The Spirit of Giving: From Co-op Student to Donor
Alumni Spotlight: Jim Nolan, BA Business & Administration ‘71
Few understand the value of co-op education quite like Jim Nolan.
As a graduate of the College of Professional Studies, BA Business & Administration ‘71, and lifetime career in commercial real estate, Nolan encourages everyone to embrace the practice of philanthropy. His guiding principle is simple yet profound, “engage in giving back in any capacity possible, no matter how small, because every act contributes to a greater good.”
Nolan’s formative years were influenced by his parents’ strong family values and his father’s military career, which involved multiple relocations around the globe and exposed him to many different cultures. He graduated high school at a small school in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, which was mostly populated by expat students, children of employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Embassy and Joint American Military Mission to Aid Turkey (JAMMAT).
He said, “Coming from the military mindset, I never understood the world of business; I didn’t know there was such a thing as business, and I didn’t know what an entrepreneur was. There is no ‘profit motive’ in the military, there are just missions and objectives. You do whatever it is that needs to be done that day.”
When it was time to submit college applications, Nolan aspired to pursue a career in teaching, influenced by the positive impact of his high school English teacher, Mrs. Vick. His mother’s best friend in Ankara was the daughter of Herb Gallagher, the Athletic Director at Northeastern University at the time. Both she and her husband were Northeastern graduates and their experience with the university inspired Nolan to apply to the School of Education. Despite never having set foot in Boston before, he was accepted.
His first visit to Boston coincided with the start of his first semester as an English major in the Northeastern University College of Education. He said, “I boarded a plane from Turkey, arrived at JFK airport with only $50 in my pocket, purchased a bus ticket, and got off at Copley Square.” He then settled into the dorms located at 129 Hemingway Street, Boston. Upon his arrival, he was greeted with two military footlockers containing everything he owned.
His parents agreed to pay for tuition and board, but Nolan had to earn money for everything else. During his freshman year, he secured a few small jobs, washing dishes at the girl’s dormitory and with Northeastern’s building and grounds when needed. By combining earnings from these jobs, he was able to cover most of his college expenses, graduating with a loan of just $1,200, roughly equivalent to $25,000 in today’s dollars.
The Co-op Experience
In his first year at Northeastern, Nolan met with his co-op coordinator to arrange a work experience. The challenge for the coordinator was that the job had to be related to education and provide room and board. Jim was open to opportunities, and the coordinator recommended he look at occupational therapist roles offered at Fairfields Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Newtown, Connecticut.
“It was a beautiful campus, no gates, every building was a colonial five story building,” Nolan said, remembering his time there. He recalls arriving at the hospital, heading to the administrative building to get the room key, and settling into an 18×12 wide room with a sink and bathroom down the hall. “I unpacked feeling a little strange and went downstairs to the basement rec room. I saw other people there, they were acting a little rambunctious, and I said, ‘holy moly they put me in with the patients.’ But they were the orderlies!”
Nolan’s next experiential work opportunity was with the Aetna Life and Casualty Company in Richmond, Virginia. Again, Nolan met with his coordinator and focused his job search on Virginia, as his parents were relocating from Turkey to live there. While with Aetna Life, he received free room and board, as well as laundry service. After two co-op periods with the company, Nolan realized his interest in business and finance and transitioned out of the College of Education to University College, now known as the College of Professional Studies. He switched his major to Business Administration and Management and added two additional years at Northeastern to complete his degree.
“Giving is a joyful experience. If you are at Northeastern, you have got to be immersed in the programs that are offered and take every advantage that is thrown at you. Then give back.”
Jim Nolan
While he caught up with his new major, Nolan held other positions with the Employers Commercial Union, the Security Insurance Company, the US Post office and Bradley’s Stop and Shop. As he moved closer to graduation, he again called on the assistance of his co-op coordinator for advice and job recommendations. He was recommended to take the Civil Service Examination and apply with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
He spent the next seven years in a variety of positions and responsibilities with the FDIC, the last two years serving as the Assistant Liquidator of American Bank and Trust company in New York. Finally, Nolan decided it might be time to go out on his own.
Going Out On His Own.
