Celebrating the Class of 2026

As members of the Class of 2026 prepare to receive their diplomas, we wanted to highlight some of the many outstanding graduates from this year.

In the first of a two-part series, meet 14 Pirate graduates who reflected on their time at Seton Hall University as they move into the world ready to lead with intention and impact.

Graduating students, help us take part in the excitement! Share your most memorable #SetonHall2026 moments and commencement photos on social media and tag Seton Hall’s official accounts. View Commencement information and details »

Willem Akian
Madison, New Jersey

Willem Akian, a double major in philosophy and Asian studies with minors in history and psychology, spent his time at Seton Hall exploring the intersections of thought, culture and community. As the chair of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Dean’s Undergraduate Student Cabinet for the 2025-26 academic year, Akian served as a vital bridge between the student body and University administration, while also contributing his perspective as a writer for the Diplomatic Envoy.

His academic journey was defined by an ambitious commitment to global citizenship through the University's study abroad programs. Akian traveled to Rome, Cork, Liverpool and Tokyo, gaining a firsthand understanding of the diverse cultures he studied in the classroom. “Engaging with the world, through my classes and through my study abroad experiences, has been nothing short of life-changing,” Akian reflected. “I made it a goal to bring the beauty and community that I found there back to Seton Hall.”

As he prepares for the next chapter of his journey, Akian plans to work as a paralegal before pursuing law school. He leaves his fellow Pirates with a powerful message of resilience: “Whether it was uncertainty about credit transfers or the fact that I would be by myself in a foreign country, I urged myself to push forward despite the barriers... I want to encourage all that read this to do three things: follow your dreams, take chances, and seek discomfort.”

Aadesh M. Arul
Edison, New Jersey

Aadesh M. Arul is graduating from the School of Health and Medical Sciences with a B.S. in Interprofessional Health Sciences, a degree that has prepared him for the collaborative nature of modern medicine. A consistent fixture on the Dean’s List since his freshman year, Arul has balanced a rigorous academic schedule with high-stakes clinical work, serving as a volunteer EMT and primary crew chief with the Woodbridge Township Ambulance and Rescue Squad throughout his time at Seton Hall.

Arul’s commitment to health care extended far beyond the Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus in Nutley; in the summer of 2025, he was selected for a competitive clinical shadowing program in Portugal coordinated through Seton Hall’s Pre-Professional Advising Center. Beyond exploring global health leadership and community engagement firsthand through the program, Arul credits Seton Hall’s interprofessional education (IPE) model for broadening his understanding of the medical field. By learning alongside peers destined for various clinical and administrative roles, he gained a deeper appreciation for the health care ecosystem. “Being exposed to those different viewpoints gave me a more well-rounded understanding of how health care functions as a team effort rather than through the work of one individual discipline alone,” Arul explained. “It reinforced the idea that every role is important and that the best possible patient care comes from collaboration.”

As he prepares to begin medical school in the summer of 2026, Arul carries with him a newfound sense of confidence and presence. His experiences as an EMT at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and as a research assistant on Seton Hall’s campus have solidified his foundation as a future physician. “That shift has allowed me to approach challenges with more confidence and to become more grounded in both my academic and personal life,” he said.

Zuleyha Cite
Istanbul, Türkiye

Zuleyha Cite arrived in South Orange from Istanbul with a clear mission: to contribute to maintaining world peace and international cooperation. Graduating with an M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations, Cite specialized in International Organizations and International Security, with a strong concentration in United Nations Studies. Her tenure at Seton Hall was defined by an extraordinary level of engagement, ranging from serving on the School of Diplomacy and International Relations Board of Advisors to acting as the director of social media for the UNA-USA Seton Hall Chapter.

Cite’s favorite "Seton Hall Moment" occurred during the 2025 World Leaders Forum, an event she credits with bridging the gap between academic theory and high-level practice. As a graduate assistant assigned to cover the visit of H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, she found herself at a crossroads of inspiration. “WLF brings officials from the field of international affairs to the campus where present and future diplomats directly engage, inspire, and discover from each other,” Cite reflected. “That inspiration motivated me to apply for an internship with the support of the faculty... Eventually, I found myself where I had dreamed of being, meeting distinguished diplomats and UN officials whom I had grown up watching on the news.”

