2025 Fee Award Recipient - ShaQuill (ShaQ) Thomas ’15 M.S. ’21
ShaQuill (ShaQ) Thomas ’15 M.S. ’21
Harold R. Fee 1920 Alumni Achievement Award
As a high school student, ShaQuill (ShaQ) Thomas ’15 M.S. ’21 was impressed by Stevens’ strong academic programs and exceptional return on investment. It only took one visit to campus for the university to rise to the top of his list. “The energy, the community and the opportunities it presented just clicked with me,” he says. “I applied early decision, and the rest is history. I’ve never regretted that choice.”
Thomas threw himself into campus life, joining organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Black Student Union, the Gear and Triangle Leadership Honors Society, Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Stevens Technical Enrichment Program (STEP). “These experiences shaped who I am today,” he says. “They helped me grow as a leader and connect with a diverse range of peers and professionals. Whether it was collaborating with club members, attending and enjoying great food at events or leading initiatives, being active in student life gave me some of my most meaningful moments and many of those connections and lessons still carry through in my life today.”
Career development was also an early priority for Thomas. While still a student, he participated in a co-op program and held positions including IT systems engineer for McKinsey & Company, a technical analyst for AvePoint, and as a global information security analyst for Citi. After graduation he joined Verizon as a systems engineer, moving on to iCIMS two years later as a senior security analyst and rising to the role of principal security engineer. In his current position as senior manager of Global Security Operations at Appfire, a leading provider of software solutions that enhance collaboration and productivity across platforms like Atlassian’s Jira and Confluence, Thomas is leading efforts to build a modern, remote-friendly, 24/7 security operations center and standing up a new Threat and Vulnerability Management team.
“These projects are helping us proactively identify, detect and respond to threats targeting our cloud infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the next generation of security operations,” he explains. “It is exciting to be on the front lines of protecting data and strengthening our security posture across the organization.”
“My Stevens education has been foundational to my success,” Thomas points out, noting that he has returned to the university to earn graduate certificates in wireless communications and secure network systems design. “The rigorous coursework and hands-on learning environment at Stevens have sharpened my critical thinking and sparked a forward-thinking, innovative mindset. After earning my bachelor’s in computer engineering, I went straight into the master’s program in systems engineering because I saw how systems thinking could expand my impact across complex projects and industries. That combination of technical depth and strategic problem solving has shaped my ability to lead in diverse areas of technology and security. Stevens taught me how to adapt, push boundaries and approach challenges with a productive mindset.”
“Opportunities are boundless with a Stevens education,” he continues. “You don’t have to limit yourself by thinking your major defines your future. Your degree is just the foundation. A combination of academics, engagement, and service will set you apart. Most importantly, Stevens taught me to follow my passions, but also to take the time to understand which aspects of those passions bring me the most joy and fulfillment. The relationships you build and the challenges you face at Stevens, and in life, will shape your path. Staying grounded in your values will help you pivot, grow and lead with purpose, wherever your journey takes you.”
Thomas has remained deeply engaged with Stevens since graduation. “I started as a member of the STEP Alumni Club and now serve as its co-chair,” he says. “I helped plan our 50th reunion celebration in 2018. My involvement expanded as I became a director-at-large for the Stevens Alumni Association. I now serve as chair of the Engagement Committee, helping to lead alumni programming in collaboration with the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement. I also serve as president of the Class of 2015, staying connected with my classmates and helping to organize our 10-year reunion. As vice president of the NSBE Professionals North Jersey Chapter, I work with fellow Stevens alumni to create opportunities for future engineers from underrepresented backgrounds.”
The Fee Award means a great deal to Thomas. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve been driven by a commitment to service,” he says. “Giving back, whether through mentorship, volunteering, or creating opportunities for others, has been central to both my professional and personal journey. I believe deeply in using the opportunities I’ve been given to open doors for the next generation, especially students who come from backgrounds similar to mine. As I celebrate my 10-year anniversary since graduating from Stevens, this award feels like a powerful recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into the Stevens community. It’s not a finish line, though – it’s a reminder of the impact I have made, and a motivator to keep going.”
“Alumni involvement makes a tremendous difference in the Stevens community,” Thomas continues. “When alumni stay engaged, they open doors for current students through mentorship, networking, career guidance, and simply serving as examples of what’s possible after graduation. As undergrads navigate their next steps, having access to alumni who’ve walked the same path is invaluable. We are living proof of what a Stevens education can produce, and our continued connection helps ensure that future students have the same, if not greater, opportunities. The more we give back, the more we strengthen the community and create a lasting cycle of support, growth and impact.”