Great Graduate Stories

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and Financial Economics

Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana

What was the best part of Caldwell University for you?

The best part of Caldwell for me was the people, the warmth with which they treat you, and the extent to which they are invested in your whole upliftment. You feel a part of a true family here.

Where are you headed now? I am heading to work as an investment banking analyst for global financial services firm, Credit Suisse in Manhattan, New York.

Life lessons learned at Caldwell?

Here I learned the journey matters as much as the destination because of what it asks of you. My journey at Caldwell has not been linear. At least in many respects and in hindsight, I am thankful for the curves as much as anything. My journey has asked me to summon my true and best self in many instances. It has demanded of me the courage to step out of my comfort zone(from being a science student ending up being a finance student), and sometimes the vulnerability to allow others to help me. These are values and life lessons that I think will be key to my continued growth and success.

Who helped you get here that you want to thank? 

The list is almost endless when I cast my mind to the very beginning of my journey, but here are a few.  First, I cannot thank Professor Virginia Rich, the associate dean of the School of Business and Computer Science, enough for her unwavering support; Dr Anthony Annan, my academic advisor for his support and mentorship, Professor Helen McGowan and Professor Anne Marie Callahan for their empathetic guidance and all the staff in the Business School  (Melissa, Lynne.) There are so many others but space won’ t allow me to list them- the kind staff like Paula Vieira in security.

Favorite spot on Caldwell’s campus?

My favorite spot outside my room must be the lounge spaces by the glass windows in Werner Hall’s second and third floors. They are spots you can sit in and do some work while looking out at the people!

Other highlights of your time at Caldwell? 

My time serving as a resident assistant, being at the forefront of helping live out Caldwell’s core value of community, my time on the International Student Organization during the global Thanksgiving event, and of course all the fun programs I have been to in the dorm.

Degree:  Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership–Ed.D.

 Residence:  East Orange, NJ

What is your professional work? – I am the founder of  theAcademy365, Inc. in Orange, New Jersey which serves African American young men ages 12 to 18 throughout Essex County with the focus of making sure there is a level playing field for them to attain every opportunity and or experience they deserve. It is a nonprofit focused on creating a safe space and programming that aims to fight the dominant narrative of Black men in America. We cover everything from mental health to the legal system and how those issues directly affect African American males.

What was the best part of your experience as a graduate student at Caldwell University?

My dissertation committee. They’ve become part of my life. I lost my youngest brother to gun violence in the first semester of writing my dissertation.  Dr. Sara Tedrick Parikh (associate professor in the School of Psychology and Counseling)  taught me to put what was important first. Yes, it is great to get a doctorate but it is [also] important to understand the balance.  She taught me about being able to put my family and myself first. She taught me that it was o.k. to grieve. She’s family now. I also got an opportunity to work with Dr. Susan Hayes and Dr. Lavon Williams, two sharp-minded researchers. 

How is your doctoral education serving you professionally? It allowed me to see my professional work through the lens of research. I have a better understanding of what the numbers really mean. I see the importance of statistics and how they help you tell the story, and for me that was being able to tell the story of many Black males as they navigate the educational system. My doctoral research will push a much needed conversation and ignite the fight in other like minded scholars  who want to see change 

Who helped you get here that you want to thank? My family;  they have loved me from a place of grace and heart and for that I’m forever grateful.  The young men of theAcademy365 for giving me a purposeful mission on this earth. My sixth-grade social studies teacher, Mrs.Sharp, who became my mentor in sixth grade and has remained in my life since. She saw something beyond the surface. She showed me exactly what it means to be a mentor but most importantly what a real model for Black boys looks like. I owe a tremendous amount to her love and guidance. 

Other highlights of your time at Caldwell? The classroom experience with certain professors helped tremendously.  The  best advice I got was from Dr. Keen–that this process had to become my own process. I had to take control of how I wanted it  to go. I had to have agency over how I was going to obtain my doctorate, from day one.  Realizing that if I was going to do this, it had to be for a meaningful purpose. Most importantly, I had to focus on who I wanted to impact.  My research focused on African American males’  persistence through education, specifically higher education and the influence of social and academic integration, childhood trauma, and discrimination on the institutional and goal commitments of African American males.

