Held on Friday, October 17, 2025, in historic Lenfell Hall at the Florham Campus, this year’s event brought together alumni, faculty, students, and friends of Fairleigh Dickinson University for an evening celebrating leadership, generosity, and community.
This year’s distinguished honorees included Leonard C. Green, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Hall of Fame inductees Sarah Hassan, BS’09, MBA’10, Clinton A. Lewis Jr. MBA’90, and Arleen Paladino MBA’91 who were recognized for their visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring commitment to FDU.
Dean James Almeida opened the evening by welcoming guests and reflecting on the enduring impact of the Silberman community.
“Each year, this celebration reminds us of the power of education, innovation, and community,” said Almeida. “The honorees we recognize tonight embody the entrepreneurial spirit and integrity that Buddy Silberman championed and their stories inspire our students to aim even higher.”
Following Dean Almeida’s remarks, President Michael J. Avaltroni, the first FDU graduate to serve as University President, emphasized the College’s global mission and the importance of investing in tomorrow’s leaders.
The evening featured two tribute videos and powerful acceptance remarks from each honoree.
Leonard C. Green, founder and chairman of The Green Group, shared wisdom from his entrepreneurial journey and underscored the importance of character, creativity, and giving back.
“With success comes the obligation to use your intellectual and financial capital to help others,” Green said. “Entrepreneurs can—and should—be the leaders in making the world better for those without a voice.”
Sarah Hassan, fund manager at Dynagrow Capital and former founding partner of IM HealthScience, reflected on innovation and leadership in healthcare.
Clinton A. Lewis Jr., CEO of AgroFresh Solutions and board member of International Paper, shared how FDU’s flexible and industry-relevant MBA program shaped his career trajectory.
Arleen Paladino, CFO of Crum & Forster and one of this year’s NJBIZ Leading Women in Business, spoke about the life-changing opportunities FDU provided.
“When I say FDU changed my life, I mean it in every sense,” Paladino said. “This community builds confidence, resilience, and a lifelong network of support.”
Student Scholar, Fiorella Merriman-Mendez
Fiorella Merriman-Mendez, a Silberman business student and scholarship recipient, captured the mission behind the gala through her remarks. Her story illustrated the direct impact of philanthropy on student opportunity and success, an emotional reminder of why the community gathers each year.
Special thanks to our sponsors, guests, and partners whose generosity made this record-breaking evening possible, and to the Silberman College of Business Board of Advisors for their leadership and support.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Gala’s impact continues. Every dollar raised supports scholarships that open doors for FDU students to become tomorrow’s business leaders.
In honor of the University’s founding in 1942, FDU annually dedicates 42 hours to bringing awareness and support to various campus causes and programs across the University.
This year, more than 1,025 donors raised a total of $528,299, supporting 65 different causes that benefit FDU students. From initiatives such as The Fund for FDU, which allows the University to quickly respond to student needs, to student scholarships, academics, student services, and FDU’s 34 Division I and Division III athletic programs—donors supported the causes that meant the most to them.
Nina Shirey, MSM’21, the first supporter for 42 Hours of Giving 2025 noted, “I wanted to give back to [the Devils Women’s Lacrosse team], the program that shaped me. My time at FDU gave me a true sense of community and helped me figure out who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. I built so many meaningful, lasting connections as a student-athlete, and the support system around me guided me toward a career I love—one I wouldn’t have found without those experiences,”
This year’s 42 Hours of Giving was propelled by several donors who challenged the FDU community to rally behind its students. Dr. Stephen Klasko, former President of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health—who received an honorary doctorate from FDU in 2024—led this year’s campaign with a $200,000 challenge. If 1,000 donors participated in 42 Hours of Giving, it would unlock a $200,000 gift from Dr. Klasko to establish the Klasko Innovation Humanics Challenge Fund, which supports the next generation of leaders driving interdisciplinary collaborations that reimagine education, technology, and the human component in an AI-driven world.
