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.
James D. Brown, Class of ’79, will be one of two inductees into the prestigious PINNACLE Society on June 6th at the inaugural FDU Forward: Honor our Past. Transform our Future celebration at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.
James had his accounting and entrepreneurial spirit lit at Fairleigh Dickinson and went on to start his own accounting firm which has served the public for over 30 years as its founder, CEO and Managing Partner. He has kept FDU close to his heart by both proximity and giving back. Based in Teaneck, a stone’s throw from where he attended the Metropolitan campus, Brown served for six years on FDU’s Alumni Board of Governors and is a regular at Knights basketball games.
His work has been noticed nationally as he has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) for eleven years, including as President of NABA’s New York Chapter and Eastern Region. Extremely active in his community, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Bergen County and numerous civic groups in Teaneck. For more information on the FDU Forward celebration click here.
More about James…
Name: James Brown
Nickname at FDU: JB
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: 1979, Accounting
Campus(es) where you studied: Teaneck/Hackensack
Family: Wife Theresa, sons Jordan and Joshua.
Current occupation/volunteer efforts: CPA, Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, Teaneck Chamber of Commerce
Hobbies & Interests: Golf, spectator sports
What is your favorite memory of FDU? The lifelong friendships made.
Were you involved in any specific activities at FDU: Student Government, Accounting Club, intramural sports
What was your favorite place on campus and why? Student Unio Building/Wilshire Dorms – hanging with friends
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: Professor Leslie – convinced me to major in Accounting.
What keeps you connected to FDU? Athletics and the Black Alumni Chapter
One piece of advice for current FDU students? Stay connected and eliminate “can’t” from your vocabulary.
Lori Lee Dickson, Class of ’82, will be one of two inductees into the prestigious PINNACLE Society on June 6th at the inaugural FDU Forward: Honor our Past. Transform our Future celebration at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.
Lori Lee’s roots run deep with FDU, with over 30 consecutive years of philanthropic support, having served as a Board of Trustee member and a current, and longstanding, member of the Alumni Association’s Board of Governors. In addition, she volunteers on the Pre-Law Advisory Board and is a constant presence at FDU events.
As an attorney at McCarthy Fingar LLP, Lori Lee has over 30 years of experience advising local governments and public-serving entities in diverse areas of operation, governance, and service to the public. For more information on the FDU Forward celebration click here.
More about Lori Lee…
Name: Lori Lee Dickson
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: BA 1982 Magna Cum Laude, Secondary Education; English Language and Literature
Campus(es) where you studied: Florham/Madison and Wroxton
Family: Ernest and Mary Dickson, parents (deceased); Patricia Dickson St. Clair, sister and husband Leroy St. Clair, four nieces and nephews, eight great nieces and nephews.
Current occupation/volunteer efforts: Senior Counsel, McCarthy Fingar LLP; General Counsel, Westchester Joint Water Works
What is your favorite memory of FDU? Starring as Nurse Ratched in the mainstage production of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest in my Senior year.
Were you involved in any specific activities at FDU: Madison Campus Theatre Club, Equestrian Team, intramural softball, volleyball and basketball (team name J&D’s Girls).
What was your favorite place on campus and why? Dreyfus Main Stage or the Underground Theatre.
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: FDU President J. Michael Adams; Two professors: Geoff Weinman and Harry Keyishian.
What keeps you connected to FDU? Desire to give back and encourage students and young alumni.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? Put down the baggage, it’s weighing you down and you need to soar.
Elan Wenger came to college feeling unprepared and left ready to take on the world, thanks in large part to FDU’s COMPASS program, which provides individually tailored, comprehensive, academic and social support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“With the support of the COMPASS program, I grew into the college level course-load and became so much better than what I thought my best self was at the time,” said Wenger. “COMPASS played an important role in my life, and I am forever grateful for their support!”
As an undergrad, Wenger took advantage of multiple internships in the areas of software engineering and social media management, including at Xyberfocus, Pzena Investment Management, The Simons Foundation and The American Friends of Jamaica. Upon graduation he was hired by PNC Bank and has transitioned from Technology Development Analyst to his current role as Software Engineer.
He is already giving back to FDU as a member of the recently formed Board of Directors of the Gildart Haase School of Computer Science and Engineering.
Learn more about Elan:
Name: Elan Wenger
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: BA’21 3D Animation major/Computer Science minor; MA’22 in 3D Animation
Campus(es) where you studied: Florham/Madison
Family: Parents Russell and Vicki and sisters Lexi and Rachel.
Current occupation/volunteer efforts: Software Engineer, PNC Bank
What is your favorite memory of FDU? Meeting my first college BFF’s Alden and Sydney
Were you involved in any specific activities at FDU: Graphic Design Club, COMPASS
What was your favorite place on campus and why? The cafe. It was a great place to socialize and work.
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: Professor Justin Shaw. He challenged and pushed me to work at my hardest, bringing the best out of me.
What keeps you connected to FDU? FDU made me who I am today and I am forever grateful to them! I will always look back on my FDU years as the most important of my life.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? Don’t let any early failures get to you. Those failures are the best teachers you’ll probably ever have!
