Alumni Spotlight

We Want to Spotlight You

We want to spotlight the success of our graduates. Would you like to be a part of our Spotlight Series? If so, send us an e-mail at alumni@clarion.edu.

"I love telling people about my Clarion experience. I made great friends, got a solid education, and am working in a field I love. It doesn't get much better than that."

-- Karen Halesky ('07)
Clarion Degree: BS, Mass Media Arts, Journalism and Communication Studies (now Communication)
Current Occupation: Public Relations Associate, ING DIRECT Bank,
Wilmington, DE

Q & A with Karen

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

I love public relations. It is my passion and I have always had an interest in it. The strong Mass Media Arts and Journalism curriculum at Clarion, along with all of the great professors, gave me the knowledge that I use on a daily basis. In particular, Dr. Andy Lingwall's public relations courses gave me the tools I needed to succeed in my first job.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I heard the Mass Media Arts and Journalism program was great, and the size of Clarion was just what I was looking for. I wanted a place where I could get a great education and be able to interact with my professors on a one-to-one basis. I like the fact that the staff takes the time to get to know you and help you as much as possible.

What is your favorite campus memory?

I have very fond memories of the social life. I made so many friends while living in Ralston Hall with its close-knit environment. My friends and I became very close. We still keep in touch.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I'm proud to have secured a great public relations position right out of school. I interned at ING DIRECT and received a job offer after graduation. The information and skills I learned from my communication classes -- from press release to promotional writing -- made it possible for me to get this job. I constantly find myself referring back to the information I learned in class. I have had the opportunity to work with many national publications to promote my company, using the skills I learned at Clarion.

What is something people don't know about you?

I love animals and wanted to be a veterinarian when I was younger. In my spare time I visit the cats and dogs at the local animal shelter and take them for walks.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

I'm very proud to be a Clarion alumna and am always excited to tell others about my great experiences. I made great friends, got a great education, and am working in a field I love. My experiences at Clarion helped to shape me as a person and helped me become successful in my field.

Congratulations Karen. Everyone at Clarion wishes you continued happiness and success.

Chris-Parks

"I've wanted to be a sports reporter since I was little. I felt Clarion's strong communication program would help me realize my dream. And it did. Achieving this goal so soon after graduation is a great feeling."

-- Chris Parks ('07)
Clarion Degree: BS, Mass Media Arts, Journalism and Communication Studies (now Communication)
Current Occupation: Sports Anchor/Reporter, WTLW-TV, Lima, OH

Q & A with Chris

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

It's exactly what I wanted to do after graduation. I've been a huge sports fan all my life and I wanted to be around sports as part of my job. I get to cover, watch, and interview athletes all the time, and it never gets old. I'm truly happy and thankful to be in this position.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I knew Clarion had a strong communication program and continues to get better year after year. So much has been added to the program during my four years at Clarion and since I graduated. Also, the location was great -- only 90 minutes from my hometown. And, I knew high school friends who were planning to attend Clarion.

What is your favorite campus memory?

When I look back on my years at Clarion, the time spent in Becker Hall is most memorable. I worked at WCUB-TV and met a wide range of people. And, of course, my work in Becker and at WCUB resulted in me getting my current job. Other memories include ALF and living at the "plex" on Grand Ave. Our apartment complex was full of great people.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Besides landing my dream job, I went skydiving over the summer. I jumped out of a plane at 12,500 feet. That was a thrill. I'm also proud of making a successful transition from college student to working professional. A lot of people have a tough time moving away, but I moved four hours west not knowing a single person.

What is something people don't know about you?

A lot of people don't know I love to cook. I normally don't work Sundays and Mondays, so I take the afternoons to make all kinds of dishes -- chicken, pastas, steaks. I can make a pretty good three-course meal.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

It makes me very proud. When I tell people everything I did at Clarion they say, "All that at a small school?" It's great to get the word out about being a Golden Eagle.

More Alumni Stories:

Eric Vollmer 98

"My experiences at Clarion helped to shape who I am today. I am extremely grateful for the outstanding education, significant leadership opportunities, and lasting friendships I gained during my years at Clarion."

