The choice to face obstacles head-on and prevail is not always easy.
But three alumni used their experiences to help others deal with issues similar to their own, building careers by paying it forward.
Music to their Ears
Frank Wartinger ’07 (Studio Production) grew up surrounded by music. Beginning with piano lessons at age four, he moved on to recording before he was a teenager. Then, playing Nirvana and other grunge bands, the music grew louder. “I was around 13 or 14 when the tinnitus started, at the Battle of the Bands, of all places,” says Wartinger, founder of Earmark Hearing Conservation.
What began as a journey into healing himself sparked a career path. “I already hurt my ears, and I was working almost full time at music producing while at school,” he says. “I realized I wasn’t making the situation better. I couldn’t even find audiologists for musicians. I ended up buying used textbooks on audiology in 2005—and got hooked.” He decided to pursue a career in audiology.
After Purchase, Wartinger received an AuD from Salus University in 2011. He began practicing pediatric audiology, first at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital from 2011 to 2013, then at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia from 2014 to 2022. But in 2015, he opened a practice that merged his audiology skills with his passion for music. Earmark Hearing Conservation improves the hearing health of musicians and music lovers with an empathy few others could deliver.
Wartinger chose to focus solely on his own practice last year, in part because of the rarity of his specialty. “There are many audiologists,” he says, “but I only know of 12 who specialize in music. There was such a demand, and it gave me a chance to connect with people in the music world who felt isolated and really needed someone who understood tinnitus.”
While the most commonly known tinnitus symptom is a constant ringing in the ears, the condition is complex, involving not just hearing, but also mental health and outlook. Wartinger offers customized strategies, from hearing-related tools—earplugs, in-ear monitors, and hearing aids—to adjusting music environments.
“A common concern from performers is that earplugs, for example, make it harder to perform due to a lack of perceived connection,” he says. “I work with my patients on understanding how earplugs can enhance their work. The loudness of loud settings can actually hinder your listening and creativity. Even in the studio, you can get a great recording while avoiding potential hearing risks.”
Wartinger should know. Between production, engineering, and composing, he’s had hundreds of music credits. His music has been featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered, and his film score credits include PBS and the American Film Institute. And he is cofounder of a full-service music production company, Audiodowsing, with songwriter and producer Scott Hallam.
At first, Earmark Hearing Conservation served those in the Philadelphia area. But that changed with telehealth. “I can go beyond the Philadelphia area now to help people all over the world,” says Wartinger. Today he offers his services nationally and internationally through the MusiCares program (www.tunedcare.com).
Wartinger relishes his chance to contribute to the music industry in multiple ways.
“I’m still working on music and I’m also able to have the joy of a career in audiology. My patients don’t have to explain their passion to me. I share it and I want to be a part of their team. Let’s keep the music going.”
Contact Frank Wartinger through his practice
www.earmarkhc.com/contact.
An Open Mind
Dave Thompson ’09 (Sociology) knows all too well that conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and issues around sensory processing can make scholastics and career paths difficult.
“I flunked out of community college multiple times,” he says. “But I left Purchase on the Dean’s list.” He discovered his own way of doing things along the way. “After years of perceived or assumed deficits or inabilities to do things, I found that these assumptions were bigger roadblocks for me than my actual challenges.”
He now imparts those lessons to uplift others. “When I talk to neurodivergent people, I like to let them know it’s the world of work, community life, and education that needs to catch up. There’s nothing wrong with us.”
As director of strategic programs at Potentia Workforce, a company whose mission relies on showing companies the strengths that neurodivergent people bring to a workforce through training and recruitment, Thompson helps lead neurodiversity hiring initiatives and programs, working closely with companies like Chevron, Microsoft, and more.
But what is neurodiversity?
“Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in the ways our brains are wired occur naturally, and to the benefit of all of us,” he says. “It’s a way of normalizing conditions that have historically been looked at through a strictly negative lens. That idea could have resulted in better outcomes for so many in the past.”