Next goals? To turn my nonprofit into a research based organization, I owe it to every Black boy who may need theAcademy365 one day for a chance at greatness and that starts with me. I will publish my dissertation. I plan to  write a book that, hopefully, will become a guide for other Black boys and men to help them navigate childhood trauma and the heightened vigilance one may face on a daily basis, and how mistakes shouldn’t define who we are. We can either prove them wrong or prove them right. . 

Being  the first African American male to obtain a doctoral degree at Caldwell was never a thought but when I learned I could be part of history, I decided  to embrace it. I hope it helps another Black male who is navigating higher education in predominantly white institutions.  The fact that I am the first  is special for me and my family and I hold that in high regard. 

Caldwell has given me many things. It has helped me learn adaptability within the world. It has given me a fantastic education. It has given me lasting relationships with friends, coaches and professors. It has given me a different perspective on the lifestyles of different people throughout the university and has molded me into a better man.

Highlights of your time at Caldwell? 

Some highlights are playing for the sprint football team, going to certain athletic events, becoming more in touch with my faith, making the dean’s list multiple times and learning what I want to do with my life.

Where are you headed? What are the next steps in life’s journey? 

After I graduate, I am going to Rutgers University-New Brunswick to pursue a master’s degree in communications and information with a focus in public relations. Hopefully, I will also partake in an internship with the Rutgers football team and eventually make my way into coaching collegiate football. 

What makes Caldwell U a special place? 

Caldwell is special because it is a diverse place that gives you different views of life and helps you gain lasting friendships with great people. The small community has proven to be impactful in that it creates a family environment. Everyone from my freshman year to now has been so helpful and kind to me, and it is one of the most welcoming places. The university also has fantastic, caring staff and administrators who greet you with a smile and are always willing to help you no matter what. The university welcomes everyone and makes you feel at home no matter your background.

What were the main activities in which you were involved? 

Member of the sprint football team, vice president and president of the Criminal Justice Club, field internship with Dr. (Lena) Campagna, worked partially for Admissions and the Athletic Department.

 Any life lessons you feel you have learned during this pandemic?  

Yes. I have learned to appreciate everyone and everything that is positive within my life. In a moment’s notice, everything can be taken from you, and with that you should cherish the bright spots in your life. It also taught me how to adapt to adversity. The pandemic provided adversity for everyone, and it has really taught me how to plan and maneuver around blocks in the road. 

If you could do it all over again, would you still come to Caldwell? 

Without a doubt. I have no regrets about coming to Caldwell and have only had a positive experience. Caldwell is a second home for me and will always have a special place in my heart.

Anything else?

Best of luck to all my fellow graduates and all of the underclassmen on their journey toward graduating and in the rest of their lives! God bless.

Degree: Ed.D. Education Leadership, Specialization: Higher Education

 What was the best part of your experience as a graduate student at Caldwell University?

I have had the privilege of completing both my undergraduate degree as well as my doctoral degree at Caldwell University. The best part of my experience as a graduate student at Caldwell University was enhancing my practices as a professional in higher education to better serve students. In most conventional classrooms, we are taught to simply memorize material and regurgitate that material onto an exam, but that is what sets Caldwell University apart. CU provides a learning environment that helps students work together to solve problems, better serve their communities, and implicate what we have learned in practical settings of our careers. 

How is that education serving you professionally?

Having a doctoral degree will distinguish me and help me advance to the position of Director of Athletics. The Education Leadership program at Caldwell University has enhanced my critical, analytical, and statistical thinking and has sharpened my research-based skills. This doctoral program has also served the purpose of refining my leadership skills helping me ensure understanding of the internal and external factors that are factored into decision making by high ranking officials in collegiate athletics.

Who helped you get here that you want to thank? 

