Dominican University names 43 Outstanding Seniors across 45 departments (2 students have been nominated for two departments). Here is the list of the Outstanding Seniors and their quotes regarding their time at Dominican University and plans for the future.
To see the 2020 Virtual Conferral of Degrees, see https://vimeo.com/416500730/447b03400d
| Outstanding Seniors Class of 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Maya Banks |
| Biology | Leila Abuhadba |
| Biology-Chemistry | Marina Moeller |
| Black World Studies | Jaizlyn Baker |
| Chemisty | Thy Ngo |
| Communication Studies | Danielle Nelson |
| Computer Science | Francesco Greco |
| Corporate Communication | John Robinson |
| Criminology | Ashley Kvistad |
| Digital Journalism | Kanoa Ikeda-Flynn |
| Early Childhood Education | Guadalupe Arroyo |
| Economics | Jairo Duarte |
| Elementary Education | Stephanie Avelar |
| English | Shaina Warfield |
| Fashion Design | Claire Groppe |
| Fashion Merchandising | Cristal Sanchez |
| Finance | Corbin Voyles |
| French Studies | Audra Laird |
| Graphic Design | Guillermo Pizano-Nunez |
| History | Monica Lebensztejn |
| Human Services | Aracelis Rivera |
| International Business | Elizeth Arguelles |
| International Relations & Dip | Kassey Franco |
| Italian Studies | Rosalia Trupiano |
| Latino and Latin American Studies | Aracely Cholula Luna |
| Legal Studies | Maria Parravicini |
| Management | Karina Salgado |
| Marketing | Colleen Kloster |
| Mathematics | Francesco Greco |
| Music | Eric Sigaran |
| Neuroscience | Tania Rosiles |
| Nursing | Abigail Johnson |
| Nutrition & Dietetics | Nicole Grondin |
| Painting and Drawing | Theresa Harmata |
| Philosophy | Collin Taylor |
| Political Science | Patrycia Piaskowski |
| Psychology | Samantha Cummings |
| Sculpture | Alice Arreola |
| Secondary Education | Romeel Adde |
| Social Media | Danielle Nelson |
| Sociology | Hector Farias |
| Spanish Studies | Aracely Cholula Luna |
| Special Education | Paulina Rosales |
| Study of Women and Gender | Delia Gallegos |
| Theology | Emma Bond |
Romeel Adde (Secondary Education)
“Sometimes I do feel like I’m a failure. Like there’s no hope for me. But even so, I’m not gonna give up. Ever!” – Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
When I first decided that I wanted to go into the field of education a lot of people, family/cousins especially, told me that it wouldn’t be the right fit or that I should do something else. I was set on proving that I was meant to be a teacher. Receiving this recognition just reassures me that I made the correct decision. It is an honor and I take great pride in it.
Shaina Warfield (English)
I am very grateful to the Dominican community for making my education feel personal and engaging. I have had outstanding professors and I hope that I reflect their efforts.
Corbin Voyles (Finance)
Dominican University has helped me in various ways towards my educational pursuits. The professors, curriculum, and resources have aided me in improving myself as an individual and attaining goals that I thought were never possible. Dominican has enabled me to prioritize time, set and meet goals, research freely, and most importantly, tackle challenges successfully.
I am beyond blessed and honored to receive the Outstanding Senior in Finance Award for the class of 2020. I couldn’t have done it without the support from my family, friends, professors, and classmates. This award solidifies my endeavors and passion for finance, and I can only hope to continue to represent Dominican well going forward.
I have accepted an offer to join the Finance Leadership Development Program at Aon. After gaining a few years of work experience, I plan to pursue an MBA.
Colleen Kloster (Marketing)
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to complete my degree at Dominican. I had wonderful professors who regularly challenged me to grow, and the whole Brennan School was highly supportive. It is bittersweet to be moving on, but I am excited to still be a part of Dominican through the alumni network. I am honored to be chosen as one of the outstanding seniors this year, especially considering how talented the rest of the seniors in Marketing are.
Abigail Johnson (Nursing)
Being nominated for the Outstanding Senior of 2020 is an honor that I feel fortunate to have received. As a transfer student, I was excited and unsure of how I would fit in to life at Dominican and in what ways I would be able to become connected. Through building relationships with faculty and students, I found that I was able to grow as a student but also as a person interacting with the world.