After his tenure with the FDIC, Nolan spent the next three years as the Head of Real Estate Acquisitions for a Miami-based company, First Capital. He then had a brief stint as President of MDC Equities in Denver, Colorado. It was in Denver that Nolan met his future partner, and together they co-founded United Trust Fund (UTF), a privately owned real estate investment firm headquartered in Miami. His partner had a connection with a large state retirement fund to provide capital for property purchases, while Nolan’s role was to purchase, manage, and sell the investments. His partner famously said, “You buy the properties, and I will find the capital,” and that is exactly what they did for the next six years, building the name and brand of United Trust Fund (UTF).
Starting essentially from scratch in 1982, Nolan and his partner grew the company to institutional status. To enhance the company’s capital structure, he hired an investment banker in New York. Deloitte and Touche were engaged to conduct a three-year back audit, and an investment offering was prepared. Nolan remarked, “I learned all of this through my Northeastern co-op experience and my time with the FDIC.” A list of 100 institutional prospects was made, and within one-year, Metropolitan Life closed on a 20% interest in UTF.
Nolan successfully built his business while raising his three young children and volunteering his time as a Northeastern alum, attending local college fairs, and actively engaging in numerous nonprofit organizations.
Philanthropy
Nolan’s own family’s value of giving, coupled with his award of the Joseph Mullin Scholarship in his last year at Northeastern, gave him a strong sense of the importance of giving back.
Before he was able to give money, Nolan volunteered his time. He represented the university in the local college admission process, attended college fairs, and met with prospective students to promote Northeastern and its co-op program. He continued in that role for ten years, covering Florida and other parts of the southeastern part of the country.
Eventually, he established the Nolan Family Scholarship for students with learning challenges, starting with a donation of $25,000 and aiming to increase it to $100,000. He has not only achieved this goal but has been able to contribute even more to the fund.
At a dinner in Miami, Richard Freeland, then-president of Northeastern, solicited Nolan to serve on the University’s Board of Incorporators which he served on for more than ten years, actively engaged in the Admission Committee, the Student Affairs Committee, the Building Committee and finally, serving five years on the University’s Financial Affairs Committee.
His breadth of involvement reflects Nolan’s dedication to making a meaningful impact on service and leadership. “When I had time, I gave time; and when I had money, I gave money.”, he said.
“Northeastern co-op provided experience and work ethic for my future and that fueled my desire to give back”
-Jim Nolan
A Mother’s Journey Through College: Catherine Kigiri, BS in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, First Gen
Originally from Kiambu, Kenya, an agricultural village just eight miles outside of Nairobi, Catherine Kigiri arrived in Boston in 2000 on a visitor visa and was the only member of her family to take the trip. Upon arrival, she stayed with a friend who was from her village and who settled in Quincy a few years earlier.
After some time, Kigiri decided that she wanted to stay a little longer. She discovered that unlike Kenya’s school system, American schools opened their doors to nontraditional students, and she saw an opportunity for herself to become a first generation college graduate. Kagiri first thought about applying to a nursing program, but she did not have the resources to enroll. Instead, she applied for a student visa and enrolled at Quincy College.
To support herself, she secured an entry level job as an inspector at GE Aerospace in Lynn, MA, taking the second shift, a shift that typically begins at 3:00 P.M. and ends at 11:00 P.M. This work schedule gave Kigiri the flexibility to attend classes in the daytime.
While she studied part time and worked at GE Aviation, her life progressed. She met a man, married him and had three children. Her two sisters back home in Kiambu graduated high school and needed money to attend college. She volunteered to send money back home to pay for her sisters’ academic pursuits. She raised her children and made a home for them.
Kigiri graduated Quincy College with her associates degree in liberal arts and sciences. GE offered her the first shift, and when she started her new work schedule, she learned about the partnership between Northeastern College of Professional Studies and GE. Aligned with federal workforce development objectives, Northeastern and GE co-developed the BS in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, which incorporates state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques in use across the industry. In the program, students apply those techniques in a real-world manufacturing environment.
The collaboration was made possible through the Department of Education’s Educational Quality Through Innovative Partnerships (EQUIP) experiment, an initiative aimed at improving students’ access to a high-quality postsecondary education in fast-growing industries. GE employees can complete the program within three years, or in as little as one-and-a-half years for those with prior college experience. The program also offers tuition reimbursement.
Before Kagiri entered the program in October of 2019, she told her husband that she was planning to enter the program, “to better my family and be an example for our kids”, she said. Her husband told her he would support her, but the marriage broke not long after the first semester started. By December 2019, the couple had separated.
“That is when I decided to really commit to my educational goal. I knew that if I took one class at a time, I could push myself to do it.”
