The Places You’ll Go: Sending off the Business Leaders of Tomorrow
As Stevens Celebrates its 153rd Commencement Exercise, some of our graduates share what's next for them
Whether they were undergraduate or graduate, domestic or international, finance or MBA, our flock of Ducks came together to celebrate their achievements and receive their diplomas during Stevens’ 153rd Commencement on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. The School of Business was well represented during this year’s ceremonies, honoring the hard work, growth and perseverance of our graduates.
Robert T. Dahill of Manalapan, New Jersey, delivered the undergraduate address, encouraging his peers to carry on Stevens’ proud legacy of pioneering excellence. “My fellow graduates, as we step beyond Castle Point and waddle our way into a world that is constantly evolving, let us carry with us the spirit of innovation that defines Stevens.”
B. Aditya Reddy, a native of Maharashtra, India, was selected as the graduate student speaker and reminded his fellow graduates of the lasting impact of spontaneous friendships, impromptu conversations and unexpected events. “Those unplanned, unscripted moments, they weren’t just part of our experience, they were the heart of it. Here’s the truth. None of these moments were charted on a road map. Each felt messy and small at the same time, but together, they taught us something big. We realized that the best chapters of our lives were being written in the margins when we were too busy living the script every day. So now, as we step into the unknown, which is of course graduation, remember that no one has the full map, and that is okay.”
This new group of Ducks will join more than 60,000 fellow Stevens alumni around the world. The class of 2025 will be well represented by Nick Smith, who was inducted as the newest member of the Board of Trustees and named the Stevens Alumni Association Class of 2025 President.
Prior to the ceremony, Dean GJ de Vreede remarked on this milestone moment. “Remember that your success has not happened in isolation. You've solved problems in teams, learned from industry-connected faculty and built a network that will support you throughout your professional journey. These collaborative skills will continue to be invaluable as you advance in your careers.”
While these graduates prepare to take their next steps, he had this advice to offer them. “Solve problems in teams. The complex challenges of today’s world require diverse perspectives and collaborative approaches. Show don’t tell. Demonstrate what you can do, don’t just talk about it. The ball is always in your court. Take initiative and ownership of your career path.”
As these future business leaders prepare to take what they’ve learned from their courses, internships, extracurriculars and peers and spread their wings out in the world, we’re highlighting some of our outstanding graduates who reflected on their time at Stevens and what is next for them.
Meet our newest graduates
Roshan Bastian | Graduate, MBA
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’ll be deepening my knowledge in supply chain by working at Amazon as a manager in that field.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on real-world challenges and pursue my long-term goal of creating a meaningful, positive impact.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
Beyond the academic experience, I’ll deeply miss the inspiring classroom views of Manhattan and the vibrant community that made learning so memorable.
What advice would you offer to future students?
There will be tough moments but stay focused and keep pushing forward. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and perseverance always pays off in the end.
Javian Batista | Undergraduate, Business & Technology
What are your post-graduation plans?
Post-graduation, I will be working as an Investment Banking Analyst at Jefferies within their Financial Sponsors Group.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business was integral in preparing me for this next phase of life, as it allowed me to meet like-minded peers who continuously challenged me to grow. Moreover, being a part of organizations like the Student Managed Investment Fund and the Finance, Investment, Banking, and Advisory Society (FIBA) helped me develop technically and build meaningful relationships.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I will undoubtedly miss the supportive staff and the memories I made along the way with many of my peers.
What advice would you offer to future students?
Believe in yourself and practice gratitude — if you do that, the world is your oyster.
Pedram Behrooz | Undergraduate, Business & Technology
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I’ll be joining JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a full-time rotational analyst in their Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) Payments Division. Over two years, I’ll rotate across three different teams, each for eight months, gaining broad exposure to the CIB division, before being placed permanently with a team that best aligns with my skillset.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
My Business & Technology major, with concentrations in Finance and Computer Science, helped me build both the business acumen and technical skills needed to thrive in finance. Combined with my Quantitative Finance minor, it gave me a well-rounded background that helped me stand out in competitive recruiting.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I’ll deeply miss the Stevens Scholars of Finance community. As Co-Founder and President, it was incredibly rewarding to launch the chapter, mentor younger students, and see it grow to 50+ active members, earning it the 2024 Stevens New Organization of the Year.