The world of work is beginning to catch up. “Companies have found that the workers we help to recruit are faster, more efficient, productive, and innovative,” Thompson says. But everyone is an individual. “It doesn’t mean every new hire will give them this result—and this shouldn’t be the only driver of hiring the people we bring them. But overall engagement and retention are significantly higher on inclusive teams. It’s not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing as well.”
What society needs to see is that everyone has different brains, different ways of thinking, and different strengths and challenges, he says.
Thompson’s work in this field began at Spectrum Designs Foundation, a custom apparel and promotional products business that provides meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, especially young adults with autism.
He spent eight years helping to construct their programs. “These jobs allow people to grow self-esteem and see a better future,” he says. “It’s more than making items—it’s a chance to turn a corner.”
Thompson looks back on his time at Purchase as a turning point; he was given the encouragement, support, and autonomy to find his own way in a world that he says wasn’t designed for him. “The school’s motto of ‘think wide open’ was conducive to being who you are and finding who you are,” he says. “A different turn in the road here and there, and my life could have turned out very differently and not nearly as good.”
Based in Port Washington, NY, Spectrum Designs recently opened a second location in nearby Pleasantville, NY—
so close to campus that it feels in some ways full circle for Thompson. “That’s a good location not just strategically
but sentimentally for me,” he says.
“I can point in the direction of Purchase and say, ‘It can happen here. Because that’s where it happened for me.”
The Gift of Health
Colton Gibbons ’18 (History) believes you shouldn’t give up on your mission if it means enough to you and you can help others with it. In 2020, CAKE Society was born.
Mission accomplished.
CAKE Society Co. is a BIPOC, trans, and gender expansive-led health and fitness organization based in Washington, DC. One of the first nonprofits of its kind, the organization seeks to empower all bodies “to increase the positive mental health impact of our community through access to health, wellness, and fitness.”
Like any innovation, the idea emerged from identifying a need. “It came from thinking about what was lacking in the trans community, serving a community I’m a part of,” Gibbons says. “I wanted to use my sports management studies for good and this came out of it.” The organization runs fitness classes, community empowerment events, and health services such as onsite HIV testing and counseling to help fill the gaps where the community isn’t served well.
“Overall, we have put on many events in the DC area and Virginia, from kickball to self-defense, and it’s about encouraging health, both physical and mental.”
Other organizations have pitched in to host these events, including Georgetown University, host of their boxing program. Gibbons’ experience extends to esports (electronic sports) as well. Having served as a Mayors ESports Network Advisor, part of the Tourism Arts Parks Entertainment and Sports Committee run by the United States Conference of Mayors, he helped guide how esports can enrich cities. “Esports is growing and brings together a diverse community,” he says.
Gibbons received his master’s degree in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies in 2020. While there, he served as Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for AIM Sports Conference, run by Georgetown graduate students, focusing on digital campaigns, graphic design, and marketing strategy. This fall Gibbons will finish a PhD in Business Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
It was during his undergraduate studies at Purchase, however, that he found encouragement to pursue any avenue he wished. “They wanted you to be happy and successful,” says Gibbons.
“If Purchase didn’t give me that environment, I believe I wouldn’t have gone on to the next steps, including starting this nonprofit.
I transitioned at Purchase and the school wanted you to be yourself, offering you support in your life both academically and personally.”
Gibbons also points to his role as a teaching assistant at Purchase in developing his leadership skills. “I learned how to listen as a leader and support students in their goals,” he says. “I want to support people. I’ve gotten my share of support as well.”
The desire to have a positive impact leads Gibbons in many directions—competing on NBC’s America Ninja Warrior as a trans athlete; leading diversity, equity, and inclusivity trainings; publishing articles honoring his adopted queer Vietnamese narrative; and speaking at events.
Last April, SUNY selected Gibbons to deliver the keynote address at the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence ceremony in Albany.
“Nothing gives a greater sense of self-accomplishment than learning and growing into one’s most authentic self,” he told the audience. “The SUNY educational system gave me the support, freedom, and confidence to not only live my truth but to flourish into my brave and evolving kaleidoscope of identity.”
Connect with CAKE Society on IG @cakesocietyco
and on the web at cakesocietyco.org.
