Students, faculty and staff give thanks
November 27, 2024
"I'm incredibly thankful for the outstanding faculty and staff at Quinnipiac, who are dedicated to inspiring students and preparing them for a world of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Their commitment to academic excellence and their collaborative spirit make this community a remarkable one. Quinnipiac is also blessed with philanthropic alumni whose generous support fuels transformative experiences, empowering our faculty and students alike. Together, this network of educators and supporters makes Quinnipiac a uniquely impactful place to learn, grow and thrive."
— Adam Roth, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
"Every year I find my list of what I am thankful for increases, with things like my fiancée, family, friends and life at the top. Since my first workday in 2022, Quinnipiac has been added to that list due to the opportunities and growth I have experienced in my time here. Quinnipiac is such a special place for staff in that the warmth, friendliness and guidance that we often demonstrate to those enrolled and visiting exists every day for those of us who come to work. I am so thankful and blessed to call Quinnipiac home, and look forward to a great rest of the year!"
— Natalie Rivera, assistant director of fitness and well-being
"When I think about what makes Quinnipiac special, three things immediately come to mind. First, the beautiful campus I get to enjoy every day. Whether I’m walking around or teaching in a state-of-the-art classroom, I’m always surrounded by an inspiring environment. Second, I’m incredibly appreciative of the dedicated faculty and staff I have the pleasure of working with. And of course, the students are what truly make Quinnipiac exceptional. Being part of their journey, watching them flourish at school and later in their careers and communities, is what makes being part of the Bobcat family so meaningful."
— Taskin Kocak, dean of the School of Computing and Engineering and professor of computer science
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with an amazing group of young women every day in pursuit of a common goal. I’m grateful for the facilities and the resources that Quinnipiac provides to help our program thrive every day. The people here and their daily interest and compassion and expertise are what sets Quinnipiac apart!"
— Tricia Fabbri, head women's basketball coach
"I am thankful every day to lead Quinnipiac's School of Law, where I have the unique opportunity to invest in the next generation of change-makers during this particularly polarized time in our world. What I love about Quinnipiac is its unwavering commitment to innovation, student success and fostering a community-first culture. What makes Quinnipiac truly special is the remarkable combination of our gorgeous campuses, exceptional students, gifted faculty, committed staff and outstanding administrators — all of which contribute to the tremendous pride we share in our university."
— Brian Gallini, dean of the School of Law and professor of law
"I am thankful for my friends and family for their support and the ability to obtain a higher education. Getting my master's and bachelor's degree in four years has helped me get opportunities of a lifetime. I am thankful for already securing a job post-graduation and I can't wait to see what my future holds thanks to Quinnipiac."
— Justine Lewicki '24, MS '25
"I am thankful for the people that make my life what it is today — family, friends, colleagues, students and clients. I love Quinnipiac because of community — both the community it creates, shoutout to my ‘OT Family,' and the impact it has on local, national and international communities. Along these lines, Quinnipiac is special because one really does feel like a part of something bigger — something that cares about them and sees them as who they are. I have felt this since entering Quinnipiac as a student over 20 years ago and still feel it now as a faculty member."
— Nicole Fidanza, clinical associate professor of occupational therapy and program director of doctorate of occupational therapy
"I am so thankful for the special place that is Quinnipiac University! There is a small school feel here at Quinnipiac where everyone knows each other, but we are also part of such a vibrant university with so many different learning environments and opportunities. I honestly look forward to coming on campus each and every day and seeing students, colleagues, co-workers and friends."
— John Powers, assistant professor of interactive media and design, and director of the interactive media and communications graduate program
“What I am most thankful for is the community that I get to surround myself with here at Quinnipiac. I am inspired by those around me and love that each day I get to be in a team atmosphere within our department. I am also thankful for my women’s lacrosse team. They are an incredible group of people who work each day to bring out the best in each other and for that I am grateful. Their love for one another and this program is contagious and makes me thankful every day to have the chance to coach each and every one of them.”
— Jordan Christopher, head women's lacrosse coach
"I love Quinnipiac because as the 'University of the Future,' it prides itself on innovation, growth and lifelong learning. I am thankful for the faculty, staff and students at the School of Nursing because they demonstrate every day a commitment to academic and professional success, making us a leader in building the nursing workforce of tomorrow. I am blessed to work, teach with and learn alongside our colleagues and students on a daily basis, who push me to excel in my personal and professional lives."
— Larry Slater, dean of the School of Nursing and professor of nursing
"Quinnipiac truly is such a special place. One of my favorite things about Quinnipiac is the overwhelming sense of community that you feel when you step on to campus. Everyone is kind, helpful and caring, and I am so grateful to call this place home."
— Nina Klein, head women's field hockey coach
"I'm thankful for everything I have — my family, friends, abilities, health, body and the opportunity to attend college. I remember to be grateful for these things because many people don't have them. I love Quinnipiac because of the opportunities it provides and the people who attend this school. So many new ideas are surrounding me all the time, I love it!"
— Candace Dawson '27
"I am grateful to the faculty and staff at Quinnipiac who support our students. I am grateful for the services, resources and programs/outreach that we provide to our students who can gain resilience and perseverance to make it through difficult times being a student. Finally, I am grateful for my family and friends who support me in this role trying to impact the overall experience for our students to be successful in their journey of life."
