2022. The love and care they received from faculty, peers, and administrators reaffirmed their deep connection to ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳.

Kathryn Curran '73, a graduate of ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳'s (then Rosary Hill) Art Education program, enjoyed a 33-year teaching career before transitioning into leadership roles at historical institutions. Now the Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Kathryn credits her ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ education for shaping the impactful work she continues to do in advancing American history and culture.

Meghan Guhler '16 is a dedicated participant in MS Run the US, a relay run from Santa Monica to New York aimed at raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis research, awareness, and financial aid. Meghan, inspired by her aunt's diagnosis, got involved after finding the organization online and has since served as an ambassador and runner, representing both MS advocacy and ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳'s commitment to community service.

Kristen Marie (Polakiewicz) Hada '05, a dual major in elementary and special education, credits ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ for igniting her passion for teaching after being inspired by Dr. Bruce Shields. With 18 years in the field, she continues to make an impact as a school leader, now pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership while teaching in the Maryvale School District.

Dr. Gregory Lowe '16, '18, a ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, recently returned to Buffalo to open AWAKEN Performance Rehab, a cutting-edge physical therapy clinic. Inspired by his ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ professors, Greg credits his education and experiences at the university for shaping his professional journey and now serves as an adjunct faculty member to give back to the ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ community.

Dr. Jay Samant '09, a ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ graduate, pursued his passion for education by earning an M.S. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership. Now based in Colorado, Jay continues to make an impact in education, serving as Dean for Academic Affairs at the Community College of Denver, while crediting ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ for building his foundational skills and passion for teaching.

Olivia (Harris) Smith '16, '17, an alumna of ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳, credits her professors, Dr. Bruce Shields and Dr. Susan Krickovich, for their unwavering support during her education. Now a Special Education teacher in Bradenton, Florida, Olivia cherishes the close-knit community she found at ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a passion for teaching.

Dr. Amy Trabert '17, '18, a ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ graduate, earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work while excelling as a student-athlete. Now a Doctor of Social Work and Psychotherapist, Amy serves on ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳'s Social Work Board, reflecting her dedication to both her profession and her alma mater.

Tessa Wisniewski '17, '19, a ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳ Physical Therapy alum, set the ambitious goal of visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks and 50 states in under three years with her husband, Anthony. Their incredible journey, sparked by a spontaneous trip to Acadia National Park, reflects the adventurous spirit fostered at ƽÌØһФÂÛ̳, as they continue to explore and revisit parks across the country.