Humanities and Social Sciences Success Stories

Meet our Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni 

In the profiles below, meet our alumni from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. These alumni talk about why they chose Point Park University and how earning or pursuing a degree in global cultural studies, history, interdisciplinary design, legal studies, liberal studies or political science is helping them reach their career goals.

Louis Schoen

B.A. in Political Science, 2021
Lead Intern of Office Operations, "The People's Office" Represented by Jake Wheatley Jr.

"I chose Point Park University because of its convenient location in Downtown Pittsburgh and affordability. With the center of this vibrant city being Point Park's home, I’ve appreciated its location and environment. I chose to become a political science major because of the opportunity to examine and work with minority and politically inefficient communities."

 

Emily Marburger

B.A. in History, 2010
Mayor, Bellevue Borough

"My education at Point Park University provided the foundation for my political career. I was active and aware in high school, but at Point Park, I found myself immersed in a diverse community who shared my passion for social justice and progressive politics."

 

Alexis Sherman

B.A. degrees in Legal Studies and Political Science, 2018 
Paralegal, Kraemer, Manes & Associates

"My legal studies and political science classes have helped me so much in my current job. When I’m faced with a case that requires me to know the ins and outs of the law, I bring myself back to sitting in my Introduction to Legal Studies class. In my classes at Point Park, I learned about the statute of limitations for certain laws, the burden of proof, when a state law trumps a federal law and so much more."

Robyn Roux

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2012
Kindergarten ESL Teacher in Vietnam, APAX English

"It’s actually because of a professor at Point Park University, Dr. Robert Fessler, and his class that led me to want to teach abroad — and especially to explore Vietnam."

"The global cultural studies program is unique because you touch on topics that you otherwise would not encounter in a traditional educational setting and really dig deep to critically think on those subjects."

Lauren Gerlowski

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies and B.F.A. in Dance, 2018
2018 Distinguished Student Award Recipient

"I am so grateful for the recognition. It truly made me realize how much I have grown and how much I have accomplished while at Point Park. I could not have done any of it without my inspiring peers and the wonderful faculty at this University."

"I am passionate about education, teaching and art and hope to use all three in efforts to create positive change."

 

Anthony Costulas

B.A. in Political Science, 2012
Program Analyst, U.S. Government Accountability Office

"Today, I work directly for Congress, and classes such as Constitutional Law and various American government courses I took while at Point Park helped provide me with tools that I use today while preparing for tasks such as briefing congressional staff."

Point Park's political science program also helped prepare me for graduate school at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where I studied public policy. The professors in the political science program at Point Park were an incredible resource. I was able to establish a foundation that I have been able to put to good use throughout my career."

 

Nina DelPrato

B.A. in Liberal Studies, 2016
Program Assistant, Amizade

"My professors in the global cultural studies program always encouraged critical thinking regarding social and economic disparity. They provided us with a background on how hundreds of years of systemic racism, classism and sexism shape the increasingly global world that we live in today."

"One of my favorite professors, Dr. Ross, would always say, "Education is like a gym membership. You have to keep up with it and work at it - it shouldn't stop just because you have a degree."

 

Laier-Rayshon Smith

B.A. in Political Science, 2015
Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Coro Pittsburgh

"Throughout my political science classes, and some of my history classes, we considered the actions, personalities and effectiveness of individuals or groups as they attempted to make an impactful influence in communities, pass legislation or ignite a movement."

"As a Coro Fellow, I constantly think about this because we are trying to make impactful differences in Pittsburgh and we can only do this by building inclusive relationships in the city."

 

Chivas Whipple

B.A. in Liberal Studies, 2010
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Westminster College

"Point Park University played an integral role in the person I am today. As a student and basketball player, I was challenged to grow and develop communication, networking and leadership skills. I still use and instill those same core values in our athletes at Westminster College."

"I received much support from many people at Point Park including President Dr. Paul Hennigan, Dr. Darlene Marnich, Professor Edward Meena and many more. They cared about my well-being and because of their mentorship, I did not want to disappoint any of them."

