Alumni Tales
We know our alums are doing great things in the world — want to share what you’ve been up to since graduation? Read about fellow alumni’s professional achievements and life-lessons learned below, then tell us about your own experiences and memories through UNH Alumni Tales. Fill out a few simple questions to tell alums, current students and future Wildcats your story!
Jenn Barrett ’13
University of New Hampshire Alumni Tales: Jenn Barrett '13
Mikaela DiGesu ’15
UNH has innovative and unique programs that allow students to explore their passions and make real-world connections. EcoGastronomy led me into an int...
Matt Patterson ’03
As shown by his trip to Madagascar, there's almost no distance Matt Patterson '03 won't go, almost nothing he won't do, to learn all he can about his ...
Nandakumar Pandy Pandalai ’77G
UNH gave Nandakumar Pandy Pandalai '77G a depth and breadth of vision which had a deep impact on his career and who he is today.
Elizabeth Siddon ’00
Elizabeth Siddon '00 attended UNH largely because of course offerings at the Shoals Marine Lab, a place she is still very much connected to today.
Sarah Sceery ’11
My time at UNH helped to provide me the foundational tools to build my career and allow me to see the world. It gave me the opportunities for social, ...
Olivia Rood ’19
I wouldn’t be at Concord Wealth Management if it weren’t for all the career connections that I made during my time at UNH
Denise Brown ’76
Denise Brown '76's advisor and favorite professor was John Hatch. He was always very helpful and supportive of her self-designed art and business majo...
Rachel Lucier ’14
UNH provided me with the education, skills, and confidence for me to be successful in my career. Much of my professional network, career opportunities...
Richard Roy ’16
I have always believed that College was not about retaining for the next 30 years every formula or equation that would be on a test but rather an atte...
Dan Pelletier ’13
"UNH took me from a lost young adult, into a determined professional who will stop at nothing to share his love of theatre and the arts to the world."...
Piper Bartlett Browne ’09
"The instruction of my professors encouraged me to become a teacher and the hands-on classes have continued to drive what I do in my classroom today."...
Mike Proulx ’95
"It became clear after I graduated that my experiences in Student Senate gave me a leg up to others." Mike Proulx '95
Sam Mahra ’01
What did you study at UNH? Communication and Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts What are some of your strongest memories of UNH? I was relativel...
Emily Tucker ’17
What did you study at UNH? Social Work in the College of Health and Human Services What are some of your strongest memories from UNH? Joining Greek Li...
Kathy DesRoches ’88, ’92, ’03G
If I had to choose a memory of UNH it would have to be my undergraduate graduation...I remember when I crossed the stage the president gave me a big h...
Jeremy Kassel ’18
What did you study at UNH? History and Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts What were you doing 1 year out of college? A year out of college is...
Tina (Godfrey) Hurley ’07
Tina (Godfrey) Hurley '07 is the founder and executive director of a non-profit aiding people with disabilities called Less Leg More Heart.
Chad Graff ’13
My time at UNH -- and perhaps most notably at The New Hampshire -- prepped me for a career in journalism, and set me up for success in the field I kne...
Lauren Mohr ’11
What did you study at UNH? Health Management and Policy What were you doing 1 year out of college? One year out of college I was working as a Financia...
Caitlin Truesdale ’17
What did you study at UNH? Art History and Italian Studies What were you doing 1 year out of college? I was lucky enough to intern at the Peggy Guggen...
Neil O’Rourke ’14
I had a lot of great memories at UNH. My favorite professor was Mr. Lewis. Although his classes were hard he was always willing to help me outside of ...
Jonathan Harrison ’17
What did you study at UNH? Accounting and Finance What were you doing 1 year out of college? Advisory at Ernst & Young What are you doing now? Com...
Drew Athans ’07
When people ask me where I went to school, I always make sure to let them know that I received a great education at UNH and that I really enjoyed my t...
Jeremy Mayhew ’00
UNH allowed me the freedom to find myself through incredible and challenging academic and social opportunities, and I am the person I am today because...
Margaret O’Donnell ’15
What did you study at UNH? Communication and English Writing in the College of Liberal Arts Are you a member of a UNH Alumni Network? If so, which one...