Alumna Ann Schwartz and her family—longtime supporters of the Center for Dyslexia Studies—generously presented a $37,000 challenge to benefit the Center for Dyslexia Studies and the Student Emergency Funds on the Florham and Metropolitan campuses.
Corporate partner Veolia North America, dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of engineers, scientists, and environmental leaders at FDU, offered a matching gift challenge: for every dollar donated to student scholarships, the company matched the contribution up to $15,000 to support STEM scholarships.
A U.S. Army veteran from the Class of 1983 offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $4,000 for Veterans Services at FDU. Rounding out the giving day challenges, members of the Alumni Association Board of Governors challenged the FDU alumni community to rally 250 donors to unlock $25,000—a goal the alumni community surpassed, with nearly 400 alumni donors participating in 42 Hours of Giving.
“These challenges reflect what makes FDU extraordinary – a community where belief becomes action and generosity becomes transformation,” said President Michael J. Avaltroni.
Each year, the outpouring of support for 42 Hours of Giving showcases the strength and spirit of the FDU community. Since its inception in 2018, 42 Hours of Giving has raised $2.5 million for FDU students.
For questions about 42 Hours of Giving contact University Advancement at [email protected] or call us at (201) 692-7007. You can also visit us online at https://support.fdu.edu/42hours.
From his early days as a History major and student government leader to his remarkable career as an educator, principal, and mentor, Marty has embodied the spirit of giving back, not only through professional excellence, but through what can be called “philanthropy of heart.”
Building Community on Campus
As a student, Marty helped shape the social fabric of FDU.
He served in student government and led one of the University’s most vibrant organizations: The Informal I, a club of more than 100 members that fostered friendship, creativity, and campus pride.
His favorite spot on campus was the Student Union Building, where he met new friends, shared ideas, and felt the pulse of university life. “It provided a relaxed atmosphere and gave me the opportunity to meet many students,” he said.
Marty credits FDU founder Peter Sammartino as his greatest influence, someone who challenged him to grow academically and socially and inspired his lifelong commitment to education.
A Career of Impact
After graduation, Marty’s career spanned decades in public education, first as a teacher in New York City, then as a principal in Newark, New Jersey, where he was nominated as a Top Administrator for a specialized academic program.
He later returned to FDU as an adjunct professor, teaching college math and graduate education. But perhaps his greatest legacy lies in the students he guided long after his official teaching career ended.
Marty founded College Days, a college guidance and SAT preparation program that helped more than 150 students find their path to higher education, many of whom chose FDU as their top school and graduated within four years.
Through mentorship, encouragement, and care, Marty opened doors for others, a true example of giving back not just financially, but personally.
Today, even in retirement, Marty continues to volunteer his time helping potential college students navigate their futures. His advice to today’s FDU students is simple but powerful:
“Always be involved in all aspects of FDU!”
A Proud Knight for Life
Marty remains an enthusiastic supporter of FDU academics and athletics, celebrating every success, from student achievements to unforgettable moments like Fairleigh Dickinson’s historic basketball victory over Purdue.
His lifelong connection to FDU reminds us that philanthropy is more than dollars, it’s dedication, mentorship, and heart.
When Izabella Shalamov, a finance major at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus, began her college search, she didn’t have to look far.
“What originally brought me to FDU was the fact that it’s close to home,” she said. “It also offers a bunch of opportunities for my future. I fell in love with the beautiful campus and the professionalism between students and faculty. I liked the idea of a small school since my high school was also significantly small, and the student-to-teacher ratio was the perfect match for me.”
Izabella initially enrolled as a business administration major, but her growing interest in the stock market and private funds led her to switch to finance. A key turning point came from joining the Student Managed Investment Club.
“We go over market updates and discuss what’s happening in the world financially,” she explained. “It made me realize I wanted to pursue this path.”
Her economics class has been the most impactful course so far. “My professor does an amazing job explaining microeconomics while using his real-life experiences. It’s also one of the most interactive classes I’m in.”