Catherine Kigiri BS in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, First Gen
Around this time, back home in Kiambu, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Kagiri, a newly single parent, now had to take a second job to support his treatment. Still, Kagiri stayed the academic course.
The pandemic hit the following year and her courses switched to online. Many of her fellow classmates dropped out of the program but Kagiri did not quit. She said, “I needed to be an example for my kids to work hard. It was tough to continue going to school, provide financial support to my family in Kenya, and raise three kids without help, but Professor [Krassimir] Marchev encouraged me to continue to push myself. He always said, ‘Just focus on one day at a time’ and that’s exactly what I did.”
Krassimir Marchev, Professor of the Practice, CPS, credited with spearheading the GE partnership on behalf of CPS, said, “Catherine exemplifies, in many respects, the student population of hard-working, committed, family-oriented professionals.”
Kagiri describes her children, three boys, Denzel, 16; Edward, 10; and Imara 7, as being extremely supportive. “They all were incredibly helpful. If I was attending an online course in the house, they would occupy themselves by doing the dishes, sweeping the floor and then they’d ask ‘mommy were we quiet enough for you?’ They wanted to know if I passed my exams whenever they came up and they were just so supportive of me.”, she said.
Despite the program’s tuition reimbursement, Kagiri struggled to cover additional expenses such as books and childcare. The financial burden of using her time to attend classes instead of working was crippling. Professor Marchev advised her to apply for Northeastern scholarships, including the Robert Rosenberg, Lowell, and Paul J. Theriault Memorial scholarships, enabling Kagiri to stay focused on graduating.
“I am so grateful for all the people who donate money, I would not have been able to afford to go to college otherwise. And now, here I am with three kids, one job, graduating with zero crippling debt.”, she said.
Her father passed away in May of 2023, and Kagiri’s graduation marked the one-year anniversary of his death. “The [graduation] ceremony was particularly emotional because I had hoped he could witness this great achievement.” she said.
Kagiri attributes her drive for academic achievement to her mother, a teacher who prioritized her children’s education despite being unable to afford college for them.
“I am not just an example for single parents, but for all parents. Take your time and push yourself. You must push yourself every single day. My children are my number one hero. I do this for them. Go to school, be a better person. I set that example to my kids.”
Her advice for any other parent, single or otherwise: “Just take one class at a time and say “I am beginning today”. Don’t drop out because it is so hard to get back into the routine. Even if it means taking one class at a time, whatever time it takes to finish; I didn’t worry about finishing. In fact, now I’m worried that I’m finished!”
When asked what her future brings, Kagiri said, “I want to enjoy and celebrate this milestone before I think of my next move. I still cannot believe this is happening to me.”
Ted Miller, Professor of Political History at Northeastern CPS, Speaks to WBUR
Edward (Ted) Miller, professor of political history at CPS joined WBUR’s “On Point” to address the vital question: “Is the United States a Republic or a Democracy.” As the nation navigates yet another presidential election year, Miller delves into the historical aspects of this question and shares insights into who we are as a country. The entire conversation is fascinating, but you can find Miller voice his perspective at the 21-minute mark.
Is the U.S. a democracy?
May 03, 2024
The Power of Experience: A celebration of the 2024 Experiential Learning Awards
On April 24, nominees and winners of the College of Professional Studies’ (CPS) Experiential Learning Awards were celebrated with family, friends, sponsors, faculty, and peers.
As Interim Dean, Jared Auclair, kicked off the event, he told the crowd: “I am a big believer in the power of learning by doing.”
This ethos represents the cornerstone of Northeastern’s approach to education and is the heart of how CPS delivers its degree programs. As in life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for experiential learning. CPS offers a variety of pathways, all of which were celebrated at the Experiential Learning Awards ceremony.
Co-Ops represent arguably the most traditional form of experiential learning. They provide students with a chance to use their academic knowledge by spending a term immersed in real-world business scenarios within a sponsoring organization to tackle actual problems
XN (or Experiential Network) is another pathway. This program enables students to obtain priceless experience by engaging in virtual, six-week projects with sponsoring organizations, offering opportunities to contribute to impactful business decisions.
Networks spread the net of experiential learning opportunities even wider. With over 850 part-time faculty, most of whom hold senior management positions in their respective organizations, students have access to an extensive network to broaden their professional connections and learn from experienced industry practitioners.