— Tom Ellett, chief experience officer
"I am thankful for the incredibly hardworking staff that I get to work with here at Quinnipiac. The Bobcat community has always been home for me and many others. From the grounds crew to the faculty, there is always a familiar face around to lend a helping hand whenever you need it. Being surrounded by people that are selfless teachers and leaders and share a passion for growth and success is definitely something that makes Quinnipiac special."
— Carolyn Martin, head women's cross country and women's track and field coach
"I am thankful for the opportunity to work with faculty, staff and university administrative leadership that truly want to create a world-class educational environment for the students at Quinnipiac. The university and the School of Health Sciences has impressive people, places and programs that come together to be a catalyst for improving the health and lives of people in our community. This is particularly noted in the various community based programs that reach out beyond the university student population to enrich the lives and open opportunities for often underserved populations."
— Jeff McCubbin, interim dean of the School Health Sciences
"What I am thankful for is my family for being supportive for me. The Quinnipiac staff are something I am thankful for. They are amazing people, and they will go out of their way to help you and make real connections with you. Quinnipiac is special because their programs allow you to learn so much and like I said before the staff is amazing with how professional they are and how kind they are."
— Antonio Shippee Lopez '26, MS '27
"One of the many ways Quinnipiac is unique is if a student has an idea — for a club, a project, a service project or a new business idea — there is a faculty, staff member or alum who will help them bring it to life. I love that Quinnipiac's DNA is to be innovative and ambitious in programs and student experiences and this ensures our students are prepared for their lives as well as successful careers. I am grateful for the care and compassion among members of the Bobcat Family. It is inspiring to see Bobcats helping Bobcats."
— Holly Raider, dean of the School of Business and professor of management
"I am thankful for my family, without their support I could not do what I do. They are a key part of everything I have accomplished in my time at Quinnipiac. I am thankful for the school providing me the opportunity to work at a world-class institution, to coach the sport I love and to see my four kids grow up here, attend school here and now play sports here. I love the family atmosphere at Quinnipiac, the size and location of the school, the academic philosophy and the support staff. Staff members like Java John, Connie Mancini, Billy Mecca, John Copela and Frank Tonelli make Quinnipiac a great place to work. It is people like them who make Quinnipiac a special place to work."
— David Clarke, head women's soccer coach
"During my time here at Quinnipiac, I am extremely grateful for the people closest to me. The people I call my friends, family and colleagues are those I have met during my four years at Quinnipiac. I am very thankful for the opportunities Quinnipiac has provided me and the people it has allowed me to meet. I would not be the person I am today without these people in my life."
— Jacqueline Ydrovo '24, MS '25
"After 16 years at Quinnipiac, I am thankful for the supportive community which has fostered my personal and professional growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with students and contribute to their growth. My Quinnipiac experience has enriched my life in both meaningful and lasting ways."
— Don DiStefano, administrative captain
"I am thankful for the incredible students I have the opportunity to work with, especially the campus recreation student employees. The passion they have for providing a positive fitness experience for the Quinnipiac community keeps me going. Quinnipiac is a special community, where staff/faculty/students work together for a bigger purpose, I feel lucky to contribute to that through my role in campus recreation."
— Kaylee Laing, associate director of recreation
"As dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, I am deeply grateful for our incredible community of faculty, staff and students— and the countless ways they advance our school’s mission every day. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the generous supporters who have contributed to need-based scholarships for our students. Since the launch of our '1 Million Reasons' campaign last year, we have raised over $2 million and are poised to raise even more thanks to a generous challenge grant."
— Phil Boiselle, dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine and William and Barbara Weldon dean's chair in medicine
"I'm eternally grateful to Quinnipiac for providing me an extraordinary education, unforgettable memories, lifelong friends, inspiring mentors and a supportive community. Quinnipiac has empowered me, challenged me, fueled my passions and energized me to make a meaningful difference. I'm incredibly proud to be a Bobcat and I look forward to continuing to call this place home."
— Madison Fahlborg '24, MS '25
"This Thanksgiving, I'm giving thanks for the chance to work with such awesome students! Quinnipiac's smaller classes mean we get to team up on research and professional projects that not only boost students' learning but actually push the boundaries of scientific knowledge or help real-world organizations succeed — how cool is that?"
— Alexander Laskin, professor of public relations
In this Article
- Adam David Roth
- Alexander V. Laskin
- Brian R. Gallini
- Carolyn C. Martin
- David M. Clarke
- Don DiStefano
- Holly Jane Raider
- Jeff A. McCubbin
- John J. Powers
- Jordan Paige Christopher
- Kaylee R. Laing
- Larry Z. Slater
- Natalie M. Rivera
- Nicole A. Fidanza
- Nina A Klein
- Patricia L. Sacca-Fabbri
- Phil M Boiselle, MD
- Taskin Kocak
- Tom Edmund Ellett
Complete the FAFSA early to earn a $500 grant
A $500 FAFSA Incentive Grant will be applied to the financial aid offer of admitted first-year students who complete the FAFSA by January 15, 2025.
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