Alumni: Where are they now?

What happens to Malone students after graduation and how has Malone helped them to get there? Here is a sampling of young alumni and their current positions!

Cody Ballay '18

Cody Ballay '18 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Exercise Science from Malone. Currently, he is in his third year at Ohio State in their doctorate of physical therapy program. He plans to continue his education and complete an orthopedic physical therapy residency to become an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). He said, “One of the most helpful aspects of Malone’s exercise science program was the various aspects of the curriculum. The emphasis on anatomy through Anatomy I and II and Anatomical Structure and Function along with movement science prepared me incredibly well for physical therapy school. Additionally, many of the classes were very hands-on with my classmates and fitness clients which really eased the transition to a physical therapy program that is centered on hands-on learning working with patients. I felt very comfortable with the transition and a big part was the classes I took through Malone.”

Ryan Cartwright '18

Ryan Cartwright ’18 graduated from Malone’s Psychology program and is currently a graduate student at Malone for Clinical and Mental Health Counseling in the School Counseling track. He currently works full time for Plain Local Schools as a Community Liaison for Taft Elementary. While at Malone, he learned that God is with him while he serves, and that community helps fortify you for Kingdom work: “Malone felt like family to me and my closest friends were upperclassmen who simply wanted to care for the underclassmen. God gives us opportunities to love and serve one another; we often look for God to send us places, but more times than not, God wants us to seek Him where we are and trust His wisdom to do the rest.”

Kiera Conkle '20

Kiera Conkle '20 double-majored in social work and global and international studies at Malone. She currently lives in Germany where she teaches English at a kindergarten. The people she interacted with at Malone left a lasting impact on what she wanted to do with life. She said, “I was surrounded by people who had empathy and the desire to care for others. I felt extremely welcomed and I appreciate that I was educated about other people's positions and perspectives. I graduated college feeling empowered to help people, which is what I wanted when I first came to Malone.”

Calerb D’Haiti '20

Calerb D’Haiti '20 graduated from Malone with a major in exercise science  and now serves as a personal trainer at Impulse Training in North Canton. He credits strong mentoring relationships with faculty and staff for the success he had as a student: “The Malone community, both on and off campus, welcomed me and helped me find belonging. A wide variety of upperclassmen and staff helped me find the answers I needed when I needed them because they cared about me. I am grateful that Malone showed me how to be a well-rounded person who can manage his time, quickly adapt to new environments, overcome obstacles, and be a light to the community. All of these qualities have helped me in my career as a personal trainer.”

Tyler Howell '19

Tyler Howell '19 graduated from Malone with a double major in English and creative writing, and he is currently serving as a treatment specialist at the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio. His college experience showed him how to be a leader and a servant in the community, which he uses daily in his writing career and his work with children: “I saw my professors be successful in their work outside of teaching, investing in their communities, churches, and families. It taught me that a Malone education and our community can be leaders wherever they are.” Howell also learned the value of creating opportunities for himself inside and outside of the classroom: “My professors helped me start my freelance work, land my first internship, and connect with my last internship which turned into a job upon graduation.”

Rachel Jenkins '16

Rachel Jenkins '16 graduated from Malone with a double major in philosophy and political science and is now serving as the legislative director for Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13). An Honors Program participant, member of Student Senate, and peer tutor, Jenkins credits Malone alumni for demonstrating the importance of mentorship and networking in her life: “Right before graduation, I attended a trip to Washington, DC with the History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences department. So many Malone alumni in the area gave their time to meet with us and to offer advice and career tips. That was incredibly meaningful to me, and it showed the passion the Malone community has for serving others. That experience was the little nudge of encouragement I needed to come to DC myself and to start my career on Capitol Hill upon graduation. And now as an alumna, I enjoy following in their footsteps by giving my time to encourage students and future leaders of the Malone community to explore every opportunity and to pursue their dreams.”

Paige Jennings '17

Paige Jennings '17 double-majored in social work and global and international studies at Malone. She is currently the Employment Services Assistant at OPEN M Ministry, a non-profit dedicated to feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and strengthening the community. During her time at Malone, she went on a service-learning trip to Kenya, worked with refugees in Akron, and studied abroad for a semester in Uganda. She said, “While at Malone, ideas of empowerment through service were often discussed. I continue to challenge myself to recognize the abilities of the people I serve and find ways to empower them through my work. I continue to be grateful for my experiences at Malone which have helped me confidently pursue each position I held since graduation.”

Dishon Kamwesa '10 '19

Dishon Kamwesa '10 '19 graduated from Malone in nursing not just once, but twice. Now a family nurse practitioner with Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, St. Paul Square, Dishon applies what he learned about faith integration into his daily work with patients: “My nursing professors helped me to see my chosen profession as a calling rather than just means to a paycheck. I learned that faith informs profession in theoretical and practical ways, through community work and to help broaden my perspective beyond academics. They also showed me the needs of the Canton community and I began to see that my own backyard deserves investment and the message of hope that the Gospel brings. As a nurse today, I want to be understanding of others, especially my difficult patients, as I listen to their stories so that I can be a light in their lives beyond what medication I can give them. I’m far from perfect, but by God’s grace and the experiences Malone blessed me with, I hope to be the best provider I can be.”

Abigail McManaway '19

Abigail McManaway '19 graduated from Malone with a double major in music and business administration and now holds a career in real estate as an escrow officer in Canton. She credits the people of Malone for instilling in her a servant’s heart so she can show Christ’s Kingdom First to those in her workplace: “Cindy Lundin, my work study supervisor, always showed me that no matter how you’re feeling, the people around you matter. She showed me how to show up and love and serve them to the best of my ability because that’s what Christ would do. This helps me today, not only in my career, but in my life, no matter what job I hold now or will hold in the future.” 

