Spring 2026

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Class Notes for Spring 2026

UMSL class notes typically refer to the "Class Notes" section in the UMSL Magazine, where alumni share news, photos, and updates.

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1970s

Michael Bremer, BSBA 1971, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Manufacturing Excellence.

Lorie Kleiner Eckert, BSEd 1973, published her fifth book, “Chai on Life.”

Claire Schenk, BA 1977, was honored by Best Lawyers for her practice in Criminal Defense: White Collar and Health Care Law.

Gerard Mantese, BA 1979, Theresamarie Mantese, BA 1977, and their co-counsel achieved a landmark class action settlement in Michigan to improve mental health care for 90,000 children.

1980s

Keith Scharf, BSBA 1983, was invited into membership of the Road Racing Drivers Club.

Anne Ream, OD 1984, was inducted as an inaugural member of the Missouri Optometry Hall of Fame.

Bob Hubbard, BSBA 1986, is now president of his own sales consulting firm, Hubbard Sales Consulting.

Ann Marie Schwein, BSBA 1986, began a new position as medical office secretary with St. Luke’s Hospital.

Steven Louis Brawley, BA 1987, was promoted to chief operating officer with Area Resources for Community and Human Services.

Scott Ream, OD 1987, was reappointed to the Missouri State Board of Optometry.

1990s

Jim Wallis, BS 1992, was elected as alderman for the City of Troy.

Karen Johnson, BSBA 1993, began a new position as market operations manager with Edward Jones.

Mike Sanders, BSBA 1993, began a position in business development with Fultrade.

Maryalice Smarsh, MS 1993, began a new position as medical lab scientist-senior with Quest Diagnostics.

Anitra Cole, BSBA 1999, was recognized among the Delux Power 100.

2000s

John Beck, BSBA 2001, began a new position as a driver and operations manager with Schnuck Markets, Inc.

Tiffany Rhine, BSBA 2001, OD 2025, began a position as an optometrist with the Center for Vision and Learning.

Jennifer Morgan, BS 2002, began a new position as chief financial officer with Integrated Dermatology.

Lathon Ferguson, BA 2003, was recognized as a TITAN 100 for 2026.

Andrew Grow, MA 2004, began a new position as managing director with AcctoFi.

Joshua Williams, BSBA 2004, founded the independent investment firm Seeker Financial.

Laura Bailey-Gibson, BA 2005, began a position in human relations with innermark TPA.

Carla Johnson, BSBA 2007, began a new position as transportation planner with Uber Freight.

Pearlina Boyd, MPPA 2008, began a new position as a member of the board of directors with Rx Outreach.

CHARLES WELTER, BSBA 2015

Charles Frey was working at the Saint Louis Zoo when he learned that a colleague’s husband, a police officer, had been killed in the line of duty. Moved by this sacrifice, Frey began to pursue a career in Fire EMS. The path was not linear: despite hard work, he failed his first attempt at certification exams. “Though it devastated me and almost drove me to quit, it taught me that this career is about determination and heart, not just passing a test the first time,” Frey says. “One lesson from my time at UMSL that has stayed with me is that resilience is built in the quiet moments of struggle, not just the loud moments of success.” Frey worked hard and passed his retests, resulting in his nomination for “Most Improved Recruit” by his class at the St. Louis County Fire Academy and in scholarships from the St. Louis Hero Network and the Captain Jim Cova Foundation. Now an EMT for Medicine in Motion, Frey says, “I am ready to serve with the determination and heart that I developed, proving that I am dedicated to protecting this community.”

Martin Goebel, BFA 2008, had his work displayed as part of the prestigious 2026 Smithsonian Craft Show.

Yelena Vakula, BSBA 2008, began a new position as senior business system analyst with Enterprise Mobility.

Kim Walker, BA 2008, began a new position as mid-level functional analyst with Boeing.

Michael Forbis, BFA 2009, began a new position as director of product experience design with Mastercard Developers.

Justin Riddler, BLS 2009, began a new position as a project specialist with Nintendo Technology Development.

