Cover Photo Credit: The Office of the Governor – https://www.flickr.com/photos/governortomwolf/ Excerpt taken from the Mount Aloysius College Philosophy Statement
MOUNT ALOYSIUS COLLEGE
provides a setting in which students are encouraged to synthesize FAITH with LEARNING,
to develop COMPETENCE with COMPASSION, to put TALENTS AND GIFTS at the SERVICE OF OTHERS, and to begin to assume
LEADERSHIP in the world community.
ON THE FRONT LINES
DURING THE PANDEMIC, NURSE SABRINA, ‘10, ‘20, IS A LEADER
When Sabrina Henri, ‘10, ‘20, arrives at work at the Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, she’s nervous. She’s the most seasoned and experienced RN in her unit, which means that she’s in charge of the 100-bed emergency department in her 500-bed hospital. Her emergency room is currently running at 95% capacity, and her fellow nurses and doctors are busier than they’ve ever been. The hospital is a designated coronavirus testing facility, and it is close enough to New York City to feel the effects from the city’s outbreak.
“I initially wanted to go to dental school,” Sabrina said. “However, this pandemic has made me realize that not all sectors in the health field are equal. I may take a gap year and work on an application for medical school instead and go into emergency medicine. I am optimistic about the future because, at the end of the day, I am healthy, I have a good job, and I am surrounded by family and friends.”
Shortly after arriving, Sabrina and her team
Sabrina is grateful for her time at Mount
are notified that three ambulances will be
Aloysius College for helping her become
arriving with three patients with COVID-19.
the best nurse possible. Her teachers gave
They want to help everyone, but with the
her the knowledge she needed to succeed,
nature of the virus, they know that may
but more than that, the program allowed
not be possible.
her to work while studying. And thanks
During this pandemic, Sabrina has cared for patients as young as 16, and has provided care for several patients on ventilators. Thankfully, she and her team have been able to extubate most patients on ventilators after two weeks. Despite the numerous challenges
to the Mount’s dedication to combining faith and learning, Sabrina says she was better equipped to handle the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think that the fact that Mount allowed me to stay connected to my faith helped me to be able to deal with the tragedy.”
surrounding the pandemic, she manages to stay optimistic.
BEST VALUE SCHOOL
TOMMY PISULA FOUND THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE AN INDIVIDUALIZED, GENUINE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE AT MAC BEFORE TAKING HIS STUDIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL AS HE PURSUED HIS DOCTORATE IN PHARMACY. Tommy Pisula, of Scottdale, PA, spent two years taking natural science courses at Mount Aloysius before being accepted to the Duquesne School of Pharmacy.
“Starting my education at Mount Aloysius allowed me to easily transition from high school to college, I never felt lost in the numbers here and my professors truly gave me the attention and time I needed to succeed,” Pisula said. “I also was able to save money at Mount Aloysius. I feel like I have a great foundation to build off of for pharmacy school.” Pisula, who has been a standout in the classroom and basketball court for the Mounties, will graduate with an Associate’s degree in Natural Science from Mount Aloysius College.
“This partnership gives students the best of both worlds. You get to experience two different college campus environments and these past two years gave me the opportunity to continue playing basketball at the College’s great gym facilities.”
COURSES CRAFTED FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
In her book “Keeping Harper Healthy,” Jessica McConnell, ‘05, aims to destigmatize mental health awareness and care, particularly in children and younger people. The book shows a young girl managing her health by seeing a physician, visiting the dentist, and speaking with a therapist to show that physical and mental health are equally important. Jessica has seen firsthand the concerns that families and children have with seeking mental health services.
ENDING MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA, ONE BOOK AT A TIME
“I have had students tell me they worry about being teased by peers for seeing a therapist,” said Jessica, who received her master’s degree in community counseling from Mount Aloysius. “The more we normalize mental health struggles, the more people will seek help.”
