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Julia (Kittell) Coughlin '17 and Dillon Coughlin '20 are Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ alumni who experienced overwhelming support from the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ.

Kathryn Curran '73, a graduate of Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ'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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ's commitment to community service.

Kristen Marie (Polakiewicz) Hada '05, a dual major in elementary and special education, credits Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, recently returned to Buffalo to open AWAKEN Performance Rehab, a cutting-edge physical therapy clinic. Inspired by his Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ community.

Dr. Jay Samant '09, a Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ for building his foundational skills and passion for teaching.

Olivia (Harris) Smith '16, '17, an alumna of Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a passion for teaching.

Dr. Amy Trabert '17, '18, a Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ's Social Work Board, reflecting her dedication to both her profession and her alma mater.

Tessa Wisniewski '17, '19, a Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, as they continue to explore and revisit parks across the country.