Living the Core is a social series highlighting how UD graduates carry the lessons of the Core into their lives, work and communities. Each story reflects the lasting influence of a UD education, rooted in a commitment to truth, wisdom, virtue and service, and shows how alumni continue to live with purpose long after graduation.
Living the Core
Kristen Pressner, MBA '99
University of Dallas alumna Kristen Pressner, MBA '99, is building bridges between people who understand neurodiversity and those new to the conversation—showing how embracing brain differences helps everyone thrive.
In her TEDx talk, “Why is it that so many people just can’t get it together?,” she helps audiences reimagine what’s “normal” at work and at home—and how creating more brain-friendly systems helps everyone thrive.
Her ideas caught global attention, earning her an invitation to contribute to the World Economic Forum’s Global Brain Economy Initiative—launched at Davos.
Watch her TEDx talk and be inspired to play your part in bridging these worlds and becoming a #BrainFriend https://youtu.be/axIDDiZsM78?si=j-TfXqh1ozv5O-4o
David Harman, BA ’10
David Harman, BA ’10, began screenprinting handmade maps from an attic studio shortly after graduation. With the support of his wife, Rebecca Mattingly Harman, BA ’10, he launched Native Maps, starting with a print of his hometown, Dallas.
Today, Native Maps offers National Park prints, maps for more than 60 cities, and other hand-crafted designs, printed with high-quality inks and papers — all from a studio building that also supports other local creatives in Knoxville.
We love seeing the creative paths our alumni blaze in the world! Explore more: https://www.nativemaps.us
Dr. Alex Valadka, BA & BS ’83
Dr. Alex Valadka, BA & BS ’83, is Chief of Neurological Surgery at Parkland Health and a professor at UT Southwestern, specializing in neurotrauma and neurocritical care. In recent years, he has traveled twice a year to Dnipro, Ukraine, working at a hospital about an hour from the front lines of the war with Russia. Valadka credits his University of Dallas education with shaping him into a well-rounded person, receptive to serving where need is greatest. Motivated by his patients and the call not to remain silent, he hopes to raise awareness and inspire others to help.
Elaine McCusker, BA ’89
Elaine McCusker, BA ’89, has over 30 years experience in defense and national security across the private sector, academia and government. She currently serves on Academy Securities’ Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group, and is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, publishing on defense strategy, programs, budgets and reform. Previously, she served as Acting Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), responsible for developing, justifying and executing the Department’s then-$700 billion annual budget in support of the National Defense Strategy.
From the Core to consequential work, Elaine’s career reflects how truth-seeking and disciplined reasoning form leaders who serve with competence and conviction.
Alexa (Hassell) Kawlewski, BA '23
Alumna Alexa (Hassell) Kawlewski, BA '23, was selected as a 2026 James Wilson Winter Fellow and joined a distinguished group of legal scholars in Old Town Alexandria for an intensive program on natural law and American jurisprudence.
Alexa is currently a law student at Notre Dame Law School, where she serves as executive editor of the Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy, an oralist on the Constitutional Law Team of the Moot Court Board and president of the Maritain Graduate Fellows Program. Her legal experience includes work with First Liberty Institute, Napa Legal Institute and a judicial externship at the Northern District of Indiana.
Richard O. Ellis, BA '90
Commander Richard O. Ellis (Retired), BA '90, was presented with a Quilt of Valor by the Daughters of the American Revolution in recognition of his distinguished Coast Guard service in 2025, with his wife Michelle, BA '89 MBA '94, by his side.
A Quilt of Valor is a handmade quilt awarded to US service members who have been "touched by war," offering comfort and serving as a symbol of gratitude for their sacrifice.
Noah Torres, BA '21 MA ’23
Noah Torres, BA '21 MA ’23, studied politics and theology as an undergraduate and earned his master's degree in politics at the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts. Now he's applying that classical education to real-world policy challenges as a policy analyst for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s new Family Success Project initiative.
Dr. Bridget (Safranek) Knuffke, BA ’17
Dr. Bridget (Safranek) Knuffke, BA ’17, a Philosophy alum whose scholarship had been recognized with a prize from the Pontifical Academies for her dissertation, Thomas Aquinas on Medicinal Punishment.
After studying philosophy at UDallas, Bridget continued her Ph.D. in philosophy at The Catholic University of America, and spent the year of 2025 as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University.
Zach Czaia, BA ’05
For 20 years, Zach Czaia, BA ’05, has taught high school English. On the side, he has built a publishing home for the kind of writing teachers rarely have space to share. Through One Subject Press and its Teacher/Writer series, Zach amplifies “teacher-writers” who bring lived classroom wisdom to the page.
