From classroom to career: Alumni return to share their success

Alumni Takeover Week Sara Carter

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University alumni are eager to return to the classroom and show current students how their ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ experience has translated into real-world success.

During the week of Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17, alumni representing a variety of fields will return to their former classrooms to share their experiences, industry expertise, and career insights—helping students connect their academic experience to future career paths.

Alumni Classroom Takeover Week was originally conceived by the late Pat Leibel ’53, who served as director of alumni relations at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ for 20 years following her career in public service. The event has since experienced a successful resurgence, growing significantly in participation and impact.

Students benefit from hearing firsthand how ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ alumni have navigated their professional journeys, offering valuable perspective and inspiration as they prepare for their own careers.

Following are the alumni expected to visit ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ classrooms this week:

  • Lindsay Binette ’03, B.S. Fashion Merchandising; founder, The Wavy Brain, a neuro-inclusion consultancy and coaching practice (former brand leader with Nike, Levi’s, Google, and Keds)
  • Sara Carracher ’02, B.S. Biochemistry; director, content marketing, infectious diseases, QIAGEN (Ph.D. molecular biologist turned marketing leader)
  • Patrick Ebner ’05; attorney, self-employed, predominantly practicing family law, estate planning, and probate
  • Thomas Frank ’13, B.A. Intelligence Studies, M.S. Organizational Leadership; market intelligence consultant, Erie Insurance (provides strategic intelligence to executive leadership)
  • Allessandra Gaiotti ’18, B.A. Criminal Justice and Corrections; victim advocate, Rutland County State’s Attorney Office
  • Barbie Harkins ’22, B.S. Fashion Merchandising; business owner/tailor, Bespoke Tailoring (Erie-based business owner who launched her own tailoring studio)
  • Kristen Hudak ’05; senior vice president, consumer & brand, Burson
  • Kelsey Kleiner ’17, B.A. Graphic Design; graphic & type designer, self-employed
  • Sydney Knapp ’23; law student, law clerk, Chicago-Kent College of Law, American Osteopathic Association
  • Scott Koskoski ’00; senior director of investments, Come Near
  • Michael Lyden ’07, M.S. Applied Intelligence; senior intelligence officer, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (specializes in counterintelligence, supply chain threats, and technology protection)
  • Erin Marrazzo ’19; mental health therapist, LGPC, Thrive Therapy Maryland
  • Noelle McClellan ’08 ’12 ’14; performance measure coordinator, AdventHealth Carrollwood
  • Kailey Pisani ’23, B.A. Hospitality Management; director of marketing & membership, Erie Club
  • Renee Shimko-Daye ’96 ’97, B.A. Early Childhood Education, M.S. Special Education; assistant principal, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA  
  • Dan Spizarny ’87; captain police & security, UPMC HAMOT
  • Joe Spusta ’13, M.S. Administration of Justice; detective sergeant, Erie County District Attorney
  • Jeff Thiede ’13, B.A. Graphic Design, B.A. Photography; brand designer, Loeb & Loeb LLP
  • Mary Kay Vona ’83; practice leader & partner (retired) and active adjunct professor, Ernst & Young, University of California-Davis, Vanderbilt University, George Washington University
  • Melissa Whipple ’10, B.S. Nursing; nursing professional development specialist, AHN

These alumni bring an expansive range of experiences and perspectives back to the classroom, providing students with a clearer view of the meaningful opportunities ahead.  

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