Luigi Wewege, BSBA 2009, was recognized as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers in Fintech for 2026 by Thinkers360 and was appointed to CEOWORLD Magazine’s external advisory board.

MONA SABAU, MBA 2021

Mona was promoted to director of marketing and communications with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, an institution dedicated to bringing world-class art exhibitions to the St. Louis region. This milestone is deeply meaningful to her both personally and professionally. “It’s a moment to pause and reflect on the path that brought me here – from working with artists and creatives in Kuwait to becoming a student in St. Louis, attending every art, music and theater event I could,” Sabau says. She began her career in St. Louis with an internship at the Contemporary Art Museum, then went on to work at notable cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Art Museum, 21c Museum Hotel and the Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis before joining the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. Sabau credits UMSL with teaching her the value of collaboration and community, which have served as guiding principles in her career and have helped her find her niche at the intersection of marketing and the arts. “To help shape how people experience art in this city feels incredibly special,” she says. “I’m grateful to work in a field I genuinely love and to be part of an institution that creates space for reflection, creativity and community.”

2010s

Sonia Pratt, BSBA 2010, was promoted to interim director with Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.

Brian Shull, BA 2010, began a new position as senior manager, US controller with MiTek.

Emily Geest, BLS 2011, BA 2014, was named a United Nations Association-USA Global Goal Ambassador.

Shannon Linhares, MA 2011, began a new position as organizational and talent development director with Raymond James.

Chelesa Holden, BS 2012, was honored as a 2026 UMSL Trailblazer.

Dr. Tareq Nabhan, OD 2012, was named president of the St. Louis Optometric Society.

Erica Preiss, BS 2012, MA 2015, began a position as information systems manager with the 22nd Circuit Court of Missouri.

Jacqueline Ridenhour, BSBA 2012, began a new position as senior design and execution specialist at Edward Jones.

Jennifer Amatya Boyd, MPPA 2013, began a new position as project manager of contracts and immigration with LSU Health Shreveport. She also teaches English as a Second Language at Bossier Parish Community College.

Samuel Fredeking, BA 2013, MBA 2017, founded Peak Performance HR Solutions.

Marc Rogers, BSBA 2013, was promoted to senior treasury associate with Stifel Financial Corporation.

Jonathan Plump, BSBA 2014, began a new position as senior vice president - director of audit with Midwest BankCentre.

Zach Rootz, BSAcc 2014, began a new position as a controller with AUTCO Distributing.

Heather Welborn, BS 2014, began a new position as product owner II with Bullhorn, Inc.

Joe Wieczkowski, BSBA 2014, was promoted to vice president of account management with Drive Social Media.

Joe Atkisson, BSBA 2015, began a new position as vice president and senior portfolio manager with Central Trust.

Jill Bernard Bracy, PhD 2015, was honored as a 2026 UMSL Trailblazer.

Liz Drennan, BSBA 2015, BSAcc 2015, began a new position as senior finance manager with Stryker.

Ryan Ely, BSBA 2015, began a new position as director of portfolio trading with Focus Partners Wealth.

Samad Javed, BSBA 2015, was promoted to vice president of customer success with 360 Broadband.

Gabriella Kirkpatrick, MBA 2015, began a new role as director of compliance with Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

Tom Klevorn, BSIS 2015, was promoted to senior category manager with Schnuck Markets, Inc.

Alex Stoll, BSBA 2015, was promoted to senior financial analysis manager in the Defense COE with Boeing.

Matt Weiss, BLS 2015, was promoted to executive area manager and field sales trainer with Engineered Tissue Solutions.

Derek Steiner, BS 2016, MA 2016, was promoted to technical lead with Booz Allen Hamilton.

Veena Veena, MBA 2016, began a new position as managing director with BE2 Consulting, LLC.

Taylor Daily, BS 2017, was promoted to senior clinical account specialist with Johnson & Johnson.

Keeta Holmes, EdD 2017, was honored as a 2026 UMSL Trailblazer.

Alex Majewski, BSAcc 2017, began a new position as account manager with Kapco Futures.

