�Թϱ��� Honors 12 Outstanding Alumni at 2025 Alumni of Distinction Awards

�Թϱ��� University recognized 12 outstanding alumni at its annual Alumni of Distinction Awards, held on June 6. The ceremony, a longstanding tradition at the University, celebrated graduates from both �Թϱ��� and the former College of New Rochelle (CNR), honoring their exceptional contributions to their professions, communities, and alma maters.

This year’s honorees — six from �Թϱ��� and six from CNR — represent a broad spectrum of fields including education, public service, healthcare, cybersecurity, law, and advocacy. Their stories are a testament to the enduring values of both institutions and their shared commitment to leadership and service.

“We are proud to recognize 12 exceptional alumni—six from �Թϱ��� University and six from the College of New Rochelle—whose accomplishments extend far beyond professional success,” said Bernadette Wade, CNR SAS ’80, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “They have taken the values and lessons gained during their time at �Թϱ��� and CNR and used them to uplift their communities.”

Notable guests at the ceremony included 2024 Alumni of Distinction honoree and NYS OCFS Commissioner DaMia Harris-Madden; NYS Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky; and Westchester County Executive Kenneth Jenkins — each there to honor this year’s awardees.

2025 Alumni of Distinction and Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

From �Թϱ��� University:

• Anwar Abu-Shayed ’22, M.S. ’22 – a double graduate of �Թϱ��� having earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Cybersecurity and a first-generation Palestinian and Puerto Rican American who speaks three languages. She has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Women in Cybersecurity chapter at Westchester Community College’s Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society. A multiple President’s and Dean’s List honoree, she won the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship. Now campus director of IT at Connecticut State Community College Three Rivers, she plans to pursue a JD in Cybersecurity Law. Passionate about advocating for underrepresented individuals, she seeks to help shape laws in line with evolving technology and empower people to access information and security.
• Lucia Alfano ’11 – a 2011 �Թϱ��� alumna with a bachelor of science in Nursing, is an assistant professor of Nursing and director of Clinical Affairs here at �Թϱ��� University. She's a nationally recognized leader in nursing and healthcare education, focusing on wellness, leadership, and system development to improve academic and health outcomes. Lucia is the founding president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses in Westchester County and has received national awards, including the Breakthrough Nurse Leader award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has published extensively on health, wellness, and academics.
• Alexandria Connally, M.S. ’06, M.S. ’07 – a lifelong Westchester County resident, champions educational equity. She has served as a special education teacher, assistant principal, and the first Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Innovation for a Rockland County school district. Currently, she's the first Black Assistant Director of Special Services for Southern Westchester BOCES. Her impactful work includes leading Yonkers Public School District's My Brother's Keeper program and co-founding the Yonkers Basics Committee. She also assisted two New York State Regents on equity initiatives and founded Culturally Responsive Environments and Discipline. Her doctoral research focused on culturally responsive practices and racial suspension gaps.
• Audrey Curley, M.S. ’09 – an occupational therapist for over 16 years in the Briarcliff Manor School District, she is a dedicated �Թϱ��� University alumna, Class of 2009. Inspired by her work with diverse learners, she earned her master's in occupational therapy from �Թϱ��� while working full-time. Since 2009, Audrey has built a comprehensive K-12 Occupational Therapy program in Briarcliff Manor.      Audrey has successfully secured grants to utilize alternative seating options within the district, which reflects her forward-thinking approach and dedication to improving student experiences.  She also mentors �Թϱ��� University OT students and participates in community outreach, significantly impacting students and the field of Occupational Therapy.
• Pascale Jean-Gilles ’15 – a Nyack native, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from �Թϱ��� University and a J.D. from Western New England University School of Law. While at �Թϱ���, she was part of Model UN and got her certificate from the NYS Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution. During law school, she led the Black Law Students Association. Her career includes roles as a law clerk for a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, communications director for a former state assemblywoman, and outreach director and policy advisor for a former state senator. Pascale currently serves as legislative director and Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky and is a member of the Village of Nyack Board of Trustees.
• Dwayne McCallum ’88, M.S. ’10 – a finance leader with over 25 years of experience in banking, insurance, and mergers and acquisitions, partnering with executives to drive revenue growth and margin expansion. He's led numerous change management and transformation initiatives to enhance client service. His leadership includes senior roles at Fortune 500 companies like Aon, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., JP Morgan Chase, and National Australia Bank. Dwayne holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Class of 1988 and an MBA in Finance from �Թϱ���, class of 2010, graduating with honors and inducted into the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. A White Plains resident, he also received the Dedicated Dads Award from the Arthritis Foundation of New York.