I want to give a very special thank you to the Education Division Chair, Dr. Kevin Barnes, my committee chair. A thank you does not describe how appreciative I am to have been on this doctoral journey with him. His guidance, encouragement, accountability, mentorship, and endless support has helped me grow as a writer, researcher, and person. I would also like to thank Dr. Nancy Blattner. She has inspired me in so many ways dating back to when I was a freshman at Caldwell in 2009. She encouraged me to begin this doctoral program and has always been an inspiration. Lastly, I want to thank my family for their endless support, guidance, and love. With their continuous support I’m able to achieve anything.

Other highlights of your time at Caldwell?

I will forever be grateful for my time as a student-athlete at Caldwell University (2009-2013). Additionally, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the young men and women who participated in intercollegiate athletics at CU from 2017-2021.

Next goals?

The sports world is  ever-changing primarily due to advancements of technologies. My goal for the future is to use my acknowledgment of these changes, along with my higher education specialization, to cater to the ever-changing population of students. Another goal of mine is to channel what I have learned about building sustainable relationships in this industry, and transfer that to motivate student-athletes, coaches, and administrators around me to achieve not only individual goals, but team, organizational, and departmental goals.

Ana Gonzalez Martin’s days at Caldwell University taught her quite a few things, like how to step out of her comfort zone and explore the new—such as conducting her own research and joining the track team. “These four years at Caldwell have helped me grow not only as a future professional in the field of biology but as a person,” said Gonzalez Martin, who received a bachelor’s degree in biology on May 15. “I believe that the best part of Caldwell is its diversity,” said Gonzalez Martin, who is from Toledo, Spain. 

During her time at Caldwell, she successfully juggled being a student-athlete playing on the women’s basketball team, the track and field team and the cross-country team. She was named to the CACC All-Academic team three times and placed third in the CACC cross-country championship, making it to the CACC All-Conference team in 2021. 

In her junior year, after conducting research on the antibacterial effects of ginger and hibiscus flower, Gonzalez Martin won the 2020-21 Nature’s Pavilion Bioessence International Scholarship, which is dedicated to the research and systematic study of natural products. And in her senior year she completed her honors project on the strategic management of successful sports organizations. 

Gonzalez Martin is staying on at Caldwell for another year to pursue her MBA. “My dream is to be able to combine my passion for sports and physical therapy to start my own practice one day and treat all kinds of athletes.”

She appreciates the University’s Catholic Dominican foundation and experienced how it is lived out with the support of Sister of St. Dominic Joanne Beirne, O.P. “She has always been there for me, whether it was to bring me to the doctor’s, invite me to Sunday Mass or prepare dinner for me and my friends. But the best thing that I take from Sister Joanne is that she has shared her love for God with me and she has brought me closer to Him. She is a part of my family now, and I will always be grateful for her.” 

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Hometown: Lodi , NJ

What was the best part of your experience as a student at Caldwell University?

The best part of my experience here at Caldwell University was meeting the individuals who have molded my life for the better and for forever.

Where are you headed now? 

As I prepare for the end of my undergrad career, I am also preparing to take the nursing board exam, the end of this upcoming June. As I send out applications, I keep my eyes open to the future. 

How has Caldwell prepared you for your field?

Caldwell University instills in its students a drive, passion, courage, and fortitude for excellence. As a nursing student, I am confident in my assessment skills and ability to advocate for my patients. My time here has prepared me to be the best novice nurse I can be. 

Life lessons learned at Caldwell? 

Teamwork, persistence, time management, therapeutic communications, creativity and networking are simply a few of the great takeaways/lessons learned here on campus. But those lessons are rudimentary. Life at Caldwell is full of opportunity. These opportunities allow us to navigate the world with everlasting friendships. This is the place where you meet a host of different and unique individuals who show you true comradery. 

Who helped you get here that you want to thank? 

I would like to thank my family, especially my parents for all their support and encouragement. I would like to extend an endless amount of thanks for the faculty and staff here at Caldwell University. You’re unwavering support and love for us students is unmatched. To Gourmet  Dining, the library staff, and most certainly, the Office of Student Engagement, you are all deeply appreciated. 

Favorite spot on Caldwell’s campus? 