In 2026, Zach released his book, Good Teaching: A Provocation, a blend of essays and poems that invites readers to rethink the easy equation of “learning = schooling” and to recover the human story at the heart of education. Read Zach’s reflection on the book, along with a list of five other books he published this year.
Thank you, Zach, for living out the Core as an educator and writer.
Mitchell Blackburn, BA ’16 MA ’24
On the Solemnity of the Annunciation, artisan Mitchell Blackburn, BA ’16 MA ’24, owner of Lumen et Ignis Woodworking, witnessed Bishop Edward J. Burns, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas and university chancellor, bless the oak tabernacle stand which Mitchell crafted by hand.
Stephen P. White, BA ’03
University of Dallas alumnus Stephen P. White, BA ’03, now serves as executive director of the @JP2Shrine in Washington, D.C.
“I am tremendously excited about this new opportunity,” White said. “In a sense, taking this position at the Shrine is something very new for me, but it’s also a kind of homecoming.”
A longtime fellow at the @EPPCdc, he will now lead a national destination for Catholic life, pilgrimage and reflection.
John Emrich, BA ’25, Luke Enriquez, BA ’25, Antoine Frank, BA ’25, and Mario de Sollenni,
BA ’25
On November 17, 2025, four UD alumni from the Class of 2025 — John Emrich, Luke Enriquez, Antoine Frank and Mario De Solenni — were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia.
Their paths at UD were closely intertwined, yet they did not realize until spring 2025 that all four were answering the same call to serve. They credit one another’s support, their UD education, and God’s providence for helping lead them to this moment.
Yolanda Williams, ’BA 03
Now serving at Jackson State University, Yolanda Williams, ’BA 03, has been named the 2026 Humanities Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Humanities Council—an honor recognizing outstanding faculty across the state.
As assistant professor, theatre coordinator, production manager and costume designer, she brings both craft and care into every aspect of her work.
“It’s the recognition of the work I have done… a really good feeling to know how many people appreciate the work you do,” she shared. “Especially for a job I am so passionate about.”
Like so many educators formed at UD, her story reflects what it means to live the Core: pursuing excellence, forming others and carrying a love for learning into the world.
Daniel Fitzpatrick, BA ’13
Daniel Fitzpatrick, BA ’13, has published his debut short story collection, Red Robichaux and Other Southern Moralists — with roots tracing back to his Lit Trad IV class at UD. The cover also reflects a UD connection: it was created by his wife and fellow alumna, Grace ’13.
Daniel teaches English at Jesuit High School and is also editor of Joie de Vivre, a quarterly print journal of Catholic art, culture, history and letters for South Louisiana.
In 2022, he published a complete translation of The Divine Comedy, joining three other UD alumni translators of Dante’s masterpiece — a testament to the enduring impact of the Core.
“Many anthology-worthy, some canon-worthy… their atmosphere is grace.” — Katy Carl, author of Fragile Objects
Check out Daniel’s short story collection here.
Ilana Lydia Holden, BA ’96
From the UDallas stage to shaping arts and culture in Buckeye, Ariz. — drama alumna Ilana Lydia Holden, BA ’96, is making her mark.
Holden, Arts and Culture Manager for the City of Buckeye, Ariz., shares how her passion for the arts is transforming her community.
Watch her story: https://youtu.be/kX5Uj30Xcw8?si=tlJwufW8t6mQT6xt
Natalie Dodson, BA ’20 MA ’26
University of Dallas alumna Natalie Dodson, BA ’20, serves as senior advisor and counselor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is bringing a voice of conviction to the national and international conversation on motherhood, family and the dignity of life.
Dodson spoke about the social significance of motherhood and the importance of recognizing the gift of life at every stage.
“Motherhood illustrates an enduring truth: The strength and fortitude of a nation does not arise from its institutions or policies, but in its recognition and devotion to life.” Dodson said.
Her witness reflects the kind of thoughtful, principled leadership UDallas hopes to form: graduates who bring faith, reason and courage into the public square.
Matthew Mehan, BA ’00, MA ’10, PhD ’14
What stories help us understand a nation, its people and its ideals?
University of Dallas triple alumnus and valedictorian Matthew Mehan, BA ’00, MA ’10, PhD ’14, explores that question in The American Book of Fables, a beautifully illustrated collection of original fables, poems and reflections.
Years in the making, the book invites readers to rediscover the beauty of America — her landscapes, her people and the principles of liberty, law and love that have shaped the nation.
The work received an America 250 Innovation Prize from The Heritage Foundation, recognizing projects that advance education, patriotism and America’s founding ideals.