Distinctive and transformative education in America’s Finest City
LIFE AT UNIVERSITY OF SAINT KATHERINE
A nationally-recognized university
“Saint Katherine thus joins historic universities such as John Erskine’s Columbia and Robert Hutchins’s University of Chicago that embraced a structured, coherent, transformative curriculum in which what comes before serves as ground for what comes after with the aim of graduating students who have absorbed a truly liberal education.” The John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy
Alumni Voices
Bailey Boccella '22
Class of 2022 | BS Kinesiology
“I am glad to say I made the right decision in choosing the Kinesiology undergrad program at the University of Saint Katherine. With the small professor to student ratio, the learning experience I had as an undergrad was tremendous. After graduating with my Bachelor’s, I decided to further my education by pursuing the Master’s in Kinesiology program at USK.”
Christian Farradj '22
Class of 2022 | BS Kinesiology
"At the University of Saint Katherine you can study in a plethora of fields, all the while recognizing that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. USK calls its students use their gifts to be a light in the world, and the educational framework embraces the Orthodox Christian Tradition. USK’s mission of offering both a high-quality, well-rounded, affordable education and the ability to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually is what sets it apart. I always felt cared for individually, with my professors taking an extraordinary interest in my life and doing everything possible to set me up for a successful career. The way they teach helped me to think critically and develop habits that will help me succeed in my professional life."
Liza Kotar '15
BA in Arts & Humanities from USK | MS in Therapeutic Recreation from SUNY-Cortland | Fulbright Scholar | Healthcare Consultant
" USK’s academic rigor and small class sizes provided me with a base in critical thinking and adaptability that has allowed me to pursue a broad range of professional and academic pursuits. "
Michael Antonopoulos '16
Class of 2016 Valedictorian | Registered Architect | Adjunct Professor for New School of Architecture and Design
Michael studied studio art, which at the time of his attendance was a concentration that didn’t yet exist and was created for him. What he enjoyed most about USK was the small class size because it “forces you to confront the course work in a deeper way.” His senior year he did his thesis on inflatable architecture, a meaningful experience that has shaped his occupational interests.
Brianna Jordahl
Class of 2019 Valedictorian | Graduate student
Brianna concentrated in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Now she is pursuing an MS in Cardiovascular Science from Midwestern University, where she has developed a passion for congenital, transplant, and valve cases. She is currently doing clinical rotations in perfusion at major hospitals, putting her education into action in direct patient care.
Valerie DiBernardo
Business Management, Class of 2017 | Juris Doctor candidate at University of New Mexico School of Law
“My education and experiences at the University of Saint Katherine gave me the confidence and tools to be a competitive candidate for law school. My four years at USK gave me the opportunity to learn things beyond the classroom and more about myself, others, and the world, these are things that I do not think I would have learned anywhere else. There has not been a moment that I have regretted or questioned my choice to be a Firebird.”
Delia Jimenez
Class of 2019 | Doctor of Pharmacy student
Delia earned multiple academic honors while attaining her Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Chemistry & Biochemistry. She has since earned a Master of Public Health and is working towards a PharmD at Touro University College of Pharmacy in Vallejo, California. “If it were not for my mentors and research experience at USK, this would not have been possible!” remarked Jimenez in a 2020 interview. She continues to inspire us here at USK by her care for those in challenging circumstances, organizing community health fairs and assisting refugees while pursuing her studies.
Cassia Ruiz
Class of 2020 (BA), Class of 2021 (MAOL) | Female Firebird of the Year, ODK Honor Society
“USK’s greatest strength is the amount of time and resources the institution pours into each individual student; I received a personalized education at a much lower cost than most private universities, and developed lifelong, meaningful relationships with many professors and faculty members as they prepared me to enter the workforce.”
Cassie made the most of her college years, studying English Literature, playing softball, and serving on Student Senate — and stayed an extra year for a Master’s in Organizational Leadership.
Olivia Muriel
Class of 2021 | Pursuing an MS in Public Health at Missouri State University
While studying Kinesiology at USK, Olivia took a campus job as a Student Health Aide, volunteered with the American Red Cross, played volleyball, and participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“USK is a faith-oriented environment that can be made highly personable based on your needs as a student and a student-athlete. All USK faculty are student success-driven; they continuously strive to improve the student experience and ensure student needs are met. The athletic programs are incredibly competitive and can bring out the best qualities in you as not only an athlete but a person as well.”
Lauren Erickson
Class of 2022 Valedictorian | Lousiana-Monroe Graduate Student
Lauren studied both History and Literature, writing an interdisciplinary capstone project her senior year.
“The University of Saint Katherine is a tight-knit community. The faculty at USK are incredible people who strive to make their student’s lives better through academic challenges and thought-provoking discussions. The teachers, coaches, and staff are not simply working to help students earn credits and a degree, they also work to help them find value and pride in their work, their sport, and their lives. “
Jacob Howell
Class of 2020
“My time at USK was wonderful; from having evening prayers with my fellow Orthodox students, to learning ancient Greek and studying Russian literature. At USK, I learned perseverance and dedication when dealing with difficult classes and serving for the chapel service. No matter how good the subject is, if the teachers are not of quality character the class will be miserable. From my experience, the teachers at USK were of the highest quality.”
Tymika Brown
Class of 2020 | Graduate Student
Tymika’s favorite thing about attending USK were having great teachers in psychology and literature, making close friends and taking a trip to West Virginia to rebuild homes for those in need. She believes that the small school size creates a close-knit atmosphere making it easier to focus on academics.
Having concentrated in Psychology with a minor in Communications at USK, she is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Business Psychology at the University of East London.
Institutional Memberships
College of Distinction




