Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Mya Cole '21

Mya Cole graduated from Pitt-Greensburg in 2021 with a BS in biology and minors in chemistry and psychology.

What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?

I knew that I wanted to go away to college, but did not want to be too far away from home. When I toured the campus, I got the instant feeling that Pitt-Greensburg could be my home away from home.

Were you a commuter or a resident?

Resident

What activities were you involved with as a student?

I was highly involved in the Academic Villages all four years. I participated in campus activities such as Fall/Spring Into the Streets, Pitt Make a Difference Day, the Blue & Gold Celebration festivities, Relay for Life, Up All Night...you name it, I was there! During my senior year, I was President of Tri-Beta, Gamma Sigma Epsilon, and Habitat for Humanity. I participated in a lot of fun activities within those clubs.

Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?

Mrs. Barnhart will always be the most impactful professor/mentor I had as a student. Mrs. Barnhart took me under her wing during my freshman year and continues to be a very important person in my life today.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?

Genetics was my absolute favorite class. At the time, Dr. McClendon taught the class, and she was absolutely fantastic. People automatically assume that learning science is all technical and boring, however it is really cool to learn the science behind why we are who we are, and it is fun! I think more people would be more intrigued than they think they would be.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?

The thing I remember most vividly about my time at Pitt-Greensburg is the constant feelings of having a second home, feeling welcomed, and most importantly, feeling safe. The transition into college life is scary, but Pitt-Greensburg makes it easy to pave your way into adulthood and college life. The warm and open campus environment is constantly maintained, which provides constant reassurance.

What have you been up to since graduation?

Funny thing...I am actually now an employee at Pitt-Greensburg! While I await my graduate program to start, I have been teaching Biology and Anatomy labs. I was fortunate enough to be personally thought of for the position. I am enjoying my time as a Pitt-Greensburg employee and continuing to learn from my fellow professors.

How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?

My personal and academic experiences at Pitt-Greensburg prepared me to be ready to conquer anything. My personal experiences helped me to grow personally and as a leader. My academic experiences prepared me with the knowledge I will need to further my education and grow as a scientist.

As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?

I am a member of the Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association Board of Direcors and a 2021 Class Agent. I keep up with the alumni news. I help plan alumni-sponsored events. As an employee, I also keep tabs with my former clubs and do what I can to support them.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?

Do not be afraid to break out of your shell! Make yourself known on campus. Get involved, make friends, and put yourself out there! Pitt-Greenburg is like one big family; become part of the family.

Get to know your professors. Earn their respect from day one and do not lose it. Your professors will be your biggest advocates as long as you show them respect and that you are ready for what challenges lie ahead.

For fun:

What song do you always sing along to? It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by Celine Dion

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

1. I was honored as the Senior of the Year for the Class of 2021.
2. I have been a dancer since I was two.
3. I can play the violin.

Alumni Spotlight: Fredrick Mejia '13

Fredrick Mejia graduated from Pitt-Greensburg in 2013 with a BS in management-accounting.

What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?

It was close enough to home, but far enough away to live at and have a college experience.

Were you a commuter or a resident?

Resident

What activities were you involved with as a student?

• SGA Senate -- President (2011)
• Theatre
• Chorale
• Academic Villages

Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?

Within my major, my favorite professors were Pam Ondeck and Sharon Turchick. Outside of my major, it was Dr. Stephen Schrum. All taught different facets of technical skill and leadership, all of which I use today.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?

Dr. Wilson’s Intro to Sociology and Social Theory. Especially today, knowing sociological theory can help us understand other groups, their viewpoints, and their actions. It could even help to heal the division in the United States.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?

Down time in the Villages. Each year my housemates and roommates made the most of being together and had a great time.

What have you been up to since graduation?

I got married in 2016 and recently became a tax manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Pittsburgh. I also moved downtown in 2019 and bought Penguins season tickets.

How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college? 

I learned soft skills like negotiation and communication, as well as how to read and analyze information, and write professionally. They are skills that are absolutely necessary no matter your profession. All were practiced and perfected at Pitt-Greensburg.

As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?

I’ve lost touch with a lot of people over the years and with the campus, I’d like to get back to it soon and see what I can do.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?

Don’t discount your experience in college, and take a moment, just a moment, when having fun and look around and remember it. Things aren’t always going to be rosy, but hold on to the good experiences. It’s over before you know it.

For fun:

What is the last book you read? Attack Surface by Cory Doctorow

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

1. I am an avid cyclist.
2. I love cooking.
3. My wife and I have two cats.

Alumni Spotlight: Tom Bristol '12

Tom Bristol graduated from Pitt-Greensburg in 2012 with a BA in criminal justice.

What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?

Of all the campuses I visited when I was searching for a university to attend, Pitt-Greensburg was by far the most beautiful. I guess you could say it was love at first sight.

Were you a commuter or a resident?

Resident

What activities were you involved with as a student?

I was a member of the golf and tennis teams, a Community Assistant for the University Courts and Robertshaw Hall, a regular at the coffee house for open mic nights, and, of course, the Hall Olympics.

Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?

Dr. Melissa Marks, hands down. Of all the courses and professors throughout my time at Pitt-Greensburg, Dr. Marks classes helped me grow academically and intellectually.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?

Any class that Dr. Marks is teaching. Duh.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?