The library is undeniably my favorite spot on campus. This meeting space serves as a platform for growth as well as a social ground where students meet to work on projects, homework, and to collaborate, but to also decompress amongst each other. I have spent countless late night study sessions [there] breaking only to pick up fast food and more coffee but most importantly I have shared endless laughs with peers there. 

As Cindy Herrera thinks back over her four years at Caldwell, she knows the best part of her experience has been being able to have opportunities she never had before. “My younger self would be in disbelief of all these opportunities,” said Herrera, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with minors in pre-law, criminal forensics, and psychology on May 15.

The experiences included “a wonderful internship with the New Jersey State Police,” which, with the help and encouragement of her academic advisor, Dr. Lena Campagna, and her other professors, allowed her to tour places she had never imagined; traveling to the Midwest for the first time with the track and field team; engaging in community service “because of the University’s deeply rooted mission statement,” and founding a new multicultural sorority on campus. As if those activities did not keep her busy enough, Herrera worked in the Admissions Office, completed an honors project, “using my passion for dance and my major,” represented Caldwell and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference at the NCAA Leadership Development Conference and participated in the marching band as a color guard and other activities. She also went through the University’s RCIA program and received her confirmation in her junior year.   

Herrera, a resident of Dover, NJ,  plans to pursue a second degree in chemistry and aspires to become a a forensics technician in toxicology and to work in crime scene investigation or in a laboratory.  

Herrera has given many tours to prospective and incoming students and their families, and she has some advice for them. “College is what you make it, so it better be the best four years of your life … You can achieve all you want. Break school records, win championships, intern at prestigious and well-known places, and earn as many honors cords and stoles as you want, but at the end of the day, what matters most is your loved ones.”

“I had a lot of opportunities to show my talents,” says Jessica Leon of her time as a student at Caldwell University. As a biology major with a chemistry minor, Leon is grateful for the support and trust of the Caldwell faculty, who motivated her, challenged her, and encouraged her to engage in research—not only in her Natural Sciences Department but campuswide. “The teachers make sure you understand the material. The professors and the classes help you build confidence with people you trust,” says Leon, a resident of East Orange who graduated on May 15.  

Leon plans to pursue a career as a perfusionist, the member of the cardiovascular surgical team who runs the heart-lung cardiopulmonary bypass machine during surgery. “I love to be in the operating room … it really is a team effort. I want to make the patient feel comfortable and confident that they will be okay.”   

She embraced the liberal arts, enjoying classes beyond her academic major. In her senior year, Leon discovered “her voice” for singing when taking a music class in which she sang and played the piano; it brought her back to her days of performing in musicals at another Dominican school, Lacordaire Academy. She advises other students to enroll in classes outside their majors to experience the fullness of a quality liberal arts education.    

Leon is grateful for her peers, her pals, in the Natural Sciences Department who supported each other. Between classes and labs they would always meet to study together or just hang out. Prior to COVID, their gathering place was the red room in the library. This year, it was the same table all the time, their spot, in the lounge in Aquinas Hall. “We all motivated each other to keep doing our work. It is important to have good people you trust,” she says. “It is important to know who actually lifts you up.” 

Her friends were there for her, but for Leon the most important person in helping her get to the finish line was “100 percent” her mom. “She motivated me to stay strong. It was not easy. Her love was enough.” She is grateful that her mother encouraged her to go to Caldwell; it is surely a family institution since two cousins and a sister are alumni. And now Leon joins them as a proud, grateful alumna. “I’m really going to miss it here.”

Lesley Chung was finishing up her paper for Dr. Joanne Jasmine’s Global Studies and Leadership class in the hospital after giving birth to her daughter. She had originally told her professor that she would not need an extension, but Jasmine, a mother of two, assured her that yes, “you’ll need that extension.”   

“I remember filling out the paperwork at three in the morning, saying ‘Dr. Jasmine was right’” about that extension, said Chung, who delivered Caldwell University’s commencement remarks May 23 at the ceremony for master’s and doctoral graduates. “I feel very proud that all the years of my hard work and continuing my education, doing what I have to do for my students and my daughter, seem like they are actually paying off,” said Chung, who received a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership with a concentration in K-12 education from Caldwell.   

