40 Under 40

Reception recognizes impactful young leaders

As change-makers,trailblazers and trendsetters, Cal U alumni are making a difference intheir professions and their communities.

This fall the Office of Alumni Relations recognized a notablegroup of graduates – all younger than 40– for their wide-ranging achievements.

“We started ‘Under 40’ to recognize those Cal U alumniwho are making significant impacts in their field, in society and for theiralma mater early in their careers,” says Ryan Barnhart, director of AlumniRelations.

“We have a varied group of recipients, from NFL team captainsto entrepreneurs to award-winning educators and leaders of billion-dollarcompanies. This group of inaugural recipients represents thought leaders inconversations on the local, regional, national and international stages.”

Caris ’14 and Marshal ’09 Carper, of Canonsburg, Pa., haveremained connected to Cal U through the Career and ProfessionalDevelopment Center. She is a recruiter for WVU Medicine and he is an author,game designer and marketing expert.

“I’m thankful to all the Cal U professors who poured somuch into me,” Caris Carper says. “I hope to be able to pay that forward.”

“It’s humbling to be honored in the inaugural class – Igraduated with some exceptional people,” Marshal Carper adds.

Cody Elias ’12 is amultimedia producer for the OaklandAthletics of Major League Baseball.

“All the (Cal U) professors were great,” he says. “Imoved to (the state of) California six months after I graduated. I’m just 30years old, and this has been a chance to look back and reflect on how much mycareer has evolved.

“My company was so supportive of me coming back to Cal U,even though the A’s are in the middle of a playoff run!”

Caitlin Brown ’15 says Cal U has been part of her familyfor generations.

“My grandfather (Edward Stankovich) was a janitor here. And mymom (Catherine Stankovich Brown) and aunt (Susanne Stankovich) are bothgraduates,” says the adaptive exercise specialist, gym owner and Paralymiccoach from Virginia.

Dr. Carl Jay ’08, ’09 is a podiatrist in Texas who is about toopen a practice in Michigan.

“The professors in the sciencedepartment at Cal U were above and beyond,” he says. “I’ve been at biggeruniversities, and this school easily prepared me for the basics I needed toknow in medical school.”

University President GeraldineJones, herself a successful alumna, addressed the “Under 40” group at areception in their honor.

“Your accomplishments demonstrate the value of a Cal Udegree, and the role it has played in fulfilling your potential. As onegraduate to another, it’s great to
see the progress you have made.”

‍

Christie Amatangelo Anderson ’12
‍Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Christie is a senior account manager for IXL Learning, which develops educational products for children and adults. She manages a team with accounts in nearly 20 states and is involved with Read and Feed, a nonprofit organization that converts recreational vehicles into mobile classrooms and provides tutors and free meals to children.

Jennifer McCarthy-Barris ’05
Reading Specialist
Jennifer is a reading teacher in the Sharon City (Pa.) School District. A teacher in the district for more than a decade — including time as a special education teacher and coach atSharon Middle School — she is instrumental in program that supports positive behavior within the middle and high schools.

Christoper Buffington ’07
Business Administration

Eftihia Barron Buffington ’08
Business Administration
Chris is director of global merchandising for Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence, Italy. He has worked nationally and internationally for famed fashion houses and retailers including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Jimmy Choo. Eftihia is a freelance photographer based in Florence. Prior to moving, she worked in human resources at Carnegie Mellon University.

Justin Binion ’11
Sport Management
Justin, treasurer of the CalU Alumni Board of Directors, provides insight and personal service as a financial adviser. In 2017, he was honored by Black Enterprise Magazine as a Modern Man of Distinction, which recognizes 100 men nationally for their professional and community excellence.He serves on the Junior Achievement Young Professionals Board and the UnitedWay Bridges Society Steering Committee.