Andrew McNulty '11 '16

Andrew McNulty '11 '16 graduated from Malone with a double major in business administration and history. He is now working at Wayne Savings Community Bank as Vice President - Senior Credit Officer. McNulty served a one year term as President of the Malone Young Alumni Community Board and is on the Executive Alumni Board. The classes, networking, and mentors have contributed to his success in his profession. His advice to students: “Always remember and thank those who have mentored you. It’s also important to pay it forward.” 

Joel Miller '06

Joel Miller '06 graduated from Malone with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree and most recently served as the chief of staff and senior legal adviser to an FCC Commissioner in Washington, D.C. He credits the Honors Program, his academic department, and the College Experience program for laying groundwork within him for academic and spiritual growth. “From my earliest moments as a new student, I noticed an attitude of humility and commitment to service that resonated with me and taught me how to serve while going through my day-to-day lived experiences. Now I have experience as a teacher, lawyer, and public policy professional and I am so grateful that Malone modeled servant leadership to me; as I continue to apply what I learned in my work with different people of different backgrounds, I am inspired to come to work every day excited to serve. In my experience, those who are excited to serve in their workplace are the ones who are most successful, too!

Julia Newton '16

Julia Newton '16 majored in English and global and international studies with a minor in psychology at Malone. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. She felt welcomed at Malone by the student community, the residence life staff in the dorms, and also from the intentionality and genuine interest of her professors. She said, “It was at Malone that I was first introduced to the idea of social justice and its importance not just as a subject of study, but as an issue with existential impact for the people experiencing various levels of injustice. As I am currently studying conflict and methods of peacebuilding, I am constantly using the frameworks I learned at Malone to understand how the secular world of social justice intersects with God's heart for people and the ways in which I can see the Kingdom of God come more fully through the field of social justice.”

Elizabeth Rhoads '18

Elizabeth Rhoads '18 graduated from Malone with a nursing degree that secured her dream position as a nurse in the OB unit of the Wooster Community Hospital. Rhoads credits her experience as an RA, being a part of the nursing mentorship program, and Malone’s dedication to fostering community for her success in her career: “Almost everyone I met at Malone was invested in me and wanted me to grow as a person and as a Christian. Malone exemplified how to be an active and admirable member of a community. I use what I learned at Malone daily like compassion, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and professionalism. I know that my Malone education prepared me for my career as a nurse and helped me land my dream job so soon after graduation!”

Drew Shreve '18

Drew Shreve '18 majored in middle childhood education at Malone, with concentrations in social studies and integrated language arts. He currently serves as an 8th-grade Historical Literacy teacher at Oakwood Middle School and is also the varsity defensive line coach GlenOak High School and a middle school track & field coach. He had a great experience in athletics at Malone and commends the faculty, staff, and students for investing in him. He says, “Malone's education program set me up for success, where I was able to land a job at Plain Local Schools before I finished my student teaching or graduated from college. Within my first year I gained the respect of my colleagues and peers and was named Plain Local's Rookie teacher of the year. Through all of this success though, Malone has grounded me, and I attribute all of my success to Christ who has blessed me with these abilities and the opportunities to speak into children's lives.”

Hannah Simionides '14

Hannah Simionides '14 graduated from Malone with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and Global and International Studies. She currently works in the Middle East with her husband, Peter. She said serving others is a natural part of Malone’s curriculum and that service can be daily, small choices you make to put others’ needs before your own. “My experience at Malone has helped me to extend grace and care among the most vulnerable people in the world,” she said. “I have learned to welcome the stranger, invite people into community and friendship, and empower them to thrive.”

Peter Simionides '13

Peter Simionides '13 majored in communication arts at Malone with a film concentration. He currently works in the Middle East with his wife, Hannah. The example set for him by the Malone community to serve with intention, purpose, and love, and view each small act as a means of worship, has been instrumental in shaping how he sees serving others. He said, “One thing that I try to practice in my current work is inviting people to come with me. Jesus didn't just speak to his disciples, he lived his life with them. Just as so many people at Malone invited me to come along with them, I seek to do the same in my current ministry and life in general.”

Carey Titus '17

Carey Titus '17 graduated from Malone with a major in Zoo & Wildlife Biology and is now an Avian field biologist studying Micronesian starlings in Guam through the Ecology of Bird Loss Project. Malone was a comfortable place for Carey to grow into her beliefs. She attributes credit to her professors for helping her find her passions and career path. Her experience at Malone Zoo prepared her for work in the field: “one of the most valuable lessons I learned within the Malone community was to love, respect, and protect all of creation.”

Mark Tschantz '17

Mark Tschantz '17 graduated from Malone with a major in Bible & theology and a minor in music. Tschantz now works as the High School Ministries Director and Youth Pastor at First Friends Church of Canton: “Many of the professors and mentors I encountered at Malone taught me about service through their genuine humility. It was not hard to find honest examples of lives well-lived, and spending more time getting to know these people only gave me a better vision of following Jesus in the future. My experiences at Malone were essential for my development in life and the steps I have taken in my career. God led me to grow during my time at Malone – not only in the areas of education and learning, but in the confidence to listen to Him and follow His leading. My classes gave me skills for understanding the Bible and sharing Christian teaching with others. I use these techniques every day in my job as a youth pastor, and the different courses I was required to take prepared me well for sharing Scripture with people of many ages.”