People & Places: January & February 2026
People & Places, emailed during the academic year to the campus community, reports on the professional activities of members of the college community and highlights student achievements.
News
First-Generation Graduate Finds Her Passion for Advising at Allegheny College
Dr. Felicia O’Rourke (Gowanlock) found her calling in student development on the softball field.
Why The Co-Curriculum Is Key To Student Success In The 21st Century
Heather Moore Roberson posits that higher education should prepare students for purposeful lives, beyond just a career.
Caitie McMekin ‘14: Communicating Through the Power of Pictures
Storytelling in the 21st century takes many forms and for Allegheny College alumna Caitie McMekin, it’s all about the images. For the last decade she’s been a visual journalist for the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Allegheny College to Celebrate 150 Years of Student Journalism With Campus Anniversary Program
Founded in 1876, The Campus is the third-oldest student newspaper in Pennsylvania and has long served as a training ground for sharp minds and sharper questions.
Chris Shipley ‘84: Thinking Big in a Tech-based World
With a double major in English and communications, Chris credits her Allegheny College education for giving her a solid foundation and teaching her to think broadly and identify unique connections.
Katie Shipp ’09: Empowering Surviors & Educating Communities
In this episode of Gators on Purpose, Briana Lewis talks with Katie Shipp, Executive Director of I Have the Right To and Pittsburgh Magazine 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree. A psychology major and religious studies minor, Shipp reflects on how Bonner service, AmeriCorps, and law school shaped her path advocating for survivors of sexual assault.
Patrick Houston ‘75: Finding His Noble Calling at Allegheny
The 1970s marked the end of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, disco and bell bottom jeans. It also marked Patrick Houston’s years at Allegheny College.
Dana D’Amico ’13: Science Writing Launched Her Career
Dana D’Amico has always liked science and writing. When she arrived at Allegheny College in 2009, she had no idea that the student-run newspaper, The Campus would give her the opportunity to excel at both, laying the foundation for a successful career in science marketing and communications.
Roman Hladio ‘23: The Pandemic Shaped His Perspective on Journalism
When Roman Hladio stepped onto the Allegheny College campus in 2019, he knew he wanted to study English and enjoyed writing, but he didn’t know what his path at Allegheny would be. That changed quickly.