As we graduate and I prepare to enter into the healthcare field as a new graduate nurse, I find myself looking back on the time spent at Dominican and view it as an essential part of my journey in becoming the person I am today. This is through experiences in the classroom, the clinical setting, professors who became mentors, and students who became like family.
Corbin Voyles (Finance)
I am beyond blessed and honored to receive the Outstanding Senior in Finance Award for the class of 2020. I couldn’t have done it without the support from my family, friends, professors, and classmates. This award solidifies my endeavors and passion for finance, and I can only hope to continue to represent Dominican well going forward.
Dominican University has helped me in various ways towards my educational pursuits. The professors, curriculum, and resources have aided me in improving myself as an individual and attaining goals that I thought were never possible. Dominican has enabled me to prioritize time, set and meet goals, research freely, and most importantly, tackle challenges successfully.
I have accepted an offer to join the Finance Leadership Development Program at Aon. After gaining a few years of work experience, I plan to pursue an MBA.
Patrycia Piaskowski (Political Science)
I think that Dominican has helped me have the courage to actually apply to law school. My advisor, Dr. Dolence, has been super supportive and helpful throughout the process. It feels really good to be recognized for the work I have put in over my time at DU, and I am very grateful for receiving this award. I am headed to IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law this Fall.
Alice Arreola (Sculpture)
Dominican put me in touch with amazing professors that have gone out of their way to help me when the school and administration didn’t after both of my majors were discontinued. My professors have not only helped me to understand how to fully articulate my ideas, but they have also gave me advice that has helped me while working in my field. As well as helping me develop and grow as an artist. Dominican has also taught me how to advocate for myself.
It’s a strange feeling knowing that I might actually be the last outstanding senior for the sculpture major, but nonetheless it’s exciting to be recognized for the work I have done with the department.
I plan to continue my education in graduate school to pursue a career in arts education either as a teacher or working in a museum.
Monica Lebensztejn (History)
Overall, Dominican University provided me with many opportunities where I was able to challenge myself intellectually and grow as an individual. Last spring semester, I participated in the Washington Internship Institute program where I interned at Rising for Justice which is a non-profit legal organization that helps low-income residents with evictions and housing rights.
I also took on multiple leadership roles throughout campus including being a Peer Leader, Writing Fellow, and President of the Honors Student Board and Model United Nations.
For me, it is a tremendous honor to receive the Outstanding Senior Award. I am extremely grateful for the History Department to recognize all my efforts and hard work in the classroom. As for after graduation, I am planning on taking a gap year before enrolling in law school to gain more experience in the field so I can increase my chances of attending a top law program that will open doors to many exceptional opportunities.
Nicole Grondin (Nutrition & Dietetics)
I have been able to gain knowledge and world experience through the vast opportunities I was given at Dominican. I have been blessed by my wonderful professors and classmates, who have supported me in my pursuits and challenged me to strive for my full potential. I have learned tons about the dietetics profession and feel prepared to set forth on my career!
I feel honored to be considered an outstanding senior, and I appreciate the recognition. I know there are a lot of dedicated and hard working students, who are also in my class, and I want to congratulate them on their hard work as well! I feel I have aimed to achieve my best in all I do, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
After graduation, I have gotten accepted into Viterbo University’s dietetic internship program.
Hector Farias (Sociology)
I became the first in my family to not only to attend college but the first in the family to get a Bachelor’s degree in crime and sociology with honors. Dominican University help me stay focus to be able to meet my goals. I am ready to serve my community, thank you Dominican University.
It is a privilege to be a representative of the class 2020, moreover, I feel that this year was a challenge to all seniors. Therefore, I feel that everyone that is graduating deserve to be recognize for their out standing work. I am really proud of Class 2020. I know that this is a hard time for everyone, but remember that it is not over yet, all Seniors will cross the stage as traditionally practice in September. Regardless of the fact that we are not celebrating this month, We did it! Thank you to those professor that choose me to represent the class 2020 Sociology department.
My plan is to join Chicago Police Department. Later, If possible my plan is to enroll in grad school and continue to pursue a degree in Criminology.