This motivation led to a prestigious internship at the United Nations Council of Presidents of the General Assembly (UNCPGA), where she was invited to high-level meetings in Riyadh and New York. On campus, Cite channeled this expertise into her role as Social Media Editor for the Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, where she used digital storytelling to raise awareness about the UN Reform agenda and the "Pact for the Future" initiative. “Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also key stakeholders in shaping solutions today,” she noted. “I did my best to share my experience and ideas with my peers by actively bringing speakers, engaging in discussions, and raising awareness about the UN.”

As she prepares for life after graduate school, Cite is setting her sights on a full-time career within the United Nations system. “Seton Hall already presents the opportunities to students; you just need to take advantage of them, put yourself on your keyboard, reach people, and be aware of the value of being part of this community,” she said. Her journey from Istanbul to the UN headquarters serves as a testament to the power of a proactive and passionate approach to global service.

Sarah Hart
Waldwick, New Jersey

A triple major in finance, economics and wealth management, Sarah Hart is graduating from the Stillman School of Business with a legacy of high-stakes leadership and academic excellence. A standout in the classroom and the boardroom, Hart maintained a 3.7 GPA while serving as the senior portfolio manager for the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) and reached a pinnacle of her undergraduate career when she presented the SMIF portfolio performance directly to the University’s Board of Regents.

Hart’s time in South Orange was defined by her ability to balance rigorous financial research with a deep commitment to the campus community. As president of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and a member of the Buccino Leadership Institute, Hart mentored fellow students and played an active role in recruitment. Beyond her professional aspirations, she served as a sacristan for Campus Ministry and volunteered with the Aspiring Kindness Foundation in memory of Aaron Karol. “Seton Hall’s motto, Hazard Zet Forward, has been a steadfast reminder to study hard, pray harder and express gratitude,” Hart reflected. “I am constantly encouraged to step outside my comfort zone, try something new, and serve others whenever possible.”

Hart’s professional trajectory was shaped by internships at Blue Owl Capital and JPMorgan Chase, as well as collaborative finance research with Professor Jennifer Itzkowitz. She credits the University’s close-knit and encouraging community for providing the environment necessary to grow from a student into a global analyst. “Through the support of my Seton Hall family, I have grown so much over the last four years,” she said. “As I am about to embark beyond the gates of Seton Hall University, I will continue to carry her precepts with me. I am forever grateful to be a pirate.”

Following graduation, Hart will return to a familiar environment, joining JPMorgan Chase as a full-time global finance and business management analyst. Whether she was competing on the intramural basketball court or managing millions in an investment fund, Sarah’s journey embodies the versatility and drive of the Stillman School. As she moves forward, she remains a vocal advocate for the University that prepared her: “Go Hall!”

Frances Hernandez
Perth Amboy, New Jersey

After specializing in international law, human rights and global negotiations, Frances Hernandez is graduating with an M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations. Her journey through the graduate program has been a testament to the University’s mission of servant leadership and community involvement. As a mother of three and the wife of an active-duty U.S. Navy service member, Hernandez navigated the rigors of her degree while her husband was deployed, embodying a unique level of resilience and dedication.

The University’s motto, Hazard Zet Forward, served as a guiding light during the most demanding stretches of her studies. “As a mother of three young children and the proud wife of an active-duty service member who has been away throughout my academic journey, I have encountered numerous challenges,” Hernandez shared. “I am reminded of a saying: ‘You can be a victim or a victor—you decide.’ Regardless of how significant an obstacle may appear, I remain committed to moving forward, recognizing that each challenge presents an opportunity for growth.”

Central to her time at Seton Hall was a profound spiritual renewal. Although her faith was not always at the forefront, she experienced a transformative shift during her second semester. “One moment that remains especially meaningful was my decision to return to church,” she recalled. “I attended the chapel on campus for confession and Mass for the first time in many years. Since then, I have continued to deepen my faith through regular Mass attendance, marking a renewed and enduring commitment to my spiritual life.” This spiritual foundation influenced her academic focus on religious freedom and civil liberties, which she views as the essential bedrock of human dignity and justice.

