Alumni Achievement Awards Highlight the Power of Community

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From left: Sofia Abreu '11, Monica Amadio '20, Dr. Haitham Dib '16, Claire B. Kuhar '81, Ike Ejikeme '17, M.A. '19, President Joe Bertolino, Micky Doto '15, Madison Costello '24, Christopher Lipari Pazienza '21, M.A. '22, Quanette Vasser-McNeal '14, Jared Lombardi '23 and Scott Francis '98

Galloway, N.J. 鈥 淫性视频 honored 10 of its outstanding graduates during the annual Alumni Achievement Awards on May 16. Nearly 200 guests celebrated the diverse accomplishments and contributions of the honorees to the university, their communities and professions.  

鈥淲e are proud to shine a spotlight on 淫性视频 alumni making an impact throughout the region,鈥 said Dan Nugent, 淫性视频鈥檚 vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the 淫性视频 Foundation. 鈥淭hese extraordinary Ospreys highlight the very best of 淫性视频 and what we hope for all our students as they leave campus and head off to embark on their next chapters.鈥 

Ike Ejikeme

Ike Ejikeme '17, M.A. '19 was one of the recipients of the Alumni Volunteer Award. Ejikeme works for the Department of Homeland Security. 

More than 65 nominations were submitted for this year鈥檚 awards, which recognize the ways 淫性视频 alumni make a difference both on campus and beyond. The 淫性视频 Alumni Council on Engagement (ACE) reviews the nominations and selects recipients.  

鈥淏ottom line is this is a special place. We鈥檝e produced some remarkable individuals who have made their mark on their communities and the university," said Scott Francis '98, ACE member and emcee for the event. 鈥淥ur purpose tonight is to celebrate our volunteers and leaders and recognize them for their passion and dedication.鈥 

The honorees shared their unique stories as they accepted their awards, and each acknowledged the crucial support they received from their families, friends and alma mater along the way. Despite their different paths, one common thread prevailed among the recipients 鈥 the acknowledgment that their success was not achieved alone, but through the nurturing support of their communities and 淫性视频's educational foundation. 

"As a 20-year-old transfer student unsure of what my future held, 淫性视频 provided me with the skills necessary to put myself in the position to succeed at levels I could never have imagined. I'm so grateful for the 淫性视频 community for giving me the opportunity to excel," said Ike Ejikeme 鈥17, one of the recipients of the Volunteer Alumni Award. 

Mental health advocate and community activist Jared Lombardi 鈥23, recipient of the Harvey Kesselman Alumni Impact Award, courageously shared his journey battling mental illness, navigating sobriety, overcoming traumatic brain injuries and surviving thoughts of suicide. 

Jared Lombardi

Mental health advocate Jared Lombardi '23 was presented with the Harvey Kesselman Alumni Impact Award.

鈥淒espite all the darkness in my life, I found light. And I never gave up hope after finding that light. And I hope you will do the same and understand that we have two hands. One to help ourselves and one to help another. So, open up that conversation and check in with others, ask how they are doing. Because it can save a life. I know it saved mine,鈥 Lombardi said. 

淫性视频 President Joe Bertolino emphasized the vital role alumni play in preserving and promoting the legacy and traditions of the university.  

鈥淓nsuring that our values and achievements are upheld and celebrated. This word legacy is critical. I would like all our alumni to know that the real legacy you leave behind is our students. What our students learn from you, the relationships our students develop with you,鈥 he said. 

The event underscored 淫性视频鈥檚 dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, engagement and lifelong connections among its alumni network. 

The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award honorees: 

Madison Costello 鈥24 鈥 Future Leaders Award (Cherry Hill, New Jersey) 
Panhellenic President, RA, Sigma Delta Tau New Member Educator and Greek Council Public Relations Chair 

Sofia Abreu 鈥11鈥 Campus Partner Award (Pennsauken, New Jersey) 
淫性视频, Director, Career Education and Development

Micky Doto 鈥15 鈥 GOLD Alumni Award (Boulder City, Nevada) 
Senior Advisor & Innovation Officer, Dept. of Homeland Security (TSA), Disabled Veteran Advocate 

Quanette Vasser-McNeal 鈥14, BS, CSW, CALA 鈥 GOLD Alumni Award (Cape May Court House, New Jersey) 
Director of Social Services, Fountain Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation & President of the Cape May County NAACP 

Ike Ejikeme 鈥17, M.A. 鈥19 - Alumni Volunteer Award (Silver Spring, Maryland) 
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Government Civil Servant, Scholar-Practitioner, Intelligence & Security Professional, Washington, DC 

Christopher Lipari Pazienza 鈥21, M.A. 鈥22 - Alumni Volunteer Award (Garwood, New Jersey) 
Kean University Residence Hall Director 

Monica Amadio 鈥20 - Harvey Kesselman Alumni Impact Award (Galloway, New Jersey) 
Professor/Teaching Specialist of Entrepreneurship and Technology & Innovation, 淫性视频 University, School of Business 

Jared Lombardi 鈥23, MSW, DRCC - Harvey Kesselman Alumni Impact Award (Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey) 
Mental Health Advocate and Community Activist 

Dr. Haitham Dib 鈥16, MD, MBA, CPE, FACC, FHFSA - Professional Achievement Award (Linwood, New Jersey) 
Cardiologist and Heart Failure Specialist 

Claire B. Kuhar 鈥81, CPA - Presidential Service Award (Egg Harbor City, New Jersey) 
Barberio & McLelland Financial Services, Associate 

For more information about the 淫性视频 Foundation and opportunities to get involved and stay connected, please visit stockton.edu/alumni