--Eric J. Vollmer ('98)
Clarion Degree: BS, Information Systems
Current Occupation: Lead IT Audit Consultant, Duke Energy Corporation, Charlotte, NC

Q & A with Eric

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

My career in IT audit allows me to participate in a complex process of assessing business and technology risk with the ultimate goal of helping to evaluate the threat level and mitigate that risk for my company. The mix of business and IT courses and experiences that I gained through my Information Systems degree at Clarion provided me with an excellent foundation and frame of reference for my work.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I applied to a number of schools, both large and small. After visiting the Clarion campus, it immediately felt like "home" for me, and it made my decision to select Clarion that much easier.

What is your favorite campus memory?

It's hard to pinpoint one particular memory that stands out because I truly have so many great memories. However, I would highlight my time spent in the Music Department. Although I wasn't a music major, it seemed like I spent just as much time around the department as most music majors. While in the vocal performing groups at Clarion, I met my wife, Rachael, and forged some of the best friendships I can possibly imagine.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I am proudest of my marriage, my career, and my continued education and certifications.

What is something people don't know about you?

I would love to do voice-over acting for television and radio commercials, and I am working toward accomplishing that goal.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

I am extremely grateful for the outstanding education, significant leadership opportunities and lasting friendships I gained during my years at Clarion. My experiences at Clarion helped to positively shape the person I have become.

“Working in sponsorship, I get to see the world, meet interesting people, and attend some very cool events, including the Olympics, American Idol, the NCAA Final Four, and Dancing with the Stars.”

-- Jennifer Pomaybo Erdman ('93)
Clarion Degree: BS, Communication
Current Occupation: Senior Sponsorship Marketing Manager, AT&T, Atlanta, GA

Q&A with Jennifer

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

I feel that I use my education in my field on a regular basis. In the telecommunications industry, it is fast-paced and is all about emerging technology. Working in sponsorship I get to see the world, meet interesting people and attend some very cool events. I work on shows including American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent and some amazing sporting events like NCAA Final Four and the Olympics.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I visited Clarion University when I was younger for swim camp and thought it was a really pretty area. It was close enough to home in case I needed something, but far enough away where I could really gain some independence.

What is your favorite campus memory?

There are too many to pick just one, but I really enjoyed my days with my sorority. I am a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and I have some fantastic memories. I also met my husband there, as he too is a proud CU grad.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

My marriage and my career are what I am most proud of. My work has been recognized in many industry publications and I have been asked to serve on various panels and events, such as the CTIA panel for my wireless knowledge.

What is something people don't know about you?

I teach swimming to special needs kids for the YMCA in the Atlanta area.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

It makes me proud! I met some amazing people, made lifelong friends and I got a great education.

"Teaching music provides a constant variety of challenges that stimulates the creativity in young people," said Malthaner, who recently found out he is a finalist for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

--Michael Malthaner ('79)
Clarion Degree: BS, Music Education
Current Occupation: Teacher, Millcreek Township School District, Millcreek, PA

Q&A with Michael:

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

Teaching music provides a constant variety of challenges, which stimulates the creativity in young people.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I chose Clarion because I loved the campus setting and the fact that the college offered everything I felt was necessary to prepare me for a career in teaching.

What is your favorite campus memory?

There are so many wonderful memories of my four years at Clarion, but the lasting friendships are truly special. My sister and brother were also attending Clarion at the same time, which made it even more special as well as quite unique.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I have been selected this year as one of twelve finalists for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year and I am extremely flattered and deeply honored. I hope that my career can influence young people to consider teaching as their career, and I look forward to meeting and working with the other finalists in October as each of us represents the positive work of educators throughout the Commonwealth.

What is something people don't know about you?

I am co-owner, along with Erie Playhouse's Charles Corritore, of MC2Entertainment, which produces our original musical theatre works. This can be seen at http://www.mc2entertainment.com.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

I am proud to know that I received a tremendous education at Clarion, which started me off on the path to a teaching career. I am also happy to know that many of my students have chosen Clarion as their place of higher education.