As she prepares for the next chapter, Hernandez will support her husband through his next military career transition while pursuing roles in the nonprofit sector. For Hernandez, diplomacy is not just a professional tool but a set of values she intends to instill in her children, and she plans to integrate cultural diplomacy into every new environment their family encounters to build what she calls a "beloved community."

“Ensuring that individuals around the world are afforded the same protections and freedoms is of grave importance,” Hernandez noted, “and I am passionate about applying those tools of diplomacy in every professional environment.”

Alyssa Housley
Mascoutah, Illinois

Alyssa Housley is graduating with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Data Analytics, leaving Seton Hall as one of the most decorated student researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences. For the past two years, Alyssa has been a cornerstone of the Seton Hall Cognition and Neuroscience (SHUCAN) Lab, where she conducted an independent honors thesis investigating the links between concussion history, anxiety, and cognitive impulsivity. Her high-level research, which utilizes neuroimaging and computational modeling, earned her the 2026 Psychology Department Academic Award and led to prestigious opportunities, including the BIG EAST Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium at Madison Square Garden.

Beyond the lab, Alyssa has been a transformative leader in campus mental health. As the inaugural student coordinator for the Dare to Care peer education initiative, she built a volunteer network from the ground up to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Her efforts culminated in being named the 2026 Peer Educator of the Year. “The most rewarding project of my undergraduate career was serving as the Student Coordinator for Dare to Care,” Alyssa reflected. “I am honored to have shaped the organization during its inaugural years. My experience solidified my interest in suicide prevention research by allowing me to witness the effects firsthand of targeted, evidence-based interventions.”

Alyssa’s commitment to others is also deeply rooted in the University’s mission of servant leadership. As a Servant Leader Scholar, she dedicated more than 200 hours to St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark, volunteering every week since her freshman year. This spirit of service, combined with her experience as the President of Psi Chi and the Psychology Club, helped her develop the confidence to pursue a career with global impact. “The opportunities to engage in research and develop leadership skills have prepared me for beyond graduation by enabling me to develop a sense of self-efficacy and take the next step with confidence,” she said.

The daughter of an Air Force veteran, Alyssa is driven by a personal mission to serve those who have served. This fall, she will attend Villanova University on a full graduate assistantship to complete her Master of Science in Psychology. Her long-term goal is to become a psychologist at a Veterans Affairs hospital, conducting research that improves our understanding of service-related mental health conditions. “I want to conduct research contributing to a better understanding of the impact of service on cognition,” she noted, moving forward with the same dedication that defined her four years in South Orange.

Tobia “Tobi” and Anne Ippolito
Florham Park, New Jersey

For Tobia “Tobi” and Anne Ippolito, the journey through Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) has been a shared chapter of faith and family. Residents of Florham Park and parents of three, the couple chose to pursue their Master of Arts in Theology together, balancing the demands of graduate studies with their home life. Their dedication to the University’s mission was recently recognized through their induction into Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for religious studies and theology.

The Ippolitos describe their time in the program as more than just an academic pursuit; it was a period of profound personal transformation. “Our program at ICSST has not just been a rigorous academic journey, but more importantly, one filled with tremendous spiritual growth that has led us both closer to Christ,” they shared. This shared spiritual formation allowed them to support one another through complex coursework while staying rooted in their primary vocation as a married couple.

This May marks a dual milestone for the pair as they transition into full-time ministry and education. Tobi has spent his time at Seton Hall in formation for the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Paterson. God-willing, he will be ordained this month and assigned to serve at their home parish, Holy Family in Florham Park. Tobi credits the seminary’s community for providing a strong foundation for his future service, noting the importance of discernment throughout his four years of study.