In her graduation remarks, she commended her fellow graduates for the “momentous feat” of earning their doctoral and master’s degrees, especially during a year of historic racial injustice and mounting tension, a time when many had to work from home while juggling care for children and other family members. “This past school year taught us that we may indeed face trying times … however, with hard work and perseverance, nothing can stop us. We are unbreakable, unbeatable, undefeated and unstoppable.” She encouraged graduates to go even further in pursuing career paths. “As the late Kobe Bryant once said, ‘Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.’” 

Chung has always been a multitasker. While working as assistant vice principal of West Orange High School, she pursued her doctoral degree at Caldwell University, often working until 11 at night on campus or with her dissertation team in Jennings Library on weekends. One night she was having contractions and her aunt drove her to Caldwell for class and sat in the lounge in case Chung went into labor.  

The daughter of immigrants—Chung’s mother is from Jamaica, her father is from Guyana and his family came from China—Chung has always loved to learn. “My father would give me books to read and I would have to do my own book report for him … he really did spark a love of reading that I have right now—that I plan to do with my own daughter.” She is grateful to her parents for sacrificing so she could be the first in her family to earn a college degree in the United States, a B.A. in psychology from Rutgers. Her parents have provided a wonderful support system from the time she was young working hard to make ends meet while she was pursuing her undergraduate degree. While going through the doctoral program  she relied on the support of her sister, aunt and parents who would meet her halfway on the Turnpike to pick up the baby so Chung could study with her doctoral dissertation cohort.

Chung began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Newark, became a school counselor in West Orange and then moved into administration. Along the way she continued her education, earning a teaching certificate in early childhood education (pre-K-3) from Caldwell University, an M.A. in educational psychology with a minor in child/adolescent clinical psychology from Montclair State University, an expedited M.A. in school administration from the NJEXCEL program, and several other education certificates. 

She set her sights on her next goal: to enter higher education, first adjunct teaching. Her experiences at Caldwell and talks with Dr. Barnes—“an awesome mentor”—sparked that interest. Caldwell was the right choice with “close-knit,” small class sizes, her “dissertation family.” With each milestone Chung hits, she knows her efforts are not just for herself but to help inspire the next generation of young people in finding their passions and pursuing their dreams.  “Just knowing my nieces and nephew look up to me, reach out to me and see me as a role model, it made me want to do more so that they can see that ‘Hey, I did it. You can do it too.’”   

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
 
Hometown: West Caldwell, New Jersey

What was the best part of your experience as a student at Caldwell University?

The best part of my experience as a student at Caldwell University was becoming actively involved in my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, as a freshman. I later had the opportunity to serve as the president in 2021. It was a humbling experience that taught me many skills, such as leadership and organization, that I know I will carry with me throughout my life.

Where are you headed now? 

I recently received an offer for my dream job in the neonatal intensive care unit at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center as a registered nurse!

Life lessons learned at Caldwell? 

During my time at Caldwell, I had gone through so much self-growth and learned that my education will never be complete. There is always room for growth and knowledge in and out of the classroom. There are life lessons in all things you do. 

Who helped you get here that you want to thank? 

One professor I would like to acknowledge is Nursing Professor Bettina Eulie. She pushed me to grow week by week and helped me find my voice and confidence in nursing. My critical thinking skills flourished because of her, and I feel I have been shaped immensely into the student and nurse I am today because of her.

Aside from educators at Caldwell, I would like to thank my nursing support system of friends I grew with and overcame many adversities with. There were many moments of uncertainty and doubt, but there was always a sense of comfort knowing I truly wasn’t in it by myself. 

I also would like to thank my family for constantly pushing me to succeed and celebrating me when I did.

Favorite spot on Caldwell’s campus?

My favorite spot on campus is definitely the courtyard on a nice spring day with friends!

Other highlights of your time at Caldwell?

