Accomplished Westminster Alumni
A tribute to Westminster's liberal arts tradition alumni are accomplished in, and contribute to, a wide range of fields including; education, research science, medicine, politics, writing, entrepreneurial enterprise, mission, mountain climbing and business. Our most prestigious recognition awarded to accomplished alumni, the Westminster College Alumni Citation, recognizes professional accomplishment, service to Westminster and community service. Accomplishments of graduates of 10 years or less are recognized through the presentation of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Added in 2016, the Rising Titan Award recognizes a junior or senior for their outstanding leadership and potential for impact on the alumni community after they graduate.
Dr. Bryan P. Hooks ’01, a Westminster Biology graduate, was a member in the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, the Mortar Board, and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. In 2005 he earned his D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) at the Philadelphia College of Medicine then completed an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the Humility of Mary Health Partners in Warren and Youngstown, Ohio followed by completing an Adult Reconstruction Fellowship with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. His career includes working as an Orthopedic Surgeon (Total Joint Replacement Specialist), and Chair of the Department of Surgery, UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson. Bryan has previously been recognized by the Ambridge Bridger Hall of Fame (his high school alma mater) and is a voting member of the local UPMC Jameson and Horizon Combined Medical Executive Board. Additionally, he has been awarded UPMC ACES Award, UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson Physician Excellence Award, UPMC Horizon FP Residency Specialty Preceptor of the Year, and a Fellowship Distinction in American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Bryan is also a veteran of the United States Air Force as an Officer (Major). He is an active member of his community serving as a Hermitage Little League coach, Hickory Elementary Basketball coach, a Gus Macker Basketball Community sponsor, Hermitage Career week annual guest presenter, UPMC Horizon Jameson Scholarship Trust Foundation supporter, and team physician for the Youngstown Phantoms Hockey, Thiel College, and Reynolds High School. At Westminster, he established the Dr. Bryan Hooks and Family Scholastic Achievement Scholarship. Bryan resides at home in Hermitage, PA with his wife Angela, and children Brendan (16), Blake, (13), Brody (11), and Brielle (6).
Thomas J. O’Shane ’69, a Westminster graduate in business administration was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He went on and completed a Harvard PMD in ’81 retiring as a Banking Professional having served as Chairman of the Three Shores Corporation, Chief Operating Officer of the Sky Financial Group and Chairman and CEO of First Western Bancorp. He serves as Executive Vice-President and Treasurer of “A Better Shot Junior Golf Foundation” in Englewood, Florida as an example of his commitment to community service. Thomas is a steadfast supporter of Westminster with years of service on both the College’s Board of Trustees and Board of Distinguished Visitors, however he considers his biggest contribution to be that his four children attended and graduated from Westminster College. He currently resides in Placida, Fl with his wife Kathleen.
Arthur (Skip) Winter ’73, a Westminster graduate in history, has retired from a successful 42-year career in the grocery retail sector that included store operations, marketing and procurement. While at Westminster, he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, was induced into the Phi Alfa Theta History Honorary, participated in intramural sports and volunteered at the local New Castle Youth Development Center. After Westminster, Skip earned an MBA in 1984 at Manhattan College, New York. His commitment to his alma mater has continued throughout his life: he participated for many years as a Westminster representative at local high school fairs, hosted several NJ Westminster Alumni reunions, financially supported the creation of an on campus Inter-Faith Gathering Room, and along with his wife of 52 years, Judy ’73 was a member of the 50th Anniversary Reunion Committee in 2023 (helping to organize the worship service) and then together establishing an endowed scholarship and currently are working on a second in memory of a friend. Skip’s devotion to community volunteerism is vast and includes participation in the Cranford Elmora Soup Kitchen, Cranford Clergy Council Interfaith Hospitality committee, yearly mission trips and pilgrimage trips, the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, Presbytery of Northeast NJ committees, the Union County Interfaith Co-Ordinating Council, and previous roles as President and Allocations Chair of the Cranford United Way. His volunteerism has earned him award recognition from the Cranford Clergy Council, Union County and the City of Cranford, among others. Skip and his wife Judy reside in Cranford NJ and have 2 sons, Richard and his wife Kate along with their 2 sons who reside in Lebanon, NJ, and their son Gregory and his wife Shannon who live in Brooklyn, NY.
William (Jimmy) Newman '16, a Westminster Political Science graduate, participated in swimming and diving during his time as a student. After graduating from Westminster, he attended the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. He currently works for Google as a Senior Cyber Threat Analyst. Jimmy continues to support the Swimming & Diving and Political Science programs at Westminster. He resides in Virginia with his wife and daughter.
Ava Karpa ’27 a current Westminster student majoring in English, is actively involved in both academics and campus life. She is a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and participates in the All-College Honors program. She is a member of the Lambda Sigma Honors Society, the Pi Sigma Pi Honors Society and the Westminster Softball team. Ava has served as an Orientation Leader, welcoming our newest Titans to the family. She has held the positions of Student Government Association Senator (2023 fall semester – 2025 fall semester) and as a student writer for the office of Marketing and Communications. Her dedication and leadership have been honored as a recipient of the George Winters Scholarship and through noteworthy awards including First Team All-Conference selection (2026) Shortstop, Westminster Softball captain from sophomore year to senior year, and College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All District Selection (2025& 2026). Looking toward the future, Ava plans to channel her love for reading and passion for learning to become a high school English teacher. She currently resides in Coraopolis, PA with her mother, Kristie and brother Rocco (18) where she volunteers with local softball programs in her hometown.