In our Alumni Spotlight series, you’ll discover graduates’ most meaningful college experiences and how their time at Ƶ shaped both their professional and personal journeys after graduation. Each spotlight is self-submitted by alumni. You can share your story by submitting your spotlight today.
Julia (Kittell) Coughlin '17 and Dillon Coughlin '20 are Ƶ alumni who experienced overwhelming support from the Ƶ 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 Ƶ.
Kathryn Curran '73, a graduate of Ƶ'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 Ƶ education for shaping the impactful work she continues to do in advancing American history and culture.
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Meghan Guler, DPT '16, '18 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 Ƶ's commitment to community service.
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Kristen Marie (Polakiewicz) Hada '05, a dual major in elementary and special education, credits Ƶ 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.
The visual impact of nature has profoundly influenced Kellick’s life and art. Growing up near New York’s Niagara River and Lake regions, she was inspired by the local orchards and vineyards, which shaped her early artistic endeavors. As a Gulf Coast artist in residence Kellick found new inspiration in Florida’s brilliant sunshine, exotic vegetation, and diverse wildlife. This experience expanded her color palette and introduced new subject matter into her art.
Gregory Lowe, DPT '16, '18, a Ƶ Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, recently returned to Buffalo to open AWAKEN Performance Rehab, a cutting-edge physical therapy clinic. Inspired by his Ƶ 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 Ƶ community.
Drawn to Ƶ by the animation lab at the Tri-Main Center and its partnership with Empire VFX, Santos quickly immersed himself in campus life as a resident student. Deeply involved across the university, he led the literary magazine The Iconoclast, served as president of the Animation Club and secretary of the Games Club, hosted a piano club, and worked as an Orientation Leader. Mentored by professors who shaped both his creative and professional path, Santos went on to build a career in animation, contributing to projects such as SpongeBob, Riverdale, and Jack Black’s “Video Games,” while also working as a live caricature artist throughout Buffalo and Niagara.
Olivia (Harris) Smith '16, '17, an alumna of Ƶ, 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 Ƶ, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed a passion for teaching.
Dr. Amy Trabert '17, '18, a Ƶ 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 Ƶ's Social Work Board, reflecting her dedication to both her profession and her alma mater.
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Tessa Wisniewski '17, '19, a Ƶ 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 Ƶ, as they continue to explore and revisit parks across the country.
Brian graduated from Ƶ in 2020 with a major in Psychology. With the skills developed at Ƶ, he is now finishing his PhD with a focus on tumor immunology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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