What advice would you offer to future students?
My biggest advice to future students is to begin building your professional foundation early. Many top industries—like finance and consulting—start recruiting as early as sophomore year. Get involved on campus, seek out mentors, and take initiative—you’ll thank yourself later when opportunities align with your preparation.
Arianna Dărîngă | Undergraduate, Quantitative Finance
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be joining Societe Generale in New York City as a Hybrid Derivatives Trading Analyst.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business provided me with hands-on resources like the Stevens Student Managed Investment Fund (SSMIF) and clubs like FIBA that were instrumental in helping me prepare for a career in trading and investment banking.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I’ll miss the tight-knit community at Stevens and the mentorship I received from professors and COPA professionals who truly cared about my growth, both personally and professionally.
What advice would you offer to future students?
It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. I entered Stevens as a mechanical engineering major and switched to quantitative finance three semesters in because I always dreamt of being a trader. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to pivot.
William Dory | Undergraduate, Finance
What are your post-graduation plans?
This summer, I’ll be relocating to Chicago to join Fidelity Investments as a Direct Lending Associate within their Asset Management division. I’m excited to contribute to a growing team in a dynamic private credit landscape and to use my skills to help drive a better financial future for everyday investors.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business taught me to think critically, communicate effectively and approach decisions with both data and sound judgment. Courses like “Fixed Income Analysis” and the Stevens Student Managed Investment Fund gave me exposure to financial markets and industry-relevant projects that sharpened my skills and prepared me to add value from day one.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I’ll miss the strong sense of community — the professors, faculty and peers who made my time both inside and outside the classroom at Stevens memorable. Collaborating on projects in the Hanlon Lab, meaningful conversations with faculty and the friendships I’ve built through Greek life are what I’ll look back on most.
What advice would you offer to future students?
Take initiative early and explore the many opportunities Stevens has to offer, whether it’s a club, a project or a new community on campus. The relationships you build with peers, professors and mentors will pay dividends long after graduation both professionally and personally.
Luke Hoerle | Graduate, MBA
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’ll be working in NYC as a Sales Development Representative at a company called AlphaSense.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business taught me how to think critically and creatively. It gave me the tools to break down complex problems and the confidence to navigate uncertainty with a solution-oriented mindset.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I’ll miss the environment that encouraged creativity, big ideas and genuine curiosity. Stevens gave me the space to express myself, take risks and grow, all with the support of incredible mentors and peers every step of the way.
What advice would you offer to future students?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Show up, give your best effort and keep learning, especially when things don’t go your way. Stay light, laugh often and remember, it’s never that deep.
Isabelle MacRae | Accelerated Master’s Program, MBA
What are your post-graduation plans?
My post- graduation plan is to work at the National Futures Association as a Compliance Examiner in New York City.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business has provided me with many soft and hard skills that I will always cherish. The classes provided me real world examples that have allowed me to grow academically and professionally. Additionally, the resources at the School of Business continuously assured that my resume and other necessary skills were refined.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I will miss the community at Stevens and the School of Business. The people I met have been so valuable to me and my growth.
What advice would you offer to future students?
The biggest piece of advice I have for future students is to get involved and enjoy every moment of it because it flies by. Join the clubs that interest you and step out of your comfort zone!
B. Aditya Reddy | Graduate, Finance
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to start my career in finance, where I hope to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at Stevens to real-world challenges. I’m excited to contribute to innovative projects, continue learning and grow professionally as I build my path forward in the finance industry.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business has equipped me with a strong foundation in both theory and practical skills, from advanced financial modeling and data analysis to leadership and effective communication. The faculty and staff's mentorship, rigorous coursework and opportunities like academic projects have helped me develop confidence and adaptability, which I know will be crucial as I transition into my professional career.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I'll terribly miss the tight-knit community, from the students to the staff themselves, being able to walk in and have a productive conversation with people with 10 times the experience, or little to none like my peers. The community was very easy-going and truly believed in the power of lending a helping hand. Not being able to be a few steps away from these offices and classrooms will be missed.