Anne has also translated her academic passion into a professional calling, recently accepting a position as a Theology teacher at Pope John XXIII Regional High School. She looks forward to sharing the intellectual and spiritual fruits of her Seton Hall education with the next generation of students. Together, Tobi and Anne agree they are leaving South Orange as "servants of Christ," ready to apply their training to their respective roles in the parish and the classroom while embodying the University’s commitment to faith-based leadership.

Torrance Liddell
Gloucester Township, New Jersey

After four years of honing the art of modern storytelling at Seton Hall, Torrance Liddell is graduating with a B.A. in Visual and Sound Media with a concentration in Media Studies. A member of the Buccino Leadership Institute and a consistent fixture on the Dean’s List, Liddell balanced a rigorous academic load with a deep commitment to the campus community, serving as both a resident assistant and desk assistant while sharpening his strategic skills in Pirate Planners and the Entrepreneurship Club.

His journey was marked by a steady evolution from a hesitant freshman to a confident community leader. “I am a lot more optimistic, outgoing, and confident than I was when I was a freshman,” Liddell shared. “I went from not knowing how I would get through college to becoming an experienced leader to my friends, family, and community.” This personal growth was supported by his experiences with SHU TV, where he refined his video production and editing techniques to prepare himself for the fast-paced world of broadcasting.

In an era of digital disruption, Liddell’s perspective on his craft remains steadfast. While many fear the impact of emerging technology on traditional media roles, he remains optimistic about the future. “We are taught not to see AI as an emerging technology that can cost us jobs, but as a tool that can aid us in developing and producing greater works of art,” he noted. Following graduation, Liddell plans to enter the world of TV news broadcasting, bringing his unique voice and a leadership-driven approach to the field.

Yasmin Obeidallah
Totowa, New Jersey

Yasmin Obeidallah, a Totowa, New Jersey native with roots in Battir, Palestine, is graduating with a B.S. in Diplomacy and International Relations and a minor in Arabic. Throughout her time at Seton Hall, Obeidallah has been a fixture of the academic community, serving as a peer tutor at the University’s Writing Center and the Managing Editor of the Diplomatic Envoy, the School of Diplomacy and International Relations’ premier foreign affairs newspaper. Her commitment to excellence also earned her a position as a student member of the School of Diplomacy Board of Advisors, where she provided a vital student perspective on the program's future.

Obeidallah’s undergraduate experience was defined by the practical application of the complex theories she studied in the classroom. During a practicum at the University of Trento’s Arms Transfer and Control (ArTCo) Summer School, she navigated the legal and ethical frameworks of the global arms trade while participating in simulations that mimicked EU arms licensing authorities. “I had to balance my position's interests while understanding the opposing side's perspective in order to fulfill the objective of the exercise,” Obeidallah explained. “In the end, I was successful in using the diplomatic tact taught by the School of Diplomacy in achieving my goal.”

She credits the University’s rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty for turning her aspirations into a concrete career path. “My professors and advisors have guided me in every part of my pre-law journey and have helped me actualize my dream of going to law school,” Obeidallah shared. “The School of Diplomacy has improved my writing and analytical skills while also providing perspective on critical global issues and conflicts.” This foundation, bolstered by the guidance of the Pre-Professional Advising Center, has prepared her for the next high-stakes environment she will enter.

Following graduation, Obeidallah will continue her journey as a Pirate at Seton Hall Law School. Her ultimate goal is to leverage her legal education to become an advocate for those who need it most. “I will begin my legal education in the hopes of advancing the rights of individuals at home and abroad,” she said. As she moves from the School of Diplomacy in South Orange to the halls of the Law School in Newark, Obeidallah carries with her a deep passion for academia and the leadership skills necessary to shape a more just international order.

Agustin Resch
Arata, Argentina

Agustin Resch is the definition of a "dual dreamer," a student-athlete who excelled at the highest levels of both professional sports and academic scholarship. A December graduate with a B.S. in Finance, Resch leaves Seton Hall as one of the most decorated players in the history of the men’s soccer program. Standing 6’6”, the Argentine defender was the anchor of a historic 2025 season, leading the Pirates to an at-large NCAA Tournament selection and the program’s first tournament home match in two decades.