Izabella has her sights set on a career in a big city, ideally New York, working at a bank or private hedge fund. “I want to be successful, independent, and financially stable. I want to strive for greatness, become a mentor, and be someone others can look up to.”
For Izabella, one of the most meaningful parts of her FDU experience has been the friendships she’s made. “They became people I can call my family and have made FDU into my home,” she said. “Joining the Student Managed Investment Fund was another highlight, it’s where I discovered my passion for the stock market alongside others who share the same fire and goals.”
Her message to incoming students? “Take bigger risks, be confident, and stay true to who you are. Keep pushing for your goals, start networking early, and help others whenever you can.”
Receiving the John Robert and Marye Trinkle Ruzila Endowed Scholarship has been transformative for Izabella and her family. “My mom is a single parent paying for two kids in college, so any outside financial aid means so much,” she said. “It takes weight off my mom and me, and I can focus more on my studies without worrying as much about the cost.”
Izabella credits her family, especially her mother and brother, for guiding her to this point. “My brother shares my major, so he mentors me and gives advice along the way. Without my family, I wouldn’t have stayed true to myself and my goals.”
As she works toward her graduation, Izabella continues to build the skills, network, and confidence to make her mark in the world of finance, all while remembering the people and opportunities that have shaped her journey.
Eight years ago, a cancer diagnosis lit a path in Andrea Melchiorre’s life when she leaned into a simple truth: connection heals. It wasn’t just the medical care that sustained her, it was the conversations, the quiet support, the shared empathy of others who had walked the same road. It was this experience that awakened her deeper calling. Not just to heal, but to help others heal.
Andrea’s pursuit of her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at FDU has put her on a path toward professional training, advocacy, and support for others. At FDU, Andrea didn’t just attend classes. She built bridges. She saw the stress and isolation students were facing, especially in the wake of a pandemic and rising mental health challenges, and knew she could do something.
Together with her husband Anthony, Andrea became a foundational supporter of the Transforming College Campuses initiative, helping to launch fellowships and programs that provide students with mental health resources, peer support, and real tools for navigating their lives. Through conversations with President Michael Avaltroni and other FDU leaders, the vision took shape and became a movement to reduce stigma, promote resilience, and create a campus culture of care. Even as she counsels patients at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, where the Melchiorre Cancer Center will open its doors this fall, Andrea remains deeply connected to FDU’s mission.
As the 2025 FDU Forward Transformational Honoree, Andrea stands as living proof that with compassion, commitment, and community, transformation is not only possible, it’s inevitable.
Pete Sacco is an entrepreneur, technologist, and modern-day philosopher-sage whose life and work are grounded in the values of Presence, Purpose, and Prosperity. He is the author of Living in Bliss: Achieve a Balanced Existence of Body, Mind, and Spirit, a reflective guide blending ancient wisdom with modern insight to help others live with intention and clarity.
With a mission to live awakened and inspire humanity to embrace a future of transparency, trust, and wisdom, Pete leads ventures across data centers, AI, blockchain, energy microgrids, cybersecurity, Web3, intellectual property protection, and digital finance. Through profound insights, decentralized innovation, and spiritual guidance, he works to cultivate a more equitable, altruistic, and enlightened world.
Pete’s rare fusion of visionary leadership and grounded execution has earned him recognition across industries. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University, serves on the advisory board of FDU’s Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering, and is a certified Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) by the Uptime Institute. In 2013, he was named a finalist in Ernst & Young’s New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
Beyond business, Pete is a devoted father of four, a dedicated football coach, and a committed community leader. Whether he’s building infrastructure for tomorrow or guiding others toward inner peace, Pete lives to awaken potential—one system, one person, and one moment at a time.