Kara Harkins ’90
What did you study at UNH? Physics in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Are you a member of a UNH Alumni Network? If so, which one? Was...
Sara Santos ’14
During her study abroad, Sara Santos '14 learned about the animal agriculture industry. Now she works as a Marketing and Communications Analyst for th...
Kevin Kurland ’96
UNH gave me the engineering and business foundation I needed to be able to be successful in all three of my careers. I specifically remember a class I...
Katie DeAngelis ’11
UNH helped to cultivate many of the skills that I use today, such as multi-tasking, prioritizing, working with others, and resourcefulness.
Sue Robinson ’68
Sue Robinson '68 believes in UNH because it provided her with space and time to discover her passion.
Ethan Gauvin ’14
UNH taught Ethan Gauvin '14 how to thrive in diverse work and social environments, make friends in new places and be comfortable with uncertainty—all ...
Galina Pate ’15
One year out of college, Galina Pate '15 was a recipient of the Health Professions Scholarship Program through the U.S. Army and was commissioned as a...
Heidi Crumrine ’01
I am proud to both be a product of and a champion for our public schools—and that includes higher education, as well. Heidi Crumrine '01, New Hampshir...
Raya Al Hashmi ’13
Sometimes we need people, places, experiences, opportunities, and a community that believes in us before we can see the brilliance that we all have an...
Brett Carneiro ’17G
Faculty went out of their way to support and help me, and that made a huge difference to me, as someone who had already been working for ten years or ...
Monica White ’92
Monica White '92 is a resilient wildcat who never let anything get in the way of her success in Colorado.
Ling Li ’12
Ling Li '12 pursued a degree in Business Administration, focusing in Finance and Management. She now lives in the UK and is starting a new job in Lond...
Meghan Harrington ’08
I worked at the Phonathon for all four years, and talked to numerous Alumni. I gained so much wisdom from the advice I was given during those phone ca...
Lauren Banker ’13
Lauren Banker '13 has always felt supported by her mentors and fellow students during her time at UNH. She is now the Assistant Director for Voluntee...
John Webb ’91, ’98G
John Webb '91, '98G was recently named New Hampshire School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year.
Laurin Mills (Dinnigan) ’88
UNH helped Laurin Mills (Dinnigan) '88 become confident in her abilities to chart her own course. She is Founder and CEO of The Dinner Daily, Inc.
Kate Putnam ’02
While at UNH I was exposed to many different lifestyles, how to be independent, a plethora of cultures, and made many friends.
Dahlia Dill ’13
Dahlia Dill '13 came to UNH as a sophomore, and couldn't have been happier with the hands-on approach they offered, immersion in the industry, & life-...
Jenn Moore ’92
Jenn Moore '92 is the brainchild and co-founder of the Project Upcycle Runway Event and blogs about sustainable style at RecoverGirl.
Erin Tooch ’12
"UNH gave me the opportunity to discover and develop my passion for sustainable food systems. The faculty, staff, and students all encouraged me to ma...
Annie Parks ’04
"I still miss and talk so highly of UNH. If you know me today, you know about UNH. BLEED BLUE!" Annie Parks '04
Zach Silk ’16
"[UNH faculty] Dave Newsam and Michael Annicchiarico, helped me see that the attitude of a studying musician permeates all aspects of life." UNH Colle...
Ashlei Laing ’07
"(UNH) offers a variety of educational opportunities to help broaden young minds, hopefully inspiring them to go out into the world." - Ashlei Laing '...
Parker Tewksbury ’15
UNH helped Parker Tewksbury '15 shape his personality both personally and professionally for success at his career in Boston.
Lindsay Gilbert ’08
UNH allowed Lindsay Gilbert '08 to explore philanthropic opportunities that led to her career working in non-profits.
Ariella Coombs ’12
I am so proud to be a Wildcat. I believe in UNH because it helped me get where I am today. I would do it all over again!
Amanda Tombarelli ’97
Amanda Tombarelli '97 is a school counselor for the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. She studied Art History at UNH and went to graduate schoo...
Mondi Lam ’15
Mondi Lam '15 is a Digital Performance Specialist for the iProspect Hong Kong office. Born in the US and raised in Hong Kong, Mondi came back to the S...
