The Latest | Fall 2026
Fall 2026 Issue
The Greeks believed three sisters, the Fates, governed every life: Clotho spun the thread, Lachesis measured it, Atropos cut it. Mortals didn’t choose their thread, only how they carried it. Put another way: Perspective matters. Adversity can become resolve. Challenge can become opportunity. Chance can become hope.
This issue of Innovator is full of people with that kind of perspective. Fate is what you make of it. That’s why Jefferson keeps producing people who don’t let fate define them, but who redefine what’s possible.
Feature Almost Famous
After an allergy to animals sent her on a new path, Jefferson’s Fashion, Merchandising, & Management graduate Melasia Pinder ’20 built her business, Almost Famous Events Collective, to give Philadelphia’s independent artists and designers a stage.
Feature Designing the Future
Jefferson's Industrial Design program and Iron Mountains, a design and engineering firm specializing in baby gear, have built a positive, collaborative relationship — and a pipeline for Jefferson grads.
Time Machine Duty First
For Madeline Ullom '38, life changed dramatically with the outbreak of World War II. Her wartime diary is the only known contemporaneous account written by an Army nurse during captivity.
Research Searching for a Universal Cancer Immunotherapy
An unlikely research partnership between Adam Snook, PhD, and Mỹ Mahoney, PhD, may enhance the reach and impact of CAR-T therapy for cancer.
More From This Issue
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Jefferson Alumna Finds 'Perfect Fit' in Fashion Industry
Taking inspiration from watching her grandmother make dresses, Jenna Keen ’14 has found her perfect fit in the sportswear industry.
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Fifteen Years of Chicken Finger Thursday
For a decade and a half, students at Jefferson’s East Falls Campus have had the delicious opportunity of indulging in a culinary tradition — Chicken Finger Thursday.
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Celebrating the Jefferson Class of 2026
In the lead-up to Commencement, Thomas Jefferson University News caught up with a dozen students from across programs to reflect on their favorite memories, future plans, and more.
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Meet the Deans of TJU's Three New Colleges
Get to know deans Philip Russel, Marcia Weiss, and Barbara Klinkhammer, who are respectively leading the three new colleges — the College of Business, the College of Fashion & Textiles, and the College of Architecture, Design & Engineering.
From Jefferson News
The Geography of Care
Thomas Jefferson University announced this summer two new regional campuses of Sidney Kimmel Medical College — one in Delaware and one in Allentown, Pennsylvania — each designed around a simple, evidence-backed premise: Physicians tend to practice where they train.
Fashion Show Highlights Innovative, Forward-Thinking Styles
The looks of 27 fashion design seniors graced the runway during the University’s signature event.
Through Unique Studio, Jefferson Students Reimagine Market East
The project works to restore the heartbeat of the Philadelphia neighborhood.
Podcast: There’s That Jefferson Airstream Again!
A look inside the University’s transdisciplinary effort to reimagine and redesign the enterprise’s glimmering, silver trailer.
Jefferson Therapy Dogs Offer Emotional Support
Jefferson welcomed new therapy dogs to its team, with puppies Maggie and Brucey, in collaboration with Leashes of Valor.
Ram Roundup
Check out the latest from Thomas Jefferson University Athletics.
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Women’s Rowing Makes Program History
Jefferson women’s rowing claimed the Rams’ first-ever gold medal at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta in the Varsity 8 race to win the Henry Backe Trophy.
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Dave Thomas Retires as Full-Time Coach
Cross country and track and field coach Dave Thomas, a 17-time Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year winner, announced his retirement from his full-time coaching role.
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Save the Date: 2026 Rams Rise Up Challenge
Get ready, Rams fans! The 8th annual Rams Rise Up Challenge is returning this year on October 7-9, giving you 48 hours to champion Jefferson Athletics.
Ram Roundup From Jefferson Roommates to Brand Builders
Roman Reed and Krish Sheth met as freshmen, roommates, and teammates on the Jefferson baseball team. Now as student interns, the two have helped shape a refreshed visual identity for Jefferson Athletics.
Class Notes
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Campus to Café
At the Saffron Café in Manayunk, Jefferson Finance and Management graduate Smit Patel ’25 serves up specialty coffees, traditional Indian food, and a warm sense of community.
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Business Alum Hits it Out of the Park
Matt Massarelli ’18, who now works for Major League Baseball, had the unique honor of designed the chain given to the winner of the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby in Philadelphia.
Class Notes
Doug Schwab '76
Doug Schwab, Fashion Apparel Management, was elected to the board of directors of the MPT Foundation Inc., which is the fundraising affiliate of Maryland Public Television. Schwab is widely known throughout the Cumberland area for his decades of community involvement.
Maurice Francis Wilson '98
Maurice Francis Wilson, Nursing, carries Jefferson’s values with him every day. Since graduating, he has continued his work in the world of surgery. He is now the vice president of surgical services at Inova health system.
Deborah Tate Pecci '91
Deborah Tate Pecci, Accounting, went directly to the University of Pennsylvania for law school after graduating. She now serves as deputy global general counsel, supporting the legal function for a leading security and facility services company operating in more than 100 countries.
Share your story!
Where have you been? What have you been up to? Tell us what’s new—jobs, weddings, moves across the country. Share your story with fellow alumni by submitting a Class Note for an upcoming issue of Jefferson Innovator.
A Message from the President Founded, Again, on a Good Idea
Read Dr. Susan C. Aldridge's Message from the President on how the University's three new colleges and two new medical school campuses reflect a single coherent vision for the future.