A Legal Mind with a Global Perspective

"Scranton grounds the rest of your life. You will learn how, not what, to think. You will develop lasting friendships. And you will be ready for a lifelong pursuit of the Magis in all things. It is truly a special place."

Christian Burne, a 2014 alumnus with a B.S. in International Studies, Political Science, and Philosophy, launched his career by attending law school and subsequently serving as a United States Army Judge Advocate. Currently, he is a law clerk at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and is set to join Greenberg Traurig as a litigation associate.

Christian credits his success to the philosophical grounding provided by Scranton’s SJLA program, which taught him critical thinking and ethical reasoning. His most significant takeaway from Scranton is the lifelong friendships and the foundation it provided for continuous personal and professional growth. For Christian, Scranton is a place that nurtures the pursuit of excellence and instills a readiness for life's challenges.

Champion for Neurodivergent Children

Melissa Fedor, a 2014 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, embarked on an inspiring career in pediatric healthcare. Immediately after graduation, she pursued further education, earning a second bachelor's degree and a master's degree in nursing. Today, Melissa serves as a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, specializing in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Her long-term ambition is to enhance community outreach for autism awareness and support in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Melissa attributes her career shift to her transformative experience with the International Service Program (ISP) at Scranton, where a service trip to El Salvador profoundly impacted her. Reflecting on her time at the University, Melissa cherishes the enduring friendships and the supportive community that shaped her personal and professional growth. Scranton, for her, is synonymous with home and lifelong connections.

Innovator in Neurologic Physical Therapy

"Scranton taught me the power of hard work and loyalty. But more importantly, it gave me lifelong mentors and friends who continue to help me improve every day. Scranton is a family."

Lexi McGivern graduated in 2017 with a degree in Exercise Science and later earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2020. Her first role as a neurologic physical therapy resident at Mount Sinai Hospital ignited her passion for neurologic care. Lexi now owns Neuro Home Wellness, providing specialized in-home therapy for patients with neurological conditions. Her vision includes expanding her practice and establishing a clinic for elite neurologic care.

The hands-on physical therapy experience at Scranton's pro bono Leahy Clinic was pivotal in shaping Lexi’s career. She values the hard work, loyalty, and sense of community she found at Scranton, which continues to support her growth as both a clinician and business owner. For Lexi, Scranton represents a family that fosters personal and professional excellence.

Advocate for Talent in Global Finance

Moira Gibney, a 2018 graduate with a major in Human Resources Studies and a minor in Business, works as a recruiter in global wealth management at UBS. She chose Scranton for its sense of community and vibrant campus life, influenced by her mother, an alumna. 
 
Moira values the close-knit environment at Scranton, where everyone knew each other by name. The supportive faculty and comprehensive education prepared her for a successful career in recruitment and finance. Moira is keen on maintaining her connection with Scranton, seeking opportunities to contribute to its community and help future graduates.

Rising Star in Financial Consulting

"Scranton is the perfect balance of being a smaller school with a tighter community while still having the connections and resources to help you become successful in whatever it is that you want to do."

John Napolitano, who graduated in 2022 with a degree in Finance, quickly advanced to a financial consultant role at Karr Barth Associates/Oak Financial Partners. His goal is to grow his financial planning practice and take on leadership roles within his firm. 
 
John’s confidence and career direction were significantly influenced by the PRISM meetings at Scranton, where alumni shared their success stories. The mentorship from faculty and peers, along with the supportive Scranton community, played a crucial role in his professional development. John appreciates Scranton’s perfect balance of community and resources, which fostered his growth and success. 

Operations Analyst with a Passion for Community

"I loved how my professors really cared about how much you were learning, not what grade you were getting in their class. They wanted us to understand the why and how, not just the what."

Amanda Lamphere, a 2023 graduate with dual majors in Mathematics and Computer Science, currently works as an operations analyst at Susquehanna International Group. Her decision to attend Scranton was solidified by the welcoming community and personalized attention she experienced during her campus tour. 
 
Amanda values the critical thinking skills and well-rounded education she received at Scranton, which have been instrumental in her career. She fondly remembers the caring professors and the strong sense of community that made her feel at home. For Amanda, Scranton’s greatest strength lies in its supportive environment, which fosters both personal and professional growth.

Educator with a Passion for Mathematics 

Lauren Cawley, a 2023 graduate with a degree in Secondary Education - Mathematics, also minored in Counseling and Human Services. She began her career teaching math and business at Honesdale High School. Lauren plans to further her education with a master’s degree, driven by her love for learning and teaching. 
 
Scranton’s dual-department experience in mathematics and education equipped Lauren with a comprehensive skill set, blending content mastery with effective teaching practices. Her involvement in student teaching and the Noyce Scholarship Program, which focuses on STEM education in high-need districts, further enriched her experience. Lauren’s Scranton journey is marked by personal growth, lifelong friendships, and a deep commitment to education.