Alumni Stories

SVSU alums are doing amazing things in their lives; they have successful careers, thriving personal lives, and help to strengthen their communities. Below are just some of the examples of what amazing things SVSU alums are doing after they graduate.

Steve Hensley

February 2026

Get to know Steve Hensley, a member of the Alumni Relations Board of Directors. Steve graduated from SVSU in 2013 and 2022 and is the Community & Economic Development Director at Saginaw Future Inc.

Kaitlyn Dear

March 2026

From Communications grad to live wedding artist, Kaitlyn Dear ('13) took an unexpected path, and it led to something beautiful.

After years in sales, a single "yes" to painting at a friend's wedding changed everything. Now she's the founder of Clexo - Live Wedding Painter & Watercolorist, creating unforgettable live art experiences at weddings and celebrations across the region. She loves that she can entertain the guests and create personalized paintings for the couple and guests to keep.

Kristin Weston

March 2026

Shoutout to SVSU alum Kristin Weston ('22)! After graduating with a degree in Chemistry Education, Kristin has been an influencer in education, both inside and outside the classroom. Kristin is an AP Chemistry teacher at Midland High School. She loves getting to know her students throughout the year and seeing their learning progress. Outside of the classroom, Kristin is on the Bangor Township Schools Board of Education. She was elected at 19 while a full-time SVSU student.

Kristin has also become a TikTok influencer! She has turned her account, @kristinthechemist, into a go-to space for chemistry teachers nationwide to share ideas, swap lab tips, and build community. She has over 21,000 followers, and her most viral video has over 14.2 million views!

Chris Purnell

February 2026

Get to know Chris Purnell, a member of the Alumni Relations Board of Directors. Chris graduated from SVSU in 2006 and currently serves as the Supported Employment Coordinator at Hegira Health. Chris would love to tell current SVSU students to enjoy the journey, continue to make lasting memories, and don’t be afraid to talk to different people and try new things. The three words he would use to describe SVSU are “I love it.”

We know that you do amazing things, both personally and professionally, and we want to hear all about it. Whether you've landed your dream job, started your own business, or made a difference in your community, we want to celebrate your accomplishments and share your story with the world. We can't wait to hear from you!

CONTACT US.

Alumni
Wickes Hall 160
alumni@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4196