Michelle received both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from MAC, and now works as the Social Media and Special Events Coordinator at the DelGrosso Family of Companies. She manages the company’s social media accounts, performs graphic design work, coordinates activations at more than thirty annual and trade shows a year, and manages the coupon program at DelGrosso’s. During her time at MAC, Michelle learned how to be both a leader and team member through the Mercy Presidential Scholar Program, honors classes, and business courses. Working with the communications department helped her develop her photography, videography, social media marketing, and graphic design proficiency.
SOCIAL MEDIA & ROLLER COASTERS
“Every aspect of my MAC experience contributed to my professional development.”
WHEN DUTY CALLS
ASL GRADUATE ASHLEY FOUND HERSELF CENTER STAGE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS.
On March 6, 2020, Ashley Shenk’s day took an unexpected turn.
“I was headed for another job when my agency called me and said I had to head for a press conference immediately,” said Shenk. Shenk, a MAC American Sign Language/ English Interpreting graduate, ‘09, was being redirected to interpret for a live press conference in which the Pennsylvania Governor and Secretary of Health would announce the first cases of the Coronavirus in Pennsylvania.
“I was given the Governor’s talking points but received very little preparation as to what the other speakers would say,” said Shenk. “The next thing I knew the cameras were rolling for a 30 minute live press conference.”
In her senior year, Shenk used the skills she obtained at MAC to sit for the National Interpreter Certification Knowledge exam, she passed along with her whole graduating class. She went on to pass the EIPA test and the National Interpreter Performance Exam.
“After I graduated from MAC, I worked primarily in the educational setting. I am now interpreting more in the community with adults where every day is different,” Shenk said. “I love that variety, and it makes each day exciting. Mount Aloysius taught me the essential skills through coursework and an internship to get me to this point.”
Shenk met the challenge and interpreted for a number of speakers during the press conference.
“It was an honor to be able to provide my services in this way,” Shenk said. “I had interpreted for the Governor before and done other high-profile recorded jobs, but this one was really a special moment for me.”
Cover Photo Credit: The Office of the Governor https://www.flickr.com/photos/governortomwolf/
14
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
LIZ, ‘16, LANDED WHERE SHE STARTED When Elizabeth Ditty, ‘16, was in elementary school, she was determined to be a teacher at Tyrone Elementary School in Tyrone, PA. Why that particular school? It was the school she attended, and she loved it. From the moment she stepped foot into the elementary school as a child, she knew she wanted to teach there.
“When I moved to Tyrone, it was a difficult transition,” Liz said. “But my teachers always loved and believed in me! I knew I was called to work there. I just felt it in my bones.” At Mount Aloysius, Liz kept busy by focusing on assisting and teaching her fellow students. She worked as a Resident Assistant in Saint Joe’s and Saint Gertrude’s dorms, participated in the Mercy Youth Initiative, was involved in the leadership honor society, wrote for the student newspaper, and served as a work study in the Student Success Office. She says that she loved her time at the Mount because of the loving environment she experienced on campus. But she also appreciates the lessons she learned outside of the classroom.
“Dreams don’t work unless you do! Hard work will pay off if you work hard. Also, if you ask for help when you need it, you will get all the help you need!” Liz said, listing some of the most important things she took away from her time at the Mount.
“I learned how much I appreciate a small community and being part of a small town. I learned to use my resources and to always be kind and help people when they need it; and to be the person I want to be in the world! I love Mount Aloysius so much, and I miss it so much! I wouldn’t be who I am without my experiences from there!”
‘DREAMS DON’T WORK UNLESS YOU DO’
Jake, a MAC graduate and former student athlete, now holds the position of Account Executive for New Business at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in Toronto. His job responsibilities involve increasing revenue from tickets for the Toronto Raptors, Leafs, and Toronto FC by focusing on season ticket sales to both corporate and fan accounts. Jake interacts with companies who buy tickets to host clients, interact with new business prospects, network, and use as a donation or gift. During his time at MAC, Jake was involved as both a student athlete and an employee working in-game operations. These opportunities helped him develop a professional and applicable skill set that enabled him to succeed in his career.
