Saint Francis University

JULIE YASKO – Class of 2010
Associate Marketing Manager with The Clorox Company in Oakland, CA
Major at Saint Francis University: Marketing

“Saint Francis University provided me with remarkable personal and professional development opportunities. The campus fosters an amazing sense of community that enables students to take personal responsibility for their learning and extracurricular activities. Involvement is highly valued and faculty are engaged and helpful. I certainly feel that my time at the university positively impacted both my career and my character.”


AMBER PYO – Class of 2005
Associate Consumer Market Insight Manager with Unilever, Inc. in Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Major at Saint Francis University: Marketing
Minor: Management Information Systems

Amber offers advice to SFU Business students, “Don’t be afraid to take a chance. The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. Challenge yourself every day of your life!”

“Saint Francis University granted me the opportunity to expand my mind into places that it had not been before. My experiences in and out of the classroom helped shaped me into the well-rounded person I am today. Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” – Referencing Malcolm Forbes


MARISA GENTILE – Class of 2003
Business Advisory Services Senior with Schneider Downs & Co, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA
Major at Saint Francis University: Accounting
Minor: Management

“Saint Francis University provided me with confidence that I would succeed in my career and personal life. The professors and other faculty and staff members truly care about ongoing success of the students and alumni. I truly enjoyed my four years at Saint Francis University and am continuing to work with the School of Business as an alumnus.”


MELINDA OLEKSA – Class of 1999
Audit Project Manager with the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General in Arlington, VA
Major at Saint Francis University: Accounting

Melinda offers advice for SFU Business students, “Do what you can to obtain real-world experience during your sophomore and / or junior years, such as an internship. It will be beneficial as a resume-builder, and it will also give you an idea of whether you will enjoy a specific job within your field.”

“There are not many colleges and universities in the United States where the President knows you by name!”


PATRICK KOEHL - Class of 1997
Junior Auditor at KPMG Peat Marwick in Pittsburgh

"Saint Francis faculty really bent over backwards to help me became successful. The relationships I have at Saint Francis University enable me to relate to professionals and helped me with my interviewing skills."


MARK SPOCHART - Class of 1997
Tax Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand in Harrisburg

"Saint Francis University really helped me move to this next step. The interviewing process was less stressful with the help of business administration professors who helped me network through Saint Francis University graduates currently employed by Coopers & Lybrand."


MICHELE MATHERS - Class of 1995
Director of Marketing for Action Sports Division of AIRWALK

"Because of their own professional experience, Saint Francis professors add the dimension of real-life to the educational process. The practical aspect of teaching was a huge factor in preparing me for a career."


J. DOMENIC CALKINS - Class of 1992
District Manager of the Pontiac-GMC Division of General Motors

Domenic Calkins graduated from Saint Francis University with a degree in economics/management. Domenic then pursued his Master's degree in Business Administration at Notre Dame University.

"Success in life is more important than success professionally. The Saint Francis University Business Administration Department helped prepare me for a successful life, not just success in my career."

Domenic is presently serving as District Manager for General Motors in Atlanta, GA.

PAUL FRIGA – Class of 1988
Associate Professor and Director of Consulting Concentrations with Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Majors at Saint Francis University: Management and Accounting

Paul's advice for SFU Business students: “Serve others. Realize that all of our talents are gifts from God and should be used to help as many people as possible. Follow your passion. Focus your energy on things that excite you and you will be much happier in life. Understand the importance of hard work. Great things come to those who are willing to work hard and pay their dues.”

“The lessons I learned at SFU – both inside and outside of the classroom – were the most important building blocks in my life. In the classroom, I learned the basics of business and accounting, the role of logic in problem solving, and how liberal arts courses demonstrate that life is multi-variable. Outside the classroom, I learned that incredible role models we have right under our noses, the value of discipline, and how important it is to have fun once in a while. Overall, I learned what it means to seek to become a well rounded and well educated contributor to society. Thank you, Saint Francis University!"


DIANE TRKULA SHEEDY - Class of 1988
Certified Public Accountant and Municipal Research Analyst

When Diane began her freshman year at Saint Francis, she did not have a clear career path in mind. However, she knew that she was interested in business. Ms. Sheedy registered for general business classes and in her sophomore year, her career objectives became crystal clear with help of Dr. Randy Frye. Dr. Frye noted her abilities in his Intermediate Accounting I class. He encouraged Diane to consider majoring in Accounting.

"Needless to say, I followed Dr. Frye's advice and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a minor in Economics. By the end of the fall semester of my senior year I had job offers from Five Big Eight public accounting firms."

Diane Sheedy is now an Associate with PNC Capital Markets and a CPA with four securities licenses.


PAUL SANSONE – Class of 1988
Chief Financial Officer with Better World Books in Atlanta, GA
Majors at Saint Francis University: Accounting and Economics

“Invest in yourself through education, experiences, and relationships. Saint Francis was a great environment and education experience, which prepared me to achieve my personal and professional goals.”


TOM McELROY – Class of 1977
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer with Hughes Communications, Inc. in Germantown, MD
Major at Saint Francis University: Accounting

“Do not take things for granted. Team work is key but the individual makes the difference. If it is to be, it is up to me. Saint Francis provided a great experience for me. I not only received a well rounded education, but it enabled me to grow and develop tremendous relationships, which I treasure to this day."


LAWRENCE T. GIANNONE - Class of 1972
Chairman, President and CEO of Portage National Bank

Saint Francis University is "a religious and social experience that has helped develop leadership traits critical to my position as CEO."