Ellen Prinster, BSCiE 2017, celebrated 10 years at Ameren.

Madison Jewell, BSN 2020

Madison has found profound purpose at the intersection of patient care and cutting-edge research as a radiology research nurse coordinator at Washington University in St. Louis. Working in a theranostics clinic, she helps deliver targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies that travel directly to cancer cells, destroying them from the inside out while sparing healthy tissue. The work places her at the forefront of a rapidly advancing area of cancer treatment – and face to face with patients navigating some of their hardest moments. She stepped into the role as the clinic and position were just taking shape. “I was ready for a change from bedside nursing while still wanting to do patient care,” she says. Over time, the work has taken on deep personal meaning. Having witnessed cancer affect many people close to her, she once believed she would never work with oncology patients, but her perspective has changed.

"Being able to care for others who are going through the fight of their life is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “While my patients may feel at their lowest, along with my team, I get to help give them hope for a longer future, more time with family, an extra birthday or holiday they are looking forward to, and that means more to me than anything.” After graduating from UMSL in 2020 with her BSN and a certificate from the Pierre Laclede Honors College, Jewell began her career at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on the Abdominal Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery unit before transitioning to Washington University. She later earned a master’s degree in health care informatics. She credits UMSL with teaching her that “hard work is worth it,” a lesson that continues to guide her as she looks ahead. With theranostics rapidly expanding, Jewell is excited about the future of cancer research and the growing options available to patients.

Michelle Radin Seymour, BA 2017, MA 2020, began a new position as tour and program manager with the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Home and Studio in New Mexico.

Wendy Rogers, MBA 2017, was listed in The Rising Star Women Leaders in Healthcare for 2026 by Women We Admire.

Ruth Angeli Shipley, BSBA 2017, began a new position as an outside sales representative with Graybar Electric.

Geddy Trebus, BS 2017, began a new position as foot and ankle territory manager - North Central with DePuy Synthes.

LYDIA BAKER-VALENTINE, BA 2018

Lydia recently started a new business with her wife of two years, Eboni Valentine, BS 2018, MBA 2023. After graduation, Baker-Valentine began a career as an actress but developed an interest in the behind-the-camera side of the film industry as well. Her exploration of screenwriting and filmmaking led Baker-Valentine to become co-founder of Forever Valentine Productions, a production company providing photography and videography services in the St. Louis metropolitan area and Illinois. “Starting my business allowed me to do what I love the most: creating stories and memories for those I love,” she says. “UMSL has always taught me to push limits, and if there isn’t space for you, to make the space.”

Stephanie Faulkingham, BA 2018, BSN 2021, DNP 2025, began a new position as a psychiatric nurse practitioner with West County Psychiatric Care.

Aaron Boland, BS 2019, began a new position as technical application specialist with Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Robbie Frkovic, BSBA 2019, began a new position as an account manager with AmerCareRoyal.

Meg Gaxiola, BA 2019, began a new position as a compliance associate with Vista National Bank & Trust.

Marcella Hamilton, BLS 2019, began a new position as a legal assistant with the State of Missouri.

Nathan Hessler, BS 2019, BA 2019, received the Modern Support Award from Plain.

Matthew Housewright, BSBA 2019, began a new position as sales consultant with Mungenast St. Louis Acura.

Nicole Tangorra, BS 2019, began a new position as data entry technician with United Scripts.

Emily Eastman, BSBA 2020, began a new position as quality assurance analyst II with Charter Communications.

Kellen King, BSBA 2020, MBA 2020, founded Big Iron Co.

Zach Macha, BSBA 2020, began a new position as manager - triage with Charles Schwab.

Haris Musanovic, BSBA 2020, began a new position as marketing manager with MAC Medical, Inc.

Hanna Oechsner, BSAcc 2020, was promoted to manager in business outsourcing services with Armanino.

Benjamin Alvey, MS 2021, began a new position as senior quality assurance specialist with Umoja Biopharma.

Chris Douglas, BSBA 2021, began a new position as regional sales manager with US Bank.

