Our Alumni • About • Purchase College

Our alumni include Oscar-winning actors, internationally recognized musicians, cancer researchers, acclaimed authors, and principal dancers. There are also thousands of happy, productive, you know… normal folks—who have fulfilling careers, great families, and active pursuits that make the world a better place.

We love bragging about our more than 18,500 success stories. Get to know some of our alumni below.

Will Sapienza ’09 Making His Furniture Mark

Using reclaimed barn wood from upstate in his Brooklyn studio.
Chris Wedge ’81

Academy Award winning writer and director, currently the Creative Director and one of the founders of Blue Sky Studios.
Rachel Lipson ’03

Lipson has a unique approach to teaching music to kids and adults.
Two Dancers Rise to the Top

Dance alumnae named “25 to Watch in 2018” by Dance magazine.
The Blue Barn Theatre and Its Purchase Roots

A striking new building sits on a corner in downtown Omaha—the new permanent home of the Blue Barn Theatre.
Thom Widmann ’90, Stage Manager Extraordinaire

One of NYC’s most sought-after stage mangers is lecturer in Purchase Design/Tech program
Alex Smith ’12 (MM, jazz studies)

Accompanied Lady Gaga during the National Anthem to open Superbowl 50 in 2016.
Mitski Miyawaki ‘13

Indie rock star is opening for Lourde on world tour.
Kat Griefen ’04 Wins Award for Art and Activism

The Women’s Caucus for Art honored her with their President’s Award.
VÉRITÉ, aka Kelsey Byrne ’12, Breaking Through

With over 100 million Spotify streams and her new album Somewhere In Between…
Dancer Jojo Boykins ’18 Featured on ALLARTS

The recent graduate talks about her art, career, and plans for the future.
Fourth Emmy Award for David Grill ’86

For outstanding lighting direction on the Super Bowl halftime show.
Purchase Dubbed a Music Scene

Cende is the latest band formed at Purchase to garner acclaim.
Glen Parker ’04

Lawyer specializing in conflict resolution.
David Hamilton Thomson ’83

Collaborative and performing artist to serve as mentor in the Queer|Art|Mentorship program.
A Special Week Spent with Alumni

Artists from the Coleman Collective returned to campus to share their life-after-Purchase experiences with students.
Jill Bargonetti ’85

A renowned cancer researcher, Hunter College professor, winner of many awards, and innovator in the education of minorities in science.
Christine Hennessey ’04

Digital marketer by day and blogger and author by early morning.
Peter Powchik ’79

On the leadership team at United Neuroscience of Dublin, Ireland.
Donald Margulies ’76

Playwright whose play Dinner with Friends earned Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
John Ambroseo ’83

President and CEO of Coherent, one of the world’s leading photonics manufacturers and innovators.
Second Oscar Nomination for Tom Cross ’93

The film editor has just been nominated for an Oscar for editing the critically acclaimed film La La Land.
Dan Deacon ’04 Collaborates with New York City Ballet

The critically acclaimed electronic composer adds a new genre to his portfolio: ballet.
Wham City Comedy

Bringing weird and irreverent humor to a new level.
Alyse LaPadula ’12

Former captain of the basketball team is teaching history and coaching basketball.
Tanairi Vazquez ’10 Joins Cast of Hamilton

The Conservatory of Dance alumna joined the cast of Broadway’s hottest show this fall.
Julia Dixon ’05: Creative Economy Specialist

The artist and entrepreneur shapes her career in North Adams, MA.
Kevin Collymore ’10

Academic counselor at Barnard College and President of the Board of Directors of Purchase College’s Alumni Association.
Garth Greenwell ’01 on Shortlist for PEN/Faulkner Award

His debut novel What Belongs To You among five chosen as finalists.

Amanda Seales ’03: Using Humor to Make a Point

Seales hopes to create content in her distinct voice, without compromise, as well as start a dialogue about serious issues.
Susie Essman ’77

Comedienne and actress is best known for her foul-mouthed character on the HBO hit series, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Carlos T. Fernandez ’93

FBI legend now global chief security officer for Viacom.
Micah Stock ’11

Tony-nominated Actor Takes to the Screen
Camille Seaman ’92

Whether making portraits of Native Americans or breaching icebergs, her images have become historical records.
Music by Dan Romer ’04 Featured in Netflix Movie

Netflix’s new film Chasing Coral features Dan Romer’s music, including a song performed by Kristen Bell.
Photographer Tapped for Brooklyn Museum Exhibition

Kris Graves ’04 commissioned by EJI to create work for The Legacy of Lynching currently on view.
Frank Wartinger ’07

Founded audiology service dedicated to the needs of musicians and music lovers.
Rob Corradi ’08

Former speechwriter in the Obama administration now working at a DC strategic consulting firm.
Jason Hanasik ’03

An Artist Approaches Dark Content
Adam Nagourney ’77

Los Angeles Bureau Chief of the New York Times, a former chief national political correspondent for the paper and an author.
Jaya Mohanan ’99

Sustainable science—senior research chemist who works to clean the air.
Elizabeth Tichenor ’94

Works to educate healthcare and law enforcement professionals about prescription drug-diversion.
Ultimate Frisbee Documentary with Purchase Roots

Now available on Netflix, Flatball: A History of Ultimate began as a senior project.
Doctor and Educator Colm McCarthy ’09 Named Young Leader

Receives award from the Canadian Medical Association
Terese Capucilli ’78 Honored

She received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Leta Sobierajski ’10 Named One to Watch

Designer/art director well known for her unique style.
Erin Sullivan ’12

Combined visual arts and environmental studies—now she’s an adventurer and blogger with social media savvy (and 46K followers).
Film by Andrea Torrice ’77 to be Developed for PBS

Documentary film short focuses on school desegregation in 1950s Ohio.
Jenna Marcus ’09

Teacher who loves opening students up to literature.
Stephen Ferri ’13

Associate Producer/Resident Music Director, White Plains Performing Arts Center
David Bianciardi ’91

Entrepreneur working with major brands and architects to create digital installations in the physical world.
Sean Dunne ’03

Documentary filmmaker has carved a niche profiling offbeat figures hiding in plain sight.
Acclaimed Singer-Song Writer Regina Spektor ’01

Spektor Published her first album senior year at Purchase.
Alvin Ailey Welcomes Purchase Dancers

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater welcomes three new members to its company this season, and two have ties to Purchase.
Luis A. Croquer MA ’03

Named Director of Brandeis University’s Rose Art Museum
Kyle Abraham ’00

Choreographer, artistic director, and founder of Kyle Abraham/Abraham.in.Motion
Cyrille Aimée ’09

Jazz Vocalist, Songwriter, and Actress
Actors Land Big Roles on the Small Screen

Three alumni from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts’ Acting Program have landed starring roles on hit television shows—and garnered critical acclaim along the way.