“Clarion gave me the foundation to pursue a career where no two days are alike. I conduct counseling sessions, complete neuropsychological evaluations, consult at an acute care hospital, and meet with individuals in an assisted care facility.”

--Lisa (Eakin) May ('88)
Clarion Degree: BS, Psychology (also an MA in Counseling Psychology from Slippery Rock University and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Gannon University)
Current Occupation: Clinical Psychologist, Northshore Psychological (a division of Northshore Neurosciences), Erie, PA

Q&A with Lisa:

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

I enjoy the variety of my career. I work for a private practice that specializes in neuropsychology. During any given day I may have a few counseling sessions, complete a neuropsychological evaluation, get called in for a consult at an acute care hospital, meet with people at an assisted care facility or a rehabilitation hospital. There are never two days alike.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I visited Clarion on a beautiful fall day, and met with Dr. Potter of the Psychology Department. I knew after that meeting that Clarion was the school for me, and that psychology was the major.

What is your favorite campus memory?

The Autumn Leaf festival and sliding down the hill by Nair Hall on garbage bags are two wonderful memories of campus and the Clarion area. However, my favorite memory is spending time in the animal lab with the white rat that loved to eat Cheerios off my shoulder. I also enjoyed sitting in between the library stacks reading. Coming from a small-town school, I had never seen so many books, and can still remember the smell of the library stacks.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

During the summer of 2006, I spent seven weeks in Fort Portal, Uganda volunteering for the Bishop Magambo Counselor Training Institute. While there I was able to teach in one of the first training institutes in the country and assist them in developing a graduate degree program that was accredited by one of the major universities in Uganda. I was also able to work in a pediatric AIDS Clinic. This experience changed the way I think about education, as well as the field of psychology.

What is something people don't know about you?

My husband and his family own a campground and my second job is helping him. On the weekends I can be found doing anything from picking up litter to organizing an activity to restocking the store shelves. While I may be Dr. May at work, at home I am the woman with rubber gloves on picking up trash.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

Being a Clarion University alumni means that I got a solid beginning to both my education and career. While I was not involved a great deal in campus life, I have very fond memories of the university and faculty.

"My post-Clarion career reinforces my belief that people from small, rural areas can have a huge impact on society, business, and the environment."

--John Bernardo ('88)
Clarion Degree: Masters of Education in Science Education
Current Occupation: Sustainability Consultant (self-employed), Boise, ID

Q&A with John:

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

I have crafted my profession so that I can provide financial benefits to businesses while reducing their negative impact on the environment and the communities they serve.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

It has an excellent reputation in science education.

What is your favorite campus memory?

Assisting with the National Science Olympiad, which was hosted by Clarion.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

So far, it would be bringing $120 million to the bottom line of a Fortune 50 company, and influencing major changes in the produce and poultry packaging industries.

What is something people don't know about you?

I worked for David R. Wright, former state representative and Clarion University professor, for four years prior to enrolling at Clarion.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

It reinforces my belief that people from small, rural areas can have a huge impact on society, business, and the environment.

"What does Clarion mean to me? The experience introduced me to the friends, books, and art that shaped much of my life. You'll have to read my new book, Hartwell Road, for the complete answer."

--Reginald Darling ('87)
Clarion Degree: BS, General Studies; he also has an MA in Studio Art from Edinboro University
Current Occupation: Writer and painter since 2004, the year he retired from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Financial Operations in Warren, PA

Q&A with Reginald:

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

In my work in state government, I was able to retire relatively young and devote my energies full-time to creative pursuits.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

My older brother was already a student there and I liked the small town environment.

What is your favorite campus memory?

There are many. The most important are the lifelong friendships that I developed there.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

My new book, Hartwell Road.

What is something people don't know about you?

I taught fencing for several years.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

I have to defer to my book for the whole answer to that, but Clarion introduced me to the friends, books, and art that shaped much of my life.

"Clarion opened many doors for me, including the one that led to my current job. I love it! It's challenging, and every day is different."

--Lauren Deep ('04)
Clarion Degree: BS, Mass Media Arts, Journalism and Communication Studies
Current Occupation: Technical Recruiter - Sapphire Technologies, A Randstad Company, Pittsburgh, PA

Q&A with Lauren:

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

I love my job! It's challenging, and everyday is different. I love being apart of others' successes.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I wanted to be a teacher or pursue public relations. Clarion was noted as one of the best state schools for both of these programs.