Forever a Knight, Dr. Avi Ma’ayan runs toward ways of making an impact.
As a member of FDU’s Division I cross country teams, Avi was part of the 1993 Northeastern Conference Championship squad, inducted into the Knights Hall of Fame, and still lists running as his most cherished hobby.
As a student – and later professional – Avi leaped into the burgeoning world wide web as it launched during his time at FDU as an undergraduate student and combined his love of science and medicine with computer science to become one of the most sought-after experts in his field. Currently the Director of Bioinformatics at Mount Sinai Hospital (as well as a Professor of Pharmacological Sciences), Avi continues to be on the cutting edge of computer science and medicine in his quest to help people live healthier lives.
He stays involved with FDU through his volunteer efforts on the newly formed Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering where he earned both of his degrees.
Learn more…
Name: Dr. Avi Ma’ayan
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: BS in Computer Science, ’97; MS in Computer Science, ‘01
Campus(es) where you studied: Teaneck/Hackensack
Family: Wife, Sherry Jenkins, whom Avi met on the women’s track and field team and also has two degrees from FDU.
Current occupation/volunteer efforts: Professor, Department of Pharmacological Sciences; Director, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics. Learn more about the work Dr. Ma’ayan does in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB3BgSL4rXE
Hobbies & Interests: Running
What is your favorite memory of FDU? Eating pizza and watching TV with my track & field teammates at Jeepers.
Were you involved in any specific activities at FDU: Track & field and cross country teams.
What was your favorite place on campus and why? Computer lab; enjoyed learning computer programming and using the internet when it was born.
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: My girlfriend at that time who is now my wife and still by my side 30 years later.
What keeps you connected to FDU? Memories.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? Be proud of the school, it is a great college.
Rosemary Trinkle Baran’s roots run deep at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Hers is a legacy family with few peers— her father, aunt, uncle and all of her sisters attended FDU. In fact, her family’s generosity led to establishing the John Robert and Marye Trinkle Ruzila Career Development Center. Rosemary’s immense involvement at FDU serves as a shining example to all.
She is the current President of the Alumni Association’s Board of Governors, and serves on the board of FDU’s International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management as well as the School of Public and Global Affairs…all while holding the Manager position of Organizational Development at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Attesting to this incredible work ethic, one of her hobbies is working out at 5 am!
Rosemary keeps wonderful memories of her time on campus close to her heart and has been instrumental in bringing alumni of the FDU’s original Rutherford campus together to deepen their connection to the University. FDU is indebted to Rosemary and her family, and look forward to the impact of future generations on the University.
With former professor, Richard Wisch, and Dave Keys’83With members of the FDU basketball team
Learn more…
Name: Rosemary Trinkle Baran
Nickname at FDU: Roe, Trink
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: BS in Business Management with a Concentration in Hotel and Restaurant Management, ‘83
Campus(es) where you studied: Rutherford
Family: Married to J. Michael Baran for 31 years with a daughter named Patricia.
Current occupation/volunteer efforts: Manager of Organizational Development, Talent Management at NY Presbyterian Hospital. Current President of the Alumni Association of FDU, Board Member International School of Hospitality and Tourism, Board member of School of Public and Global Affairs, Past President of the Board of Recreation, City of Clifton, NJ.
Hobbies & Interests: I love being involved in local politics. Riding my bike and going to the gym at 5 am, spending time at the beach and taking pictures of sunrises.
What is your favorite memory of FDU? Each spring the student-run Hotel Society ran a dinner. It first started in 1980 as a way to pay for our first European trip and each year the students put on a dinner for fundraising It grew so much that my last few years it was in the Gymnasium. These were great memories.
What was your favorite place on campus and why? I loved the Castle at the FDU Rutherford Campus
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: Dr. Richard Wisch was my most influential person. I was one of Dr. Wisch’s first students. He was so dedicated to FDU and his students.
What keeps you connected to FDU? I feel like I never left. My Dad, Aunt, Uncle and all of my sisters and I went to FDU, I have always remained involved in one way or another.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? Take each day as it comes…if things don’t work out there is another plan.
Where you can find me on social media: Facebook, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn:
Rosemary and family at Career Development Center DedicationDaughter Patricia with FDU Artist in Residence Philip Smallwood
As a communications major on the Florham campus, Rosenthal credits Dr. Gary Radford for introducing him to learning how to understand the way people communicate and why. After completing his undergraduate degree, Rosenthal earned his MA in Corporate and Organizational Communication which led to a focus on safety and intelligence, serving in roles within the U.S. Department of Defense and the FBI before turning to private corporations, including his current role at Fortune 500 company Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).
An unabashed animal lover, Rosenthal stays active outside of work with his family, his rescue pups and works with civic organizations on crime prevention and personal safety.
Learn more about Todd:
Name: Todd Rosenthal
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: BA in Communications, 2006; MA in Corporate & Organizational Communication, 2007
Campus(es) where you studied: Florham
Family: Married to my beautiful wife Casey. We have two children, Gunner (8) and Grayson (6).