Caitlin Brown ’15
Sport Management
Caitlin co-owns SamaritansWalk in Ashland, Va., which specializes in personal training for those living with disabilities such as Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy. She is a certified coach for the U.S. ParaPowerlifting Team, and her gym is a training hub. She has earned coaching positions at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in 2017, the America Regional Championships in 2018 and the Parapan American Games in 2019.

Caris Carper ’14
Business Administration

Marshal Carper ’09
English
Caris is a recruiter for nursing programs at WVU Medicine; she began her career through Cal U’s internship program with 84 Lumber. Marshal, who majored in English, has written more than 15 books and is the founder of Carper Communications, a content marketing agency serving local and international brands.

Alisha Carter Harris ’06, ’11
Criminal Justice | Legal Studies
Alisha is associate director for Equal Opportunity in the Division of Institutional Equity & Diversity at the University of North Texas. She began her higher education career at Cal U in the Office of Social Equity. She is a member of the University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Courtney Cochran ’12, ’13
Political Science | Legal Studies
Courtney is the associate director of the Campus Election Engagement Project, a national nonpartisan organization that engages colleges and universities in elections. Before her work with the CEEP, she was a field organizer for a congressional race in Arizona. She was a member of the Cal U Alumni Board of Directors and the Foundation for California University ofPennsylvania board.

Kelli Sampson Dellarose ’07, ’10
Secondary Education | K-12 Principal Certification
Kelli is assistant principal at Ringgold Elementary School North, Finleyville, Pa., and secretary of the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She was recognized by the Jefferson Awards Foundation for Community Service in 2016 asNational Advisor of the Year. In 2017 she was named an Excellent Educator. She and her students partnered with the Redevelopment Authority of Fayette County and Brownsville Borough Council to revamp the town square to include green space, walkways and a stage.

Devin DeMario ’07
Environmental Studies: Fisheries and Wildlife concentration
Devin is a government affairs associate for the Association of Fish and Wildlife agencies in Washington, D.C. Previously, she was hired by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as its legislative liaison. She gained experience with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, which awarded her the John F. Laudadio Conservation Leadership Award.

Drew Donegan ’09
Business Administration
Drew is a leader in the oil and gas industry as partner and president ofBOP and vice president of its sister company, BOP Acquisition LLC. He also is a member of Gene the Werewolf, a rock band based in Pittsburgh, Pa. Drew’s company has supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Boy Scouts ofAmerica, Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, and the West VirginiaUniversity Veterans Advocacy Clinic, and he supports UPMC’s “Karing for Kids” program,Animal Friends and UPMC Children’s Hospital.

Cody Elias ’12
Communication Studies
Cody is a multimedia producer for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball and the producer of A’s Cast Live, a streaming baseball show. The team’s podcast station was the first of its kind in baseball. Before joining the A’s, he was the morning show producer at 95.7 The Game, in San Francisco. Cody coaches youth basketball in San Jose, Calif., and is active with the Oakland Athletics and the Beyond the Bases program.

Derek Fiorenza ’10
Business Administration
Derek is co-founder of Summit Group Retirement Planners Inc. He also started Fiorenza’s Food For Friends, a nonprofit organization that fights food insecurity across Pennsylvania. Derek was an all-conference and all-region football player at Cal U.

Ian Heisel ’04
Sport Management
Ian leads the Walsingham Academy baseball program. In 2018, the Trojanswon their first Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division III State Championship and repeated as champs in 2019. Ian is president of the Virginia Venom travel baseball and basketball organization and is head coach of the organization’s premier Showcase Team, which travels to colleges along theEast Coast to showcase players’ skills. Ian was an all-conference pitcher at Cal U and has minor league experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jesse Hereda ’04
Political Science
Jesse is executive director of the disciplinary board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, after having served as the board’s director of finance. Before returning to Pennsylvania in 2009, he worked in real estate finance in Las Vegas, and held a finance position at the Bellagio Resort and Casino. At Cal U, where he majored in political science, he was a student member of the Council of Trustees, a member of the Honors Program, president of Student Government and president of the Student Association Inc. board. He is a former president of the Alumni Association board of directors and the board of directors for the Foundation for California University. He endowed the Jesse G. Hereda Honors Program Scholarship and the Melanie J. Blumberg Political Science Scholarship.

