Success Stories

Success Stories

Discover how 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ students, alumni, and faculty turn education into action. Explore success stories of leadership, service, and innovation that reflect our Franciscan mission. Ready to see where your story begins? Explore how you can join a community that leads with purpose.

Search for success stories at 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ

Shannon Qualters Commencement 2025

Addictions caused her to lose everything — perseverance helped her recover

By Lini S. KadabaWhen Shannon Qualters ’23, MAOL '25 hit bottom, the survivor of child sexual abuse was hooked on heroin and crack cocaine, living on the streets of the Kensington section of Philadelphia and eating out of garbage cans, by her own ...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Sibel Ahi with students

International director aims to make 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ world class

Sibel Ahi, Ph.D. ’15 came to America 25 years ago from her native Turkey as a 17-year-old au pair for a Florida family. Looking back today, she likened herself to a little bird that didn’t know how to fly and looked around for help to survive.“It ...

  • 2026
Student with dog on campus

Making the case for K-9 units

Criminal Justice Administration graduate Elizabeth Goida values the education she received at 17cÆð²ÝºìÌÒ, which included real-world experiences, such attending the Reading Police Academy and working with the Reading Police ...

  • College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
  • 2026
Hao Ha esports

Esports player engineers a successful gameplan

By Jon FassnachtThe rise of esports over the last decade has been meteoric. Many traditionalists initially scoffed at the idea of an audience watching others compete in video game tournaments, but passionate fans were game.According to those who p...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026