Alumni Corner
Cathy Buchanan
Captain, Correctional Staff Training Academy, Sea Girt
B.A. Criminal Justice - Class of 2003“I graduated Caldwell in 2003 with a degree in Criminal Justice. The Soc/CJ department was so encouraging and kept me focused to continue on to get my degree. Everyone made me feel like an individual and part of the Caldwell family. Every one of my professors from Soc/CJ knew my name and always was concerned as to how I was doing. They always had time when I had a problem or just needed advice.
Getting my degree taught me how to study and focus on test taking. I have taken 3 promotional exams for my job and have done extremely well on all three. The last one, on which I ranked number 3 in the state, was for Captain.
It is only because I got my degree that I am in the job that I have now. I was promoted to Captain in the New Jersey Department of Corrections in October 2004 and in January 2006 I applied for the position of Captain of the Correctional Staff Training Academy in Sea Girt which you need a degree to even apply for the position. I was selected and have been here since March of 2006. It is such an incredible experience, and I have Caldwell to thank.
Now that I am settled in my new job, I plan on returning in January to begin my masters.
This picture is from my first graduating class from the Training Academy in July 2006.”
Jean Marie DuHamel, MA, C.E.C.
Self-employed business owner of Sophia: Coaching for the Rhythm of Life, LLC
B.A. Criminal Justice/M.A. Pastoral Ministry“After two previous attempts, Caldwell College was my final effort as an adult learner to attain a college degree. I was challenged by fear. Yet, the professors with whom I came in contact treated me with dignity and respect despite my emotions, and they challenged me academically. Moreover, they taught me that learning was about choice and with focus anything I truly wanted to accomplish I could. It wasn’t long after that my fears faded. I graduated with honors in Criminal Justice, and shortly thereafter enrolled in a graduate studies program where again I graduated with honors. My experience at Caldwell College set the ground work for what I do today-Life Empowerment Coaching-with a focus on personal and spiritual growth. I help people move beyond their fears and limiting beliefs to attain their goals. The Caldwell College experience helped me to attain my goals by conquering my fears. Not only are they a gift to me; I ‘pay it forward’ to all those whom I serve in life as an empowerment coach and in the criminal justice field. Thank you Caldwell and all of you who helped make my dreams possible.”
Carla Fernandes
Essex County Criminal Division
Drug Court Specialized Probation Officer
Essex County Superior Court“The Caldwell College Sociology undergraduate program prepared and taught me to deal with different social groups. As a Criminal Division Probation Officer for Essex County, I encounter members of various social groups such as gang members, political figures, religious figures, and illegal immigrants, amongst others, on a daily basis. My position requires me to interact with convicted felons of all imaginable crimes, which range from homicides to eluding police, and we are asked to remain neutral and impartial when preparing our Pre-Sentence Reports for the presiding Judges to review and sentence the defendant accordingly. We are asked to report factual information and deter from implementing our personal opinion, no matter how heinous the crime may have been. The Caldwell College Sociology department taught me to do just that, be neutral and impartial.
When I prepare a Pre-Sentence Investigation report on a defendant, I recall many times Dr. Bar’s lessons about what is acceptable in one culture, might be offensive in another, and there is no right or wrong answer. I think of Dr. Reynold’s lessons of social imbalance and how many were not awarded the same opportunities as others, and therefore should not be discriminated upon for lack of formal education.
This department has not just taught me how to perform my employment duties efficiently and effectively, but it has also taught me how to live in a community full of social differences. And even though I many not agree or understand certain social norms, I have learned to respect them.”
Rocco L. Miscia, Jr.
Director, Essex County College Police Academy
B.A. Criminal Justice - Class of 2001“I made the decision to apply to Caldwell College after attending a meeting specifically geared to law enforcement officers who were considering beginning or completing their goal toward a bachelor's degree. After hearing the presentations at the meeting, it was clear to me that Caldwell College was very supportive in getting the non-traditional student back into the classroom. They were generous with crediting me for previous education and work experience. I enrolled into the External Degree program, which worked well with my busy professional and personal schedules. The faculty and staff were understanding, helpful and accommodating in getting me back into the education mode after a fifteen year hiatus.
Not only the education, but the encouragement I received at Caldwell College helped me make the decision to continue my education and earn my graduate degree. It wasn’t until after retiring from law enforcement and seeking a second career that I appreciated my decision to complete my education at Caldwell. In fact, my second career is in education as the Director of the Essex County College Police Academy. I am also an adjunct faculty member at Caldwell College in the Sociology/Criminal Justice Department.”
Justin T. Quinn
Deputy Federal Court Clerk/ Law Student
B.A. Criminal Justice - Class of 2004"My name is Justin Quinn, I majored in Criminal Justice and am an alumnus of Caldwell College’s class of 2004. I am employed by the United States District Court as the deputy clerk to a federal magistrate judge. I also attend Seton Hall School of Law in the evening.
