Celebrating the Seton Hall University Class of 2026

In the second installment of this year’s graduate profile series, meet 16 Pirate graduates who reflected on their time at Seton Hall University as the Class of 2026 moves into the world ready to lead with intention and impact. Read Part One of "Celebrating the Class of 2026"»

Graduates, show us how you’re celebrating! Share your most memorable moments or commencement photos using #SetonHall2026 on social media and tag Seton Hall’s official accounts.

Julia Brown
Cape May, New Jersey

Julia Brown spent her time at Seton Hall as a tireless advocate for human rights and gender equality. A double major in diplomacy and international relations and philosophy with a minor in women and gender studies, Julia’s academic journey has been defined by a commitment to moving international relations beyond traditional paradigms, including the University’s Honors Program and serving as a senator for the Student Government Association for two consecutive terms.

Her professional development was further shaped by high-impact internships with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Senator Cory Booker, as well as specialized training at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Julia recalls a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone where she had to apply "diplomatic tact" during a meeting with a bioenergy company. “Instead of accusing the company of exploitation, I framed my questions around investment and sustainable development goals,” she explained. “I was able to raise serious ethical concerns while remaining professional. Diplomacy is not only avoiding conflict but also encouraging dialogue.”

Outside of her advocacy work, Brown held leadership roles as the Vice President of Standards for Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and contributed to the Diplomatic Envoy on-campus and credits her time in South Orange for providing both the academic foundation and the professional network necessary to serve the public. “Seton Hall helped me land internships with federal agencies and civil society organizations like the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, where I learned how to best serve the public,” she noted, recalling how courses in Human Rights Law and Gender, Race, and Culture strengthened her commitment to combatting gender-based violence.

This fall, Brown will take her talents across the pond to the London School of Economics and Political Science to pursue a master's in science in Gender Rights and Human Rights. Her long-term sights are set on organizations including UNICEF or the U.S. Department of State, where she hopes to shape foreign policy through development initiatives. “Upon graduation, I plan to work to advance equal rights for women and minorities,” Brown said. “I hope to help move international relations beyond the traditional realism paradigm.”

Nyada Bryant
East Orange, New Jersey

Nyada Bryant’s Seton Hall journey has been a decade-long evolution of leadership and academic rigor. After earning her B.A. in Political Science in 2014, she returned to South Orange to pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Diplomacy and International Relations, specializing in negotiation and foreign policy. As a graduate student, Bryant has become a pillar of the University community, serving as President of the Graduate Diplomacy Council, Vice President of Sigma Iota Rho and Secretary of the United Nations Association (UNA-SHU) chapter.

For Bryant, returning to the University was a choice driven by the sense of community she found during her undergraduate years. “Seton Hall has always felt like a home away from home, with faculty, events and peers that made every second worth it,” she reflected. As a first-generation college student, she credits the university’s support systems for helping her navigate the complexities of higher education. “There have been many times when I thought I would fail, but with the support I’ve received, I've been able to overcome many of those challenges. I believe that I’m a better student now than I was when I started my master’s program.”

The School of Diplomacy’s unique alliance with the United Nations provided Brown with unparalleled access to global leaders and historic events, who engaged with guest speakers on youth leadership and witnessed the General Assembly’s landmark resolution on the transatlantic slave trade as a member of UNA-SHU. These experiences sparked a. “I grew interested in Artificial Intelligence’s role in the Sustainable Development Goals, which led to me writing on it for my master’s thesis paper,” she said of her specific passion for the intersection of technology and development.

As she looks toward the future, Bryant hopes to conduct research and propose policies primarily in the field of AI governance within the political or private sectors. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a Ph.D. abroad, carrying with her a legacy of graduate student engagement alongside her improved confidence and sharpened professional toolkit. “I want to show that graduate students can be involved in activities around the school and have importance at the university,” Bryant said.

Lauren Hall
Fort Salonga, New York

Lauren Hall is graduating from the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media with a profound commitment to inclusive education and a deep appreciation for community. During her four years at Seton Hall, Hall took on dynamic leadership roles, serving as the president of the New Jersey Aspiring Education Association club and the director of chapter culture for Alpha Omicron Pi. Recognized for her excellence in the classroom, she was named a finalist for the Distinguished Clinical Intern Award and will continue her involvement as a member of the CHDCM Honors and Alumni Mentor Program (CHAMP).