I became a member of five honor societies. I was a student representative of the Alumni Association and the Academic Affairs Board of Trustees. I was an active member of the Caldwell University Student Nurse Association.

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in music-voice

Hometown: Clark, New Jersey

 What was the best part of your experience as a student at Caldwell University?

One of the best experiences I had was finally completing my nursing school journey.  Going to clinicals, practicing nursing skills in the labs and attending these informative lectures  fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a nurse, even though the COVID-19 pandemic has given students hardships. Experiencing the pandemic has not made me a less competent nurse but rather a nurse who is resilient to change and hardship. I cannot wait to grow as a nurse and make a difference in our community.

Where are you headed now?

I’m heading to the Emergency Department of Morristown Medical Center, which is a part of Atlantic Health System. This hospital is ranked the No. 1 hospital in New Jersey, according to U.S. News & World Report, and I am honored to join such a prestigious hospital. I have applied to their hire learner residency program, which is highly competitive. There are typically approximately 10 spots available and over 250 candidates applying for this prestigious program.  After being in the field for a couple of years, I plan to pursue my doctorate in nursing practice to be able to provide care as a nurse practitioner.

Life lessons learned at Caldwell?

Looking back on my four years at Caldwell, many life lessons were given to me. The lesson that has impacted me the most is the importance of community. This pandemic has taught me that sometimes we take people’s presence for granted. Now coming out of the pandemic I hug my friends tighter and appreciate even the smallest moments I spend with friends and loved ones. I gained my strength and through my support system of my friends, my club and my family.

Who helped you get here that you want to thank?

The people who have helped me get to this point in my life are my family. They have supported me with their love and have instilled in me a work ethic and drive to make the most out of my education. Also, I would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Rhodes (assistant professor in nursing) for being a mentor to me during my undergraduate career. She has taught me many life lessons both in my nursing career and personal life and has inspired me to be the type of nurse who has compassion and care for their patients.

Favorite spot on Caldwell’s campus?

My favorite spot on campus was definitely the residence halls. This is where I met my friends through events and made many memories eating meals together or having all-nighters in the lounge to finish an assignment. The residence halls have given me friends that will last a lifetime no matter how far we go from Caldwell University.

Other highlights of your time at Caldwell?

One of my highlights of my time at Caldwell was creating the NOVA K-POP Club in the fall of 2019. After three years I am now handing over my presidency to the next person, who will continue the tradition of outstanding performances. The club members and I were able to build a reputation of entertainment in and outside of the campus. We perform at events, open houses and holiday events. We have built a social media platform and post fun and new content every week!  I will cherish the memories I have built by performing with my friends forever. Lastly, I encourage them to “follow the stars” and the possibilities will be endless for this ambitious club.

Anything else?

I’m the first student to complete my Bachelor of Science degree in nursing while also completing a music minor focused in voice. The nursing and music curriculums are some of the hardest programs we have on campus. I was only able to succeed in doing so due to my professors and instructors, who have helped me develop in my nursing career and as a musician. Being able to keep involved in both sides of my life—science and arts—has given me so much satisfaction and connections that I value deeply.

Sam Shrestha’s work in the Digital Communications Office at Caldwell University has put him in contact with students, faculty, staff, alumni, University trustees, and administration, essentially all of the campus community. “The people were the best part,” says Shrestha as he recalls his four years as a Caldwell student. For three-plus years he worked in the office, helping launch a new website, making daily updates to the site, assisting with live streaming, as well as filming and editing videos for the News and Media Relations and Development and Alumni offices.   

During his freshman year, Shrestha was busy adjusting to a new environment and was not as involved in campus activities. “Once I started working with Anthony Yang [in digital communications] on the website, I would take pictures at events and people would talk with me.” That opened doors and made college life much more enjoyable.

Shrestha just graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems with a concentration in information technology. He is headed to the global fintech and payment company Fiserv to work as a technology analyst. His on-campus job working with the University’s communications and technology professionals prepared him. “It helped me land the job,” says the Nepal native. And so did the professors in the School of Business and Computer Science. “They are always sending students information on internships and opportunities where they can further study in technology and IT.” 