ATHLETICS, EH? When Brady Wright,’16, was growing up, he had “a really cool dentist.” Brady followed the seed planted in him by his dentist to Mount Aloysius, and then to Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM), where he sees one or two patients a day, doing nearly all types of dentistry.
“My favorite part so far is doing extractions,” Brady said. “Doing fillings is fun, and there is tons to learn, but they just aren’t quite as fun as extractions.” After graduating from LECOM, Brady would like to get a job at an already established dental office so he can continue to learn under an experienced dentist, ideally in a mentor-like situation.
DENTAL INSPIRATION
LET’S GET DIGITAL
ALEX, ‘18, ‘20, FORMED THE BASIS FOR HIS MULTIMEDIA CAREER IN THE DIGITAL GROTTO. Like most young millennials, Alex Way ‘18, ‘20, developed an interest in video editing, recording, filming, and photography in high school. The rise of social media and prevalence of digital media-based assignments in class created a spark that would grow as Alex transitioned into life at Mount Aloysius College. Now, Alex works as the Multimedia Coordinator for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown thanks, in part, to his work at MAC’s Digital Grotto.
“The diocesan director of communications was shown a piece that I had worked on that I had set as my Facebook cover photo, and I later received a phone call from him,” said Alex. “This job has given me another chance to not only develop my skills with digital media and broaden my creative horizons, and I can do it in a sizable, local organization with tons of both financial and professional support.”
In his new position, Alex helps to maintain the diocesan website, posts to their social media accounts, and helps to film and edit interviews with prominent individuals in the diocese. Whether it’s an advertisement for the newest edition of the diocesan magazine or maintaining a database of daily Mass times throughout the diocese, almost anything that goes on the Internet for the diocese passes across Alex’s desk at least once.
“Taking part in so many different events on behalf of Mount Aloysius teaches you pretty quickly that the world is infinitely diverse in terms of opinion, preference, and attitude,” said Alex. “Being one of the central figures of communication for a diocese that spans over eight counties requires that you understand those that you collaborate with, at least on a basic level. At MAC, I learned to have patience, be accommodating, and respect others’ time and visions.”
The photo project that drew the diocesan director’s attention to Alex? A photo of a meeting with six versions of himself in attendance.
16 The photo to the left is the photo mentioned in this post featuring six versions of Alex.
NCAA DIVISION III VARSITY SPORTS
BRENNA WRIGHT, ‘17, FOUND HER PLACE AFTER AN INTERNSHIP AT THE CAMBRIA COUNTY PRISON. During her time at Mount Aloysius, Brenna Wright was a starting libero on the College’s volleyball team. Liberos are valuable members of a volleyball team’s back row defense, and among the best passers on the team. It is perhaps this instinctive defensiveness and protectiveness that helped her find a career as a probation officer. She took an internship at the Cambria County Prison, where she was able to interact with inmates and other corrections officers. After chatting with one of the institution officers, Brenna was inspired.
“It led me to being a probation officer,” she said. Brenna credits the Mount with her career success. Everything from the quality of the criminology major to the friendliness and helpfulness of the professors, her experiences helped shape her into who she is now.
DISCOVERING A FUTURE IN CRIMINOLOGY
When Bryan took his first Cybersecurity course at Mount Aloysius, he was hooked. When he landed an internship with the FBI, he quickly learned the value of a MAC education.
“When I went to Quantico (the FBI training center), I recognized the applications I will use in my career are exactly the same as those I had in my classes at Mount Aloysius.” How did he do? Well, the FBI hired him full-time before this photo of him was even taken.
STRAIGHT FROM THE CLASSROOM TO QUANTICO
For every one of these stories, there are hundreds more from our students, faculty, and alumni. At Mount Aloysius College, a personal education and a vibrant living/learning environment give you the opportunity to develop leadership skills from Day 1. EXPLORE OUR MAJORS AND READ MORE SPOTLIGHTS AT: MTALOY.EDU/MAJORS