Shaina Hilsey ’18
Sport Management
Shaina is a policy analyst for the office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. As a student, she was a member of the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. In 2018 she was selected as one of 10 college women from across the nation to serve onAmerican Association of University Women’s National Student Advisory Council.

Blayre Holmes Davis ’12
Communication Studies
Blayre is director of community relations for the Pittsburgh Steelers.Previously, she directed community partnerships at Adagio Health and was the program manager of the Women and Girls Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh. She isa volunteer on the board of directors for Dress for Success Pittsburgh and has volunteered for the YWCA and AMA.

Lauren Hovey ’09
Communication Studies
Lauren is vice president at Hundred Stories PR, based in New York City. She has more than a decade of experience in marketing and public relations at some of the most respected marketing and public relations firms in New York.Lauren was a member of the tennis team at Cal U.

Logan Howard ’11
Secondary Education
Logan worked as an auditor for Pricewaterhouse Coopers before joining two smaller firms, in Pittsburgh and Uniontown, Pa. He started his own tax and consulting business and teaches tax and accounting courses at Cal U and the University of Pittsburgh. He started the nonprofit Project Financial Freedom to advocate for financial education and served on the Fayette County Children & Youth Services board and the Fayette County Industrial Development Authority board. He has written articles for CentSai, an online financial education website.

Dr. Tanner Huffman ’06
Technology Education
Tanner is an assistant professor at The College of New Jersey in the Department of Integrative STEM Education. He also served as a leader in science, technology, engineering and math education with ITEEA, a leading technology and engineering education group.

Zach Huth ’04
Graphic Communications Technology
Zach leads Huth Technologies LLC, a recruiting and staffing firm for professionals who specialize in engineering, project management, business operations and mid-level to executive management for construction, manufacturing and power generation companies. He serves on several volunteer boards, including the Green Building Alliance and the Penn State New Kensington Advisory Board.

Ieisha Jackson ’16
Sport Management
Ieisha is director of operations for cross country and track and field at Princeton University. Previously, she was operations director for track and field at Temple University. At Cal U, she was a Presidential Scholar and also a member of the women’s track and field team, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society.

Dr. Carl Jay ’08, ’09
Biology | Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Carl completed his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery and was in private practice in Texas before joining Spartan Podiatry, in Michigan, in 2019. He is a lecturer on the subjects of traumatic sports injuries, diabetic limb salvage and forefoot deformities. He was medical director for the NorthTexas Limb Salvage Clinic. Carl runs a free clinic for patients with financial hardships and is a taekwondo instructor.

Wayne Jones ’08, ’10
Sport Management | Business Administration
Wayne is CEO of the Penn Hills (Pa.) Charter School of Entrepreneurship,a K-8 public school. He volunteers for the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise,the Leaders Council of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools,the United Way Proposal Review Committee, and the planning committee for theState of Black Learning annual conference. He is a youth mentor for Brothers and Sisters Emerging, the founder of the Garfield Gators 7 on 7 football program and a coach for the Garfield Gators youth football program. In 2019, he was awarded the Men of Excellence award from The New Pittsburgh Courier and the Young Professional Leadership Award for Exemplary Public Service from Nabhi Christian Ministries Inc.

Anthony Kane Jr. ’11, ’12
Social Work
Anthony is assistant director for the Office of Residence Life at Duquesne University. As a doctoral student at Duquesne, he was selected as a UCEA Barbara Jackson Scholar for his social justice advocacy in education and his commitment to improving minority student retention. He volunteers in the community to help at-risk students prepare for college and supports the Josh Gibson Foundation, Crossroads Foundations and Gwen’s Girls. At Cal U he was a graduate assistant in the Office of Social Equity and was involved with the Black Student Union, Cal U Men United, Student ActivitiesBoard and STAND.