What advice would you offer to future students?
To the future students, know that this is your moment, your time. A lot of you pack your bags and leave your homes with a lot of hope, so make it count. Do it scared, do it anxious, do it excited, but do it. Like I was always reminded, time flies, and so it did. Make the most of your time around the city, meet your fellow Ducks and staff but also be the business professional you truly want to be by exploring the city and its offerings. It will be a small journey; doesn't mean it has to feel like one. Hope this journey is as rewarding for all the future ducks as it was for me.
Mia Reinert | Undergraduate, Business & Technology
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be starting a full-time role at Protiviti as a Technology Consultant. I am also completing my master’s in information systems (from Stevens) part-time.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life? The School of Business has instilled in me a mindset of continuous growth and learning. I feel confident in my ability to innovate and approach challenges both strategically and creatively.
What will you miss most about Stevens and/or the School of Business?
I’ll miss the people the most. I truly love the School of Business and everyone who’s part of it, from professors and classmates to the COPA office and the Center for Student Success. Each has played a meaningful role in my personal and academic growth. I’m filled with gratitude and will miss them dearly.
What advice would you offer to future students?
Question what “supposed to” or "should" really means. Act with intention, not obligation, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Growth lives just outside your comfort zone.
Sofia Savchuk | Undergraduate, Quantitative Finance
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I will be starting a full-time role at American Express in their Finance Division. Before then, I'm excited to take some time off and enjoy the post-grad freedom while it lasts.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business gave me a strong foundation in both finance and technology, while also exposing me to people from a wide range of industries. That exposure helped me explore my interests, hone my capabilities and build meaningful connections.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I'll definitely miss the tight-knit community the most. The faculty, mentors and classmates truly shaped my experience. They challenged me, supported me and made my time at Stevens unforgettable.
What advice would you offer to future students?
Don't be afraid to take risks and put yourself in uncomfortable situations Most people don't remember how you got there, just where you ended up. Focus on building discipline and doing things that genuinely help you grow, not just to stay ahead.
Nick Smith | Undergraduate, Business & Technology
What are your post-graduation plans?
Immediately after graduation I’m lucky to have the opportunity to do some traveling, and the first stop is Peru! Then in about mid-July, I’ll be working for a talent and organization consultancy as an Associate Consultant.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business has prepared me for post-graduation life by instilling the value of self-advocacy. To make the most of the School of Business and Stevens, it’s really up to you. There’s not much hand holding at Stevens, and I think that it is an incredible life lesson to learn in college.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
Undoubtedly the proximity to my best friends. The closest friends I have in life, besides my family, are all people from Stevens.
What advice would you offer to future students?
Keep saying yes and be as curious as possible. Stevens is an amazing place if you continue to try new things and curiosity is arguably the most essential right now for successful relationships, career, and life. Be curious and keep saying yes!
Isabella Valentino | Undergraduate, Quantitative Finance
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I’ll be returning to Stevens Institute of Technology in the fall of 2025 to pursue my master’s degree in Machine Learning. I’m excited to continue my academic journey here and build on the strong foundation I’ve gained during my undergraduate years.
How has the School of Business prepared you for this next phase of your life?
The School of Business has given me a well-rounded perspective that blends technical knowledge with real-world application. From data-driven decision-making to collaborative team projects, the curriculum has strengthened my analytical thinking and taught me how to communicate complex ideas effectively — skills that are essential for graduate-level work and beyond.
What will you miss most about Stevens and the School of Business?
I will miss the supportive community, the dedicated professors and the sense of momentum that comes from being surrounded by driven and curious students. It’s a place that constantly pushes you to grow but also gives you the support to succeed.
But since I’ll be coming back in the fall, it’s not really goodbye, just see you soon.
What advice would you offer to future students?
Pay attention in class, ask questions and don’t be afraid to get involved. The more you engage with your professors and peers, the more you’ll learn. Stay organized, start your homework and projects ahead of time, and take advantage of every resource Stevens has to offer. It really makes a difference.