Current occupation: I am currently employed as the Security Awareness Training & Education team lead for SAIC where I oversee the security education and training efforts for over 30,000 employees.
Hobbies & Interests: In my spare time, I teach crime prevention and rape prevention classes. I volunteer a lot of time to civic organizations by teaching them how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe at home and in public. Additionally, I am a forever animal lover. My wife and I have rescued three dogs and they are a part of our family.
What is your favorite memory of FDU? I owe so much to FDU from meeting my best friend to securing an internship that helped me carve out my career path. However, my favorite memory at FDU was engaging in a floor wide shaving cream war on third floor Hamilton. This would have been in the 2001 or 2002 time frame.
Activities you were involved in at FDU: Yes! In addition to being one of the sports medicine trainers, I was also the mascot at basketball games.
What was your favorite place on campus and why? My favorite place on campus was behind the mansion at night. You could literally see every star in the sky.
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: By far and wide the most influential person for me at FDU was professor Gary Radford. Dr. Radford introduced me to my passion for understanding the way people communicate and why.
What keeps you connected to FDU? I will always be emotionally connected to FDU. Having said that, I remain in contact with a number of my professors to this day.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? When you’re choosing a major, look at the people who are already majoring in that discipline. If you can’t relate to them, it’s the wrong major.
Dr. Janelle Hall refers to herself as a “people geek.” Her educational and professional journey has positioned her to take on her passion for empowering people by making it her livelihood.
After earning a master’s degree in public administration at FDU, Hall went on to receive her doctorate in Public Policy and Administration with a focus on non-profit organizations. After working seven years at Berkeley College, she doubled down on her community focus by forming her own LLC, Beyond Inspired – providing special counseling services – and in October of 2021 became named the CEO of United Passaic Organization in her hometown.
Hall remains connected to FDU to this day through her volunteer work on the Board of Governors.
Learn more about Janelle:
Name: Dr. Janelle C. Hall
FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: 2013 – MPA Public Administration
Campus(es) where you studied: Teaneck
Current occupation and volunteer work: Chief Executive Officer at United Passaic Organization – A Community Action Agency
Hobbies & Interests: Family time, Beach-bumming, Traveling, Sorority life (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.), eating out/fine-dining, and self-care.
What is your favorite memory of FDU? Making lifelong relationships with my classmates!
Activities you were involved in at FDU: Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
What was your favorite place on campus and why? In my advisor’s office. This was the place where I received wise counsel on how to navigate my FDU educational journey and beyond.
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: Dr. Edwards was very influential with my FDU journey. He ensured I took the necessary classes at the right time for a timely graduation. My Research and Methods professor ignited a fire under me. She stated at one of our class sessions, it was possible to complete our MPA program in one year (a master’s program is typically a 2-year program). From that moment, I was unstoppable! I had the end goal in mind and plowed through my MPA program in one year and four months! All of my FDU professors were encouraging to all of the non-traditional students’ efforts to make a better life for themselves and their families.
What keeps you connected to FDU? As a new Board of Governor (BOG) of the FDU Alumni Association, I am able to give back through service and be an example to current and potential students.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? Don’t give up! You may be delayed never denied.
Alexandra (Allie) Sharkey built her skills in psychology and counseling while on FDU’s Florham campus in the late 2000’s and has built an enormous social media following since graduation.
With nearly 20,000 followers on her Instagram page, Allie is a modern-day Superwoman with a busy and successful career by day at AbbVie Pharmaceuticals as a senior sales representative, and a social media influencer of note in her role as “Ms. Morristown,” spreading love for her adopted hometown and staying connected with FDU where she earned dual degrees in psychology and clinical counseling.
Allie is all in for the community. When she isn’t extolling the virtues of Morristown online, she is volunteering her time to causes like the Morristown Women in Business, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters, where she was honored as the “Big Sister” of the Year in 2014 by the Northern New Jersey branch, and currently serves as a Regional Board Member.
Current occupation and volunteer work: Senior Sales Representative at AbbVie. Founder of Ms. Morristown, LLC. Regional Board Member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey. Board member of the Morristown Women in Business.
Hobbies & Interests: Travel, manifestation, self-development, the NYT crossword.
What is your favorite memory of FDU? Walking through campus with new friends.
Activities you were involved in at FDU: Zeta Tau Alpha sorority – traditions chair, social chair, committees chair; Marketing Mix –co-activities chair; Peer Assistant Leaders; Graduate assistant.
What was your favorite place on campus and why? The Caf. All you can eat of whatever you can eat! And meeting with friends.
Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: Dr. Lona Whitmarsh and Ginny Devine.
What keeps you connected to FDU? Living in nearby Morristown helps keep me connected as well as the Young Alumni Association.
One piece of advice for current FDU students? You won’t believe how fast time goes after you graduate. Find ways to stay connected to the friends you made and campus resources. They will help you tremendously in life.
Where you can find me on social media: Instagram: @ms.morristown