The snow. So. Much. Snow. And then trudging through that snow to get a delicious panini at the coffee house. No, but seriously, I’ll always remember the incredible friendships I made that will last forever.

What have you been up to since graduation?

Since graduating in 2012, I have been in the Army stationed at Ft. Bragg NC as a Psychological Operations paratrooper. I have deployed multiple times overseas in that span, I got married to my beautiful wife Marie (St. Vincent grad), and we have 2 adorable fur babies names Luna and Penelope.

How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?

My time at Pitt-Greensburg taught me how to properly manage my time, compartmentalize, and prioritize important tasks in order to achieve a successful outcome.

As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?

Being that I live in NC, it is difficult to give direct support. However, I always try to give Pitt-Greensburg some exposure when I can, such as recommending it to friends whose kids are searching for a university to attend.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?

Cue the obligatory motivational metaphor: Even if there’s 5ft of snow, you should still trudge through and get a panini.

For fun:

What song do you always sing along to? The Power of Love by Huey Lewis

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

1. I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 30 seconds.
2.  I’m fluent in Korean.
3.  I have parachuted into Germany, Norway, Romania, and The Netherlands.

Alumni Spotlight: Huldah Kena, '19

Huldah Kena graduated from Pitt-Greensburg in 2019 with a BS in natural sciences.

What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?

The beauty of the campus. How small and family orientated the staff and students are during the orientations and tours. The opportunities.

Were you a commuter or a resident?

Resident

What activities were you involved with as a student?

• Student Secretary to the President from 2015-2019
• GEM Graduate
• Secretary of the Diversity Student Coalition Club
• Vice President of the Math Club
• Member of the Spanish Club

Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?

Dolly (Janet) Biskup was an awesome work study boss and is still a wonderful supportive woman in my life.
Michelle Shuey was my advisor for my last two years at Pitt-Greensburg. She always was so nice to me and available when I needed her.
Dr. Mathew Luderer became my buddy over the summer as I was a student in his organic chemistry classes. He also wrote my letter of recommendation for graduate and medical school.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?

Since everyone is required to take a language, I would recommend taking Spanish with Professor Contreras, Dr. Orsatti, and Dr. Triplette. They are an amazing trio. I really enjoyed myself and learned so much. It’s one of my proudest moments at Pitt-Greensburg.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?

I remember the amazing events and activities during Blue and Gold Celebration, finals week, and homecoming.

What have you been up to since graduation?

I attended grad school virtually due to the pandemic at the University of Sciences in Philadelphia. I am two months away from graduating with my MHA certification and MS degree. I got accepted to the Saint James School of Medicine at the Saint Vincent campus. I was a caregiver throughout the pandemic. I also started writing my book during the pandemic.

How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?

My experience at Pitt-Greensburg made me a well-rounded person and helped me be academically successful in grad school.

As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?

I support Pitt-Greensburg by encouraging other members of my community to attend the school.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?

Enjoy their undergrad and work towards your dreams no matter what stands in your way. If you work hard and are fully dedicated to your dreams, you will be successful.

For fun:

What is your favorite food? Fries all day

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

1. I am Ghanaian American
2. I speak three languages – trilingual!
3. I have a YouTube Channel that I started during college.

Alumni Spotlight: Charles "Chuck" Goulding, '83

Charles “Chuck” Goulding graduated from Pitt-Greensburg in 1983 with a BA in political science.

What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?

I wanted to attend a local college, and the University of Pittsburgh was my only choice. The best part was the campus so close -- right in Greensburg.

Were you a commuter or a resident?

Commuter

What activities were you involved with as a student?

There were not many activities that I knew of at the time I attended, and I was a newlywed. Plus, I had to work to pay my way.

Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?

The late Dr. Poke was my advisor at the time, and he was a great influence. The late Mr. Rubinoff also had a great influence on my future decisions. I loved the speech professor and psychology professor too. I was always a history buff, and the history professor was also fantastic. I would say I had many great instructors.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?

I cannot recommend just one class. Many of the professors I had are most likely not there anymore.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?

I remember the interest that every instructor showed to their students. It was an excellent place for learning with expert instructors in their fields.

What have you been up to since graduation?

I have worked mostly in government positions since leaving Pitt-Greensburg. When I lived in PA, two jobs I worked were in mental health and PDE. I moved to Florida to be closer to my grandson and have worked at the Monroe County Tax Collector and DMV offices. Currently, I work at The College of the Florida Keys as the Academic Coordinator for Arts, Hospitality, and Business. I am also an adjunct instructor and teach Introduction to Political Science, National Government, and Preparing for Student Success.

How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?

It provided me with the academic foundation to succeed in my career. It also permitted me to develop the confidence to progress in my career.

As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?

Since I graduated, I have mostly lived across PA and in FL, and have not been able to attend many of the activities at Pitt-Greensburg. I have given financially, but raising a family has made that not as frequent as I would have liked. I am also a current member of the PGAA Board of Directors.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?

I would tell them you have chosen a great place to get an education. Enjoy this beautiful campus and have the time of your life, but also study.

For fun:

What series do you recommend alumni binge watch? Grimm and Man in the High Castle

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

I love to garden, ride my bike, and spend all the time I am able to with my grandson (but this last one is probably no secret).