Meet Our Graduates
Leo Rose
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Degree: Psychology
School: Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
What's Next: Continue to work at Planned Parenthood as an HIV navigator and eventually earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration
How did you choose to attend Hofstra?
I chose Hofstra because it was close to my stomping grounds in the Bronx but far enough away to allow me to experience a different way of life. Living on Long Island is quite different than living in the city, and I am thankful for the unique experiences I have had here.
What activities or organizations have you been involved with at Hofstra?
I was an RA my first year and have been involved with a number of clubs and associations, including Strictly Steppin’ and the Hofstra Cheer team. I also served on several committees and cohorts like the Student Diversity Advisory Panel, the Student Advisory Panel, and the Gold Leadership cohort.
The organization that has meant the most to me is my fraternity, Tau Epsilon Phi (TEP). As a TEP brother I’ve collaborated and connected with many people on campus I might not have met otherwise. Through my involvement with TEP, I became a member of the Order of Omega honor society and traveled to the annual conference of the Northeast Greek Leadership as an IFC delegate. One of the things I’m most proud of is bringing TEP together with OSLE, QTPOCC, and The Pride Network to revive the Hofstra Drag Show, which helped raise more than $1,200 for The Audre Lorde Project. It was one of the largest Hofstra student-driven donations to an LGBTQ+ organization.
How did you come to choose your major?
Studying psychology is about helping and providing support for people when they are struggling. I also believe it’s important to understand how mental and emotional health impact a person’s physical health.
Have you done any internships or research projects while you've been here?
During my second and third years at Hofstra, I worked for the New York State Department of Health on a research project that focused on the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STI) on Long Island, and as an administrative assistant at Northwell Health's LGBTQ+ Transgender Program.
More recently, I was an operations manager for the IRS’s COVID-19 screening program. I’m currently finishing an internship at Planned Parenthood, where I am an HIV navigator providing free STI and STD testing services to Nassau County residents. While my work is not directly related to my major, it’s helped me decide that I want a professional path that helps people get the care they need to live a healthy life.
What will you miss most about Hofstra?
I am most going to miss the sense of community here at Hofstra. Until I came here, I had never been in a place where so many individuals were as career-oriented and motivated as I am.
I am grateful for the Hofstra friends, professors, and administrators whose support has allowed me to accomplish so much over the last few years.