 

Courtney Mahronich

B.A. in Political Science, 2011
Director of Trail Development, Friends of the Riverfront

"My studies at Point Park have helped me greatly in this role. My classes in political science have helped me with working with municipalities, county government and state agencies. All of my professors had life experiences to share with their students."

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to work on trails, connecting communities together and people to nature. Also, I am thankful for the education and experience I gained at Point Park University, which has prepared and helped me achieve so much in my career."

  

Casy Stelitano

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2014
Program Coordinator, Pittsburghers for Public Transit - fellowship through PULSE Pittsburgh

"I think the critical thinking skills and eagerness to fight for social justice issues that I developed during my time as a global cultural studies major really helped me land this fellowship. The GCS professors teach you how to ask the hard questions, combat societal injustices and relate personal struggles to social issues."

"I also served as president for the Honors Student Organization. This position taught me a lot about being an effective leader, team member and a million other things."

Ashleigh Henry

B.A. in Political Science, 2010
Staff Attorney, Ohio Board of Regents

"I chose Point Park because it was immersed in Downtown Pittsburgh, but it wasn't intimidating as other campuses. What also attracted me was that the professors had real-life experience in the subject matter, which was really important to me."

"My bachelor's degree provided me a foundation not only in substantive knowledge of government processes, but also a greater knowledge of the world around me."

Hana Valle

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies and Psychology, 2016
Speaker and panelist at Third Annual Storytelling and Human Rights Symposium

"One of my friends in Hawaii told me about Point Park. He said I would probably enjoy the psychology program. I applied to several schools in the Northeast region and chose Point Park because it offered me the best scholarship. It worked out. I love Point Park."

"Many of the professors in the HHS department will come and talk to you personally … I'm amazed by how much my professors know about their subjects. It's impressive."

Julia Franzen

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2011
Logistics Coordinator, Back to the Roots

"I was so blessed at Point Park to have such stellar professors. They taught me to see the world through many different lenses and fostered in me a hunger for knowledge and truth."

"GCS opens a lot of doors. My educational background has given me a bigger vision for life than I could have ever imagined. The global cultural studies degree has equipped me not just for my job, but for life."

Eric Probola

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2010
Administrative Assistant to Community Planning, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

"The staff at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh liked that I had a degree in global cultural studies since they do a lot of work overseas. My work-study job with Point Park's Office of International Student Services also played a role in helping me to land the job."

"I had professors who really challenged me and took the time to give me real feedback, which definitely prepared me for my current job. The professors are also a great intellectual resource."

 

Holly Kuhl

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2012
Teaching English classes abroad

"The program (global cultural studies) facilitates the development of a critical lens that exposes the power dynamics that direct the formation and operation of these cultural constructs. It is a mindset and a lens that is relevant and applicable in all professions and fields of study."

"The professors are extremely intelligent and very engaging. Each professor has a very cultivated range of knowledge and applies it to a specific area that is unique to their interests."

  

Carlene Morgan

B.A. in Global Cultural Studies, 2016
Save Your Home Program Coordinator, Allegheny County Department of Economic Development

"My internship has helped me learn how to assist people who need housing, especially those in the area of refugee resettlement who will need housing when they come to America. This internship also has given me skills in general to help people who are in crisis."

"What I like about Point Park is that the professors are always there to challenge you even when you want to stay in your comfort zone. This has helped me to grow and get out of my own comfort zone. Also, I have met some really good friends at Point Park. You never know who you'll meet here."

Sara Payne

B.A. degrees in Global Cultural Studies and Journalism, 2015
Internship: Downtown Community Development Corporation

"Classes in the global cultural studies program have shown me how to look at a situation from different angles in order to think critically and be able to make an informed decision."

"My internship has given me the experience of working at a nonprofit organization, and I have learned how to apply the skills I acquired as a journalism major to a different field. I have always considered nonprofit work, and now I know what it is like and what I can bring to the table."