Eastern University Alumni

Beaker Briefs webinar series is back for the academic year! On September 11, we'll welcome David L. Garlock '17, 2024 Young Alumnus of the Year, to hear him discuss how to do prison ministry. In this Brief, David will talk about his time with at Eastern doing Prison Ministry, his own experience with the Alabama Department of Corrections, and how churches and individuals can be successful in Prison Ministry.

Register to attend the brief today: https://bit.ly/BBPrisonMin

Meet Courtney Kilian ‘21, our August and Eastern’s Head Football Athletic Trainer! Courtney is grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves at her alma mater and for the opportunities the program provides as she gets to do what she loves!

“It’s difficult to really put into words exactly how the football program has impacted me… Being a woman in sports isn’t easy and it’s still pretty rare, especially when you talk about a sport like football and add the fact that I am only 25 years old (24 when I took the position) and it can be that much more intimidating. I am lucky enough to have a coaching staff and a program of athletes that make it easy and genuinely enjoyable,” Courtney said.

Courtney would describe her job as incredibly rewarding: she gets to watch her athletes grow and excel, not just as student athletes but as people. Being an athletic trainer is a unique role because Courtney is able to see these young athletes on their best and worst days. She gets to see all of the work they put in behind the scenes and all of the emotions (good and bad) that go along with that work, and then, she gets to watch those same student athletes choose to succeed in their lives. Bringing her faith into the role only serves to add to the joy!

“Each year the football program participates in a Thanksgiving food drive at a church in Philadelphia as well as a bone marrow drive on campus. I find myself incredibly lucky to get to participate in events like this: that are changing lives and serving our communities while I stand alongside my coworkers and athletes,” Courtney said.

Eastern prepared Courtney for the work she is doing now by allowing her the opportunity to work in rotations with different schools and programs. From there, Courtney was able to realize her true passion for working with athletes at the collegiate level and from a smaller institution. Courtney also spoke highly of her time as a Student Chaplain saying, “while I feel like my clinical rotations prepared me for the physical and mental demands associated with athletic training, chaplaincy has prepared me for the more personable and psychological demands of my position.” She also gave special shoutouts to John Post, Dr. Joe Modica, and Dr. Landi Turner who all guided, mentored, and shaped her during her time on Eastern’s campus.

We asked Courtney what her favorite memory was from her time at Eastern and she chose the time she learned she passed her Board of Certification assessment: “At the end of Lacrosse practice I was able to speak to the whole team and thank them for everything they had done for me as a student. I then told them that I was officially a certified athletic trainer and we got to celebrate that together. The video of me telling the lacrosse team was how I officially told all my family and friends that I was certified. It was really special to me that I got to share that moment with a lot of the people that played such important roles in getting me to that point. That was easily one of my favorite moments at Eastern.”

"Eastern has felt like home from the very beginning, thanks to its welcoming community. The lasting friendships, and memories I've made here will always be among the most valued aspects of my time at Eastern. I am confident that I will always have support from the Eastern community as I continue to move forward in the alumni world." - Amber Houser '23

Thanks for sharing, Amber! We love to hear Eastern has a home in your heart! 🦅

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

"To me Eastern means never giving up no matter how hard the situation is. It took me 8 years to finish my undergraduate degree and I wouldn’t change a thing. It took time for me to get help for the things I was struggling with and now I get to help others in the same way! Mental health is never easy, but holding onto hope and God in the darkest moments is always worth it. Fighting my inner demons was a challenge but I think my journey shows that with determination and patience you really can push through dark times and find the light." - Gracie Mandel '20

Thanks for being sharing, Gracie! Mental Health is a challenge but we're so excited you were able to persevere and finish your degree 🎓

We can't believe it! is coming up in just a couple of short months 🤯🥳 Save the dates: October 9-12 and join us back on campus for a fun-filled fall celebration 🦅🤗

Check-out eastern.edu/homecoming for the list of events and make sure to check back often as we continue to update the list! From the many athletic events (including Football at Valley Forge!) to the gatherings across campus, there's something for everyone!

to our last Swing Into Summer event with the Phillies! We're so glad that so many alumni could come out and join us 🤗

"Eastern means perseverance. My experience gave me the power to overcome struggles and obstacles." - Samantha Sekula '20

We love to see our alumni overcome! Way to go, Samantha!

Do you want to share your Eastern story? Head on over to https://bit.ly/EUThroughTheAges to submit your photo and story this summer. All participants will receive a special centennial gift in the mail 🤩🦅

"Eastern means community. We are brothers and sisters in Christ who are making changes in our corner of the world." - James C. Clemens '23

We're so glad to have you as a part of this community, James!