Ginger Edwards-Hardrict, BM 2021, began a new position as performing arts director with Rossman School and founded SpiceHaus Studios.

Mona Sabau, MBA 2021,

Olivia Klank, BSBA 2021, began a new position as mid-market account executive with Gong.

Thomas Moore, BSAcc 2021, began a new position as senior accountant with Ben Hur Construction Co.

Natalie Orf, BS 2021, began a new position as finance manager - network reimbursement with Centene Corporation.

Fei Krystal Ren, BSBA 2021, MBA 2025, began a new position as board member with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank.

Samantha Scott, BS 2021, began a new position as a therapist with Bloom Mind + Body Co.

Kayla Burrows, BA 2022, MA 2024, began a new position as customer relationship specialist with U.S. Bank.

Riahanna Davis, BA 2022, was promoted to assistant director of communications and marketing with Harris-Stowe State University.

Sophie Faulkner, BSBA 2022, MBA 2023, was named the 2025 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year by the Gateway PGA.

Bryce Kulinski, BSME 2022, MBA 2025, began a new position as level 2 structural test and evaluation engineer with Boeing.

Paul Niemann, DBA 2022, began a new position as visiting assistant professor of marketing with Indiana State University.

Corlia Spears, BSBA 2022, MBA 2025, began a new position as recruitment coordinator with Research College of Nursing.

Ashley Starmer, BA 2022, began a new position as field supervisor with GardaWorld.

Mason Brunsmann, BSBA 2023, MBA 2025, was recognized as a Top Business Advisor as a CFP Professional in St. Louis Small Business Monthly.

Sara Gholami Kouhi, MBA 2023, began a new position as accounting and billing specialist with Every Child’s Hope.

Julia Gorska, BA 2023, began a new position as a shared services coordinator with The Budd Group.

Brandi Higgins, MEd 2023, began a position as senior manager, college and career advancement with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.

Tashina Jemmott, MSW 2023, began a new position as triage clinician lead with Compass Health Network.

Brandon Olion, BS 2023, began a new position as contracts management specialist with Boeing.

Kabita Rokka, MS 2023, began a position as senior service planner with Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology.

Lucy San Miguel, BS 2023, began a new position as team lead with Support Innovations, Inc.

Katelyn Soska, MSW 2023, began a new position as holistic mental health therapist with Bloom Mind + Body Co.

Princess-Abiguail Timothy, BS 2023, MS 2025, began a new position as a financial analyst with Saint Louis University.

Niyah Brown, BSN 2024, began a new position as RN case manager with Three Oaks Hospice.

Patinon Charoenrit, BSIS 2024, began a new position as F-15 Korea supply chain specialist with Boeing.

Jackie Espinoza, BSAcc 2024, MAcc 2024, began a new position as an audit and assurance associate with PwC.

Sarah Hill, BSBA 2024, began a position as a financial operations analyst with Evernorth Health Services.

Kylie Flynn, MA 2024, began a position as music processing archivist with Washington University.

Elodie Jabouin, MBA 2024, began a new position as Medicare member experience manager with Centene Corporation.

Bob Madden, BFA 2024, began a new position as restaurant manager with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

Brett Paubel, BSAcc 2024, MAcc 2024, began a new position as an assurance associate with PwC.

Maria Serra Bonet, BS 2024, began a new position in commercial strategy and operations with Bristol Myers Squibb.

Angela Truesdale, BSAcc 2024, MAcc 2025, began a new position as virtual CFO accountant with Anders Virtual CFO.

Lily Gibson, BS 2025, began a new position as an ophthalmic technician with Ideal Eye Surgery, LLC.

Max Hood, BSBA 2025, began a new position as a sales development professional with Hussmann.

Aldin Sahbaz, BSBA 2025, began a new position as loan coordinator support specialist with Veterans United Home Loans.

Deaunzze Trotter, BSW 2025, began a new position as a social services specialist with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Hruz Wagner, BS 2025, began a new position as pitching coach with Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Triniti West, BS 2025, was promoted to client facilitator I with Allsup.