"Looking back at my freshman self, the biggest change I see in who I am today is my confidence," said Hall, who credits the University’s education program and its immersive curriculum for shaping her into a confident future leader. By beginning her student interning experience during her sophomore year and observing across three distinct urban and suburban school districts, she underwent a massive personal transformation. "Because I started gaining teaching experience so early in my college education, I was able to build confidence speaking in front of large groups, students and professionals. As a freshman, I never imagined that by my senior year, I would feel confident enough to run my own classroom and take on the role of the main teacher."

That professional growth was fostered by a faculty that prioritizes personalized, compassionate mentorship. Recalling her definitive "Seton Hall moment," Hall remembers a weekend when a professor spent over an hour with her on to help her refine a lesson plan. "She took the time to answer all of my questions and helped me feel prepared to teach a lesson that I was so nervous about," Hall says. "The Seton Hall education professors were some of my biggest supporters and always went above and beyond to help me... I never felt like just a number to them, but rather a student they genuinely wanted to support and help succeed."

Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Hall’s undergraduate journey was deeply anchored in Seton Hall’s Catholic mission. From attending student Masses on Sundays to participating in a sorority Bible study, her faith was enriched both on campus and abroad. A defining moment of her college experience came during her freshman year through the Rome Connection Program. "It was truly life changing," she shares. "I was able to pray in beautiful churches, attend Mass in Italy and even had the honor of doing a reading at a church there. During my time in Rome, I also had the incredible opportunity to attend a Mass led by Pope Francis, which was an experience I will never forget."

As she prepares to cross the commencement stage, Lauren is ready to translate her passions into a fulfilling career. This summer, she will be living in South Orange and teaching third-to-fifth-grade students with learning disabilities in an extended-year school program.

Wendy Cardona Herrera
Secaucus, New Jersey

Wendy Cardona Herrera is graduating from the Stillman School of Business with a B.A. in Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing and graphic design. Her journey at Seton Hall has been defined by an extraordinary commitment to servant leadership, accumulating more than 536 hours of community service. From tutoring at-risk children to volunteering at St. John's Soup Kitchen in Newark and embarking on two mission trips to El Salvador with the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE), Herrera has made service the "rhythm" of her life.

The University’s motto, Hazard Zet Forward, became a personal lifeline for Herrera during her hardest academic and personal moments. “It became that tiny voice that refused to let me give up,” she recalled. “Seton Hall’s motto is not a celebration of just victories; it is a promise made to yourself that, despite the circumstances, you will choose to get up even when it feels impossible.”

This resilience helped her transform from a freshman who "barely believed in herself" to a confident leader who served as Director of Community Outreach for the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). “It was so rewarding because it reminds you of why you do what you do,” she said. “Leading that initiative taught me what authentic leadership looks like. It is not about having the most authority, but rather creating a space where people feel called to show up.” Leading the "ALPFA Hands" project, combined with her involvement in the TRIO RISE program and Campus Ministry, helped her find a deep sense of belonging and purpose.

As she prepares to enter the professional world, Herrera is heading to New York City to pursue a career in digital marketing — a field she approaches with the ethics instilled within her during her studies. “[The] Stillman [School of Business] taught me that your reputation is the most important thing to protect and it is built quietly, over time, through consistent and honest action,” she explained. Beyond her career, Herrera is taking steps to become a Youth Advocate for UNICEF.

Her advice to the incoming Seton Hall Class of 2030? Simple: “Let service be your constant... let it be the thing that humbles you when success makes you proud and comforts you when failure makes you small.”

Margeritte Carlson
North Arlington, New Jersey

Officially a "double Pirate," Margeritte Carlson, who previously earned her M.S. in Athletic Training from Seton Hall in 2015, is graduating with a M.S. in Physician Assistant. Her journey as a non-traditional student and mother of two has been defined by a remarkable balance of rigorous graduate education and family life, and her graduation is a significant milestone in a career already dedicated to the health and wellness of others. Carlson’s dedication was recognized this year as the 2026 recipient of the EJI Excellence in Medicine Scholarship, an honor celebrating both her academic achievement and her unwavering commitment to patient care.

Before returning to the School of Health and Medical Sciences, Carlson built a strong professional foundation as a certified athletic trainer in Division I athletics and as a physician extender, two roles that sparked her passion for the collaborative nature of medicine. “I appreciated how Seton Hall University emphasized interprofessional collaboration throughout the program and highlighted the value of teamwork across healthcare disciplines,” she shared. “Effective communication and collaboration are essential to maintaining continuity of care and preventing gaps in treatment.”