Resch’s journey to South Orange was a leap of faith. Originally playing at the amateur level in Argentina, he caught the eye of Coach Andreas Lindberg during a local tryout. Despite knowing little English at the time, Resch chose Seton Hall — a decision that tested his resilience. “The beginning was really tough for me — being far from my family in a new place with a different language,” he recalled in a recent interview for Seton Hall Magazine. “But the Hall allows you to adapt quickly with all the tools, and the professors help you be the best version of yourself.”

That "best version" resulted in an extraordinary senior year for Resch, who was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-America and first-team All-BIG EAST, all while maintaining 3.88 GPA and earning a spot on the CSC Academic All-America third team. This rare feat makes him just the ninth student-athlete in school history to be named an All-American in both athletics and academics in the same season.

Resch’s dream of playing soccer at the highest level became a reality in early 2026. Selected in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft by Houston Dynamo FC, he quickly rose from the club’s second team to making his first-team Major League Soccer debut in February. While he is now focused on his professional pitch career, Resch remains committed to the "dual dream" encouraged by his coaches. “I hope to balance soccer with something related to finance down the road,” he noted. “We try to keep studying, keep getting more knowledge.” From Owen T. Carroll Field to the Houston Dynamo, Agustin continues to Hazard Zet Forward, carrying his Pirate pride every step of the way.

Zachary Shery
Edison, New Jersey

Zachary Shery is graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), having spent his graduate career at the front lines of behavioral health in Northern New Jersey. Balancing the intense demands of nurse practitioner training with full-time clinical work, Shery has served as a registered nurse in Jersey City, Paterson and Kearny, earning specialized certification as a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN).

Shery’s journey is driven by a deep commitment to social justice and health equity. He credits Seton Hall’s mission-driven curriculum for sharpening both his clinical skills and his advocacy. “The rigorous academic curriculum as well as the social justice-centric program at Seton Hall fostered my passion,” Shery, who is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, shared. “It equipped me with the necessary skills to make a significant impact in the field of psychiatry and mental health.” His work is defined by a readiness to support those in the most vulnerable circumstances, particularly individuals navigating substance use disorders and underserved populations.

This dedication to the "human" side of health care is what Shery hopes to pass on to the next generation of nursing students: “Listen to your patients. Believe your patients. It is those who appear to be the most challenging to treat who are in need of the highest level of empathy and care.” This philosophy of seeing the person behind the diagnosis has made Shery a standout in his clinical placements and a leader among his peers.

Rather than leaving South Orange upon graduation, Shery will deepen his expertise at the University and begin Seton Hall’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program in Fall 2026 while continuing his clinical work as a PMHNP. His ultimate goal remains clear: to provide high-quality, equitable mental health care for those who have historically been left behind by the health care system. For Shery, advanced practice is not just a career milestone — it is a tool for systemic change.

Danielle Smith
Neptune, New Jersey

Danielle Smith came to Seton Hall with a clear sense of purpose, and she is graduating from the College of Nursing after successfully completing the rigorous 14-month Second Degree Accelerated B.S.N. (A.B.S.N.) program. As a second-generation immigrant and the daughter of two Air Force veterans, Smith was raised with an unwavering belief in duty and sacrifice — principles that served as her anchor throughout the fast-paced program.

Smith’s commitment to service extends far beyond the classroom, and her ability to show up for others in high-pressure environments has defined her clinical approach. “True care extends far beyond technical skill,” Smith, who balanced two jobs and continued volunteering with her local fire department while navigating the demands of the A.B.S.N. curriculum, noted. “It is about meeting people in their most vulnerable moments with presence, empathy and strength.”

With a specialized ambition to enter the fields of hospice and palliative care, Smith is dedicated to providing dignity and comfort to individuals and families at the end of life’s journey. She views nursing as a vocation centered on patient-centered support, aiming to be a stabilizing force for those navigating their most difficult transitions. Ultimately, Smith suggests that her readiness for this work is a direct reflection of the values instilled in her by her family and the intensive training she received at the Hall.

