From classroom to career: Alumni share success stories

Mercyhurst gates

Mercyhurst University students are eager to hear from those who’ve walked the same path—alumni who have turned their Mercyhurst education into real-world success.

 

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.

 

Originally conceived and organized by the late Pat Leibel ’53, who served as the director of Alumni Relations at Mercyhurst 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.

 

“The new ‘Alumni Classroom Takeover’ is more than just a homecoming for our graduates—it’s a celebration of the lifelong connection between Mercyhurst and our alumni,” Frank said. “By bringing accomplished professionals back into the classroom, we’re 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.”

 

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:

 

"My goal is for students to come away with a clearer understanding of what a career in competitive intelligence entails—what 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 Mercyhurst education in the private sector or beyond, then I will consider the visit a success.”

 

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.

 

“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. I sat in those same chairs where they are now sitting, with the ambition of someday being a superintendent, and that’s exactly what I did.”

 

Following are the other alumni expected to visit Mercyhurst classrooms this week:

 

  • Richard Johns ’03, Political Science, Chief Program Performance & Financial Officer, New York City Dept. of Social Services

  • Jamie Rodriguez ’98, Criminal Justice, Major of the Guard, SCI-Cambridge Springs

  • Christel Mansour ’24, Data Science, Data Analyst/Gift Processing Officer, Mercyhurst University

  • Emily Merski ’04 ’06M, English, Attorney

  • Steven Mooradian ’21, History, Processing Archivist, Hagen History Center

  • Rosie Pregler ’19, Archaeology/Public History/Theatre, Site Manager & Curator, Presque Isle Light Station

  • Joe Spusta ’13, MS Administration of Justice, Detective Sergeant, Erie County District Attorney Office

  • Valerie Kusiak '03 '05M, Criminal Justice/Business Administration, Deputy Superintendent, PA Department of Corrections

  • Sarah Odebralski '11, International Business and Spanish, Chief Operating Officer, Higuerón West Property Care

 

For more information on the program, contact Frank at lfrank@mercyhurst.edu.