Beyond her clinical rotations and busy home life, Carlson served as a graduate assistant, where she mentored fellow students and prospective applicants navigating the challenging PA curriculum. Her commitment to the community remains a priority; she is an active youth sports coach and a volunteer for local nonprofits, helping to organize elementary school activities and health education programs. For the two-time alumna, the role of a healthcare provider is inseparable from the role of a compassionate community member.

As she prepares to begin a new chapter as an orthopedic physician assistant in New Jersey, Carlson leaves behind a legacy of resilience for the next generation of students. “PA school is challenging, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but growth in medicine comes from persistence and humility,” she said. “Moving into the professional phase, I am most excited to implement patient-centered communication that makes patients feel heard, respected, and involved in their care. My goal is to help patients feel more comfortable and confident navigating their health journeys.”

Michael Carswell
Atlanta, Georgia

Michael Carswell is graduating with a degree in Finance and a minor in legal studies of business. Though he arrived in South Orange with the goal of playing college baseball, the Georgia native quickly pivoted when that path didn't work out, choosing to immerse himself in the administrative side of the sports world. “Hazard Zet Forward is the perfect motto for my undergrad life,” reflected Carswell, who quickly started working in the Athletics office as an assistant to the senior staff. “Through that, I have been able to stay involved in sports and have been a part of so many memorable experiences.”

From fixing goal netting at soccer matches to assisting with game-day administration, no task was too small for Carswell, whose dedication reached a pinnacle when Seton Hall hosted the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional. The Stillman School student stepped up to serve as the tournament’s Transportation Manager and coordinated the movement of four elite teams across Northern New Jersey, a feat that required immense organization and attention to detail. In recognition of this extraordinary service, the department presented him with the Pirate Recognition Award — an honor that had not been bestowed upon a student since 2017.

Carswell’s success on the court was matched by his success in the boardroom, and he credits the powerful Seton Hall alumni network for opening doors at one of the world's premier financial institutions. “It was originally two [Seton Hall] alumni, Hank D'Alessandro and Cheryl Glory, who first introduced me to Morgan Stanley,” Carswell said, noting how willing Seton Hall alumni are to help students however and whenever they can. According to Carswell, both D’Alessandro and Glory have been very helpful throughout his career journey. “They always take time out of their day to introduce me to their colleagues.”

After a successful internship last summer, Carswell is set to join Morgan Stanley’s New York City office this July as a full-time corporate treasury analyst. While he moves to the fast-paced world of Wall Street, he carries with him the lessons of resilience and service he learned at the Richie Regan Recreation and Athletic Center. Whether it was witnessing NIT championship runs or managing NCAA logistics, Michael’s journey proves that going forward despite obstacles leads to experiences that are truly "above and beyond."

Zachary Cooney
Buffalo, New York

Zachary Cooney is a "double Pirate" who is graduating with his M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations, specializing in Foreign Policy Analysis and International Security. After earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from Seton Hall in 2020, Cooney returned to South Orange to deepen his expertise in global affairs. During his graduate tenure, he balanced rigorous academic research with a unique role as a Graduate Assistant in the Division of University Relations, where he helped produce the University’s alumni magazine and served as a guest DJ for WSOU 89.5 FM.

Cooney’s connection to the University began on a rainy afternoon in March 2017. Despite the weather, the campus had an immediate impact. "The school’s natural presence put me at ease, and that calmness and home feel made me want to go to Seton Hall," Cooney recalled. "As we walked through the campus, I felt the school presented a tremendous dignity about itself. Spending time and communicating with the school’s professional staff made the decision to attend and transition into college life easier."

Though he initially arrived with a broad interest in politics, his time in the School of Diplomacy sparked a specific passion for the mechanics of global peace. Through the school’s unique alliance with the United Nations, Cooney found himself sitting in the General Assembly, listening to debates in real time. "When I came into the Diplomacy School, I did not have the United Nations on my radar," he admitted. However, after taking a UN Field Seminar and a course on Peacemaking and Peacekeeping, his perspective shifted. "Learning from practitioners and field veterans was the most profound experience of the diplomacy program,” Cooney says.

