Meet Our Alumni Ambassadors

“I fought to prove myself – to my family, my peers and my culture – the value of education.”
– Amna Malik, BA ’17

“Since 2013, Blenman has been an Alumni Ambassador, referring students to the institution, speaking to prospective students, being an active social media advocate, assisted with University Nursing partnership with VNSNY, as well as remaining an active donor to the institution’s scholarship programs.”
– Percy Blenman, AA ’12, BA ’13

“As a leader in my profession, I encourage all nurses to embark on furthering their education and experiencing all that Thomas Edison State University has to offer. The wealth of knowledge I obtained through the Master of Science in Nursing degree program has truly empowered me to continue to further develop my nursing practice and be resourceful to the community that I serve.”
– Monica Castaño, BSN ’12, MSN ’17

“I wish that someone would have opened my eyes sooner to how important a degree really is. There are so many people out there who are just stuck working in dead end or low paying jobs. If I can help just one person take that first step toward a new career earning what they deserve and doing what they love, it is worth it!”
– Drew Maristch, BSBA ’15

“I enjoyed the flexibility the University offered as well as the diverse student body with whom I could engage.”
– Samuel Olando, BSBA ’13

“I want everyone to know that it’s possible to get an education to achieve your career goals and personal dreams.”
– Lee-Ann Montano, BA ’02, MALS ’11

“Knowing how education changed his life, he is a strong advocate for TESU.”
– Paul Singh, BSBA ’15, MALS ’19

“My Thomas Edison State University (TESU) degree opens doors for me.”
– Naimah Boone-Koon, BSN ’16

"I enjoy sharing what I experienced in my learning path to encourage others to pursue their passion.”
– Rishi Dixit, BSOL ’15

“I can relate to other adults who have life experiences and a drive for academic success. I enjoy sharing my experience with prospective and enrolled TESU students.”
– Ida Biddle-Mayer, BA ’11, BSN ’14, MSN ’16

“I don’t think I would have been able to finish my degrees if it wasn’t for TESU.”
– Casey Criswell, BSBA ’19

“TESU gave me the opportunity to pursue my BSAST degree at my convenience while continuing to work full time.”
– Gina Pierson, BSAST ’16, MSIT ’19

“If it wasn’t for my degree, that glass ceiling would have still existed for me.”
– Apryl Roach, BSBA ’14, MSHRM ’15, MBA '19, DBA '22

“I felt committed to assisting immigrants in transitioning into life in the USA.”
– Ana Gatson, MSM ’18

“My degrees have also given me the credibility and marketability for positions of greater responsibility.”
– Marcelo Dossantos, BA ’10, MSM ’14, MSHRM ’16, MSHS ’19

“The BSBA degree’s specialization in Operations Management gave me skills and knowledge I use daily in my career.”
– Dina Silbernagel-Krohne, BSBA ’15, DBA ’23

“With all of my previously earned credits being accepted and the cost effectiveness of the in-state tuition, it was a done deal. I have always been very driven and independent. Being placed in a live classroom setting is not what I was looking for.”
– Abe Conesa, BSBA ’10, MSM ’15

“A big motivation for me is helping others accomplish their goals and missions.”
– Matthew Hooker, BA ’16

“TESU has made my dreams come true one degree at a time.”
– Doneka Royster-Blum, AAS ’19, BA ’21

“My degree has significantly impacted my career and opened doors to many new opportunities in the human services field.”
– Melody Ward, AAHS ’18, BSHS ’20