Bert Freedman ’83
Bert Freedman '83 now owns his family Sporting Goods business, George & Phillips Inc. in Exeter, NH and is working with the Alumni Association plannin...
Andrew Corrow ’92, ’03G
As one of the premier state institutions in the country, graduates leave UNH with the requisite skills to be successful in any endeavor or career they...
Catie Armstrong ’12
Catie Armstrong '12 is a Textile and CAD Designer for Town & Country Living. From South Korea to Nicaragua, Catie has traveled all around with a passi...
Sarah Abkowitz ’11 | Co-President
Sarah Abkowitz '11 found success in her major working at Boston Children's Hospital as the Patient Services Administrator in the emergency department....
Vanessa (Williams) Bush ’08
"The friends I made at UNH turned into family and we always find time to see each other and reconnect, no matter where in the world we are."
Michael Lavers ’04
Michael Lavers '04 is the Blade’s International News Editor. He is a sought-after expert on LGBT rights in Latin America and appears on radio and tele...
Brett Desmarais ’03
Brett Desmarais '03 believes there is tremendous opportunity in the variety of academic and scholarship programs at the University of New Hampshire
Kelly Sareault ’15
I believe in UNH because it has allowed so many students to reach both their academic and personal goals while learning about themselves and their tru...
Linda Hoang ’14
Thanks to a UNH networking experience, I was happily employed at a full-time job before even graduating!
Lacey Ryder ’17
Lacey Ryder '17 moved abroad after graduating from UNH to teach 3-16-year-olds in Madrid, Spain. She assists primary classroom teachers in leading act...
Cory Montreuil ’10
"For better or worse, I can honestly say that I would not be who or where I am, if I didn't learn to bleed blue and white."
Emily Sievert ’11
UNH was a comfortable, safe and amazingly fun environment that also provided me with a well respected degree. I wouldn't change my experience for the ...
Kelsey Hamel ’15
I believe in UNH because what you learn while at school, and who you meet while you are there, open so many doors for your future. The least I can do ...
Kate Henneberry ’04
What did you study at UNH? Psychology, College of Liberal Arts What were you doing 1 year out of college? After graduating from UNH, I worked at a few...
Emily Louick ’09
I have taken my media skills to a position as a project manager at a social media advertising agency in New York City.
Rose Phipps ’14
Rose Phipps '14 believes in UNH because she had an especially extraordinary experience with the faculty, who were always available when needed and ext...
Sarah Zankowski ’12
The experience Sarah Zankowski '12 had in the UNH Art History department, and the support of the faculty, namely her academic advisor Patricia Emison,...
Linda Spring-Andrews ’02
I believe in UNH because endless opportunities are presented to all to achieve a multitude of successes in life.
Elizabeth Lapan ’09
Elizabeth Lapan '09 is a Project Manager for an interior design firm in Florida. She majored in art history and studied abroad in London and Ascoli du...
Bridget Shanks ’15
Without the opportunities Bridget Shanks '15 had to work in the Athletic Department as an undergrad, she would have never been able to find her passio...
Kathi Smith ’08
The University of New Hampshire prepared Kathi Smith '08 to work hard and to go after her goals.
Shane Chick ’06
UNH helped Shane Chick '06 find a path in life that he had not even considered. Art has been the gateway to some really great things in his life.
Taylor Sievers ’15
All of my opportunities became available because I went to the University of New Hampshire.
Greg Tassinari ’11
Greg Tassinari '11 is in the UNH NYC almuni network. He graduated from with a business degree and has worked with Marriott International since graduat...
Richard Ross ’66
Richard Ross '66 commissioned through UNH Army ROTC at graduation in 1966, and left active duty as a Captain in the Ordnance Corps. After the Army, he...
Kelly Moynihan ’14
Kelly Moynihan '14 is a UNH Alumna living in Chicago, IL, working for National Dairy Council's Sustainability Department
Charlie Smith ’10
Charlie Smith '10 works for a small engineering firm in Bozeman, MT while living in his tiny house.
Kimberly Bird ’02
The history department pushed me to become an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing. It also fostered a curiosity and resourcefulness t...
Greg Whalen ’08
Greg Whalen '08 was a UNH Business major and an Apple Campus Rep whose experience got him hired by Apple where he meet his idol Steve Jobs.