What is your favorite campus memory?

I was an active member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and vice president of public relations and recruitment for Pan-hellenic Council for the Greek system at Clarion.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

While interning with Ketchum Communications, I had two national placements with Newsweek and Woman's Day magazines, and with Kaplan Higher Education I was ranked the #4 admissions representative out of 120 in the nation for the 2007-2008 collegiate year.

What is something people don't know about you?

I am a member of C.O.R.E (Center for Organ Recovery Education). My father was given new life through organ donation and I pass along his story of survival to influence others to become donors.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

Clarion University opened many doors for me. It has given me the tools to continue being successful everyday. Fly Eagles Fly!

“At Clarion, I got a very good education and made some truly great friends along the way, including – most importantly – my wife”

-- John Rizzo ('91)
Clarion Degree: BS, Communication
Current Occupation:
Multimedia Design & Development, AT&T
Bedminster, NJ

John with daughter Mia

Q&A with John

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

It’s both creative and technical. On my more creative days, I can float to the design side of things, and when the other side wants to take over, I can get into the development. Getting into this role was actually a very natural thing. I never even pursued this path. I worked in IT and as needs arose, I took on the challenges. Eventually I just transitioned into this role full-time, and it’s been a very good thing.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I’d been going to a commuting college in NY, and felt it was time to move on. I made some friends at Clarion and found myself there in no time.

What is your favorite campus memory?

Wow, there are so many. Maybe playing at the Battle of the Bands, or simply hanging around in my (very) small apartment with WAAAY too many people packed in there. And hey...I met my wife there, too.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Supporting a family of five and retaining my sanity.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I had a pink Mohawk in high school.

What does being a Clarion University alumni mean to you?

It means that I got a very good education, and made some truly great friends along the way.

"What does it mean to me to be a Clarion University alumna? It means I was well-educated and well-prepared for future success. My college experience resulted in some of my best memories. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”

-- Stephanie Corso ('07),
Clarion Degree: BS, Mass Media Arts, Journalism and Communication Studies
Current Occupation: Author Relations Representative, Dorrance Publishing, Forest Hills, PA

Q&A with Steph:

What do you like most about the career path you have chosen?

I like that it is such a broad major with a variety of career choices from which to choose after graduation.

Why did you choose Clarion University?

I chose Clarion University because of the campus atmosphere. It was just the right size for me with a friendly environment.

What is your favorite Clarion memory?

All of them. But if I had to choose just a few they would be the Campus Fest Concerts, the Greek Community, and the Eagle Ambassador functions

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Right now at this point in my life it would be receiving my first job promotion.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I’ve played the violin since I was in 2^nd grade, and I’m listed in the Guinness Book of World records for participating in the Worlds Largest Orchestra.

"I went to x-ray school six years after graduating from Clarion. I studied physics at Clarion, so learning x-rays and MRI was easier with that background. I am in the Naval Reserves, working at a military hospital in Europe and am doing MRI scans on some of the troops. I really enjoy my work and the opportunity here."

-- Ludwig R. Williams ('87), Petty Officer 2nd Class
Clarion Degree: BA, Physics
Occupation: Currently a naval reservist on active duty (1-2 year); he will then return to his radiology position in the MRI department at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Las Vegas, NV

Q&A with Ludwig:

Why did you choose Clarion University?

The campus of Clarion looked very much like what I always envisioned a college should look like, and it was far enough away from home.

What is your favorite campus memory?

As I grow older all my memories of Clarion are becoming favorite memories.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Wow, now that's a good question. I have done a lot of things since graduating from Clarion, but I don't think I have done enough yet. Please stay tuned for the movie.

What is something people don't know about you?

For two years I was a flight attendant, x-ray technician, and an Army reservist -- all at the same time. I was never bored.

What does being a Clarion University alumnus mean to you?

Of course its great to be a graduate, but it was my listening skills learned on the Clarion University Debate Team that I continue to cherish and use everyday.