Literary Arts Success Stories
Meet our Alumni
In the profiles below, our alumni from the Department of Literary Arts and Social Justice talk about why they chose Point Park University and how earning a degree in the fields of creative writing, English and social justice studies has given them a solid foundation to pursue their career goals.
Kidde Kokole
B.A. in English, 2018
Native Guest English Teacher, English Program in Korea (EPIK)
"Point Park and the Department of Literary Arts prepared me professionally by allowing me the space to grow and explore as an individual. Through lectures and class assignments, I learned how to form and defend my opinions and viewpoints."
Josh Hrala, Andie Fullmer and Patrick Morris
B.A. in Creative Writing, 2012 and 2014
Founders, The Archanist
Josh Hrala ‘12, Andie Fullmer ‘14 and Patrick Morris ‘14 founded The Arcanist, a web-based literary magazine focused on genre-based flash fiction and in-depth looks into pop culture’s biggest stories.
Rick Moody
B.A. in English, 2005
Clinical Outpatient Supervisor, Pittsburgh Mercy
"My undergraduate degree in English has allowed my business communications to flourish and given me an edge in writing reports and medical records. It has also helped me stay cognizant of cultural inclusion and different humanistic angles to approach my tasks with on a daily basis."
Julianna Bagwell
B.A. in Creative Writing/English, 2013
Lifestyle Editor, LOCALpittsburgh and Freelance Writer, Thrillist
"Point Park provided me with amazing classes and mentors. During my three years at the school, I took a multitude of workshops that gave me the opportunity to share and critique creative work with my peers and professors. Professors Karen Dwyer and Sarah Perrier were both instrumental in my success at Point Park."
Haleigh Kopinski
B.A. in Creative Writing/English, 2015
E-Commerce Content Coordinator, Dick's Sporting Goods
"The unique environment and surroundings, mixed with the diverse people and awesome professors, made my Point Park experience one that helped me - and will continue to help me - in the long run."
Simon Huff
B.A. in English, 2010
High School Generalist Teacher, Lower Kuskokwim School District
"I chose Point Park as an undergraduate student for its generous scholarships, campus location in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh and intimate class settings."
Elizabeth Soucek, Esquire
B.A. in English, 2007
Attorney, Sergovic, Carmean & Weidman, P.A.
"Point Park gave me a solid foundation to build upon when I went to law school. I learned how to develop a study schedule and stick to it, which was invaluable later on. The rigor of the Honors Program in particular prepared me for law school, and for the commitment to academics necessary to be successful in my field."
Jesse Padjune
B.A. in Creative Writing/English, 2014
Freelance Copy Writer/Copy Editor, Coalition Technologies
Interned with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"One of the most outstanding facts about a lot of the professors in the English/creative writing program is that they do not just drone through lectures and forget about the students once they've left the room. They care about their students as human beings and are great mentors."
Amanda Lynch Morris, Ph.D.
B.A. in English, 1997
Assistant Professor and Director of the University Writing Program, Kutztown University
"I would not have thrived at a huge, four-year research school. There were schedules at Point Park, but the professors and the small class size provided one-on-one attention."