To describe my experiences as a Criminal Justice student and explain how these experiences have helped prepare me for future endeavors in a paragraph is difficult, but I will try. While studying Criminal Justice at Caldwell College you cannot help but notice the quality of the professors. The knowledge they possess and the fashion in which they try to instill the information into the student’s mind indicates the passion towards this field and the dedication they put forth for the students. The professors prepare students for future endeavors and success by showing that it is not enough to just go through the motions. Under their tutelage students embrace the subject material and are able to truly understand each course. This method of teaching establishes a strong work ethic which transcends to the work force upon graduation. Additionally, they teach you the invaluable skills of researching, thinking analytically, reasoning, and writing.
I do not recall a class in Criminal Justice that I did not enjoy. Some of my favorites were Criminology, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Sociology of Poverty, and Research and Methods. However, the most memorable experience came in Constitutional Law while learning of the famous Gideon case which went to the United States Supreme Court. This was the course that served as a springboard into my interest in going to law school in hope of one day becoming a judge. Additional memorable experiences include helping feed the less fortunate in a Jersey City soup kitchen for Sociology of Poverty and interning with a judge in Bergen County. I am forever grateful to the Criminal Justice department in helping me become not only the student but the person that I am today. Thank you Professors!"
Beth Elena Suckow
Social Work
B.A. Criminal Justice & Psychology - Class of 2002“What impressed my most, during my years of undergraduate work at Caldwell College, were the active roles students and professors engaged in during the learning process.
Presently, I am a licensed professional working in the field of mental health. I have received my MSW from Rutgers University School of Social Work and currently am a Program Coordinator for a long term residential facility.
Caldwell College and the Department of Sociology / Criminal Justice provided me with a strong foundation through the well-structured requirements of course offerings and internship programs, leading to my continuation and completion of graduate studies.”
Cory V. DiBiase
Probation Officer
B.A. Criminal Justice - Class of 2000“Professors Make All the Difference!
The professors’ commitment to student growth and advancement was apparent when I was a student at Caldwell College. Each professor was available to address my individual needs by assisting in course selection and career mentoring. Their diverse backgrounds were a vital factor in me attaining a deep understanding of the criminal justice profession. I was able to see
the world of Sociology and Criminal Justice through the eyes of social researchers, theorists and field workers. This allowed me to not only learn through research and literature, but by ‘real world’ experience and examples. It is that knowledge I rely on to this day to help effectuate positive change in the lives of the people I work with.”
Paul J. Hirsch
Domestic Violence Response Team/EMT
B.A. Criminal Justice & Psychology - Class of 2005
“The Criminal Justice/ Sociology department is an example of higher education at its finest. Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Grinc, Dr. Bar, and Dr. Cai provided me with the best level of education possible in my field. Many of my finest moment were spent in a classroom with Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Grinc learning this field so well. I can remember my finals days at Caldwell College with Dr Cai, who prepared me for graduate school through Research Methods. When I was freshman, it was Dr. Bar who helped shape my goals. To anyone who may be consider becoming a Criminal Justice major, this is a field far different from the CSI Hollywood glitz and glamour you may see on TV.I am still active in my community helping victims of domestic violence through the Domestic Violence Response Team by finding alternative methods of living. At night time I help the less fortunate seek medical attention. I just recently became an EMT in June, and I am currently working for the West Orange First Squad as a volunteer. I also work for a private ambulance company during the day. My degree in Criminal Justice degree has helped me in so many ways, especially in handling cases of abuse. This truly reflects the teaching style of the professors; indirectly they have helped me save many people from horrible situations by the lessons they have taught me. Next spring, I will be continuing my education in the field of Psychology, as I study to become a counselor. But it is my strong background in criminal justice that will allow me to excel in this future endeavor. So many thanks to the Criminal Justice/ Sociology Department for their dedication to my success.”
Ed Nekel
Captain, Paramus Police Department
B.A. Criminal Justice - Class of 1997“Did receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Caldwell College have a positive impact on my life? You be the judge.
Since graduating in 1997, I have been awarded my Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (The City University of New York) in 2001 and have recently considered pursuing additional academic goals. In 2000, I had the honor of being selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia for an eleven-week course of study that is conducted in cooperation with the University of Virginia. It was, and is, an honor because only approximately 1% of law enforcement personnel from around the world are selected to attend. The program includes courses in Behavioral Science, Forensic Science, Media Relations, Constitutional Law, Business and Management and has a physical fitness component. For the year 2006, I was selected by my peers to serve as the President of the FBI National Academy Associate Chapter here in New Jersey.
In addition to attending the FBI National Academy, I was privileged to have attended the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS) for one week at Princeton University. The experiences at Caldwell College, John Jay College and the FBI-sponsored programs laid the foundation for my being certified by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police as a Certified Eligible Law Enforcement Executive.
Besides being involved in the previously noted academic activities, I have been involved in a number of other endeavors. From 1997-1999, I served as the National President of The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), the oldest and largest victim’s rights group in the world, and currently serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the Girl Scout Council of Bergen County. In 2004, I had the honor of being presented with the Don Bosco Preparatory High School Humanitarian Award and, in 2004, I was presented with the Caldwell College Veritas Award, the first male recipient to be so recognized.
I have maintained my contacts with the College. Currently, I serve on the Board of the Caldwell College Alumni Association and serve as adjunct faculty in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.
As you can see, a considerable number of positive events have impacted my life since I graduated with my BA . Did Caldwell make a difference? I’ll let you be the judge. I think the answer is obvious!”