Class Notes

Tiffany (Spriggs) Cruz, BS ’02, JD ’08, an international employment attorney, adjunct law professor, wife and mom, received Chapman University’s (Orange County, California) prestigious 2024 Woman of Distinction Award on March 27 for exemplifying outstanding leadership, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women, and making meaningful contributions to Chapman University and the greater community.

Maggie McDonald, MSW ’01, and Katrina Watson, AB ’06, are both working at United Way of Central Alabama. McDonald serves as vice president of Legacy Gifts, and Watson serves as senior vice president of Community Initiatives. They met while they were working for organizations that are funded by United Way and became fast friends when they realized they both graduated from WashU’s Brown School, a rare find in Birmingham, Alabama. Years later, they became colleagues and work collectively to ensure that everyone in central Alabama has access to vital services.

Jason Thomas, AB ’00, received a Points of Light Award this past Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The award honors people who help change the world with their hearts, hands and minds by strengthening communities and solving persistent problems. Thomas is involved with various Atlanta-based organizations from fighting food insecurity with Urban Recipe and Second Helpings Atlanta to delivering hope and support with Hugs and Hope and the Westside Future Fund. His hands-on role in assembling and delivering food boxes is a direct response to the challenge of hunger in the metro Atlanta area.

Sarah Glasser, AB ’00, opened YENology, a premier smoking accessory and luxury home goods boutique in Frontenac, Missouri. The store’s mix of luxury goods complements all paths to peace, both mindful and medicinal, to help all those who seek comfort. Glasser was voted one of the Most Influential Businesswomen by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2022.

Rebecca Lawin McCarley, AB ’99, celebrated 20 years of her historic preservation business, SPARK Consulting, in November 2023. The firm offers consulting services related to historic buildings, including historic tax credit applications, National Register of Historic Places nominations, design guidelines, architectural and historical surveys, and research on historic buildings and themes in history. The firm operates throughout Iowa and adjoining states.

Joni KamiyaI, MSOT ’99, is president of the Occupational Therapy Association of Hawaii (OTAH). OTAH serves as the professional group for occupational therapists and educates consumers to advance the practice of occupational therapy.

Aaron Diamant, AB ’96, is leading business development and strategic content consulting for Lucie Content, a full-service media company with studio headquarters in Atlanta. That follows a 25-year career in broadcast journalism and a stint in higher ed communications.

Barry Levy, AB ’94, created, executive produced, wrote and served as showrunner for a new Apple TV+ family series, Me, that just premiered in July.

Andrew Faiola, AB ’93, is a “spacesweeper.” Since January 2023, he has been commercial director of Astroscale Ltd., a company with a mission to become the “roadside assistance” company for space, keeping the orbital highways clear, sustainable and efficient by providing in-orbit servicing solutions.

Henrika McCoy, AB ’91, AB ’91, PhD ’08, was appointed, effective June 15, as the Morris Endowed Dean and full professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work.