Looking ahead, Cooney is preparing for a career of service. He plans to join either the Navy or the Army within the coming year, applying the strategic security and policy analysis skills he honed in the classroom to the field. His long-term goals include returning to academia to pursue a Ph.D., continuing the tradition of scholarship and leadership he fostered during his nearly decade-long journey at Seton Hall. "The diplomacy school offers tremendous opportunities to experience real-life issues in real time," he said, "and that is exactly what prepared me for my next steps."

Samantha Davidson
Whippany, New Jersey

Samantha Davidson is graduating with a B.S.E. in Secondary Education and History, a path defined by her commitment to fostering confidence in her students just as Seton Hall fostered it in her. After transferring to the University, Davidson quickly found her place, becoming a College Ambassador for the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media and cementing her academic skill when she received the 2025 Reilly Prize for Excellence in Historical Writing for her insightful essay on espionage during the United States Civil War.

Davidson’s impact on the local community began early in her educational practicum experience. In 2024, she went above and beyond for her students by connecting them with a Seton Hall history professor for their History Day research project. Under her guidance, the project won the New Jersey state competition and advanced to the national level. Davidson’s unwavering dedication to student success is a testament to the University’s strategic plan, Inspiring Great Minds to Greater Purpose, which is anchored by six guiding values, including commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

Reflecting on her own growth, Davidson noted a profound personal transformation. “I used to be incredibly shy and would not advocate for myself out of fear of inconveniencing others,” she shared. “Seton Hall pulled me out of my shell and made me who I am today — someone who is much more confident and comfortable being themself.”

Her time of student-teaching at Heritage Middle School in Livingston, New Jersey, further solidified her philosophy of education. Working closely with struggling learners and English Language Learners (ELL), Davidson focused on potential rather than limitations. “I was able to be the person who saw them for who they are and what they can do, rather than their limits,” she explained. This approach left a lasting mark; on her final day, her mentor teacher presented her with a book of notes from her students that touched her heart deeply. “Every single one of those notes had nothing to do with content and everything to do with how I made those students feel. It was incredibly moving and confirmed to me why I wanted to become a teacher.”

As she prepares to begin her first year as a full-time educator, Davidson is a finalist for the New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Intern Award, an honor that reflects her high teaching standards. She looks forward to bringing her passion for history and her empathetic approach to the classroom. “Through my experiences at Seton Hall, I learned the importance of my voice,” she said. Now, she is ready to help her own students find theirs as she inspires the next generation of great minds to their greater purpose.

Amanda Grace
Branchburg, New Jersey

Amanda Grace is graduating with a double major in Secondary and Special Education and English, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and deep advocacy for inclusive education. A true scholar-practitioner, Grace’s research journey at Seton Hall enabled her to present at the 28th Annual Petersheim Academic Exposition and the 44th Annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum, while her dedication to the intersection of faith and the humanities also led to her work being published in Arcadia: A Student Journal for Faith and Culture.

Beyond her publications, Grace was a leader within the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, serving as a student ambassador and a Clinical Advisory Board Representative. Her passion for understanding legislative mandates in education led to collaborative research with faculty, while her clinical excellence earned her the nomination for the state-level New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Intern Award. On-campus, Grace was also one of only two students selected to be featured in the CHDCM Celebration of Excellence in Experiential Education Ceremony.

For Grace, the heart of her education was found in the classroom during her student-teaching experience with 36 fifth graders. She credited the relationships she built early in the year for the academic and emotional growth she witnessed in her students. “I was blessed to teach ELA to amazing fifth graders this school year, and I am forever changed by their huge hearts,” she reflected. “As a teacher, you see only a fraction of the impact you have on your students. I saw my passion as an asset to their growth, which in turn makes them well-rounded citizens in their community.”

As she prepares to begin her career as a full-time teacher, Grace encourages future Pirates to lead with empathy and follow the example of the university’s patroness. “If I could leave one legacy behind, it would be to listen to Mother Seton's calling,” Grace said. “She used her voice to provide education, food, and nurture to those in need. Listen to her calling for how you can help someone and let your heart be vulnerable to receive the needs of people around you.”

Christian Hui
Montclair, New Jersey

Christian Hui is graduating from the Stillman School of Business as a true polymath, holding a triple major in Sports Management, Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, alongside a certificate in IT Management. A Dean’s List student every semester, Hui’s journey has been defined by a relentless drive to merge technical data with sports storytelling. His research has spanned the cutting edge of technology and athletics, from using computer vision to detect similarity thresholds in AI-generated art to performing "Moneyball" SQL analyses to scout undervalued MLB free agents in association with Baseball America.