Do you want to share your Eastern story? Head on over to https://bit.ly/EUThroughTheAges to submit your photo and story this summer. All participants will receive a special centennial gift in the mail 🤩🦅

Say hi 👋 to Lisa & Kodiak Jack, our July ! Lisa Pulliam, MA ‘24 recently graduated from Eastern with a Master’s in Clinical Counseling with a Trauma Concentration in May. Lisa has been doing wonderful work in the mental health field ever since after more than a decade of work as an entrepreneur, ministry leader, serving as a life coach as well as an equine-assisted clinician. In a typical course of treatment, Lisa is able to offer an equine-assisted session at the stables in Narvon, in which the client can work on grounding and resourcing skills with her horse partner, and the following session may be spent sitting under the willow tree by the pond or online, processing a traumatic memory utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

“I am awed by how this integrated approach, with newly acquired therapeutic techniques, is reaping results at a much faster pace than what I experienced previously with my clients. It has cemented my theoretical orientation in that I wholeheartedly believe our deepest healing is accessed when we integrate the mind, heart, and body, as well as soul, as an integrated whole in our treatment approach. Being witness to this work, while facilitating it, has also increased my faith in God and His design, even in the face of hearing such horrific acts at the hands of humankind,” Lisa said.

The greatest benefit of Lisa’s Eastern education boils down to the benefits of the feedback and critique from professors and classmates on assignments that required both honing theoretical orientation and practicing counseling skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Lisa shared with us that her favorite part of her time at Eastern was the opportunity to develop meaningful and encouraging connections with her classmates. She gave a special highlight to Dr. Palmer's grief course because of the intimacy she created among her cohort, the sincere love the class felt from her mentorship, and the very practical skills she imparted to everyone as therapists.

We asked Lisa what she would like to share with her fellow alumni and she chose this: “I find it humbling that all I wanted to do was hurry up and graduate so that I could find a better balance between work, school, and life. And yet, I did not realize how much the camaraderie of being 'in it' together met a significant need for connection, making the 'life' part so much richer. So as I continue down this post-grad road, especially being in private practice, I'm cognizant of the need to prioritize time for community on this next leg of the journey. For my fellow alums, we have the opportunity to nurture those cohort connections with our classmates, and while that may take creativity after graduation, I'm certain the investment down the road will be priceless.”

"Eastern gave me a place to grow up and find myself. I left home at 15 and came to Eastern at 16. I graduated with my BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice at the age of 19. Through my years here, I found a love for leading and teaching. I took a chance and also found a love for cheerleading and being a part of an athletic team. EU will always have a special place in my heart and always be home. I made so many lifelong friends and learned so many lessons here. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the cheerleading program and Eastern as a whole as an alumni :)" - Kambrie Tresko '24

Thanks for sharing your Eastern journey, Kambrie! We're so excited to have you as a part of our alumni community.🤩🦅

We're throwing it back to our second Swing Into Summer event with the York Revolutions and our alumni getting to meet DownTown! Make sure to check out https://bit.ly/EUupcomingevents to see where we'll be next!

"Eastern is home away from home." - Diane Pak '25

We're so glad you feel that way, Diane! 🤩🦅

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

to our Swing Into Summer kick-off at Top Golf! Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out!

"Eastern is such a special place that truly developed who I am as a person as well as a performer. Throughout my time at Eastern, I was able to find God and the true purpose in the talents and gifts He has blessed me with. The faith-based content and encouragement from professors helped me to work on my skills without tarnishing my love for the art. This is a picture from my senior recital at Eastern, which is a requirement for graduation for the Bachelor of Arts students. This performance marked the beginning of my artistic journey. I am currently completing my Masters in Music at Florida International University, and I would not be here without the community that surrounded me at Eastern. Being involved with Wednesday Night Worship, the Theatre department’s productions, and the Music department’s ensembles, I was able to establish who I want to be as a performer and what it means to be a Christian artist. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent at Eastern University." - Hailey Ferry '23

Thanks for sharing how Eastern has continued to shape your journey and love for the arts. Keep up the good work, Hailey! 🤩🦅

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! 🎆

"Eastern has played such a significant role in my life, first as a student and now as an employee. As a student, it was common that people asked why we loved Eastern and almost everyone answered the same way: It’s the people. As an employee, I not only get to continue to be surrounded by great staff members but I also get to show the students I encounter, the same love I was shown as a student. I’ve gotten to watch this university continue to grow and to make history. I get to help build a football program and watch our athletic teams win conference championships. I get to work alongside my mentors and serve as a mentor to others. Eastern and the people within it have played a crucial role in getting me to who and where I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful." - Courtney Kilian '21

We love it when our alumni come back to pass on their positive experiences to our current students! Way to give back, Courtney! 🤩🦅

John 14:27 (NIV)

Today, we recognize and remember when the news of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston, TX, ending slavery 2 years after the presidential order.