Dr. Janet Koposko ’10
Psychology
Janet is an assistant professor of psychology at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga. She has published research in peer-reviewed journals and given presentations at national conferences. Her favorite courses are lifespan development and personality theory. Janet has volunteered for theAmerican Red Cross, Relay for Life, Tifton Regional Medical Center, and Tifton Community Clean-up. At Cal U, she was a student ambassador and an orientation and registration leader.

Dr. Amy Larcinese ’01, ’06
Elementary and Early Childhood Education| K-12 Principal Certification
Amy is the principal at H.W. Good Elementary School in the Yough School District. Previously, she was an assistant principal, dean of students and middle school teacher in the South Allegheny School District. She partnered with Sewickley Township on a grant to build a playground. Among her other initiatives are an interactive math lab, sensory room, outdoor learning garden,and after-school tutoring. Amy was recognized by the Manchester Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women in Education and acknowledged by the South Allegheny School District as an Outstanding/Distinguished Alumni. In 2019, she was selected as a finalist in the Champions of Learning Leadership Category sponsored by the Consortium for Public Education and Southwestern United Way. She has served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for nearly 25 years.

Justin Leader ’05, ’07
Biology | Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Justin works for Benefit Design Specialists, which serves employers regarding self-funded healthcare and innovative employee benefit plan design. He is a member of the board of directors of the American Heart Association Capital Region. He volunteers with the American Red Cross and spends time in the classroom with Junior Achievement. He also serves on the Pennsylvania Stat eCouncil of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and co-chairs the annual State SHRM Conference.

Jim Lokay ’02
Communication Studies
Jim is the Emmy Award-winning primary news anchor and host at FOX 5WTTG, the FOX-owned and operated TV station in Washington, D.C. He joined the station in 2015, after working at KDKA in Pittsburgh and WCVB in Boston. At CalU, he was active with CUTV, WVCS and the CalTimes. Since graduating, he has served on the Student Association Inc. board of directors and been active with the Alumni Association.

Chase Loper ’10, ’12
Business Administration
Chase is director of shared services at Duquesne University, where he serves on the United Way Campaign, Diversity & Inclusion committee, and Staff Advisory Council. Chase volunteers as co-chair and secretary for the Shyne Awards Foundation, which supports the positive achievements of youth in the Pittsburgh area. At Cal U, Chase was a member of the Accounting Cub and Cal U Men United. He was a work-study student in the Office of Admissions and a graduate assistant in the Office of Alumni Relations.

Spencer Lynn ’14, ’15
Sport Management | Business Administration
Spencer is a company executive officer stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, after serving 15 months as a rifle platoon leader and a heavy weapons platoon leader in the 25th Infantry Division. He joined the U.S. Army in July 2016 and was commissioned as an officer in February 2017. He earned the Col. Jess Walls Distinguished Officer Candidate Award for graduating first out of 84 soldiers at Officer Candidate School. He completed U.S. Army Air Assault School, earning Air Assault Wings, and he completed U.S. Army Jungle School, qualifying as a Jungle Warfare Expert and earning the Jungle Tab. Spencer was awarded the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, the Army Achievement Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Physical Fitness Badge.

Dr. Rebecca Madda s’02, ’05
Elementary Education | School Counseling
Rebecca directs the Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education atCal U. The program supports innovation in early childhood education and offers full-tuition scholarships to highly qualified students majoring in early childhood education. Previously, Rebecca was a teacher and principal in the Uniontown Area School District. Her schools received the Keystone Achievement Award for accomplishing goals under the No Child Left Behind act and meeting or exceeding proficiency and growth indicators during the transition to Common Core State Standards and Educator Effectiveness model.