Born in Alaska and currently in California, Camilla is a serial entrepreneur, inventor and former fashion designer. She started her career in venture capital as one of the few women working in the industry at the time before going on to found two big data predictive modeling companies in the pharmaceutical industry. One of these companies had its IPO. The other was acquired for $95M a year after its founding. After these exits, Camilla returned to graduate school to learn fashion design. Her first fashion collection was selected to be shown at Lincoln Center as part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York. Designs from her eponymous collection have appeared on the red carpets of the Academy Awards, Met Gala and the White House.
Camilla’s last company, Savitude, scaled designers’ creativity with the aid of artificial intelligence. Using Savitude AI solutions, designers and design teams spend more time focusing on creating and less on the analysis and technical work required to revise collections from concept so they match real body types across diverse customer populations and geographic markets. The result was increased customer satisfaction, significantly reduced fit-based returns and the ability to efficiently serve today’s rapidly diversifying consumer populations. Savitude has been listed in Forbes as one of 60 Women-Led Startups That Are Shaking Up Tech Across The Globe, placed in the top 12 of Project Entrepreneur 2017, competed on the stage of Techcrunch Disrupt Battlefield NY 2017 and participated in Techstars 2017.
In 2019, the company recently completed the Nasdaq Milestone Makers program, WXR-Verizon 5G accelerator and was selected to be in the the Samsung | Verizon NEXTG showcase.
A lifelong inventor, Camilla holds two U.S. patents and has three more pending. In 2011, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from the University of Maryland and Honorable Mention as “Best Second Act Reinvention” on the website SecondAct.com. She was a TEDx speaker January 2016 and has been recognized as of the top 10 entrepreneurs over 60 by Seniorly magazine.
The company was shut down when she was diagnosed with a terminal neurodegenerative disease.
Stephen Bozer is the Senior Vice President of Human Health at Flavine North America, Inc., bringing over three decades of global experience in pharmaceutical and fine chemicals management. A seasoned leader in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) sales, R&D, and business development, he has a proven track record of driving customer growth and executing strategic initiatives for both branded and generic pharmaceutical markets. His expertise extends to regulatory pathways, intellectual property and global supply chain management.
Before joining Flavine, Stephen held leadership roles at Teva Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (TAPI), Key International, and Berlex Laboratories, where he managed multimillion-dollar portfolios and spearheaded successful sales and marketing strategies. His ability to navigate complex international markets and foster cross-cultural relationships has been instrumental in securing partnerships and expanding market reach. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric solutions.
Stephen holds an MBA in Pharmaceutical Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Silberman College of Business and a BS in Biology from Binghamton University, where he was a varsity swim team captain. Further honing his leadership skills, he completed executive education at The Wharton School’s Leadership Edge program. A dedicated industry professional, Stephen continues to leverage his knowledge and strategic vision to advance pharmaceutical sales, development, and market growth on a global scale. Stephen is the Former President and President Emeritus of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Alumni Board of Governors, and he also serves on the Silberman and Pharmacy School Advisory Boards.
Fairleigh Dickinson University has always held a special place in Jermaine Pharmes’ heart. Reflecting on his early days at FDU, Jermaine shares, “It was a great feeling! I knew there were leaders at the school committed to helping me toward my goals. My mother is an alumna of the MAS program and always raved about her experience while at FDU. Of course, she was spot on! The University welcomed me with open arms and guided me to the finish line.”
Inspired by his journey at FDU and eager to give back, Jermaine established a scholarship to honor his great-grandmother, Helen Pharmes, who instilled in him the value of helping others. The Helen Pharmes Memorial Scholarship supports underrepresented students from Lincoln and Snyder High Schools in Jersey City. Jermaine hopes the recipients know,
They can do whatever they set their minds to! The scholarship is just a way to assist them along their journey.
Now, as the director of business diversity at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and a real estate agent with Liberty Realty in Hoboken, Jermaine continues to give back. He serves as a Board of Governor for the FDU Alumni Association, volunteers at the Hudson County Rotary Club, co-founded the Empowerment Academy Charter School in Jersey City, and supports the Jersey City Police Activity League.