"Eastern means the place where curiosity, purpose, and potential cultivated in my life to enlighten my passion for providing something meaningful and positive in this world." - Tobiah Gregory '24

We're so glad to see the impact that Eastern has had on you, Tobiah!

Do you want to share your Eastern story? Head on over to https://bit.ly/EUThroughTheAges to submit your photo and story this summer. All participants will receive a special centennial gift in the mail 🤩🦅

This month, we’d love for you to say hello 👋 to David Fuller, MBA ‘17, MDiv ‘17. David works with The Philadelphia Project, a non-profit centered around partnering with local churches to serve the vulnerable populations in Philly, though that’s not all he does. David is bi-vocational and currently on staff with his church, City Line Church, in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Being a part of both of these ministries is rewarding in many different ways for David, especially as he is able to walk alongside others through some of their most joyous and also their most difficult times.

David came to Eastern in pursuit of two degrees because he had a deep desire to work in both the church and the world. Eastern gave David the vocabulary to understand the work God was doing in his heart and mind. “I was seeking to do holistic ministry before I knew to call it holistic ministry. I've found myself working in both worlds and utilizing both degrees in unique, yet complementary ways,” David said. As Director of Ministries at his local church, the MDiv training David received at Eastern/Palmer has been foundational. In addition to the great classwork, David learned it all in the context of significant diversity. “I'm a white farm boy from Kansas,” David said, “At Palmer I was surrounded by classmates from a huge range of ethnic, cultural, and socio economic backgrounds.”

David has been able to serve in a variety of roles during his time at The Philly Project; the MBA program was vital in preparing him for all of these roles. Financial care and management of a nonprofit organization, staff leadership and development, and program oversight and direction are all areas where David works everyday. “I would not be able to do this work if I had not completed the MBA at Eastern,” David said.

We asked David about his favorite memory during his time at Eastern and he told us it was the 2.5 week intensive cohort for the MBA program. “It felt like summer camp when I was a kid (in all the good ways). That time learning and living together created deep bonds with my fellow classmates. Sharing meals together, relentlessly debating various issues in our classes, praying and worshiping together made the classwork that much more impactful and formative in my life,” David said.

David chose this to share with his fellow alumni: “Keep steady and strong in the faith! The Faith, Reason, & Justice values that Eastern instills in its students is needed now more than ever in every corner of our world. May God bless you and keep you, May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and May He turn his face toward you and give you peace! Amen!”

"Lifelong Friendships...a pic from a recent girls' trip with Celeste Johnson, Heidi (Moss) Macy, and Joanne Russell. All friends I met at Eastern." - Emily Ward Bell '00

Thanks for sharing, Emily! We love to see the lasting friendships from Eastern 🤗

Do you want to share your Eastern story? Head on over to https://bit.ly/EUThroughTheAges to submit your photo and story this summer. All participants will receive a special centennial gift in the mail 🤩🦅

"Eastern means community to me. My favorite community was within Transformed!, Eastern University’s Traveling Drama Ministry." - Jaclyn Favaroso '20, MBA '23

We love to hear how you were impacted while at Eastern, Jaclyn! Thanks for sharing 🤗 Do you want to share your Eastern story? Head on over to https://bit.ly/EUThroughTheAges to submit your photo and story this summer. All participants will receive a special centennial gift in the mail 🤩🦅

Join us in Laguna Beach, CA for an Alumni gathering at Pageant of the Masters! 🤩🌴☀️

The 2024 Pageant of the Masters production of À La Mode: The Art of Fashion will revisit some of history’s grandest spectacles and fashion trends through the magic of living pictures, unforgettable live music, and engaging storytelling. Whether making an entrance or casting a spell, what people have worn through the ages has always been telling. From the splendors of royal courts to today’s catwalks, Eastern alumni should prepare to be dazzled!

Tickets are only $40 and include dinner! Space is limited so reserve your spot today! Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/EUupcomingevents

to our amazing class of 2024 graduates! We just can't seem to stop celebrating you 👏🤩🎓

It's never too early to attend your first alumni event! Check out all of our upcoming events at: https://bit.ly/EUupcomingevents

Today, we remember and honor all who have given their lives while serving our country.

We are 1️⃣ month away from our Swing Into Summer Double-header starting with Top Golf on Thursday, June 20. Whether you're used to shooting birdies or into Angry Birds, don't miss swinging into summer with your fellow alumni at Top Golf King of Prussia. Tickets are $40 per person and includes 3 hours of unlimited play with your fellow alumni and a smokehouse BBQ buffet!

Space is limited! Learn more and register today: https://bit.ly/EUupcomingevents

Psalm 74:17 NIV