Jon Giegengack ’93
Jon Giegengack '93 started Hub Entertainment Research whose clients include Netflix, Comcast, Disney, HBO, Hulu, Sony Pictures, AMC, & Warner Brothers...
Michael Venn ’95, ’96
Michael Venn has been a filmmaker for the past few years directing, writing and producing short films, music videos, PSA's & feature documentaries. In...
Amanda Adams ’11
I had wonderful experiences with my Academic Advisor during my first year at UNH. While working with her, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for my ca...
Nancy Mason ’93G
UNH provided me an opportunity to expand my knowledge, acquire additional degrees and work within the field of education which I have loved.
Jameson Slattery ’01
UNH was my first significant career step, and provided the skills necessary to excel as a professional.
Dylan Tooch ’08
Dylan Tooch loves living in the N.H. Seacoast, his job at Red Post Realty in Portsmouth, and helping others.
Jessica Arber ’06
Jessica believes that the sociology & psychology courses she took at UNH helped her understand & connect with her clients in a deeper way.
Rosa Mejuto ’97G (Law)
What did you study at UNH? Master Of Intellectual Property at the UNH School of Law What were you doing 1 year out of college? I was working at a law ...
Aaron Dover ’00
Outside of work, I volunteer as a mountain rescue professional on one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in the country.
Nancy Delain ’03G (Law)
I was admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court on 6/20/2016.
Austin Sorette ’14
UNH was a great place to meet people of all interests and all walks of life and develop a better understanding of the world.
Lisa English ’88
My incredible college experience helps me succeed in my job at Rutgers every day because I believe in state education's impact on each individual.
Tony Baum ’10
UNH was my home for four years and I still visit every year. I love UNH, Durham, and the Wildcat community.
Guillaume Delloue ’08
I now work at HubSpot in Cambridge, MA, and help my wife's Etsy business, Petal and Branch, with digital marketing.
Ethan Paterno ’03
UNH taught me how to get along with people. In my business, how you interact and get along with your colleagues and clients is a big determinant of yo...
Arielle Marquis ’14
No matter where life takes me, UNH will always be my home and I will forever be a Wildcat!
Geoff Grant ’97 ’03G
"While my undergraduate days are nearly 20 years behind me, my UNH friends and acquaintances are still some of the strongest relationships I have outs...
Hillary Flanagan ’14
"I believe in UNH because they believed in me. I will forever love UNH and I will forever #BleedBlue."
Ed Sharron ’96
"UNH offers a great diversity of education, cultures, and exploration opportunities."
Elizabeth Harrison ’13
"UNH Manchester afforded me many opportunities, from working with the "Warmth from the Millyard" project and becoming a VISTA at UNH."
Bonnie Howard Sisak ’02 ’06G (Law)
My studies at UNH Included pre- law classes taught by former prosecutors and defense attorneys, which led me to further legal education.
Andrew Scalingi ’15G (Law)
"My company -- Granite Sports -- has successfully negotiated contracts with multiple NFL franchises on behalf of clients."
Kim Wall ’01
"I believe in UNH because it provides options and flexibility for people at all stages of their lives to pursue an education."
Michael Hunter ’83
"I own H6 Systems Inc. and design high power transmitters for the Army and Navy."
Lindsay Whitelaw ’08 ’15
"UNH strengthened my academic skills and broadened my horizons through the study abroad program in London."
Jillian Schneider ’08 ’09G
"My time at UNH has lead me to be a hard worker, an independent thinker, and a leader."
Amy Criswell ’92 ’96G
"I use my Theatre degree every day! Being a teacher, especially of elementary students, is rather like a performance day in and day out!"
Brittany Jacobs ’09
"UNH is never afraid to break the mold."
Gordon Smith ’08
"I thought I would be in Denver for a year or two, but am pushing 7 years here now."
Nick French ’12
"I attribute a lot from my experience at UNH and more importantly my time as a Greek Life member to where I am today."
Tobias Ripsom ’01
"There are very few things that I would attribute to what formed me as this person. UNH will always be on that list."
Matt Kobzik ’12
The UNH Denver Alumni group is full of passionate, inspired, and vivacious citizens, ready to change their community and their world.