“I see the power and impact these opportunities make every day for our students and our employer partners and sponsors. Just to be nominated for an award in this area of a student’s academic journey is a huge honor as the quality of work is often noted as equal to if not better than businesses might find with a traditional paid consultant.”
Yvonne Rogers Assistant Dean, Center for Co-op and Professional Advancement
Referring to the awards ceremony as the equivalent of the Oscars for her, Yvonne welcomed faculty members, sponsors, and the award winners to share more about their experience during the event.
The first student award winner, Corey Ortiz, was nominated by their XN sponsor, Merle Kummer of CoLAB, Watertown Innovation Career Collaboration.
In the pursuit of enhancing the communications outreach, impact, and online presence of CoLAB, Corey led a three-student team that delivered a communications plan with nine key strategic recommendations that included both samples and clear directions to implement the ideas.
According to Kummer, “From my perspective, the true mark of a leader is someone who makes those around them better. That is exactly what Corey did.”
In sharing his experience as he accepted the Experiential Learning Award, Corey noted, “The support I received from everyone—my classmates, professors, and sponsors —has been essential in helping me succeed. I got to see the lessons learned in the class applied in the real world and I would not be on the career path I’m on now without the experiences I had here. I’m so grateful.”
The second student award winner was Jhanvi Kalpeshkumar Patel who received the Humanics Award. This award celebrates students who personify Northeastern University’s ethos of humanics, its integration of technical, data and human literacies. Recipients contribute significantly to understanding and improving the world around them by demonstrating curiosity, empathy, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
Nominated by her co-op employer, Hannes Bend of breathing.ai, Inc., Jhanvi contributed greatly to their mental and digital health software product by translating the software into other languages and it is now being used by people in 156 countries. She also spearheaded the efforts of coding the translations into a browser extension.
According to Bend, “Jhanvi is a true team player with the right balance between curious mindset and skillful approach. She is always first to motivate the team and to support her professional peers.”
In accepting her award, Jhanvi shared her appreciation for how the co-op experience provided her opportunities to grow and excel.
“This award serves as a reminder of the impact one person can make when they set their mind to achieving greatness,” she said. “Let it inspire us all to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in everything we do.”
Jhanvi Kalpeshkumar Patel CPS Student
In addition to individual awards, the ceremony also recognized a project team for their collaborative approach in producing exemplary work through experiential learning projects associated with their coursework. Winners of this team award included: Christina Spangler, Marchelle Jacques-Yarde, and Devin Powers.
The students were nominated by CPS Faculty member, Cortney Nicolato, who in addition to teaching at Northeastern is the president and CEO of United Way in Rhode Island. In introducing the team, Nicolato said, “I love experiential learning, and love that others do as well.”
In addition to teaching at CPS, she also received her Master’s degree at Northeastern, and attributes her decision to pursue her degree and her desire to teach at CPS with the opportunity for experiential learning.
“The opportunity to learn from our students and with our students and put it into practice, really sets us apart. The students benefit but also it gives smaller non-profits and less resourced non-profits the opportunity to accelerate and scale their work in ways they otherwise couldn’t.”
The award-winning team worked with Leading Legacies, a non-profit with a mission to equip formerly incarcerated men with opportunities for employment. The students conducted a comprehensive financial and operational analysis of the organization. This included a historical review of the organization’s finances and internal controls, a comparative analysis against like or aspiring organizations, and a series of well-thought-out recommendations.
In accepting the award, all three students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity and lauded the experience as one that gave them access to learning that would not have been possible in the classroom alone.
The final two awards of the night were presented to Priti Pawar and Tishya Bathija, both of whom received the Co-Op Excellence Award.
Nominated by co-op Employer, Aditya Patil with Vor Bio, Priti participated in the implementation of Electronic Quality Management System (Veeva). She managed and monitored document workflow throughout the document approval lifecycle, ensured compliance with the training program and worked with other departments to ensure timely approvals of documents and training, provided support in designing and improving deviation program and reviewed validation documents ensure compliance.
According to Patil, “Priti’s support during this time was appreciated by management as she proved her out of box thinking in strategizing programs like validations. She went above and beyond to support validation program improvement by reviewing more than 90 validation binders and worked with cross functional teams to resolve all the issues she found during her review, making sure all validation binders comply to the GMP and GDP regulations.”
In accepting the award, Priti said, “This experience gave me amazing exposure to the real time world beyond anything that anyone could imagine.”
