Crossing the Finish Line
Diverse Paths to a Shared Dream
BY MELANIE DROLET ’16, SAJRA DZELILOVIC ’22 ’23MBA, SIOBHAN LOPEZ, VICTORIA WEBB ’22
In 2024, SNHU celebrated the achievements of more than 43,000 eligible graduates ranging in age from 15 to 90 at in-person and virtual ceremonies held in the spring and fall. The university awarded 5,500 associate degrees, 27,900 bachelor’s degrees, 9,700 master’s degrees, and 22 doctoral degrees, contributing to an alumni community 273,000 strong and growing.
Meet some of the newest SNHU alumni, whose unique journeys are united by their persistence and resilience in the face of challenges.
Annette Roberge ’24 began her college journey back in 1972, one year after her husband was killed in action in Vietnam while serving in the U.S. Army. Working part-time jobs during the day to support her five children, the Gold Star wife enrolled in night and weekend classes at New Hampshire College (now SNHU) to pursue her bachelor’s degree. When her older kids went off to college, Annette kept taking courses while working full-time in the insurance industry, but never officially graduated. Determined to finish what she started, Annette reached out to SNHU ahead of her 90th birthday to review her transcript to see how many courses she had left and discovered she already earned enough credits for an AS in Business. At Commencement, the grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 15 (and counting) proudly received her hard-earned diploma as a first-generation graduate and SNHU’s eldest Fall 2024 graduate. In 2025, she hopes to reenroll at SNHU to complete her bachelor’s program.
Leon Adams ’24 is a 9/11 first responder and career firefighter. Leon was among the band of brave people who responded to the Pentagon in 2001 and has spent nearly three decades serving in fire and rescue. Although he has retired from the field, Leon plans to use his degree to continue his public service in law enforcement and homeland security. He earned his BA in Communication as a proud first-generation college graduate.
For Aaron Mukuna ’23, the journey to earning a degree has been shaped by resilience. After fleeing the conflict in the Congo, he and his family found refuge in Malawi. There, he enrolled with SNHU through its Global Education Movement (GEM) program. While studying in a refugee camp, he faced many challenges, like power outages, poor internet, and flooding that damaged his home. Despite these obstacles, Aaron stayed focused on his goal. This fall, he celebrated earning his BA in Management with his wife and 18-month-old daughter, who we know must be proud of his hard work and perseverance. Aaron has organized with friends and fellow SNHU GEM alumni to provide resources and facilitate education for other displaced learners. He aspires to further that work, knowing the unique challenges that refugees face firsthand.
Nicky Nieves ’25G is a two-time paralympic gold-medalist and member of the USA Sitting Volleyball Team. Nicky shared that she brought her SNHU studies to the 2024 Paralympic Games. While preparing for some of the most important matches of her career, she balanced a course with real-time requirements from midnight to 2 a.m. Paris time. She recently graduated with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and hopes to continue her career as a professional athlete, setting her sights on the 2028 games in Los Angeles.
David Perez ’24 and his son, Angel ’24, traveled over 3,000 miles from sunny California to graduate together. Born in Mexico, David emigrated to the U.S. as a teen and got a job in fast food. He worked hard and quickly made his way from kitchen staff to restaurant manager and continues to rise within the company. Thirty-five years later, he is now senior manager of Global Operating Systems for Taco Bell International and was able to earn his degree through SNHU’s employer partnership with Guild, taking advantage of his tuition benefit. As both a first-generation American and graduate, David shared that earning his degree has been life-changing. Inspired by his dad, Angel enrolled at SNHU, earning his BA in Human Services degree to help others improve their overall health.
Riya Thapa ’25, is a future changemaker and bright woman in STEM. She graduated this fall as a proud first-generation graduate with a degree in information technologies. Passionate about civic engagement, Riya has made her mark on campus through her leadership at The Chandler Center and volunteer work at the SNHU Center for New Americans. After graduation, Riya plans to join the Peace Corps and has big plans to later pursue a career in public policy.
Candace Thomas ’24 is a published fantasy author and blood scientist who has found a way to weave those two very different careers together. She has taught courses for other authors on blood science and used her expertise to write a vampire novel of her own. Having personally navigated life with dyslexia, Candace is deeply committed to supporting teens who face similar challenges. She dreams of transitioning to teaching creative writing, where she can inspire her students to embrace their creativity. After trying four other schools, Candace finally found the right fit at SNHU, where she earned her creative writing degree while balancing a full-time job, raising her two children, and writing a book—a testament to her determination and deep passion for storytelling.
Thedra Lizardi ’24 and Robert Vazquez ’24 are an engaged couple who attended Commencement with their service pug, Cora. Thedra and Robert went to high school together but lost touch. After reconnecting, they decided to jump back into their studies together and enrolled with SNHU. They even had the opportunity to take a history course together, often responding to each other’s discussion board posts. After 25 years working in the finance industry, Thedra is considering a career change to human services to pursue her passion for helping kids. Robert plans to use his degree as a stepping stone to law school and said that “education is the only gift that I can give to myself that won’t lose value or be taken away.”