From the College of New Rochelle:

• Patricia Ahearn Mastellon, CNR SAS ’65 – a 1965 CNR alumna dedicated over 30 years to education where she was known for her ability to inspire students to achieve their full potential. She has been recognized with the Golden Apple Teacher's Award and multiple "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" listings. Pat's two daughters are also CNR alums. A lifelong volunteer, she has served in various community and educational roles, including the CNR Alumni Association Board and currently the CNR Legacy Council. Pat continues to volunteer at food pantries, is an unwavering supporter of the �Թϱ��� Mav Market, and contributes to local performing arts centers.   Pat's life exemplifies the philosophy she instilled in her students: "Bloom Where You Are Planted.”
• Ryushique R. Bonner, CNR SNR ’09, GS ’11 – found her passion for education at CNR earning her bachelor's degree from the School of New Resources in 2009 and her master's degree in 2011, plus two advanced certifications. For 16 years, she's been a dedicated urban educator, progressing from assistant teacher to dean, school counselor, and assistant principal. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Ryushique [Rye-u-Sheek] has held leadership roles and volunteered extensively. Leveraging her college admissions expertise, she founded Trailblazing College Minds, LLC, and works as a Professional School Counselor. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership at Bowie State University.
• Mary Ann Geraci Marriott, CNR SAS ’59 – a dedicated CNR alumna, class of 1959 with multiple advanced degrees in education, began her teaching career after she graduated. After raising her family, she returned to the classroom, notably inspiring students in space education. She was active in the PTA and District Curriculum Committee, and after retiring, continued as an educational consultant and tutor. Beyond education, Mary Ann has been a Eucharistic Minister for over 40 years, volunteers at a local hospital, and is a docent at Planting Fields Arboretum. A steadfast supporter of the CNR community at �Թϱ��� University, she serves on the Alumni Legacy Council and remains President of the Class of 1959. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to education, faith, and community.
• Susan Munroe Milne, CNR SAS ’75 – a 1975 chemistry graduate of CNR, transitioned from research technician to nursing, specializing in oncology, palliative care, and hospice. After earning her MSN and a doctorate from Ohio State University Law School, she worked in advocacy and healthcare policy with the Ohio Department of Aging and Mount Carmel Health System. From 2019 to 2023, she served as Assistant Director for the Office of Founded Ministries with the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Susan has volunteered for thirteen years with Nursing Heart, an organization dedicated to improving healthcare in underserved communities in Guatemala, and also participates in parish ministries and hospice volunteering.
• Annalinda Pandolfi Ragazzo, CNR SAS ’74 – a proud 1974 CNR alumna, built a remarkable career of service and leadership. She earned her J.D. from St. John's University School of Law in 1977, then began her legal career in the Westchester County Attorney's Office and served on the Grievance Committee for the 9th Judicial District. After moving to Canada, she led various community organizations. Returning to the U.S., she became Academic Dean at Bryant & Stratton College, playing a key role in their accreditation. In retirement, Annalinda remains a deeply engaged volunteer with The League Club of Naples and the CNR Alumni Legacy Council, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to serving others.
• Rosemary Tiernan, CNR SAS ’75 – a 1975 biology graduate of CNR, continued her education at Georgetown University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She served 11 years in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, then held academic positions at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Combining her expertise in infectious diseases and public health, Rosemary worked at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and contributed to global health initiatives with the World Health Organization. She currently volunteers as a physician at �Թϱ��� Health Clinic, serving uninsured patients, and volunteers at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery. Her mother also graduated from CNR in 1986 in the School of New Resources.

A Legacy of Giving Back

The event also served as a major fundraiser to support students through two critical scholarship funds:

• The �Թϱ��� University Endowed Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund – Established by the �Թϱ��� University Alumni Advisory Council, this is the only scholarship devoted to second-generation �Թϱ��� students.
• The CNR Serviam Endowed Scholarship Fund – Honoring CNR’s mission of service, the fund provides financial aid to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at �Թϱ���.

To learn more about the 2025 Alumni of Distinction and their inspiring stories, visit: .