The second co-op excellence award winner, Tishya Bathija, was also nominated by her co-op employer, Bill Sorensen with Tecomet Inc., who said, “Tishya actively participated in cross-functional meetings involving members from various departments including regulatory affairs, quality assurance, engineering, and manufacturing. She facilitated open discussions, ensuring all voices were heard and ideas were considered. Her ability to actively listen and integrate feedback led to the development of a more efficient process that significantly helped in the investigation.”
In accepting the award, Tishya said, “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible support and mentorship I have received throughout my co-op journey, from my manager Bill Sorensen and the team at Tecomet. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and I am excited to continue making meaningful contributions to the healthcare industry.”
In closing the event, Jared reminded those in attendance of the importance to pause and allow themselves to absorb important moments like this.
“It can be too easy to let these moments pass by, but they are so valuable,” he said. “I encourage all of you to take the time to truly absorb how incredible your accomplishments are – to those students who won awards and those who were nominated – I cannot wait to see where your journey takes you next.”
Northeastern University Secures Approval for 23-Story Student Housing Tower in Boston
Northeastern University has been given the green light by the Boston Planning and Development Agency for its latest student housing project, set to grace the Boston campus skyline with a striking 23-story tower. Collaborating with American Campus Communities, the university plans to provide accommodation for up to 1,300 students.
This ambitious venture involves partnerships with esteemed architecture firms, Elkus Manfredi Architects and Studio Luz Architects, alongside structural engineering prowess from McNamara Salvia.
In addition to this impressive development, Northeastern University aims to contribute $1 million to Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development, focusing on bolstering housing stability and fostering prosperity in neighboring communities.
Anticipated to cost around $350 million, the high-rise is slated for a grand opening in the fall of 2028, with construction slated to commence next year.
Adhering to LEED Gold standards, the residential complex will feature spacious four-bedroom units with two bathrooms, complemented by approximately 4,000 square feet of retail space. Residents can also look forward to a variety of communal amenities, including a social lounge, fitness center, study area, and laundry facilities, along with 11,000 square feet of shared community space.
Occupying the site of a parking lot owned by Northeastern University since 1997, the building will be conveniently situated within 3 miles of both the university campus and downtown Boston, with the South Bay Center shopping mall just a stone’s throw away.
Brittni Allen
Three words encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Humanity | Transformative | Equal Opportunities
What were some of the reasons you chose to join the Northeastern community? Since joining, what have been some of the opportunities and challenges you have experienced?
I chose to join the NU family because I was very excited and intrigued by programs designed to help more students access educational opportunity. I’ve always had a passion for helping other to reach their goals and this position aligned perfectly.
What has your journey at Northeastern University revelated to you about yourself?
I’ve been put in a position to make positive change and encourage others to get their degrees by supporting them with wrap around services. I’m inspired daily to achieve success, big or small! Being able to motivate the students and keep them on the right trajectory is gratifying.
What advice do you have for those considering higher education — either at Northeastern or elsewhere?
Higher education presents the opportunity to grant a competitive edge over others in the market. It is also a place where you have the opportunity to network and grow professionally. Northeastern offers an amount of support that I’ve never seen before! I absolutely love it here!
We know you are more than the person who shows up at Northeastern — what are some of your hobbies and other passions? Where do you find your joy?
My favorite hobby is to DJ. I’ve been djying since college and it’s truly a passion of mine! I also love to go fishing with my family. It’s always enjoyable to bond and get some action!
Faces of CPS
Faces of CPS: Get to know the many diverse people who make up our CPS community
Faces of CPS: Mohak Jani
“I’ve encountered various obstacles, including time management difficulties, financial constraints, and adapting to a new cultural and academic environment as an international student. I am inspired by the prospect of continuous learning and personal growth that comes with pursuing an advanced degree. “
Connect with Mohak: Instagram
Faces of CPS: Rhiannon Jacobs
“One challenge I had to overcome while pursuing my master’s was balancing a full time job in addition to a full course load. Being able to successfully manage my time coupled with my interest in the subject matter and applicability to my career allowed me to be successful in both areas.”
Faces of CPS: Jhanvi Patel
“This two-year journey took work. Life isn’t always the same and easy as well. Being an international student away from home and family is the starting hurdle of the journey, a new country, new place, and new people made me intimidated by my decision but the strong will to achieve something special by achieving a degree was so strong it overpowered all my worries and always fuel my hope and courage.”
