#ProofofPurchase
There’s a reason we use the hash tag #ProofofPurchase when we share alumni stories and spread your news—you prove every day how to set the Purchase experience in motion. Thousands of you are doing amazing things all over the world at any given moment.
Below are some recent alumni stories. Do we have yours?
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Alumni Updates
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Countdown to the 2026 GRAMMYS: Meet Our Nominees!
A big shout-out to our amazingly talented performers, producers, and faculty from our Conservatory of Music.
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Mary Wendelken ’90 Named Teacher of Distinction
The Royal Academy of Music has named the classical pianist as the winner in the Southeast US.
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October 2025 Alumni eUpdate
The October 2025 edition of your Alumni eNewsletter is online now!
From big rankings to spooky (and quirky) campus traditions, and inspiring alumni achievements, this issue has your fall updates covered.
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Art as Activism: Professor Steve Lambert’s Work Gets Zurich Talking
The 21 x 35-foot interactive sign, Capitalism Works for Me! True/False invites audiences to engage in thoughtful reflection and meaningful debate at the Zürcher Theater Spektakel, a festival that celebrates art and culture.
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Hannah Garner ’15 Receives Princess Grace Award for Choreography
The modern dance innovator was presented with the 2025 Princess Grace Award, recognizing dance artists for their extraordinary accomplishments.
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Justin Sherman ’14 Builds Youth Confidence, One Pitch at a Time
What began as a passion for baseball evolved into an independent training and coaching business that now serves thousands of young athletes across Westchester County and the tri-state area each year.
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New Podcast by T.J. Raphael ’11 Reaches #2 on Apple
Liberty Lost is created, produced, and hosted by the seasoned journalist.
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Hallie Stephenson ’25 Earns Inaugural Fellowship
The Playwriting and Screenwriting/Arts Management major is among the International Screenwriters’ Association ‘s first-ever class of Student Fellows.
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T.J. Raphael ’11 Takes Home the Gold for “Liberty Lost”
The groundbreaking eight-part investigative series, written and hosted by audio journalist T.J. Raphael, received the 2025 Signal Gold Award for excellence in Limited Documentary Series and Specials.
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Stephanie Sanchez ’21 Takes on Global Migration
That is, pursuing the topic in graduate school at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science this fall.
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“Wild Animals” Horror Short Premieres at Woodstock Film Festival
The film, produced by Lecturer in Communications Melissa Rodriguez ’13 with Jamie Simiele ’26 as production coordinator, will screen Oct. 18.
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September 2025 Alumni eUpdate
The September 2025 edition of your Alumni eNewsletter is online now! From Board elections to big premieres, this month’s newsletter is full of alumni stories, campus highlights, and fall events. Don’t miss what’s happening in the Purchase community.
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Priya Tejpal ’25: From Student to Café Owner
Selecting a course mix that aligns with an entrepreneurial mindset, she turned her vision for a comfortable neighborhood spot into a reality.
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August 2025 Alumni eUpdate
The August 2025 edition of your Alumni eNewsletter is online now! Savor the last days of summer with Alumni In Action stories, a heads-up about the PCAA’s annual meeting in September, and a sneak peek at fall events.
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Aracelie Aarie Colón ’25 Receives Filmmaking Grant from National Board of Review
The recent grad received a grant from the National Board of Review for her documentary short, Puff Puff Pass, an intimate look at the Black lives impacted by the legal and cultural history of the now-legal cannabis industry.
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Film by Andrew Rodriguez ’19 Backed by Colectivo Incubator
El Tiguere (The Tiger) received the green light from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s fellowship and filmmaking incubator, Colectivo, paving the way for its premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City in June.
