Alumni News

Moving Forward

A group of individuals stands together for a portrait with a background of water and trees.

From left, James Brown, Lori Lee Dickson, Michael Avaltroni, Richard Codey and Robert “Bobby” Stern. (Photo: Elena Mitchell)

The University held the inaugural FDU Forward: Honor Our Past, Transform Our Future fundraiser and alumni celebration in June, at New Jersey Bell Works in Holmdel. With 300 attendees, the event netted more than $350,000 in critical support for student scholarships.

“Bell Works is among the exciting sites where we have created educational programs that serve learners, quite literally, where they are as we deliver graduate programs on site,” said President Michael Avaltroni.

Four alumni received awards at the event.

Richard Codey, BA’81 (Flor), the 53rd governor of New Jersey, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. As New Jersey’s longest-serving state senator and a mental health advocate, Codey has sponsored legislation to cut health care costs in New Jersey while protecting quality of care. He retired from the senate in January 2024 after serving more than 40 years. A previous Pinnacle honoree, he also received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from FDU in 2005.

Robert “Bobby” Stern, BS’08 (Flor), was the first-ever Transformational Honoree. He is president of Riviera Hospitality Group, which has provided meals to the homeless, homebound and migrants in New York City. Stern also provided 13,000 Afghan refugees with 24/7 food services at a New Jersey military base. He is the youngest Silberman College of Business Hall of Fame honoree.

James Brown, BS’79 (Metro), a nationally respected accountant who has served as president of the Eastern Region Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants, was inducted into The Pinnacle Society. He has been a member of FDU’s Board of Governors and the Black Alumni Chapter.

Lori Lee Dickson, BA’82 (Flor), an attorney specializing in public works with McCarthy Fingar, former FDU trustee and current Board of Governors and Pre-Law Advisory Board member, also received the Pinnacle Award. Dickson has supported FDU philanthropically for more than 30 years.

Suleima Mestanza, BS’24 (Metro), was the night’s student speaker and discussed the benefits of receiving a scholarship. “Like many students, I was the first in my family to attend college. FDU was gracious with my scholarships, offered a wonderful student life and gave me a sense of community.”

Wrapping up the event, Avaltroni said, “It is thanks to the support of people in this room and many other friends and partners that we can serve our students and help them reach great heights.”

Generous Benefactors

FDU has received a million–dollar be–quest to establish the Thomas Stavola Scholarship for English Literature. The late Stavola was a professor of English and directed the Gene Barnett Speakers Series and Knightscapes, the student literary magazine.

A bequest gift was received from Marie Conrad, who created the gift in memory of her late son Richard Conrad, BS’75 (Metro), MBA’80(Ruth), an enthusiastic supporter of the Knights men’s basketball program. The gift of more than $176,000 is designated for the men’s basketball program.

Carol Cummings donated $50,000 to establish the Michael Dey Cummings Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Knights golfers who are Silberman College of Business students.

Wallace Arthur, professor emeritus of electrical engineering and physics, at 91 years of age, made a gift of $50,000 to establish the Arthur Family Scholarship to support students in Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences.

Making the Most of Career Fairs

Illustration : Business exhibition with visitors and expo workers. People visiting company presentation, exposition or show of products flat vector illustration. Tradeshow, marketing event in business center concept

The University hosts several job and internship fairs throughout the year, some industry-specific and others more comprehensive. These events offer current students and alumni alike the chance to meet multiple potential employers at once and to network and establish professional connections with these representatives. Get the most out of the experience — and hopefully a job, too! — with these tips.

Research the employers who will be at the fair. Look at their company websites, LinkedIn profiles and Handshake pages.

Prioritize the employers you want to seek out. Scan a directory of the exhibitors and budget your time — and footsteps — wisely.

Prep. Prep. Prep. Take advantage of the Career Development Center’s résumé-review service. Bring at least 25 extra printed copies with you. Get a good night’s sleep and dress professionally.

Offer the recruiter a firm handshake (if you’re comfortable), introduce yourself and present your résumé. Give a 30-second elevator pitch about yourself, your interests and skills.

Ask focused questions! Collect information; it’ll help you choose a company and a position. Ask about company culture, professional-development opportunities, mentorship programs, etc.

Mind your time. Don’t spend too much time with any one employer — to get the most out of the fair and to be kind to those waiting behind you.

Take notes — even on the back of business cards!

Reconnect with representatives on LinkedIn within 48 hours. Personalize messages and thank them for visiting campus and chatting with you.

Pay extra attention to any alumni representatives who attended the event. They may be potential mentors, so stay in touch!