As she moves into her professional practice, Smith remains deeply appreciative of the community that stood by her. “I am profoundly grateful to the mentors, colleagues and loved ones whose support, blood, sweat and tears have carried me through the challenges of this program,” she shared. Smith is honored to carry that legacy of compassion forward, entering the nursing profession not just as a skilled clinician, but as a devoted servant leader and lifelong Pirate.

Gianna Vaynberg
Union, New Jersey

English, having built a foundation of academic excellence and passionate advocacy during her time at Seton Hall. A two-time published researcher in the LOCUS Journal for Undergraduate Research, Vaynberg’s scholarly work took her to the prestigious fifth annual BIG EAST Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium, where she competed as a representative of the University’s top-tier academic talent. On campus, she remained a visible leader, serving as a student ambassador and an active member of the Theatre Council.

Vaynberg’s Seton Hall journey was defined by a pivot toward her true calling. Though she originally enrolled as a secondary education major with a love for Shakespeare, a summer spent counseling young children redefined her vision. “I derived such fulfillment from learning each child’s individual needs, and this manifested into a redirection of my career path,” she shared. Embracing an “uncharacteristically spontaneous” decision to switch to elementary and special education, Vaynberg found a sense of autonomy that has defined her senior year. “By forging my own path, I have secured a future for myself wherein my work is truly aligned with my passions.”

Vaynberg credits the strength of Seton Hall with bridging her studies and career, specifically through a Field Office placement that paired her with a lifelong mentor and successfully launched her professional path. “I am proud to share that I will be working as a leave replacement for my cooperating teacher during her maternity leave starting in May and through next year!” Gianna noted. She also plans to serve as a paraprofessional in the Extended School Year program this summer, maintaining her commitment to the students she has come to know so well.

As she returns to her hometown to serve as a fourth-grade self-contained special education teacher in the Township of Union Public School District, Vaynberg carries with her the confidence and personal connections she cultivated in South Orange. For Vaynberg, the transition from student to educator is not just a job placement, but the realization of a career built on trust, empathy and the courage to follow her heart.

Michael Waldron
Union, New Jersey

A standout student in the Buccino Leadership Institute, Michael Waldron is graduating from the Stillman School of Business with a dual degree in quantitative economics and information technology management and a certificate in business analytics. Waldron has seamlessly blended technical rigor with a heart for service on- and off-campus, leading a team of 30 analysts to provide pro-bono consulting for women- and minority-owned small businesses in South Orange and Maplewood as the vice president of engagements for Seton Hall’s chapter of Consult Your Community. Under his leadership, the club expanded its reach, helping local entrepreneurs optimize operations and improve digital presence. "I am very thankful to the organization," Waldron shared, "since it has allowed me to make the most of my college years by giving me the opportunity to tangibly impact small businesses in our community for the better."

Beyond his consulting work, Waldron’s presence was felt across campus as the saxophone section leader for the Seton Hall Pep Band. While he entered the University as a "super shy commuter," the tight-knit communities at the Hall pushed him to find his voice. From performing a saxophone solo at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting to traveling to Indianapolis for the NIT Finals, Michael’s transformation has been profound. "The biggest change in who I am today is how much more outgoing I have become," he reflected. "The comfort found in these communities helped me do things I otherwise would be too shy to do."

Waldron’s academic achievements are equally impressive. A Dean’s List student and recipient of the John P. Deehan Scholarship, he shared his quantitative expertise by tutoring student-athletes and working as a mathematics instructor during his undergraduate years. His professional trajectory was set early on; following a successful corporate analyst internship at JPMorgan Chase, he has accepted a full-time role with the firm’s Delaware office.

Even as he enters the corporate world, Waldron leaves behind a legacy of confidence, service and academic excellence while moving forward with a clear long-term vision. He plans to pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics while working full-time, with the ultimate goal of earning a Ph.D. in Economics before eventually returning to the classroom as a professor. "While I forced myself to overcome my shyness, none of this would have been possible if Seton Hall did not have great opportunities and communities that made stepping outside of my comfort zone worthwhile," he said.

Categories: Alumni, Campus Life