Ted Maloney ’08
Sport Management
Ted is a field marketing manager at the adidas® North American headquarters in Portland, Ore. He oversees a team of 130 brand ambassadors. In Pittsburgh, he coached the junior varsity basketball team at his alma mater, Quaker Valley High School, and was an assistant on the varsity staff. He continues to pursue his coaching passion at monthly basketball clinics with Rosa Parks High School in Portland, spreading one of adidas’ initiatives, “Through Sports, We Have the Power to Change Lives.” He also is an advocate in the Run for the Oceans campaign, a global movement to try to eliminate plastic pollution.

Dr. Selina Matis ’06, ’12
Elementary Education | Social Work
Selina has worked primarily in the mental health area, supporting children and their families. She specializes in treating trauma across the lifespan and runs a private practice in Fayette County, Pa., providing counseling, consultation and supervision services. Rebecca has taught at both the BSW and MSW levels in subject areas including research, policy, human behavior in the social environment, child welfare, and program evaluation. She has been published and presented on a variety of topics, including resilience,self-care and burn-out, trauma-informed social work, working with families,helping students succeed, and social work competencies.

Shawn McCoy ’14, ’16
Communication Studies | Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Shawn is the coordinator for Residence Life Programs and CommunityDevelopment at Cal U and also worked at the University as a residence hall director. His work has influenced the implementation of a social justice community offering gender-inclusive housing options, as well as a one-of-a-kind commuter housing option for Cal U students. He is an adviser for Kappa Alpha Psi and the Black Student Union and is a passionate advocate for social justice and mental health awareness.

Becky McMillen ’17
Business Administration

Eron McMillen ’15
Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Becky is the executive director of University Conference Services at CalU. In this role, she leads a team of conference service professionals as they coordinate meetings and large-scale events and oversee operations for a large arena and meeting space facility. She is past president of Meeting Professionals International Pittsburgh Chapter, and she volunteers to help local organizations with event planning. Eron earned his degree in exercise science and health promotion and is a counselor and instructor with the TRIO Upward Bound Program at Cal U. His previous role was dean of students for Adelphoi Village. He is a member of the Rotary Club of California, Pa. Together, Eron and Becky have participated in a match with Big Brother Big Sisters.

Rontez Miles ’12
Liberal Studies
Rontez has played for the New York Jets since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013. During his football career at Cal U, he was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year on the team that won the PSAC championship. He was all-region and all-team in his sophomore season, a first-team All American and PSAC Defensive Player of the Year his junior year, and a first-team All American in his senior season. At home in Pittsburgh, he has created his own record label and is involved in using music and sports to educate and promote positive activities for the city’s youth.

Dr. Dante Morelli ’02
Communication Studies
Dante is a professor at Suffolk County Community College, in New York.In 2017, he was awarded the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in May 2019 he was elected president of the Faculty Association, a union of professionals with nearly 2,000 members.

Joshua Morrow ’13
Sport Management
Joshua is assistant athletic director for Olympic sports at the University of Albany. Previously, he served as assistant equipment manager for the university, working with the football, men’s lacrosse, women’s basketball and baseball programs. He is certified under the Athletic Equipment Managers Association. Josh was a member of the Sport Management Club at Cal U, and he gained experience as a volunteer with the Pittsburgh Marathon and the Pittsburgh Passion women’s football team. After graduation Josh worked in stadium operations for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, a minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. He also worked for IMG Learfield TicketSolutions as an account executive.

Dr. Amy Nash ’04 , ’05, ’19
Political Science | Legal Studies | Criminal Justice
Amy has been a member of the Cal U community since 1999 as a student, alumni and manager of the bookstore. She began her career in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and also worked for Westmoreland County and a family law firm before accepting a position with Follett Higher Education Group. She earned her D.C.J. at Cal U as part of the inaugural cohort. Amy is a member of both Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences and Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. She is also a member of the Student Success Committee at Cal U.