For those considering how they can give back, Jermaine offers simple yet impactful advice: “Find a way to give something. It could be money, time, or whatever you can offer. Stay connected to the school and find a way to contribute.”
You, too, can transform the life of an FDU student.
Robert “Bobby” Stern, Class of ’08, will be the inaugural Transformational Honoree at the FDU Forward:Honor our Past. Transform our Future. Celebration at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Thursday, June 6th.
Bobby’s contributions to FDU as an alum are already deep and numerous, despite having graduated just over 15 years ago. He has played an extremely active role in Silberman College of Business since his graduation (roles mentioned below) and was already inducted as a PINNACLE Society honoree last year, the highest honor an FDU alum can receive.
He is the President of the Riviera Hospitality Group, which is currently serving hundreds of thousands of meals daily to migrants entering the United States as well as the homeless and elderly across the tri-state area, making a massive impact on those in greatest need, a point of great pride for Bobby.
In this regard, and so many others, Bobby has brought tremendous pride to his alma mater.
For more information on the FDU Forward celebration click here.
More about Bobby…
Name: Robert “Bobby” Stern
Nickname at FDU: Bobby
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: 2008 – Business Management and Entrepreneurial Studies
Campus(es) where you studied: Florham/Madison
Family: Married to Nikita Stern (’09 Florham). We have two daughters, Brexleigh (7) and Zaelynn (3)
Current occupation/volunteer efforts: President of Riviera Hospitality Group, Board of Advisors Silberman College of Business, Chair for the Council of Ambassadors Silberman College of Business, Founder of the Bobby and Nikita Stern Professional Development Program Student Fund, and “Uncle Billy” Stern Believe and Achieve Endowed Scholarship, Co-creator of Cars on the Lawn FDU’s annual car show, Little League Girl’s Softball Coach.
Hobbies & Interests: Snowboarding with my family, bowling, baseball, coaching softball, cars, traveling
What is your favorite memory of FDU? My most vivid memory of FDU is the day I was accepted – the baseball coach at the time, Doug Radziewicz came out to watch me during a training session. I hit every pitch like I never hit before (never did hit like that again) and after the practice, he said I will see you September. I remember jumping up and down in excitement with my dad celebrating. The years of practicing, games, traveling, injuries, wins and losses all came together in that moment and we celebrated as if we just won Game 7 of the World Series.
Were you involved in any specific activities at FDU: I was part of the baseball team my freshman through junior years
What was your favorite place on campus and why? The baseball diamond – it is what brought me to FDU and I am forever grateful to have been on the team. I made a lot of great memories with my teammates both on and off the field.
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: Ginny Devine – I graduated during one of the most recent economic downturns (2008) which is somewhat relatable to what is going on today. It took me months to find a job which was discouraging but FDU never gave up on providing me with the resources to land one. Ginny Devine from Career Development spent countless hours with me crafting a story with my resume and when it wasn’t gaining traction, she and I went back to the drawing board to make it more appealing. She never gave up on me and that was one thing that really stood out to me about FDU – the resources to achieve success continued far beyond graduation. Those resources continue to this day as I engage with fellow Silberman Board Members and other alum.
What keeps you connected to FDU? FDU helped transform my life – both personal and professional. Nikita and I, while dating long before FDU, are now married with two daughters. I met my business partner, Andrew Cavitolo and we launched Riviera Hospitality Group in 2012. Nikita and I are actively involved donors and supporters of the institution that helped shape our lives. The porch on the back of Hennessy Hall overlooking the fountain is now called the Stern Portico, in recognition of our support.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? I’ve done some amazing things in my career, but it’s always been about the people I work with or work for. At the end of the day, it’s about the people in our lives who you surround yourself with – good people. People who cheer for you, with you. People who wish and share similar dreams and goals. People who challenge you to play up, not down. People who give you a shot even when you don’t belong at the table. People who recognize you with awards even when you don’t feel worthy of the honor.
