Pre-Health Gala Celebrates the Achievements and Journeys of Seton Hall’s Future Healthcare Leaders

On May 2, the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) at Seton Hall University hosted the 2025 Pre-Health Gala, uniting over 150 pre-health students, alumni, faculty, administrators and healthcare professionals for an inspiring evening of celebration, recognition and community.

Held on campus, the gala served as a meaningful end-of-year event that honored the remarkable achievements of Seton Hall’s aspiring healthcare professionals. The evening recognized both individual accomplishments and the resilient, supportive community that has uplifted students throughout their journeys. Whether navigating rigorous coursework, clinical experiences, research, entrance exams or professional school applications, students showed exceptional dedication and perseverance during the 2024–2025 academic year.

The evening began with a vibrant Mocktail Happy Hour featuring a live DJ, 360-degree photo booth and a creative menu of health-themed beverages like the “Clinical Colada,” “P-PAC-ade,” “Im-mule-ology” and the “Heartini.” Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres as student quotes celebrating milestones and professional school acceptances were displayed throughout the room.

In her opening remarks, Chantal Vergara, director of the Pre-Professional Advising Center, reflected on a transformative year marked by growth and expanded opportunities at P-PAC. She highlighted several exciting developments, including the expansion of the advising team, a rapidly growing mentorship initiative, new clinical certification opportunities, enhanced MCAT preparation resources and increased access to networking and exposure across health professions. Vergara also announced the launch of an international shadowing experience. This summer, P-PAC will fully fund a group of students to shadow physicians in Portugal, an initiative aimed at broadening global healthcare perspectives. Vergara also proudly shared that Seton Hall’s most recent medical school acceptance rate reached 87.5%, higher than the national average.

“Tonight is about recognizing your hard work, your resilience and the vibrant network of support that surrounds you,” Vergara said. “You are not on this journey alone.”

That message of community was felt deeply throughout the evening. The presence of faculty, alumni, healthcare professionals, representatives from the Office of the Provost, student families and current medical students from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM) demonstrated Seton Hall’s strong commitment to cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Seton Hall alumna and current medical student Alyssa DeAngelis shared a heartfelt reflection on the power of mentorship. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced on her path to medical school and emphasized the pivotal role that advisors and mentors played in her journey. Her return to campus was especially meaningful, having witnessed the establishment of the Pre-Professional Advising Center and its growth over the past three years.

The celebration also honored students recently accepted into health professional schools. While not all honorees could attend, the following students were recognized:

• Callie McCool – Medical School
• Joshua Novello – Medical School
• Samuel Longchamps – Occupational Therapy
• Reva Pavithran – Medical School
• Roohan Patel – Medical School
• Tanvi Patel – Dental School
• Rosmy Alengaden – Medical School
• Zaki Illyas – Medical School
• John – Joseph Rieger – Medical School

Another development at the P-PAC this year was the re-establishment of the Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) Honor Society in Fall 2024 and the Spring 2025 induction of a new cohort into Seton Hall’s chapter. At the Gala, the AED Executive Board; Lauren M. Cinquino (President), Alexa Fretwell (Vice President), Jerrine E. George (Secretary) and Ewa E. Pekala (Treasurer) and Advisor, Director Chantal Vergara, inducted 26 students into AED for their academic excellence and leadership.

Congratulations to these excellent student leaders:

• Aditya Kasina
• Aneesa Brelvi
• Ashley Tirado
• Catherine Jones
• Emily Vitulli
• Emma Marchetti
• Emmi Panagiotidis
• Gabriella Coscia
• Ioana Alexia Mic
• Ishika Binu
• Krish Reddy
• Leo Chu
• Madeline Jarvis
• Malaika Niazi
• Manar Awadeh
• Melany Matos
• Mikyah Moore
• Mohamad Hamoudeh
• Natalie Matula
• Nia Mullengada
• Renee Fishler
• Samantha Wong
• Samantha Youssef
• Shajee Jawadi
• Sneha Mariyam Jimmy
• Sohini Mukherjee

A special guest speaker, Bijan Roghanchi, captivated the audience with his powerful story of transformation and perseverance. Before pursuing medicine, Roghanchi worked as a photographer, writer and producer – an unconventional background that ultimately shaped his passion for helping others. Soon to begin a competitive Family Medicine/Emergency Medicine residency at Jefferson Health Northeast, he shared how his nontraditional journey was marked by moments of self-doubt, resilience and an unwavering belief that it’s never too late to answer your calling. With heartfelt honesty, he encouraged students to embrace their individuality, lean into uncertainty and define success on their own terms. His story offered both inspiration and hope — reminding the audience that every path to medicine is unique and valuable.

Recognizing Student Leadership and Engagement
The evening also celebrated the many student organizations that partnered with P-PAC to foster a strong, inclusive and mission-driven pre-health community. Each club shared its goals and community impact. Represented organizations included: Pre-Dental Society, Medic Zero, Pre-PA Club, HuMed, Exercise Science Club, Alpha Epsilon Delta, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), Hands on Healthcare, MedLife, TriBeta, Biology Society and Health Science Amplified.

To recognize excellence in leadership and impact, the following Pre-Health Club Awards were announced:

Congratulations to award recipients:

• Best Professional Development: Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED)
• Community Service Excellence: Hands on Healthcare
• Outstanding Leadership: Exercise Science Club
• Best New Club: HOSA
• Most Impactful Club: Hands on Healthcare

The 2025 Pre-Health Gala was more than a celebration - it was a tribute to the drive, passion and collaborative spirit that define Seton Hall’s future healthcare leaders. The night concluded with music, a dessert table and vibrant networking among health professionals, alumni and student leaders.

Congratulations to the entire pre-health community. You are the future of healthcare — and remember, the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) is here for you every step of the way.

Categories: Health and Medicine, Science and Technology