Connect with Jhanvi: LinkedIn
Faces of CPS: Hairani Armaya Doremi
“From a young age, starting at 15, I began working in Indonesia to support my family. Among my peers, I stood out as the one who abstained from alcohol while working as a DJ—a role that harmonized with my abilities to sing, dance, and host events simultaneously. This multi-talented nature set me apart and posed the challenging question of excelling in multiple disciplines at once.”
Faces of CPS: Vandna Mehta
“My advice is to dive in wholeheartedly. Education is more than a set of courses; it’s a catalyst for transformation. Be prepared to work hard, be open to learning, and be ready to grow not just as a professional but as a person.”
Connect with Vandna: LinkedIn
Faces of CPS: Dayana Alsamsam
“Dealing with personal challenges is incredibly tough. Being far from family during hard times is one of the biggest challenges I have endured. This experience is molding me into a more resilient person; definitely a growth journey.”
Faces of CPS: Attrayee Chakraborty
“As a first-generation international student, I didn’t have many connections in the healthcare industry in the US. By attending conferences, workshops and leading the student chapter of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) at Northeastern as the secretary, I established a great network of professionals aligned to my field of study, along with fostering a community for future international students interested in working in healthcare. “
Connect with Attrayee: LinkedIn
Know someone who would make a great Face of CPS?
If you know someone whose profile should be included here, definitely let us know! We’d love to profile them!
Please email your nomination, referring the person you think would make a great Face of CPS with a brief explanation of why you think they’d be a great fit.
Faces of CPS: Chin-Hua Pan
Hailing from Taiwan, Chin-Hua Pan, embarks on a life-changing odyssey at Northeastern, transcending language barriers with confidence and fueled by a passion for UX design.
“Embracing this newfound confidence, I actively sought out new experiences at Northeastern. I didn’t shy away from unfamiliar territory, and the resulting achievements further solidified my belief in my abilities.”
Connections: Linkedin
Faces of CPS: Sudhamshu Vidyananda
“My journey at Northeastern has helped me to be more resilient, adaptable and to move from my comfort zone. I learnt more about my strengths and how to face the world in a more disciplined way.”
Hailing from Mangalore, Sudhamshu Vidyananda, is embraced by Boston, epitomizes resilience and innovation in his Northeastern journey.
Connections: Linkedin
Faces of CPS: Kartika Ahire
“If I have to reflect on the journey at Northeastern, I will say that Resilience, Connections, and Adaptability skills helped me understand myself more.”
Hailing from Nashik, India, Kartika Ahire embraces the diverse and collaborative spirit of Northeastern, forging a path of resilience and adaptability in pursuing Regulatory Affairs, while finding solace in Boston’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
Connections: Instagram
Faces of CPS: Godfred Afriyie Owusu
Hailing from Ghana and making Boston home, Godfred Afriyie Owusu exemplifies unwavering determination at Northeastern, transcending obstacles with a stubborn commitment to his dreams, fostering innovation in project management.
“Your dream about what you can make out of Northeastern should be higher than the obstacles you will face while at Northeastern or elsewhere.”
Faces of CPS: Harshal Randad
Hailing from India, Harshal Randad emerges as a transformative force at Northeastern, embodying resilience and seizing opportunities while mastering Project Management, driven by a vision of global impact and continuous growth.
“Northeastern University stood out to me for its exceptional course structure and Co-op program, which were among the many factors influencing my decision to attend.”
Faces of CPS: Swapnesh Tiwari
“The varied experiences at Northeastern, especially as a student ambassador, including interacting with a diverse student body and participating in global experiences, teach adaptability.”
Hailing from India, Swapnesh Satishkumar Tiwari navigates the complexities of academia at Northeastern with reflective insight, leveraging collaborative learning and resilience, carving a path toward healthcare innovation and professional success.
Connections: Facebook
Faces of CPS: Alessandro Zampi
“I liked the Northeastern brand (even though I knew very little about the university) and I liked the subjects it is known for. I also liked what the mascot represents (intelligent, energetic, hardworking).”
Hailing from diverse locales like London, New York, and Boston, Alessandro Zampi won 2024 Staff Excellence Award. A current graduate student in Analytics and Staff Operations Analyst, his dedication enriches both academia and operations.