Hui’s leadership on campus was as diverse as his degree. As the Head of Media for the Seton Hall Sports Poll and Assistant Sports Editor for The Setonian, he shaped the university’s sports discourse. He also served as the President and a founding member of Minorities in Sports, President of the Association for Supply Chain Management, and a former Vice President of Marketing for Alpha Kappa Psi. Whether he was playing drums and vibraphone in the Jazz Band or representing the university at the ICUNJ Undergraduate Research Symposium, Hui embodied the spirit of a versatile leader on- and off-campus.

Beyond the classroom, Hui boasts a professional portfolio that is a dream for any sports media enthusiast, including the prestigious 2026 ESPN Sports Media Strategy Fellowship alongside impactful media roles at Rucker Park, the New Jersey Jackals and AMSG Fútbol Club. He also founded Double Bang Designs, his own multi-disciplinary sports content platform. These experiences allowed him to engage with industry titans like Burke Magnus and work on high-profile events like The Throne HS National Championship. In addition to these accolades, Hui remains grounded in his Catholic faith. “All I do, whether it be sports, service or academics, should be done to glorify the Lord,” he reflected. “Christ has walked with me and protected those parts of myself that are the most important.”

As he prepares to enter the workforce and continue his creative work with his indie band, Beef Wellington, Hui wants to inspire the Class of 2030 with a message of selflessness. “I truly believe that the people who live for others are the ones who are worth remembering,” he said. “There’s something beautiful about using the one life you have to make others better. No matter how messed up things can get, things will get better — I promise. There is happiness at the other end of your tears and your hardest days. All you have to do is keep going.”

Krish Reddy
Edison, New Jersey

Krish Reddy is graduating with a B.S. in Biology and a near-perfect GPA, leaving Seton Hall as a distinguished scholar and a dedicated servant leader. A participant in the Joint Bachelor’s/M.D. Program, Reddy has utilized every corner of the university to prepare for his future in medicine. His undergraduate career reached a pinnacle this year when he received a presentation award at the 2026 Big East Research Symposium at Madison Square Garden for his research on the antibacterial efficacy of green tea polyphenols, conducted in the laboratory of Professor Tina Chu, Ph.D.

Reddy’s "Seton Hall Moment" arrived when he realized the university offered more than just observation; it offered agency. “I realized that Seton Hall was truly my home when I first stepped into the research labs and saw undergraduates leading complex experiments rather than just observing them,” he recalled. “Discussing my work with friends and fellow researchers in McNulty Hall... made me realize the scientific community here is remarkably tight-knit. Seton Hall didn't just teach me science; it also gave me the space to truly become a scientist.”

Beyond the lab, Reddy’s commitment to service is exhaustive. His leadership as President of Premed Connect, Event Coordinator of the Medical Humanities Club, and Treasurer of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society allowed him to foster a collaborative culture among his peers in South Orange. Off-campus, Reddy honed his passion with roles as a medical scribe in the Emergency Department at Trinitas Regional Medical Center and a volunteer for the Kendall Park First Aid and Rescue Squad. He also dedicated his time to the community through Meals on Wheels in Summit and the St. Joseph’s Social Service Center in Elizabeth, all while tutoring fellow students in Seton Hall’s Educational Opportunity Program.

As he prepares to apply to medical school this summer, Reddy reflects on the holistic preparation he received in South Orange. “The leadership roles I held on campus taught me how to communicate effectively and lead with empathy in high-pressure situations, skills that are paramount for any physician,” he shared. “I am leaving Seton Hall not just with a degree, but with a clear sense of purpose. I can’t wait to become the researcher, physician and servant leader Seton Hall has prepared me so well to be.”

Selina Shenouda
Old Bridge, New Jersey

Selina Shenouda is graduating with a double major in political science and philosophy and a minor in ethics and applied ethics. A member of the University Honors Program, Shenouda has woven together academic rigor and a deep-seated commitment to mentorship and advocacy. Her leadership across the College of Arts and Sciences is extensive, serving as a Peer Advisor in the Center for Academic Success — earning the Peer Advisor of the Month Award in March 2026 — and representing her peers on the Dean’s Undergraduate Student Cabinet.

