INFORMATION FOR
Erika Jasmin Arango, daughter of Elizabeth Arango in Financial Aid, graduated in January 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in music education, magna cum laude, with a concentration in horn performance. She received an Outstanding Musician Award and is a two-time winner of the University’s Orchestra Concerto Competition. Arango has performed in the University’s Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, University Choir, Chamber Singers, Brass Quintet and Brass Choir. She is most proud of her work with William Paterson’s Music After School Program. After graduation, she will be attending University of Georgia's Hugh Hodgson School of Music to work towards a master’s degree in horn performance and has accepted a teaching assistantship in the school’s music theory department. Her mother, Elizabeth, is also receiving her MBA.
Elizabeth Arango, who has been employed for five years as a financial aid assistant, Financial Aid, graduated with an MBA in May. She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. Arango wants to thank Professors Stephen Betts and Francis Cai for their guidance. “Through their skillful craft in the classroom, I have learned tenacity of purpose, perseverance and have discovered a strength I never thought I had. I am grateful for their time, support, patience, encouragement, and kindness,” she adds. Her daughter Erika, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in January.
Silvia Barrera, coordinator in the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, graduated with an MA in higher education administration. “My goal is to continue to strengthen my skills as I continue assisting veteran students to achieve their academic and personal goals,” says Barrera. “Working in higher education gives me the opportunity to serve and it’s all about service.”
Joan M. Baguidy, a program assistant in Student Accounts for five years, earned an MBA degree in May to enhance her personal and professional development. She is thankful to her family, friends and colleagues for supporting her educational journey.
Claudia Chavez, executive confidential assistant to the provost and senior vice president, graduated this May with an MEd degree in professional counseling and a concentration in clinical mental health counseling. Chavez is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies. She was the 2018 Lenore Hummel Award winner in the Professional Counseling Program and also completed an internship for three semesters at Integrity House in Secaucus. "I would like to thank my colleagues in the provost's office for always encouraging me and believing in me," says Chavez.
Alexis Nicole Gazzano, daughter of Mike Gazzano in Physical Plant Operations /Carpentry Shop, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in education, cum laude, and a concentration in health and physical education. Gazzano received the New Jersey Distinguished Clinical Intern Award. She is thankful to all her professors and supervisors who helped her achieve her goals.
Theresa Juliano, daughter of Ralph Juliano in Physical Plant Operations/Custodial Services, graduated this May with a BS degree in marketing, cum laude. She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. She plans a career in market research. Her sister, Amelia Juliano, is also a William Paterson graduate.
Gail Kinney, executive assistant to the vice president of institutional advancement and president, William Paterson University Foundation, earned an MBA with a concentration in marketing in May. She received the Outstanding MBA Graduate Award in Marketing and is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. “I’d like to thank Michael Yakubov, director of graduate business programs for being a source of guidance, support, advice, and encouragement,” says Kinney. “Thank you for keeping me on track and believing in me, Mike. And thank you to all my colleagues in Institutional Advancement who supported and encouraged me.”
Frederick Klie, son of Toni LaSala, assistant professor, Department of Kinesiology, received master of arts degree in teaching with a concentration in biology. He plans to become a high school teacher. “I was inspired by Professor Kabba Colley and his boundless enthusiasm towards the betterment of science education and enhancing the abilities of science teachers in the classroom,” says Klie.
Agatha Majchrzak, daughter of Stanley Klocek in Physical Plant Operations/Plumbing Shop and a program assistant in Student Accounts for nine years, earned a MA degree in higher education administration with a concentration in student development in August. “As a second-time graduate, having earned a bachelor’s degree in 2013, I can proudly call myself a true Pioneer,” says Majchrzak. “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to my entire department in Student Accounts and to my cohort for their support throughout this challenging but rewarding journey. We did it!”
Sabina Mehmedoski, daughter of Petrit Mehmedoski, a senior building maintenance worker in Custodial Services, earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting this May. She is a member of the Accounting Society and also worked as a building manager at the Rec Center on campus. She looks forward to taking the CPA exam and plans a career in accounting.
Joseph Napolitano, son of Toni Napolitano ‘88, financial assistant in the School of Continuing and Professional Education and an employee for 37 years, graduated in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. He completed an internship in the University’s Police Department, and is proud to have successfully juggled working full-time while completing his bachelor’s degree in four years. He plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Lupe Tuquinahui, daughter of Carlos Tuquinahui in Physical Plant Operations/Carpentry, graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology, and a minor in criminal justice. She is a member of the Chi Upsilon Sigma. National Latin Sorority Incorporated and was an intern at Park Avenue Psychotherapy and Neurofeedback Associates. She is especially grateful to Professor Justina Ekeocha, psychology, for her guidance. “I had her for multiple classes throughout my college years and she was always willing to take her time explaining the materials in various ways until we understood,” says Tuquinahui. She looks forward to a career as a K9 officer.
Joey Vidal, son of Rosemarie Vidal, assistant in the Office of Human Resources, graduated this May with a BS degree in marketing and a minor in visual communications, cum laude. For the past year, Vidal has worked as a student technology consultant working on web design in the University’s Office of Marketing and Public Relations. He is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society. “I’m most proud of the graphic design work that I’ve done as a student at William Paterson, thanks to classmates and professors who have encouraged me to pursue my passion for design,” says Vidal. His sister, Jessica, graduated in 2017.
Nalani Maria Wilson, the daughter of Frank Wilson, a patrol officer in the University’s Police Department for 29 years, graduated with a master’s degree in public policy and international affairs. She is a member of the Phi Theta Sigma pre-law fraternity and plans to attend law school to pursue her interest in corporate law.