Stephanie Avelar (Elementary Education)
I feel extremely proud to be recognized as an outstanding senior. I’ve stayed up countless nights completing assignments and studying in order to perform to the best of my ability. Knowing that others noticed my efforts makes me feel like it was all worth it. Being first-generation going against all odds and coming on top is a true honor, not only to me, but to my family.
Cristal Sanchez (Fashion Merchandising)
It feels amazing to have my hard work and dedication recognized by my professors. I would have never thought that I would even be considered for this award but reassured me that I have accomplished so much in just 4 years.
Dominican has provided me with the tools and resources to be able to go out and find opportunities, whether it be internships or jobs. I feel like I have been given career guidance since my first day here.
Karina Salgado (Management)
Dominican University has been my helping hand throughout my journey. The people who make up DU have helped me achieve goals I thought I couldn’t do by myself. The career development team, faculty, and students have all contributed to my educational success. It was through DU’s Resources that I walk out as an undergraduate with a full time job offer but it’s DU’s Caritas et Veritas mission that I remind myself where I come from and who I strive to be.
It is truly an honor and I only hope that through me I am able to represent many of class mates. Through this distinction I hope to represent the students who had to work and study at the same time, all minorities, commuters, transfer students, women, and hardworking individuals who never gave up. I am extremely grateful to be chosen but this is an accomplishment the class of 2020 shares. We all share different stories and we all deserve to have our stories celebrated, we are all outstanding.
I want to add that being a transfer student, I always felt I couldn’t truly claim a Dominican experience. Perhaps I missed what it’s like being a freshman navigating the DU hallways for the first time but I share the same nervousness and desire for further education that all freshman felt.
Thank you Dominican for giving me the last push I needed to cross the finish line.
If there is one thing I learned from Dominican is the “due tomorrow do tomorrow” mindset does not apply in our college career.
Cheers to being a DU Graduate.
Leila Abuhadba (Biology)
When I was in high school, I was severely ill due to my autoimmune disease. While the disease had its own set of obstacles, I also suffered academically, and my grades suffered. When I applied to colleges during my senior year, I only applied to DU, in hopes that I would finally have the chance to prove my worth as a student. I knew that my high school testing scores and GPA were dismal due to my illness, but I still hoped that the university would give me a chance and accept me. When I got the acceptance letter, I actually burst into tears—I did not think that I would be qualified to be a student here. As soon as I began my freshman year, all my energy was put towards my education; I am blessed that my health conditions had improved since high school and I had the time to focus. I do not regret any of the classes I have taken DU—from the intense struggles of advanced anatomy or the soul-provoking wonders of seminars—I have fully enjoyed every single class. Every course at DU has driven me to become the person I am today. Everything I have learned from my classes has become part of me now, and I plan to carry this newfound wisdom with me every day on my journey to become a physician.
When I received the news, I’ll admit that I was in tears! Even as I type this sentence, the overwhelming sense of accomplishment still brings me to tears. I never imagined that I would receive recognition for the hard work I’d been putting in all these years. My four years at Dominican was a struggle to say the least—five surgeries throughout the course of undergrad was definitely something that could have held me back. Despite complications in my health, I am glad I still found the strength and motivation to continue through the pre-med track with intense courses. My motivation comes from my struggles and my downfalls, and I think that is something important to remember when we are struggling. Even when we are knocked down to the ground, it is important to stand back up and move past the obstacles. I’m honored that others have noticed my achievements despite my downfalls, and it was such a surprise to learn about this accomplishment.
My first plan is to come back to DU and give everyone so dearly to me a proper goodbye (still following social distancing guidelines). Afterwards, I hope to get accepted into med schools this cycle and eventually become a pediatric gastroenterologist in hopes of opening my own free health clinic in an underserved area.
