Class of '20

Dara Gleeson got a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities at Hofstra – even before she was a student.

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“I had several great experiences at Hofstra when I was in high school. I conducted microbiology research in Dr. Javier Izquierdo’s lab and presented my work at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair,” Dara said. “I also attended a summer creative writing class and participated in the Model United Nations conference. So, I was really excited about the possibilities that I knew would be waiting for me once I enrolled.”

As a Hofstra student, she completed three internships with community health organizations and conducted research alongside her professors, working to improve maternal, child, and family health inequalities. She also continued her involvement in the Model UN conference, ultimately serving as secretary-general at the conference during her final two years at Hofstra. After graduation, she took a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will start graduate school at the Yale School of Public Health this fall.

Over the past year, Dara has worked as a communications intern at the United Nations and served as a youth health educator with a nonprofit in Baltimore, teaching public school children about good nutrition habits in virtual classes. She also works for the National Association of County and City Health Officials, which supports local health departments across the country.

“It has been so meaningful to work at organizations that support the work of public health leaders and workers, especially during a pandemic,” Dara said. “I have been very fortunate to have all of these experiences that I can do remotely. I’ve gained valuable insights and skills that I can apply when I begin classes for my Master of Public Health degree at Yale this fall.”

Dara’s story isn’t unique: 94% of 2018-2019 undergraduate degree recipients from Hofstra’s School of Health Professions and Human Services who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (83% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
"This summer I will be working closely with leaders from the Dow Jones Global Financial Planning & Analysis and Global Finance Operations teams in a paid internship. I will work on a variety of tasks, including analytical support, interfacing with colleagues, special projects and research assignments, and office tasks. I want to bring fresh eyes to current challenges at Dow Jones, a best-in-class media company. Upon completion of my internship, I look forward to becoming a full-time financial analyst."

WHY HOFSTRA?
"I chose Hofstra for several reasons, including the education provided, competitive athletic teams, a diverse student population, the beautiful campus, and its location. It is one of the best decisions I made for my future. Hofstra contributed greatly to the discovery and development of my skills and talents. My professors gave me the necessary knowledge to move forward in the business world. And the resources the University offers – such as the databases and Bloomberg Professional terminals [in the Martin B. Greenberg Trading Room] – have given me real-world experience. The Career Center also helped tremendously by reviewing my résumé and showing me resources to find job opportunities. As a student-athlete at Hofstra, I met people and learned skills that will last a lifetime. I also learned to deal with failure and be a leader on and off the field."

KEY TO SUCCESS
"Stay motivated, give full effort, have a positive outlook, and maintain focus. It’s important not to be complacent. Continue to learn and grow as a person. I believe effort and outlook are two things I can positively control every day. A combination of these elements set me up for success."

Alexis' story isn't unique: 94% of 2017-2018 Frank G. Zarb School of Business undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (85% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
"I am interested in entertainment news and documentary filmmaking. My plan is to work for three-to-five years in New York City to cultivate career connections, which I’ve already started to build at Hofstra. Eventually, I plan to move to California. I participated in the Herbert School’s annual “Hofstra in LA” networking trip. It was a real eye-opener and I could see myself working there. My degree is in television and film, so my education has given me what I need to work on both coasts."

WHY HOFSTRA?
"I was interested in pursuing some combination of journalism, film, and theater and I had narrowed it down to Hofstra and one other school. Ultimately, I chose Hofstra because it was strong in each of these individual programs, so I knew I would have the flexibility to do well no matter how I shaped my course of study."

KEY TO SUCCESS
"I’m a busy bee. I love being involved on campus. I’ve been a resident assistant, an orientation leader, I worked at the campus radio and TV stations, served as president of the Black Student Union, and have done internships at CBS’ Inside Edition and ABC’s Here and Now. I find that the more I do, the more new opportunities open up for me."

Antreise’s story isn't unique: 91% of 2017-2018 Herbert School of Communication undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (88% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detail information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“I’ll be getting my master’s degree in Social Studies Education at Hofstra. I’ve also applied to the New York City Department of Education and plan to teach while I’m attending grad school. Down the line, my ultimate goal is to earn a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“While I was still in high school, my social studies teacher – who is also a Hofstra grad – began bringing us to campus for different programs. The first time was for a conference on the legacy of the George W. Bush administration. I started Googling some of the Hofstra professors I saw on the panels – Meena Bose, Carolyn Eisenberg, Stan Pugliese – and they were all very accomplished and published. I also met Dr. Alan Singer from the School of Education. When I was applying to colleges and attended an open house at Columbia University, the professor there showed me the textbook he used in class. It was by Dr. Singer! I thought: Why do I need to go to Columbia, when I can go to Hofstra and learn directly from the source? I chose Hofstra for its professors, its curriculum, and the reputation it has for teacher placement.”