Shana Chartier ’08
"I believe in UNH because I am a better person for being a part of it. I am adventurous. I am curious. I am investigative. I am changed."
Matthew Leonard ’97 ’03G
"My first job in Morse Hall helped foster my curiosity how software managed and visualized data, something I am still working on today at Facebook."
Samuel McGowen ’08
"The network from UNH got me to the career field I am in today. This has always been my dream and UNH helped me achieve it."
Dan Bourque ’14
"UNH alumni are everywhere and Wildcats are always looking out for one another. I am proud to be from such a great university!"
Kirsten Fournier ’10
"My hope for fellow Wildcats: Exude pride and remember where you came from."
Matthew Barry ’05
"If not for my coaches, advisors, and professors, I would not have been able to achieve my goal of becoming an educator and coach."
Phebe Moore ’13
With the help of the UNH Career Center, I landed an incredible opportunity as an Account Coordinator for a small boutique creative agency.
Jessica DeCristofaro ’09
"It is safe to say that I have landed my dream job and could not be happier with where I am in my career."
Katie McCarter ’10
"I look forward to traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 2016 Summer Games and PyeongChang, South Korea for the 2018 Winter Games."
Crystal Tully ’05
"UNH set the career I enjoy today in motion. My professors encouraged debate in class, which helped me uncover a passion I never knew I had."
Kyle Welenc ’15
"I believe in UNH because I am Wildcat. I bleed that blue and white, and I will be attending UNH events until I am covered in wrinkles."
Amber Chandler ’99G
"I loved studying literature, and I was first seriously encouraged to write at UNH."
Allie Lochiatto ’09
"I never thought that a Mathematics degree would lead me to a career in consulting or running one of Boston's best fashion blogs."
Megan Reilly ’00
"UNH taught me that I could do anything as long as I was willing to put in the hours."
Tahlor Marchi ’11
"Always be learning; Be open to dynamic changes within an organization; Get out and explore!"
Sally Powell ’09
Psychiatric nurses are always needed so I followed up and wrote emails or made calls to hiring directors or nurse managers to try to get a foot in the...
Pamela Blaisdell ’77
"My years at UNH were years of growth and wise choices (mostly), which have impacted the rest of my life."
Gerard Lessard ’77
"I am a parochial vicar at Saint Dominic Church in Washington, DC. I have also had the opportunity to celebrate Mass at the Pentagon."
Stephanie Clarke ‘07
I couldn't have gotten back here without first starting here.
Meredith Miller ‘05
UNH provided the building blocks I needed to pursue my masters degree, and ultimately my career.
Calee Spinney ‘03
I'm working as a residential director in a building that houses 250 first year students, supervising a staff of 11, running most mornings, and loving ...
Casey (Speed) Goodwin ’01
I get to spend time with some of the hardest working, most dedicated, and spirited students you'll find anywhere.
Andrew Wheeler ’02
I believe in UNH because it led me to where I am today. I'm a 35-year-old that got a good education and has had an incredibly successful career.
Clayton Groves ’06
I'm the cohost of one of the most popular outdoor shows in N.H., the Fish Nerds podcast.
Charles Knuth ’05
What did you study at UNH? Business Administration What were you doing 1 year out of college? I was working at Colby-Sawyer College in the Campus Acti...
Matt Reno ’06
What did you study at UNH? Business Administration and International Affairs What were you doing one year out of college? Anti-counterfeiting and inte...
John Marshall ‘87
I was the creative services director at several Maine TV stations for years before I sold my first book. It's about the world trip I took with my wife...
Emily Day ‘97
I make decisions based on gut, with a heavy emphasis on energy that someone or something projects. I was sold the moment I saw the campus.
Mikki Ekfelt ’10
UNH made me a more confident person and prepared me to take on the world.
Shae Callahan ’11 | Co-President
Being so involved in the UNH community helped me realize how much I enjoyed my experience and eventually led me to a career in higher education.
Melissa Cardin ‘05
With the education, training and support I received from UNH, I felt I could take on the world and make it a better place, both for myself and for the...
Erik Evensen ’01
I changed my college plans from Syracuse to UNH at the last minute because I really felt at home here.