Marina Moeller (Biology-Chemistry)
My Dominican journey has lasted five extraordinary years. In that time I have made invaluable connections, studied abroad, expanded my knowledge, grew into a better person, and the list could keep going. Above all of this though, Dominican and the people inside its walls have treated me like family. I graduate from Dominican with a beautiful support system of individuals who have watered me into a tall and strong flower. While I have doubted myself and my abilities, professors and friends have stepped in to assure me I was beyond capable. These people have become a part of my world and I am incredibly grateful for them. When I learned I was the outstanding senior I was excited and completely blown away. It may sound cliche, but I guess the old saying is true, hard work pays off. I have grown close to many of my professors and am honored to have many of my role models see me so highly as a student and individual. The ultimate goal after graduation is to be accepted into a Physician Assistant program. I would love to work with the geriatric population in an assisted living facility or hospital setting, giving dignity and a better life to them. It is hard to walk away from a place I have come to call home. However, I know this isn’t goodbye. When I studied abroad in Spain they didn’t say adiós (goodbye), they would say hasta luego (see you later or until then). For that reason, I see my graduation from Dominican as a stepping stone, one that I am not leaving forever, but instead one that I will see later, or until then.
¡hasta luego Dominican!
Thy Ngo (Chemistry)
A little bit about my educational background, I am graduating with dual degrees of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, also a minor in Mathematics between Dominican University and Illinois Institute of Technology. Going into Freshman year, I had no idea what to choose for my major. I had very little knowledge about myself, as well as what I am good at. I had not yet explored other aspects that I could see myself fit in and work on it for the rest of my life. Luckily, Dominican offers a variety of different classes that I could take. Partly to fulfill my general education courses, the other part is to learn what subject area that would fit my interest the most. I took classes from the history of Catholicism, the world’s relationship between countries to drama, music, economics, physics, biology, etc. Now looking back at it, I am still amazed at how much more perspective and knowledge that I had gained just by the first two years of being at DU. However, there are certainly a few subjects that stood out to me. I started to really enjoy Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics classes. Yet, I was still not sure where to begin or what was the major that I could choose, which would include all of those subjects above. I talked to many of my professors seeking out advice. I also discussed my interest with my advisor. She helped me explore some of the majors and directions that I could go into. She always comforts me and gives me so much advice on what to do next. She always tells me to follow my heart. No matter what I do, I will succeed. Fortunately, I found the dual program between DU and IIT. I know exactly this is my destiny. I want to become a Chemical Engineer.
Throughout my five years at Dominican University, I have never once taken DU for granted. I always appreciate all of the opportunities that my professors have trusted and given them to me. I feel very heart-warmed and welcomed at Dominican, especially within the Chemistry Department. Dominican University has truly become my second family. If I need someone to talk to, either complaining about life or needing advice about my classes, my professors are always there to listen and help me out. I received a lot of positive thoughts and motivations from my professors. They always remind me how amazing I am, and I would definitely do well on anything that I put my mind into. They provide so much courage and support that I needed to achieve my goal.
My favorite quote that I always tell myself to follow is “Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen”. I always put out my own goal and work my best to achieve it. I think it is important to work hard to accomplish the goal that you set for yourself. It is also important to be kind and help each other out. Stay humble is my model to keep motivating myself to work harder every day.
As an Outstanding Senior of class 2020, I feel very proud of all of the hard work that I’ve done throughout my college career. I also feel very lucky to be a part of Dominican University. I am also thankful for my family, my professors, and my friends for always supporting me and making my college years became more meaningful and memorable.
Theresa Harmata (Painting and Drawing)
Dominican university has helped me in my education in the way that it helped me see in what field I belong. I have started in for the nursing program and I was having a really hard time, more at mentally than educationally though. After some time of struggling and speaking to different teachers and advisors, and sharing my art hobby with them, I decided to become a painting major and sculpture minor, and later on a graphic design and printmaking minor. I am happy that I was able to have some flexibility with this. Even though I stayed in Dominican longer than average, the different student services and financial aid office were very helpful.I feel very happy and proud to be the outstanding senior for my major. Although my peer group is very small, I am happy that my work is recognized and that I represent a chunk of students in that find themselves in the arts, I especially want to give a shout out to all the students who became Art majors after joining the university for different majors, those who found their way.
I have many options of what I can do after this. I know that I will be sincerely enjoying this coming summer vacation though as I am finally done with school 🙂 . But on a serious note, I am thinking of either going to a Arts specific University or Academy, or I will slowly try to create a freelance business, with my sister who is also a 2020 grad from this school; I know graphic design and ceramics and many more things so my options are open and flexible. Moreover, I really enjoy learning and trying new things so I think the future is looking bright as I practice and grow my pool of skills and knowledge. But most importantly, I put my trust in God because he knows what is best for me and I believe that he will lead me on the right path in my life.
