Honoring Scholarship Winners and the Alumni and Donors who Support Them
On Monday, August 26, alumni, donors, CPS faculty and staff, and community partners gathered to award hardworking returning undergraduate students, who have established strong academic performance, with additional financial aid. Totaling more than $500,000, these retention scholarships are designed to assist students in persevering toward degree completion.
The evening included opportunities for students to network with attendees, many of whom contributed to their scholarship program. A short video showcased highlights from faculty, staff, students, and others conveying a deep appreciation for the generosity of the CPS alumni and donor community. Mary McCarthy, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Funds, led a panel discussion with Northeastern alumni and scholarship committee members Carmen Aliber, Deb Guiffre, and Kristen Drobnis to explore advice for students, and opportunities beyond graduation.
“I love Northeastern,” said Aliber, a double Husky who now leads Human Resources for Dexter Southfield School. “Anytime I see a resume with a Northeastern graduate, I always put them at the top of my pile for a second look.”
In addition to her role in human resources at Dexter Southfield, Carmen was also recently recognized by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey for her tireless work in helping to pass a life saving domestic abuse bill.
The other panelists shared Aliber’s deep affinity for Northeastern, both recognizing that while they may have graduated at different times, the challenges facing students with limited resources as they manage the high cost of higher education remains constant.
“The more you expose yourself to new opportunities, the more you attract success,” said Guiffre. As chairperson of the scholarship review committee, she also added how deeply impressed she was with this year’s scholarship recipients. “It’s an honor to learn about your stories and your goals for the future.”
Drobnis, another double Husky and scholarship committee member, in addition to serving as a current faculty member teaching at CPS, also reflected upon the similarities between her time at Northeastern and the challenges facing today’s students. In particular, she recognized that “imposter syndrome” may be a new term but it’s not a new experience as she encouraged students to trust themselves as they reach out beyond their comfort zones.
In addition to the panelists, a number of other long-time CPS supporters were in attendance, including Allan and Priscilla Ditchfield, Gail and Charles Evlirs, Jr., Nancy Johnson, and Bill Lowell, who also serves as a Trustee of the University.
Joe Griffin, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, shared remarks about CPS’s gratitude for both the donors and the students, as Jennifer Chavez, a Management student, shared her own personal story and struggles as a DACA student now looking forward to a 2026 graduation.
Joe Griffin, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, shared remarks about CPS’s gratitude for both the donors and the students, as Jennifer Chavez, a Management student, shared her own personal story and struggles as a DACA student now looking forward to a 2026 graduation.
DACA refers to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – a program that was created to protect eligible young adults who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and to provide them with work authorization for temporary, renewable periods. The additional uncertainty of navigating a degree program as a DACA student brings weight and also, according to Chavez, a profound sense of responsibility and gratitude.
“It’s always so amazing when we can bring the students who benefit from these scholarships together with the alumni and donors who make it possible,” said Mary. “The inspiration and hope that fills the room is truly unmatched as I know many of these students will one day be in positions to support future CPS scholarship recipients.”
A special thanks is noted for all of the scholarship committee members, including:
Carmen Aliber, BS’13, MS’16
Carroll Blake, CSH’73
Erin Clair, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Annalee Collins, Academic Coach
Magali Feruzi, Associate Dean – Student Affairs
Kristen Drobnis, UC’94, MS’07
Tara Esfahanian, Director of Development
Deborah Guiffre, UC’88
Mariah Hwedi, Executive Assistant to the Dean
Dr. Patricia Kelly, BS ‘84
Stephanie Krzyzewski, MBA’15
Bradford Matthews, CPS’76
Mary McCarthy, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Funds
Joe Palermo, UC’90
Ula Polsky, Director, CPS Global Student Engagement
Sandy Slotnik, MEd’73
Mariann Storr, BB’84