Kristin Jones ‘10
I am the co-chair of the board of UNH Young Hospitality Professionals, which fellow alum Emily Spencer ('10) and I formed two years ago.
Marc Fortier ’95
I'm the digital director at NECN in Newton, Mass., overseeing the website, mobile apps and social media accounts. I still get to write a fair amount, ...
Katharine Berlin ’06
UNH inspired my love for learning and played a huge role in the leader I've become today.
Jay Smith ’82
I live in southern China and oversee a staff of 38 Chinese managers. I've lived in Asia for 21 of the last 25 years.
Caleigh MacPherson ’12
I was recently named as a NASA Solar Systems Ambassador, so I will be putting on local STEM events that are endorsed by NASA.
Katherine Gibson (Steere) ’08
After attending my first alumni event in NYC in 2013 …I have become actively involved in the network and recently started in my role as president.
Anne Detlefsen ’06
I moved my life down to Florida four years ago to work for the PGA TOUR … I get to watch golf for a living. I can't complain.
Barret Guild ’14
As a transfer student I wasn't sure what to expect from UNH. I can safely say that transferring to UNH was the best life decision I have made to date....
Kenneth Kincaid ’78
My time at UNH showed me how to organize my time; they call it multi-tasking now, we just called it doing all your work.
Nate Hastings ’03 ’05G
I believe in UNH because I am fortunate enough to work with student leaders every day and witness the difference they are making on campus and beyond.
Graham Hamblett ’98
As a sort of lost soul coming out of high school, my time at UNH opened doors for me to find a passion that I otherwise would have never found.
Jonathan Raymond ’05
Inventors appreciate talking with a patent attorney who shares their passion for technology, and my time as a UNH physics major helps me to that end.
Rebecca (Burke) Joyner ’96
I wrote a first-person account about judging the casserole contest at the South Alabama State Fair. Hard-hitting journalism? No, but it was fun.
Kevin Cormier ’96
The environment that nurtured independent thought and opened my mind to new perspectives was the real benefit of my time at UNH.
Andrew Tralka ’04
We were determined to cultivate the craft beer movement from the ground up so we planted an acre of hops on our family farm.
Lara Woolfson ’05
My degree prepared me to be a thinker and a doer, to find answers to my questions and instilled confidence in my abilities to think for myself.
Christine Curry ’00
I am grateful for all of the professors, who gave of their time to help me to grow and learn.
Keryn Bernard-Kriegl ’89
I became executive director at New Hampshire Children's Trust, Inc., and serve on the Prevent Child Abuse America Chapter Network Executive Council.
Dave Austin ’74
I'm a business consultant, golf teacher, life skills coach, cancer survivor and Renaissance man of the polymath variety.
Rachel Flanagan ’96
I loved my time at UNH; it's where I was also introduced to rugby, which became a huge part of my life.
Pamela Williams ’00
At UNH, I received the great gift of enduring relationships that were, and still are, an important part of my personal and academic growth.
David Boynton ’03
I'm a brewery managing co-owner, involved in a local economy non-profit, learning to fly and keeping up with outdoor adventures with my wife and dog.
Tony Berry ’01
From Day One, I learned to be an active participant in my educational journey. I wanted to study things I was interested in and passionate about.
Desiree Crossley ’03
Project- and industry-based learning is the way to go, and the UNH journalism degree gets that right.
Jeff Valliere ’97
I am working with mission-oriented non-profits and other organizations, helping them harness the power of digital strategy to do good in the world.
Joe Pace ’97
UNH bred a unique generation of curious, collaborative, thoughtful Wildcats whose talents and service enrich New Hampshire and the world.
Marie Boggis ’09
Work as a peer adviser as an undergrad led me to an advising career with first- and second-year liberal arts students.
Jason Boucher ’97
The networking and promotional work I did with WUNH and MUSO gave me valuable experience in social media before the term was even coined!
Justin Herman ’03
It’s a small world out there — made better by our shared experiences and unique perspectives.
Adam W. Barrett ’89
An excellent liberal arts education ultimately launched my career in legal education.
Helen Hocknell ’08
My major was English/Journalism, but really I majored in the student newspaper, TNH — I was editor my senior year.