Faces of CPS: Suqi (Eileen) Wu
Hailing from China, Suqi (Eileen) Wu embodies innovation and creativity. As an alumna of the 2023 MS Digital Media program, she excels as a Product and UX Designer, shaping impactful user experiences globally.
“The co-op program and the experiential learning opportunities, I made lots of friends and became a more professional designer because of this experience.”
Faces of CPS: Minfang Wu
Hailing from China, Minfang Wu unfolds her Northeastern University journey, overcoming barriers, pursuing analytics, and aspiring towards tech excellence.
“The Northeast offers numerous chances, both in terms of career and geographical advantages. As a student, I appreciate this type of learning environment.”
Faces of CPS: Anthony Alsayed
“I was also attracted by the university values and the organizational culture and felt inspired by its leaders and the mission that was based on practical training and research.”
Hailing from Toronto, Anthony Alsayed is the recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award, bringing his expertise as a part-time lecturer, enriching students’ learning experiences.
Faces of CPS: Sanover Tasneem
“As a first-generation student, I needed financial support for my education and getting an on-campus position was tough. Applying and securing a co-op was also a big hurdle. Overall, CPS has given me a lot of opportunities to showcase my abilities and use the skills from my past work experience in India. I have just been so grateful for all the good things supporting my life and education here.”
Hailing from Jaunpur, India, Sanover Tasneem is a first-generation college student who now calls Boston home, pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Analytics, she is graduating in June 2024.
Faces of CPS: Vivek Vaghasiya
Hailing from Gujarat, India, Vivek Vaghasiya is pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Informatics. He is graduating in May 2024.
“My journey at Northeastern University has been a revelation, showcasing my resilience and adaptability. After graduation, I aspire to secure a role in data analytics or cloud computing, leveraging the skills acquired during my master’s in professional studies in Informatics. In five years, I envision myself in a leadership position, driving innovative solutions and contributing to the advancement of technology in a dynamic industry.”
Connections: Linkedin
Faces of CPS: Jennifer Chavez
Hailing from Boston, Jennifer Chavez Umana is a first-generation college student balancing full-time work, her coursework at school, and personal growth.
“My journey at Northeastern has shown me that I am capable of so much more. I can handle things that I never thought I was able to. Even then sometimes I feel like I still won’t be able to make it through but somehow I always push through.”
Faces of CPS: Christian Cartagena
“Being a Northeastern student has been an inspiring journey. Each completed class shows I am not only a step closer to my goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree but also an achievement added to my collection.”
Hailing from Boston, Christian Cartagena is a first-generation college student pursuing finance, navigating challenges, and finding joy in Boston.
Faces of CPS: Brittni Allen
“I chose to join the NU family because I was very excited and intrigued by programs designed to help more students access educational opportunity. I’ve always had a passion for helping other to reach their goals and this position aligned perfectly.”
Hailing from Miami, Brittni Allen is a first-gen college student thrives at Northeastern, driven by her passion for equal opportunities.
Connections: Linkedin
Faces of CPS: Srisha Rajasekar
Hailing from Singapore, Srisha Rajasekar shares her dynamic Northeastern University odyssey, merging academic excellence, regulatory fervor, and personal fulfillment.
“The evolving regulatory environment presents an exciting challenge, my motivation lies in the impactful role regulatory affairs plays in shaping the future & ensuring the well-being of individuals.”
Connections: Linkedin
Faces of CPS: Oduenyi Uga
Hailing from Boston having Nigerian-American roots, Oduenyi Uga, shares a transformative journey at Northeastern University, overcoming academic challenges while thriving in the digital communication and media realm.
“My journey at Northeastern University has been a profound revelation of my own capabilities and passions. It has underscored the belief that there truly are no limits to what I can achieve when I seize opportunities and commit wholeheartedly.”
Create the Future of Learning as a Learning Experience Designer
Join us and meet faculty, students, and alumni to learn more about the Northeastern LXDT program and what it takes to enter and excel in learning design.
We will discuss how our programs allow you to apply what you learn immediately through ongoing experiential opportunities.
Excel as a Leader in Higher Education
Ready to elevate your career, amplify your impact, and transform the future of higher education?
Learn about our master’s and certificate programs in higher education administration. We will discuss our experience-based learning model, and recent alumni will share how they gained in-demand skills to power their professional trajectory.
Teaching Today in K12 Schools
Discover the exciting teaching and learning happening in K12 schools today and how you can start your teaching career or expand your skills in our MAT and MEd programs.