WORDS OF WISDOM
“Teaching history matters. To understand where we’re headed as a nation, we have to know where we’ve been. As a social studies teacher, it’s my responsibility to make sure students understand their rights under the Constitution and to present historical facts so they can learn to think critically, form their own opinions, and debate. That’s what my teachers did for me. And whether you go into education or business or some other occupation, love the field you choose. Now that I am student teaching, I wake up every morning happy and excited. I can’t wait to get into the classroom each day.”

Dennis’s story isn’t unique: 94% of 2017-2018 Hofstra School of Education undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (80% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“I have a job at The Experiment, an independent publishing house in Manhattan. It’s a small company, and I’ll be working in many different areas – editorial, social media, market research, and publicity. I was offered the job after working there a few months as an intern.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“I knew I wanted to go into publishing. I’ve always been obsessed with reading. I love sci-fi fantasy, especially books by Ursula K. Le Guin, Patrick Rothfuss, and Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. When I was researching colleges, Hofstra’s publishing studies program was one of the most respected. When I came to visit the campus, it seemed to be the most focused on internships and real-world experience. What sealed my decision, though, was Hofstra’s (intramural) equestrian team. I’ve been riding and showing since I was 12 years old. I joined Hofstra’s team in my first year, and it’s been a very important part of my time here.”

DUAL SUCCESS
“A lot of people ask me why I chose to major in both English and Computer Science. My dad works in tech. He taught me coding, and when I was growing up, we’d work on building web pages and websites. I think one of the reasons I stood out to the people at The Experiment was my background in computer science. I think they realized I could be a big help to them as the industry moves forward in this digital age.”

Hannah’s story isn’t unique: 93% of 2017-2018 undergraduate degree recipients from Hofstra’s School of Humanities and Fine and Performing Arts who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (87% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“I’ll be working as a social studies teacher at Uncommon Charter High School in Brooklyn. It’s the high school where I’m currently student teaching.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“When I came to visit Hofstra as a high school student, I found the professors and students here to be incredibly welcoming. I felt comfortable right away.”

KEY TO SUCCESS
“The School of Education does a great job of preparing its students. They helped me fulfill my required observation hours, worked with me on lesson plans, and placed me at the school where I now have an offer for a full-time job. I have friends at other colleges studying to be teachers, and they aren’t nearly as far ahead on their career track as I am.”

WORDS OF WISDOM
“Take advantage of everything college has to offer. Hit the ground running and get involved. And if you don’t see a club or program that is a good match for your interests, don’t be afraid to start one yourself. Whatever your passions are, there are other students who share them. They just may be waiting for someone like you to lead the way.”

Imani’s story isn’t unique: 91% of 2017-2018 Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (82% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school. Eventually, I want to work in cancer research. I can say I’ll have made my mark when my work has made a positive impact on the lives and health of others. I’ve been accepted to NYU, and am waiting on responses from Columbia, UCLA, and USC.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“I chose Hofstra because I felt it would give me the support that I needed, while also providing enough academic challenge to push me. I knew I’d be able to gain a more personal experience where I could make professional, academic, and social connections – and I was right! I learned so much in Hofstra’s ASPiRe (Advanced Summer Program in Research), where I worked on projects such as analyzing gene expression data to predict patient outcomes. I’ve also really enjoyed being part of the Ballroom Dance Club, where I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.”

KEY TO SUCCESS
“Time management is the single skill that has enabled me to succeed more so than anything else. Taking extra academic courses, while managing a social life, club activities, and working, wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t learned this essential skill early on in college. I’ve got the skills to pursue my goals and be a lifelong learner.”

Justin’s story isn’t unique: 91% of 2017-2018 DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (90% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“I’ve been accepted to a number of PhD programs in organic chemistry (including Duke University, University of California – San Diego, and University of Washington), so I’m visiting my top choices and hope to make a decision shortly. I have a couple of ideas of what I’d like to do after earning the PhD. I’m considering working in academia or going on to medical school.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“The scholarship assistance I received was a major factor. Location also played a big part in my decision. Having grown up in the Midwest, I really wanted to attend college on the East Coast. I want to live in as many different places as possible before finally settling down.”