Akil Patterson ’07
Sport Management
Akil is a government relations and advocacy professional and founder and president of Community Advocacy Consultants. He is a consultant to Athlete Ally, a nonprofit organization that uses the power of sports to change policy around LGBT issues and racial equity. He has been active in reforming criminal laws that impact communities of color and helped to overturn a nearly 60-year conviction of a former athlete. Akil also actively supported the marriage equality movement. As a lobbyist, he worked to pass legislation to help to reduce children’s consumption of sugary beverages. Akil is a five-time All-American Greco-Roman wrestler, and he was an All-American and All-Conference member of the Vulcans football team.

Ashley Pesi ’16
Criminal Justice
Ashley is project manager of the Auberle Northside Employment Institute,which provides workforce development services to Pittsburgh’s North Side communities. She has done work with the communities of the Mon Valley, working with the director of the McKeesport Hospital Foundation to make communities safer and healthier. She was honored at the Mon River Fleet Women of Achievement awards dinner for outstanding contributions to the Mon Valley region. She is the chair of fundraising for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s National Youth Alliance.

Robert Prah ’06, ’10
Criminal Justice | Legal Studies
Robert is director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs at Cal U. He has helped the University raise more than $10,000 for various military and veteran scholarships. Robert is a board member and past vice president of the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators. He is a deputy district commander for Westmoreland County’s American Legion and post commander ofAmerican Legion Post 790 in Smithton. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Gen. Greene Chapter of Military Officers Association of America and a member with Team Red, White & Blue and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. He is a captain in the Army Reserve with more than 18 years of service, including two deployments. He served one term as mayor of Smithton, Pa., and has served on Smithton Borough Council. He is a member of the town’s volunteer fire department.

Ashley Roth ’10, ’12
Elementary Education | Reading Specialist
Ashley is the director of The Village Early Childhood Education Center in California, Pa., and the primary instructor at the Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education at Cal U. She is president of the Alumni Association board of directors. Ashley is a certified K-6 instructor and Pre-K-12 reading specialist and professional development instructor. She is active withCalifornia Borough Council committees.

Alexandria Sabatini ’12
International Studies
Alexandria works in the operations and customer success department for Tier I Inc. business consultants. She started her career at the Congressional Office of Compliance in Washington, D.C. and also worked for the chief operations officer of the Democratic National Committee. She is meetings and events chair for the Junior League of Pittsburgh.

Rebecca Sally DeMase ’08
Biology
Rebecca is a board certified physician assistant in the field of dermatology, and she has presented scientific, clinical, and related professional information to her peers in the medical field. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, the Pennsylvania Dermatology Physician Assistant Society, and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Rebecca has been a consultant for David Alan Clothing and has volunteered with the clothier’s charity events. She also has volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House of Pittsburgh, City Mission of Washington, Pa., and the Team Humanity Community Games in Brownsville, Pa.

Dr. Amanda Seader ’13
Biology
Amanda is a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania VeterinaryMedical Association, and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association. She supports STEM activities for middle school and high school students through hervolunteer efforts as a judge for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Amanda is amember of the Lions Club and has received the organization’s Proud Lion Award and the District Governor Appreciation Medal. She has volunteered with Leader Dogs for the Blind, raised a Leader Dog, and received the Founders TributeSilver Award. She is a team captain and volunteers for the National MultipleSclerosis Society Annual MS Walk. Amanda also volunteers at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh through Banfield Pet Hospital, and she has volunteered with Mutt Strutt to raise funds for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, the Humane Society, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, The Salvation Army Christmas Tree Angels, and96.1 Kiss Stuff A Bus collection for Marines Toys for Tots.

Amy Smiley ’07
Communication Studies
Amy is vice president of marketing for 84 Lumber, the nation’s largest privately held building materials supplier, leading advertising and public relations efforts for nearly 250 locations in 30 states. Amy also oversees the philanthropic initiatives for 84 Lumber. Most recently, she has become the liaison between 84 Lumber and the Fisher House Foundation, which builds comfort homes where military and veterans families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. The homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world.