Like many undergrads, Shrestha struggled with choosing a major. During his sophomore year, when he knew he had to make a decision, he realized he had a love for technology. “I tried to think of what would make me happy, and I decided to major in computer information systems.” It was the right decision and taught him a lesson: “Never be afraid to believe in yourself and follow your passion.” 

Shrestha encourages other students to take advantage of on-campus employment for their futures and for the chance to get to know others and form a community. “There are a lot of opportunities for students coming in,” he says. And the University is grateful to have students like Shrestha who are smart, innovative team players. “Sam was instrumental in helping the digital communications team meet its goals the past two years, including launching a new University website, making daily updates and covering various campus events with video support and live streaming,” says Matt Netter, manager of digital content and communications. “Sam is dedicated and resourceful and always looks to find a way when the solution isn’t obvious. He’s a pleasure to work with and has also helped instruct the new crop of our student workers.” 

Ask Shrestha to name his favorite spot on campus and, no surprise, it comes back to appreciating people. “Being in the cafeteria looking at people involved with their friends, some studying, now that we are back.” He likes the surrounding area too. “It is a lovely community on and off-campus. It is a really diverse community. People are really helpful.”

“It is one thing to know science, it is another to communicate it,” said Patricia Valerio, who with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science made the decision a few years ago to enter Caldwell University’s MBA program. “I saw the gap in my knowledge. The MBA bridged the gap. I know a lot now about two very different sides of work,” said Valerio who was chosen as the student speaker to deliver Caldwell’s commencement address to the master’s and doctoral graduates on May 15.  

A resident of Lincroft, New Jersey, Valerio is an assistant manager for Medforce, a full service medical communications company,  where she does event planning for pharmaceutical companies. Caldwell’s MBA program was conducive to her working schedule, especially in these “very unique, uncertain times. It was all handled so well,” said Valerio.  She appreciated how the Caldwell professors brought the changing business climate into the discussions where she learned the importance of “being on the pulse of what is unfolding, actioning a response quickly, and communicating those steps to your clients.” 

Valerio is grateful to the Caldwell University professors and her family for “going easy” on one another when it came to some of the structures that were in place before the pandemic.  There are lessons to be learned, like being adaptable to change, as she told the graduates at commencement while stating one of her favorite quotes from Charles Darwin’s book “The Origin of Species” –“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change…“I think one of the most powerful qualities about the Caldwell University Class of 2022 graduates is that this is a group that is not only not apprehensive of change, but also one that has made efforts to welcome those challenges into our lives.”

She hopes the graduates and everyone remembers to use change to make the world a little better.  “If it took this ‘global situation’ for people to be more kind and accessible,” that is not a bad thing,” said Valerio. “I think it is important that we use that same kindness with people, to see when one needs to be more understanding.”

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, minor in neuroscience

Hometown: Bhaktapur, Nepal

What was the best part of your experience as a student at Caldwell University?

The tight-knit community that supports you and allows you to grow! And also that I could explore philosophy and art along with my science courses. 
Where are you headed now? 

I am going to join Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for my Ph.D.  

Life lessons learned at  Caldwell? 

Rejection and failure are part of the journey to success.

Who helped you get here that you want to thank? 

The faculty! My friends, family and also the administrators and staff. I’m extremely grateful for their support and encouragement.

Favorite spot on Caldwell’s campus? 

The library lawn during a summer day. (I like to sit on the grass and read.)

Other highlights of your time at Caldwell?

The people! At Caldwell, I met people from all over the world who shared their unique culture, knowledge and values with the community. I experienced the richness of humanity here.

Anything else? 

Time goes by really fast. One day you’re a freshman making your way to Six Flags, and the other you’re trying your regalia on, bidding goodbye. Enjoy every moment and be kind to everyone!

Outstanding honors:

Selected as the undergraduate ceremony commencement speaker 

Chosen for the highly selective Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology, which is offered in collaboration with MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. 

Departmental honors for Chemistry. 

Member of selective multidisciplinary collegiate honor society Phi Kappa Phi.