Shenouda’s "Seton Hall moment" came during her freshman year when a conversation with Associate Dean Christopher Kaiser revealed the heart of the university’s culture. When asked how he made so much time for students, he replied, “This is my vocation, my calling.” According to Shenouda, that interaction set the tone for her own journey.

“That moment showed me that Seton Hall’s care for its students is not just something the University says; it is something people here live out every day,” she reflected. By her sophomore year, the sense of belonging was so ingrained that she realized Seton Hall was a place where people genuinely root for one another’s success.

This supportive environment allowed Shenouda to redefine her understanding of humility. Guided by her mentors, she shifted from downplaying her achievements to embracing her potential. “I understand now that humility is not about taking up the least amount of space; it is about knowing exactly how much space to take up,” she noted. This newfound confidence led her to help run the Arts and Sciences Alumni Mentorship Program, creating a dedicated point of contact for undergraduate mentees. “Seton Hall does not just help students find opportunities; it empowers them to create their own.”

Outside the classroom, Shenouda’s life is defined by the title of "servant leader." As a dedicated member of the Seton Hall Orthodox Fellowship and the Middle Eastern North African Club, she remains deeply connected to her faith and heritage. She serves as a Sunday school teacher and a consistent volunteer with Coptic Youth Helping Hands, where she mentors youth and coordinates community service events ranging from food drives to fundraisers. As she prepares to pursue law school, Shenouda steps forward with a clear sense of purpose. “I no longer shrink from opportunities,” she said. “I step into them with gratitude, confidence and purpose.”

Sara Allegra Snedeker
Caldwell, New Jersey

Sara Allegra Snedeker is graduating with a master's in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy, adding a significant chapter to a long-standing family legacy. For Sara, Seton Hall is more than an alma mater; it is a family tradition. More than 20 relatives have attended the University, including her grandfather, a professor emeritus and her uncle, who currently serves as a professor. While Snedeker entered the program with deep familial roots, she discovered her own "Seton Hall moment" through the University's profound emphasis on service-driven leadership. "Seton Hall was not simply preparing me to earn a degree," Snedeker reflected, "it was preparing me to become a reflective and student-centered educational leader."

Throughout her graduate studies, Snedeker embodied the university motto, Hazard Zet Forward, by balancing a demanding career in Newark Public Schools with a rigorous administrative internship and leadership of a Saturday School Academy. Her dedication did not go unnoticed; she was honored as her district's Literacy Instructional Coach of the Year while completing her coursework. Navigating the complexities of school law, ethics and instructional supervision, Snedeker learned to bridge classroom theory with the daily challenges of urban education. "The motto reminds me that growth often comes through challenges," she noted, "and I have learned that perseverance, reflection, and collaboration are essential qualities of effective leadership."

Snedeker credited the program with strengthening her resilience and her commitment to equity. By engaging with mentors and peers, she developed the confidence to lead schoolwide initiatives and manage complex literacy programs. "Seton Hall prepared me academically through rigorous coursework," she said, "but more importantly, it helped me recognize that strong leadership is rooted in service, relationships, and the belief that every student can succeed."

Following graduation in May 2026, Snedeker will hold both her New Jersey Principal and Supervisor Certificates and plans to continue her impactful work as a Literacy Instructional Coach in Newark as she pursues a vice principalship within the district. Her goal remains steadfast: to expand her impact as a school leader, advocating for students, families and teachers through data-driven coaching and instructional leadership.

Manar Takla
Lodi, New Jersey

Manar Takla is graduating from the Stillman School of Business with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Marketing and Management and a certification in Market Research, and her journey at Seton Hall has been defined by a commitment to bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact. Through consulting-style projects and collaborations with local businesses, Takla transformed her academic interests into a genuine passion for branding strategy and consultative work. "Stillman helped me build confidence in my own ideas and abilities," she reflected. "It gave me an environment where I felt encouraged to take initiative and grow into the professional I hope to become."

Takla’s leadership extended well beyond the halls of Stillman. Serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) for two years, she became a cornerstone of the campus community, helping students navigate their own college transitions. "Being an RA taught me the importance of leadership through communication, empathy, and being someone others could rely on," she said. This role, combined with her time working as a desk assistant for the Department of Residence Life, allowed her to cultivate a welcoming environment that made Seton Hall feel like home for herself and her residents alike.

