William Paterson Faculty, Staff and their Families Celebrate New Degrees

Tiffany Agrelo, daughter of Francisco Agrelo, supervisor in the paint shop, is graduating this May with a BA degree in psychology and criminology and criminal justice with a minor in health studies. She has worked as a student assistant in the University’s police department. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice and looks forward to a career in corrections, probation, or parole.

Raymond S. Albecker Jr., son of Linda Albecker ‘92 in enrollment services, graduated cum laude in January with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice and a minor in environmental science. One of his most inspiring professors, he says, was Andrew Gladfelter, sociology, who takes the time to get to know his students and care about their work. Raymond plans to work as a police officer in Jefferson Township.

Jacqueline DeMartino, sister of Michelle R. DeMartino ’08, MFA ’13, associate director, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, graduated in May with an MBA and a minor in accounting. Her proudest accomplishment at WP was in her influence, persuasion and negotiation strategy class, where she scored the highest deal and profits in her final negotiation. Jacqueline plans to become a CPA and open her own firm someday.

Aimee Lynn deRonde, granddaughter of Naomi Horsky, nursing, and great niece of Pamela Fueshko, director of technology services, graduated in January with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. Aimee credits Professor Robin Schwartz, art, for being encouraging, and says that participating in the student art exhibit and photography show were among the highlights of her WP experience. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in education and a career in teaching.

Paola Duval, payroll specialist, payroll department, will earn a bachelor’s degree in management with a minor in accounting this August. She is grateful for the support she received from her WP friends and colleagues and looks forward to pursuing an MBA in human resources management at William Paterson this fall.

Samarah Gomez and Jacob Ortiz, niece and nephew of Carmen Ortiz, executive director of educational opportunity fund (EOF) and academic achievement, and Alene Ortiz, budget analyst, budget office, are graduating this year. Samarah will receive a BA in chemistry this August and Jacob earned a BA in psychology with a minor in criminology and criminal justice in May. Samarah plans to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry, and Jacob looks forward to a career in law enforcement or as a mental health practitioner.

Jae Jurado, son of nursing professor Leo-Felix M. Jurado, graduated magna cum laude this May with a BA degree in communication with a concentration in broadcast journalism and legal studies and a minor in women’s and gender studies. He received the Pre-Law Leadership and Service Award, and was inducted into four honor societies: Pi Sigma Alpha, political science, Lambda Pi Eta, communication, Triota, women’s and gender studies, and Sigma Alpha Pi, National Society of Leadership and Success. He served as social media coordinator in the University’s Department of Marketing and Public Relations; a student ambassador; a resident assistant; and a note taker for students with disabilities.

Vanessa Lenoir ‘94, assistant registrar in the Office of Registration, and employed with the University for 18 years, graduated this May with an MA in higher education administration.

Pablo A. Lopez, senior mail clerk in the University’s Mail Service Center, graduated in May with an MA in business administration and a concentration in human resources. Pablo is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management and the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society. His son, Juan Pablo, an alumnus, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history in 2013.

Allison Maloney, niece of Judy Linder, director of development and planned giving, Institutional Advancement, graduated this May with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a concentration in public relations. "I went through a difficult time due to the loss of my dad, but I found the support I needed at William Paterson to help me keep going and finally complete my degree,” she says. This was something very important to my father.

Despina Martinez, Academic Success Services, graduated this May with an MBA with a concentration in marketing. She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. Highlights of her graduate education include participating in two independent studies under the direction of Dr. Christos Cotsakos and serving as a leader in one of them.

Kristin McNerney, daughter of Donna McNerney in the Office of the Controller, will receive a bachelor’s degree in exercise science this August. Kristin worked as a building manager in the Sports and Recreation Center and participated in intramural softball. She praises Professor Michael Figueroa, kinesiology, for being a helpful and inspiring professor. Kristin’s sister, Kelly, is a 2014 graduate.

Emily Plaskow, assistant registrar and veterans school certifying official in the Office of Registration, has earned her MA in higher education administration with a concentration in leadership studies. Employed at WP for the past seven years, she is grateful to her colleagues for encouraging her to pursue her degree.

Marc Soto, son of Francine Troisi, an administrative assistant in the Department of Physical Plant Operations, is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in August. He is grateful to his instructor, Ian Michaelchuck, professional sales, for helping him prepare for job interviews and develop the skills required for career success. This July, Marc will begin as a job as a junior account manager with Launch 3 Telecom.

Katherine R. Thomas, daughter of Mary Thomas, director of business services, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in English and a concentration in theatre and comedy. An honors student, she is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was a member of the WP comedy club, performed in the production of “Travels with My Aunt,” and says that hosting WP’s Late Night Comedy Show was the greatest experience of her life.  She thanks Professor Lexi Cullen Baker, comedy instructor, for helping her find her voice and passion, and inspiring her to pursue an MA in teaching at William Paterson.

Sheritta Lynn Wilkerson, resident director, Department of Residence Life, graduated in May with an MA in higher education administration. She is especially grateful to her friend and former WP resident director Matthew Liguori, for encouraging her to invest in herself and pursue the degree. “His support got me through many challenging times during this process, and I am truly thankful to have had him in my corner.

Sonia Wilson, program assistant, Office of Student Development, graduated cum laude in May with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She is a member of the sociology honors society, and is most proud of her behind-the-scenes role during two major campus events—new student orientation and Commencement. “It gives me great pleasure to see the excitement on students’ faces when they arrive and when they depart. I hope that they value the experiences they had while they were here,” she says.