Gavin Sikorski ’13
Technology Education
Gavin is a middle school science, technology, engineering and math teacher in the Southmoreland (Pa.) School District. One of his classroom projects is the creation of prosthetic hands for those in need, a project that was highlighted at the Pennsylvania State Education Association House of Delegates Conference. He also was invited by Gov. Tom Wolf and the PSEA to attend the state budget address in 2019. That year he also won the Teacher as Hero award from Philadelphia’s National Library Museum and was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chevron as an All-Star Teacher. Gavin volunteers with Heart of Service in Action, helping to raise more than $1,600 to make chemotherapy kits.

Brian Stanchak ’13
Sport Management
Brian is founder and president of the BDS Agency, which advises, markets and represents collegiate basketball coaches. He founded the agency in 2013, following four years as a collegiate director of athletics and 10 years as an assistant basketball coach at the Division I level. He has been recognized as one of 20 Under 40 business professionals in Northeastern Pennsylvania by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal and Top 20 Under 40 professionals in Northeastern Pennsylvania by the Times Leader. Brian is an active member of the Wyoming Valley Montessori School board of trustees and GreaterWilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Council.

Frederick Smith III ’12
Geography
Fred has worked for the Community Care Network, Georgetown County UnitedWay AmeriCorps VISTA Collaborative as a data systems developer, the CommunityAction Association of Pennsylvania as a VIAT Leader; the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments as a workforce and community development specialist; and the American Red Cross Disaster Operations Coordination Center as a data analytics lead. Frederick is active with the Association for Public PolicyAnalysis and Management, Speak Up for Geography and volunteer income tax assistance.

John Paul “J.P.” Staszel ’03, ’05
Business Administration
J.P. is an assistant professor in the Department of Music and Theatre at Cal U, where he directs department productions and teaches courses in theater history, dramatic literature, acting and creative dramatics. JP trained with renowned theater companies and artists including Pilobolus, Inlet DanceTheatre, and NACL (North American Cultural Laboratory), Tim Miller, and Andrew Paleamo. J.P. was awarded the 2017 Institute in Performance Studies Fellowship for Improvisation, Narrative, and Beauty at Northwestern University. His research has been presented and performed at conferences such as the National Communication Association, Mid America Theatre Conference, the Association of Theatre in Higher Education, the Association of Theatre Movement Educators, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

R.J. Thompson ’07
Graphic Design
R.J. is the associate director of Student Engagement in the College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a former tenured assistant professor of graphic + interactive design in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. He is also the co-principal and creative strategist for +Public, a Pennsylvania-based social enterprise that focuses on cultivating community and economic development impact. In 2015, he received a National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, valued at $100,000, for the INPLACE (“Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts & Community Engagement”) project. In 2017, RJ received a Best of Marketing Award from the Ohio Economic Development Association for his efforts to rebrand the City of Youngstown, Ohio. RJ was accepted into the prestigious Cohort 2 of the National Arts Marketing Project, a program supported by Americans for the Arts and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and he received a scholarship to join the National Arts Strategies Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy through the School of Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Stanley WhitemanIII ’13
K-12 Principal Certification
Stanley, director of curriculum, instruction, assessment, technology and the local educational agency for the Duquesne City School District, has been a teacher, coach, administrator and mentor for nearly 20 years. He has served as health and physical education teacher, co-director of the Student Services Department; assistant to the superintendent; and assistant principal; and associate principal.

Vince Wilson ’12
Sport Management
Vince works in advancement and fundraising at Dartmouth College. Outside of work, he is involved in the community, serving as a mentor to students and on the Black Caucus board. At Cal U, he was a member of the track and field team, serving as captain his senior year. In 2011, he reactivated the Xi Kapp chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was awarded the Undergraduate Omega Man of the Year for his work in the community and his academic achievements.

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