Her perspective was further broadened through the university’s global opportunities. Studying abroad in France and Italy proved transformative, exposing her to diverse cultures and international business environments. "Those experiences challenged me to become more adaptable, independent and open-minded," Takla reflected. These global lessons, coupled with her hands-on internship experiences, have equipped her with a sophisticated understanding of how strategy and collaboration drive a company's success.

As she moves forward, Takla is not traveling far from the gates of South Orange. She will continue her education at Seton Hall in the 4+1 M.B.A. program, specializing in Finance, while also serving in a graduate assistantship role. Her ultimate goal is to build a career in marketing and brand management, fueled by the relationships and professional network she fostered as an undergraduate. Her advice to the next generation of Pirates is simple: "Say yes to opportunities, even when they may seem intimidating at first. Some of my most meaningful connections came from simply putting myself out there."

Juliana Vitolo
Holmdel, New Jersey

Juliana Vitolo is graduating with a B.S. in Nursing after distinguishing herself through clinical training, leadership and nursing research. A member of the Buccino Leadership Institute and President of the Student Nurses Association, Vitolo’s undergraduate journey was marked by advanced clinical immersions and research focused on critical cardiac care. From a summer externship in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit to her Senior Honors Immersion in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Vitolo consistently sought out hands-on experiences in acute care and critical care.

Her contributions to the field extend into the realm of research, where she investigated cardiogenic shock management in patients on VA-ECMO and presented her findings at both the College of Nursing Reinkemeyer Research Day and the 35th Annual Options in Acute and Critical Care Nursing Conference. Vitolo’s clinical preparation was also so notable that she was featured in a New York Times article highlighting Seton Hall’s state-of-the-art simulation lab at its Interprofessional Health Sciences campus, where she honed the skills she now uses daily as a patient care technician at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

For Vitolo, nursing is an opportunity to lead through service. “I would want my legacy to reflect a commitment to leading with purpose through service rather than position,” she said. “At Seton Hall, servant leadership is not simply a philosophy, but a responsibility to consistently show up for others, particularly in moments that do not bring recognition.”

As she moves into her career as a Registered Nurse on the Cardiovascular Surgical Stepdown Unit at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Vitolo carries with her a holistic education that prioritized both clinical judgment and professional empathy. “Seton Hall Nursing prepared me not only to enter practice as a competent and safe nurse, but also to grow into a leader,” she said. Her message to the Class of 2030 is one of immediate action: “Leadership is not something to be deferred, but something to be practiced daily through consistent, intentional actions.”

Matthew Zaunczkowski
Sayreville, New Jersey

Matthew Zaunczkowski is graduating with a degree in Political Science, a journey marked by a profound blend of professional sharpening and spiritual reconnection. For Zaunczkowski, Seton Hall became home when he first stepped into the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Having set a personal goal to reconnect with his faith, that moment solidified his choice. “When I opened the doors and took my first steps, my eyes widened and my jaw dropped,” he recalled. “Seeing the history in the walls and its beautiful interior immediately spoke to me. I realized this university was not only going to help me learn academically, but also spiritually.”

Zaunczkowski’s time on campus has been defined by his willingness to take chances. Though he initially felt nervous in professional settings, he pushed himself to apply for leadership roles, eventually serving as both a Resident Assistant and an Office Assistant in the Office of Residence Life. Working through the initial "shakes" of answering difficult phone calls, he transformed into a confident problem-solver. “Today, after working there for two years, I am the complete opposite,” Zaunczkowski shared. “No matter what the problem is, I can clearly and effectively solve it. This experience has helped me in interviews and working at internships.”

Academic growth also took him far beyond the gates of South Orange. During the summer of 2025, Zaunczkowski participated in a travel writing course in Ireland, an experience that broadened his political perspective. By engaging with Irish citizens and learning about their culture, he gained a deeper, first-hand understanding of topics he would later explore back home in courses like European Politics and U.S. Foreign Policy. Zaunczkowski said that these experiences, coupled with his role as the Technical Producer for The Global Current and his membership in the Pi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society, have prepared him for the rigors of the legal field.

As he looks toward the future, Zaunczkowski plans to leverage the strong network he built at the Hall — from his mentors in the College of Arts and Sciences to his colleagues in Residence Life — to secure a law internship before attending law school. With his recent internship at Robinson Miller LLC and his newfound confidence, Zaunczkowski is ready to explore the world and the legal profession with the same spirit of independence and purpose that defined his undergraduate years.

Categories: Campus Life, Education