LIFE IN THE LAB
“I am involved in two areas of research. One is investigating an enzyme that could be a possible antibiotic target. The second studies bioremediation – using bacteria to clean pollutants from the environment. I’ve presented my work at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Orlando and at the annual Frontiers in Chemistry and Biology Interface Symposium. I have also spent my summers on campus working as a research assistant to Professor [Kara] Jaremko [assistant professor of chemistry]. In addition to classes and research, I’m president of SMACS [Student Members of the American Chemical Society]. We present outreach programs to get children interested in the sciences, including a program every semester with the Girl Scouts and
a National Chemistry Week event at the New York Hall of Science.”

Madeline’s story isn’t unique: 95 percent of 2017-2018 undergraduate degree recipients from Hofstra’s School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (79% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“I’m in Hofstra’s 4+4 program pursuing a BS/MD and a member of the Clinton Global Initiative University, a leadership and social entrepreneurial development program. Because I am graduating from Hofstra in three years instead of four, I plan to use my free year to work on Cress Health, a health tech company I co-founded. Then I’m going to enter the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, where I’m interested in studying cardiovascular medicine.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“I began conducting biological research when I was still in high school. During that time, I met Dr. Sina Rabbany, Hofstra’s Dean of Engineering and Applied Science. I’m still doing research with him today, and he’s been a constant source of support and inspiration. I feel like I grew up around him. I’ve known for a long time that medical school was in my future, and the 4+4 program offered me a smooth transition from undergraduate studies.”

KEY TO SUCCESS
“When my high school friend and I came up with the idea for Cress Health, a company that uses mobile technology to fight addiction and prevent emotional burnout, Dr. Rabbany encouraged me to approach the University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. I had no previous experience with the business side of campus. But thanks to their support, Cress Health was a winner of the 2019 Hofstra-Digital Remedy Venture Challenge. Now I’m working with a team of Hofstra interns and a professor from the School of Medicine to complete a research study and eventually market our applications.”

Michael’s story isn’t unique: 95% of 2017-2018 Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (83% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“I am already working as an analyst with a boutique financial advisory firm that specializes in the gaming industry. I am also interviewing with several investment banking firms. After graduation, I have three main goals. First, I’ll be looking to move into Tribeca (Lower Manhattan). Second, after gaining a full year of investment banking experience, I’d like to leverage my experience to land a position at a larger institution. Last, I want to continue building my network and start developing a trading strategy for my long-term goal, which is to run an activist hedge fund.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“I believe that Hofstra provided me with the perfect setting to build upon my skills and professional experience. In addition to working with the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), creating and running the Hedge Fund Association allowed me to blend what I’ve learned in the classroom and what I’ve learned at work to create a way for other students at Hofstra to get exposure to the art of asset management. This was possible as a result of encouragement from my professors and my peers to constantly push my limits. Hofstra encourages students to not only chase academic excellence, but also pursue their passions.”

WORDS OF WISDOM
“First, network! Do not allow your four years to go by without learning a little about everyone. You never know who will be in a position to help you, and where and when you can help someone from your alma mater. Second, try everything. The Zarb School of Business encourages active involvement on campus through clubs and other activities. Go to the meetings, get involved, and learn what you love to do.”

Suveer’s story isn’t unique: 94% of 2017-2018 Frank G. Zarb School of Business undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (85% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

WHAT'S NEXT?
“I had an extended internship at MSNBC from 2018-2019. After graduation, I’d like to continue working in broadcast journalism or for a government agency. Eventually, I want to earn a PhD in political science. I’m interested in a career path that allows me to work in both journalism and politics, and extensively study their impact on society.”

WHY HOFSTRA?
“At the time I was considering colleges, the 2016 presidential election was coming up. I could see there was a need for diverse voices in the media. I was sold on Hofstra after I took a tour of the Herbert School [of Communications] and saw all the equipment and resources that are available to students. But even before that, Hofstra was an easy decision for me. I grew up on campus. My grandmother worked here, and my father is a graduate who is very active in the alumni community. I have always enjoyed coming here to visit. The campus is beautiful and the students have a camaraderie that I now feel lucky to share.”

WORDS OF WISDOM
“It’s so important to get involved. One of the best parts of my Hofstra experience was joining the Xi Psi chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. It was actually through a fraternity brother, who had already graduated, that I got my foot in the door at MSNBC. Through my internship at MSNBC, I worked on Weekends with Alex Witt and then on The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell. When you do land that dream internship, don’t be passive. Go the extra mile and let the people around you know that you are there to learn. They’ll take notice.”

Wil’s story isn’t unique: 96% of 2017-2018 political science undergraduate degree recipients who responded to our graduation survey or other reliable sources (86% knowledge rate) reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Visit our outcomes page at hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.