Dick brought to Keurig more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, product development and consulting for industrial and consumer appliances, including espresso machines. Prior to Keurig Dick founded Liberty Resources, a consulting group in Liberty Corners, NJ; was VP Manufacturing for Canrad-Hanovia, a manufacturer of scientific lighting UV applications and photo-chemical reactors; and was VP Operations for V-M Industries, a consumer appliances manufacturer and importer.
At Keurig Dick’s responsibilities included Contract Manufacturing in North America and Asia, Quality Control and after-market service. Through 2003, Dick was also responsible for Brewer Product Development and Packaging Engineering. He established Keurig’s Asian offices and served as President of Green Mountain Hong Kong. Dick has developed several US and International Keurig brewer and packaging patents. He retired in 2017.
Dick had been frequent lecturer at Columbia University Business School and the Tuck Business school at Dartmouth. At age of 68 he received his private pilots’ license, at 75 he earned his instrument rating. Until ‘aging-out’ at 78 he participated in PALS (patient air-lift services) he continues to enjoy flying, skiing, and traveling with Mary Ann.
Following service with the US Army, 52d Infantry (ABN) LRRP in Viet-Nam, Dick received his BS from New Jersey Institute of Technology, MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In May 2018 received an Honorary Doctorate, from NJIT and is Chairman Emeritus of the Alfred Dorman Honors College.
Dick is an active Rotarian and resides in Taftsville,VT with his wife Mary Ann. They have three grandchildren in the Netherlands and two in the Pittsburgh area.
Theresa Alesso, BA’90, MA’94, serves as president of imaging products and solutions, Americas at Sony Electronics, where she oversees imaging, professional display, healthcare solutions, and sports businesses. She is the first woman to hold this role worldwide, following a career that began in an administrative position and progressed through multiple leadership roles.
Theresa’s foundation was formed at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus, where she earned a BA in Corporate Communications in 1990 and an MA in Corporate and Organizational Communications in 1994. As an undergraduate, she structured her academic schedule around full-time employment, attending classes in the mornings and working weekday afternoons. The experience required tradeoffs but reinforced time management, accountability, and goal setting; skills she continues to rely on in executive leadership. “Education wasn’t something I fit in when it was convenient,” Alesso said, “it was something I committed to.”
While pursuing her graduate degree, Theresa balanced a growing career at Sony with evening coursework. She recalls driving directly from Sony’s Teaneck office to class, often arriving minutes before the start time. Many of her classmates were also working professionals, and the shared experience created a collaborative and supportive learning environment. That sense of peer accountability reinforced the value of community in achieving long-term goals.
A key influence during her graduate studies was Professor Michael Goodman, PhD, then director of the Graduate Programs in Corporate and Organizational Communication. As Theresa navigated thesis requirements alongside professional responsibilities, Goodman’s accessibility and guidance provided structure and continuity. The mentorship reinforced the role faculty support plays in student persistence and success.
Theresa’s progression within Sony from an administrative role to North American president reflects her leadership approach: viewing every assignment as a learning opportunity. In her current role, she is a vocal advocate for women in technology, mentoring emerging leaders and supporting Sony’s employee networks focused on empowerment and advancement.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Theresa remains committed to community and student engagement. She has volunteered locally, including leading her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Professionally, she has helped lead strategic partnerships between Sony and universities nationwide, connecting students with industry expertise, technology, and career insight. These collaborations also inform Sony’s innovation pipeline, incorporating student perspectives into product development and future planning.
As a mother of two young women navigatingcollege, Theresa brings both professional and personal perspective to her advocacy for students. She understands the importance of access, mentorship, and preparation as students navigate academic and career decisions.
Theresa remains engaged with Fairleigh Dickinson University through Alumni Relations and Career Development. Her advice to students is direct: set clear goals, plan intentionally, remain adaptable, and continue learning. She encourages students to raise their hands for opportunities, do the preparation required to succeed, and lead authentically.
Reflecting on her time at FDU, she points to moments of quiet reflection along the river as a reminder of where she started.
The ceremony at Bogota Savings Bank Center highlighted the profound and lasting impact of Mary Kay Stratis, a devoted alumna and trustee whose philanthropy has directly supported student success, and Dr. William L. O’Neill and Mrs. Frances C. O’Neill, whose leadership and generosity have strengthened opportunities for student-athletes and scholars alike.
For Mary Kay Stratis, BA ’69, MAT ’71, Fairleigh Dickinson University was more than an alma mater, it was a lifelong commitment to students and their potential. From her early days as an engaged student leader to her service on the Board of Trustees, Stratis remained focused on expanding access to education and creating exciting opportunities for students.
Together with her husband, Elia G. Stratis, whom she met as a student at FDU, Mary Kay fostered a sense of belonging for students both on and off campus. The Stratis family welcomed international students into their home, offering mentorship, support, and a reminder that community is central to the student experience.
Following Elia’s tragic passing in 1988, Mary Kay honored his memory through sustained support of FDU Athletics and student scholarships. Her philanthropy has provided critical financial assistance to students, strengthened athletic programs, and enhanced campus spaces where students gather, connect, and grow, including the Stratis Lounge itself.
“Because of the Stratis Scholarship I’m able to graduate debt free which allows me to focus more on athletics and academics,” said Luis A. “Thank you for helping students to be able to afford a higher education and allowing students to focus more on their studies.”
Mary Kay’s legacy lives on through the students whose lives she helped shape, students able to pursue their education, compete, and thrive because of her belief in them.
The ceremony also celebrated the unveiling of the Dr. William and Frances O’Neill Hall of Fame, now housed in the newly renovated Stratis Lounge. The illuminated display honors FDU Athletics Hall of Fame inductees and serves as a visible reminder of excellence, perseverance, and opportunity.
Dr. William O’Neill, BS ’67, DDS ’70, transformed his own student experience into decades of leadership and service that directly benefited FDU students. As a trustee for 30 years and former Vice Chair of the Board, O’Neill played a pivotal role in shaping campus facilities that support academic and athletic life, helping ensure that students have access to modern, well-equipped learning and training environments.
Mrs. Frances O’Neill, AA ’07, BA ’13, shares that same student-centered commitment. After supporting William during his time as a dental student, volunteering as a patient at the FDU Dental Clinic, she later returned to FDU as a student herself. Frances has remained actively involved in alumni engagement, women’s initiatives, and global learning experiences, reflecting her belief in lifelong education.
Together, the O’Neills have established scholarships for student-athletes in science and business majors, named academic spaces, and supported programs that allow students to pursue both academic excellence and athletic achievement.
With the rededication of the Stratis Lounge and the unveiling of the O’Neill Hall of Fame, the space now tells a powerful story of student support, opportunity, and legacy. It honors individuals whose generosity has directly shaped the student experience inside the classroom, on the court, and beyond.
As students pass through the lounge, they encounter examples of what is possible when alumni and benefactors invest in future generations of Knights.
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.
