2020 Vision Features
May 2025
Madison Knapp '20
Who on campus influenced you the most?
Katie Mahoney-Krenzer, who held several roles during her time at Nazareth, ranging from Associate Director of Annual and Leadership Giving to Associate Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations, had the biggest impact on my time at Nazareth. During my sophomore year, she hired me as the Phonathon student supervisor, trusting me to bring the program in-house. I developed scripts and training materials that were used for the next four years, and through her mentorship, I strengthened my leadership skills and gained a deeper appreciation for philanthropy and donor engagement.
What was your first job post commencement/was it relevant to your field?
After graduation, I worked as a certified personal trainer and as a receptionist at an OB-GYN office. While not directly related to my psychology degree, both roles allowed me to apply my understanding of human behavior, communication, and wellness.
What do you miss most about campus/Naz?
I miss my lively Phonathon team - we’d come together almost every night for 6-8 weeks, reaching out to alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Between calls, we’d play games and ring a bell in the hallway to celebrate wins, making every shift unforgettable.
What keeps you going/what motivates you?
Helping others and bringing joy to those around me motivates me the most. Knowing that even a small gesture can make a difference keeps me going every day.
What are you looking forward to in the next five years?
I'm looking forward to growing both personally and professionally, taking on new challenges, and continuing to make a difference wherever I can. I’m not sure what the next five years will bring, but I’m excited to see where life takes me!
Timothy Woodbury '04
What did you enjoy about Naz, and has being a Naz Alumni brought you anywhere exciting?
I had the best community during my time at Naz. I still have close relationships with my Naz friends and faculty. And I met my wife of 20 years as an undergrad!
Where were you five years out of graduating, and have your career plans changed?
Five years after graduation I'd moved to Seattle, WA with my partner, gotten married, and was working at Nintendo. That would've been around the time the Wii and DSi were out. The lessons I learned from the math department set me up for a great career programming video games.
If you could tell yourself anything when you were 5 years out, what would you say?
Time is your only nonrenewable resource. Spend it in the company of great friends. Relax and enjoy every moment–even the hard ones have joy in them if you know where to look.
What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned since graduating?
The things that matter most in life are the relationships you build.
How would you describe your journey to where you are now in three words?
"Thousand tiny serendipities"
February 2025
Matt Krieg '20
Who on campus influenced you the most?
The most influential individual person in my college career was Adam Lewandowski at the Center for Civic Engagement (Weider Community Engagement). Upon coming to Nazareth I immediately knew I wanted to work with Partners for Learning. He influenced my love for working within the Rochester Community.
What was your first job post commencement/was it relevant to your field?
My first job post commencement came after completion of the Physical Therapy graduate program. I was first employed by Rochester General Hospital as a Per Diem PT where I continue to work on the weekends!
What do you miss most about campus/Naz?
I miss being surrounded by knowledgeable professors that spent their days providing us with the information they had gained throughout their careers. Nazareth had many influential professors throughout my undergraduate and graduate career.
What keeps you going/what motivates you?
I am constantly motivated by the students I work with every day. Working towards achieving small milestones in their development within the school environment is extremely rewarding.
What are you looking forward to in the next five years?
I am looking forward to continuing my career with the Rochester City School District as a physical therapist. Over the next five years I hope to maintain my connection to Nazareth as I provide mentorship to current Physical Therapy students through observations and guest speaking.
Caitlin Jones '09
What did you enjoy about Naz, and has being a Naz Alumni brought you anywhere exciting?
I was a Musical Theatre major, so my favorite thing was performing and all the opportunities there were to do it. Also, the life-long friendships I forged while at Naz. It was exciting that being a Naz alum brought me right back home to Naz campus! I went back in 2015 and 2017 to be a guest teacher on some acting classes. The experience was surreal and made me feel so proud to give back to the program that built me.
Where were you five years out of graduating, and have your career plans changed?
Five years after graduating, I was a casting associate at the commercial casting office Liz Lewis Casting Partners in New York City. My career plans have changed - I discovered a whole side of my industry I didn’t even know existed before that I do very well. I used to play what I called “fantasy football” before auditions with the casting of our department shows while I was at Naz with friends and now that turned into something that I get paid to do. It really was kismet.
What are you up to now?
I just wrapped casting an upcoming Limited Series for TNT called Debriefing the President about the capture and interrogation of Saddam Hussien starring Joel Kinnaman, Tom Berenger, Anna Gunn, Dar Salim, and Waleed Zuaiter. I’m also working on a thriller film for Paramount+.
If you could tell yourself anything when you were 5 years out, what would you say?
Don’t stay at any one company too long. Freelance! Take a risk, take a leap, you WILL find work.
What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned since graduating?
What it takes to make meaningful personal connections - grow where you’re planted.
How would you describe your journey to where you are now three words?
"Expect the unexpected!"