Seton Hill University will host “This Way Up and On to Success” on Thursday, February 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Greensburg Room on the University’s Greensburg, Pa. campus. The event will provide students, especially seniors, with an opportunity to interact with over 20 alumni who hold professional positions in fields that include medicine, business, graphic design, human resources, and performing arts. The evening’s program features a panel discussion with six alumni addressing questions regarding education preparation, career challenges, personal and professional life balance. Following the panel discussion, students will participate in round table discussions with alumni “career experts.”

This event is open to current Seton Hill University students and is not open to the public.

Featured alumni participants include:

Karen Barkac, North Huntingdon, Pa.--Karen is the Manager of International Logistics at PPG Industries, Inc. She graduated from Seton Hill University in 1984 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. In 2003, Karen graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business with a Master of Business Administration degree.

Kristen Butela, Irwin, Pa. -- Kristen is a senior graduate student researcher in the lab of Dr. Jeffrey Lawrence at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is completing a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2003 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a certificate in women’s studies in 2004 from Seton Hill University.

Michelle Cunningham, Hopwood, Pa.--Michelle serves as chief executive officer for Highlands Hospital in Connellsville, Pa. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from Seton Hill in 1986, a Master of Science in clinical nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science degree in business administration from the California University of Pennsylvania.

Matthew J. Galando, Jeannette, Pa.--Matt serves as a professional development coordinator for K&L Gates in Pittsburgh, Pa. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2002 from Saint Vincent College and earned the Master of Business Administration degree from Seton Hill University in 2004.

Ron Gmys, McKeesport, Pa.--Ron and his wife Stacy started their own theater company, Grand Dream Productions. He graduated in 1992 from Seton Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre.

Stacy Bartlebaugh-Gmys, McKeesport, Pa.--In addition to serving as co-executive producer with husband Ron at Grand Dream Productions, Stacy is a radio producer for ESPN 1250 in Pittsburgh, Pa. and a house manager for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. She graduated from Seton Hill in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre performance.

David Haile, Las Vegas, Nev.--David serves as the band director in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Saint Vincent College in 1978, however through the cooperative degree arrangement between Seton Hill and Saint Vincent, David completed all of his music education course work at Seton Hill. He earned his Master of Music degree in applied music from Duquesne University. David is currently finishing his Doctorate of Education degree in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

James Hill, Pittsburgh, Pa.--James is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Pittsburgh. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998 and received his Master of Business Administration degree from Seton Hill University in 2004.

Richard Hissem, Greensburg, Pa.--Richard is a senior sales analyst with the Elliot Company. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Seton Hill University in 2006.

Janice Grottenthaler Kenneson, D.O., Clarion, Pa.-- Janice is a physician with Marianne Family Practice Associates in Shippenville, Pa. She is currently on the staff of Clarion Hospital and serves as the school physician for the Clarion Area School District. Janice actively participates in training medical students and is a clinical preceptor for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Seton Hill in 1986. Janice earned the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991.

Laurene DiGennaro Kristof, Latrobe, Pa.--Laurene is an experienced educator and mentor for student teachers. She graduated from Seton Hill in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and certification to teach history. Later Laurene added English and elementary education to her teaching certifications.

Susan Lesczynski, Pittsburgh, Pa.--Susan serves as asset manager and real estate broker of record for Walnut Capital Management—Walnut Capital Real Estate Services. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and entrepreneurship from Seton Hill in 1995.

Kathleen Madigan, Secane, Pa.--Kathleen has specialized in renal nutrition, currently holding the position of renal dietitian for Fresenius Medical Care at Fairmount Dialysis, for the past 25 years. She graduated with a self-designed major in nutrition science/nutrition education from Seton Hill in 1980. Kathleen graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1982 with a Master of Science degree in nutrition science. In 2004, Kathleen received her Master of Business Administration degree in Health Administration from Eastern University.

Brian McCollum, Pittsburgh, Pa.--Brian works as a software engineer at Concurrent Technologies Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pa. He is a 2004 Seton Hill graduate with Bachelor of Science degree in computer science.

Melissa Kowalski Newell, Greensburg, Pa.--Melissa teaches general music and serves as choir director at Linton Middle School in the Penn Hills Middles School District. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in music education in 2005 from Seton Hill University.

Nate Newell, Greensburg, Pa.--Nate is a service supervisor with Ryan Homes. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in music theatre from Seton Hill University in 2003.

Michael T. Rubino, Monaca, Pa.--Mike works as a graphic designer with BrabenderCox. He worked at the firm since graduating from Seton Hill in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and a minor in creative writing.

Jonathan P. Stewart, Los Angeles, Calif.--Jonathan works with Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles. He graduated from Seton Hill University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre performance and a minor in business.

Ruth R. Tolbert, Derry, Pa.--Ruth has served as an assistant secretary with Allegheny Energy, Inc. and its principal subsidiaries, for over 25 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in management, with an emphasis in human resources, from Seton Hill University in 1991 and is pursuing a Master of Science degree in management at the University.

Josh Whipkey, Remington, Va.--Josh is currently self-employed as a furniture maker in northern Virginia. He graduated from Seton Hill University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting. Josh received his Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing in 2004 from Pennsylvania State University.

Nicole Brugnoli-Whipkey, Remington, Va.--Nikki has been painting and drawing portraits for six years. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing at Seton Hill in 2004. In 2007, Nicole received her Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing from Ohio State University.