Celebrating Our Students
“Celebrating Our Students” is an initiative sponsored by the Division of Student Services to recognize students who are ambassadors of the Seton Hall mission, who are engaged in campus activities, and who contribute to the quality of student life through community service, clubs and organizations, academic achievement, Athletics, DOVE and other university groups. After the banners hang in the University Center for several months, they are moved to the college to which the student belongs and are hung in a prime location for continued viewing.
Nominations are requested from Deans and Associate Deans of all colleges and are reviewed by a selection committee chaired by the Vice President of Student Services.
Karmen Yap (Celebrated Fall 2019)
Senior, Finance
Stillman School of Business
Karmen is an International student form Malaysia. She is an active member of GEN 1 club which fosters community among first generation students. She is the founder of the SHU Financial Planning Association and the chair of Media Productions for the Student Activities Board. Karmen devotes much of her time to the Servant Leadership Program and DOVE. She is committed to helping other international students adjust to the culture and community at Seton Hall. She is an avid reader and a creative writer.
1. What are you doing now?
I am heading to Shanghai, China for a Chinese Literature program at Fudan University upon receiving the Chinese Government Scholarship. My plan after graduating from Seton Hall includes furthering my education and pursuing a path to becoming professor one day.
2. What is a favorite memory so far of your time at Seton Hall?
Seeing faculty members who are dear to me hosting on stage, my friends performing dances and songs, and counting down for lighting up the Christmas tree with everyone, these scenes remain fresh in mind and there is no doubt that my favorite memory of Seton Hall is the Christmas Tree Ceremony. It is one of the biggest events that Seton Hall community celebrates together and one that makes me feel at home away from home.
3. Who has been a role model for you at Seton Hall?
Professors who care for the success of students, mentors who listen and understand the needs of students, and friends who care deeply for each other and the community. My role model at Seton Hall is anyone who models the spirit of Mother Seton and Dorothy Day, serving the community by taking actions that are impacting lives positively.
4. What is your favorite book?
“How to Just Do What You Want to Do” a book I wrote when turning 20 and one that I hope to inspire readers to achieve their dreams by overcoming limiting beliefs of self.
5. What are your career goals?
Becoming a professor, a coach, a mentor to impact lives and to guide students to becoming Servant Leader in any field they are a part of.
6. What is your favorite movie?
Frozen series by Disney.
7. If you could be on a cover of a magazine or website - what would it be?
TED Talk
8. You love Seton Hall because…
I love Seton Hall because it is where I grew passion for Servant Leadership and where I was inspired to serve the Seton Hall community to the best of my ability to appreciate what Seton Hall has given me, a warm feeling of home away from home, wisdom, and wonderful memories that I share with professors, mentors, friends, and everyone which will be a part of me wherever I go in my next journey of life.
9. Best advice you can give a younger student…
Love yourself unconditionally and you matter.
10. Your favorite color is…
Financial Planning Association which I founded with my friends after realizing that there is a gap between students and financial literacy at Seton Hall. It is dearest to my heart because of the time and effort that are put into creating it, and it taught me when seeing a problem, do not wait for others to solve it, but be the leader to serving the community.
1. What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to go back home to Philadelphia to work as a Branch Analyst for Morgan Stanley in Center City Philadelphia. I want to get involved with some community service in my area and spend time with my family.
2. What is a favorite memory of your time at Seton Hall?
My favorite memory was either sitting on the Green, listening to students playing music, or going to the basketball games at Prudential.
3. Who has been a role model for you at Seton Hall?
My mentor and friend in the Leadership Program, Andrew Aguilera, has been such an amazing role model for me. He pushes me to be a better student, leader, and friend, all at one time. I owe a lot of my success to him, and I strive to be as successful as he is.
4. What is your favorite book?
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Album
5. What are your career goals?
My ultimate goal is to be a Financial Advisor. That way, I get to help people with their money and help them achieve their goals by creating unique plans for each of my clients.
6. What is your favorite movie?
The Breakfast Club
7. If you could be on a cover of a magazine or website - what would it be?
I would love to be on the cover of Forbes magazine for excelling in business, but also being known for using my status to help others.
8. You love Seton Hall because…
It is my second family. I was given so many opportunities that I would not have had at another school, all while getting close with my peers and faculty. I could always ask for help, and I know how strong our alumni network is. I loved the atmosphere of Seton Hall, and I loved the challenges Seton Hall gave me. They made me into the person I am today.
9. Best advice you can give a younger student…
The best advice I could give a younger student is to try as many things on campus as you possibly can. Never be afraid to try something new, because you never know where it is going to lead you. Be open to other people and other opinions, because they will only make you a better person yourself.
10. The club/organization that is nearest and dearest to your heart is…because…
The club that is nearest and dearest to my heart is Habitat for Humanity. I spent all four years and every Spring Break going on Habitat for Humanity trips and helping others in need. The friends I have met in the club and during building, will forever be a part of my life. They are some of the greatest people I have ever met.
Patrick Barron (Celebrated Fall 2017)
History and Economics
School of Arts and Sciences
Patrick Barron was a first-generation college student who pursued a double major in History and Economics. Not only was he an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) scholar, but also currently mentors other EOP students through the Build Up! Program. When asked what it meant to be part of the initiative, Patrick said, "Having my banner up in the University Center has been one of the high lights of my time at Seton Hall University." He continued, "By representing first-generation students, an important but often overlooked group in colleges, I hope it inspires others to know that although we have unique challenges, we can overcome them and excel too."
Franklin Beeg (Celebrated Fall 2016)
Senior Economics
Stillman School of Business
As a transfer student from Hudson County Community College, Franklin quickly embraced the mission of his new home, Seton Hall University. He serves as an at-large senator in the Student Government Association and leads the Transfer Task Force. Franklin is committed to serving the University community, especially his fellow transfer students as they transition to Seton Hall.
1. What are you doing now?
I am still currently a second-year senior. I work as a Substitute Teacher and as a Behavioral Assistant. I get to work with lots of awesome students, and I try to get them to see their full potential on the academic level. I plan on going for my Master’s Degree next fall.
2. What is a favorite memory so far of your time at Seton Hall?
My favorite memory from Seton Hall, so far, would have to be attending my first Pirates’ basketball game as a student of this wonderful university. I been a huge Pirates fan ever since I was 10 years-old, and my father would get me out of church to come watch The Hall on Sunday mornings.
3. Who has been a role model for you at Seton Hall?
There have been many individuals who have helped mold me to the individual I have become today. The first would have to be Dean Hezal Patel. Dean Patel has given me the biggest soapbox to stand on. While being active on the social media sites for Freshman and Transfer students, I have been able to answer many questions that students have had about their first semester/year at SHU. Next would have to be Dean Cunningham. She put my face and story on a banner, and I have been very grateful for all the acknowledgement that comes with such a high honor. Lastly, but just as important, would be Marc Gordon, Allison Sotolongo, and the entire University Center Staff. They gave me my first chance at SHU to show my full potential as being one of the pieces that makes the UCenter the best place to work on campus. I would also like to thank Dean Van Norman and Assistant Dean Winston Roberts for giving me the biggest boost of confidence and influenced me to be the true person I have become. Thank you all!
4. What is your favorite book?
My favorite book would probably have to be The Art of War by Sun Tzu.
5. What are your career goals?
I want to influence as many individuals as I can before it is all said and done. I have had many struggles and journeys that I had to take and conquer to get me to this point of my life. If I could tell my story and be an inspiration to as many as possible I feel that I would have completed my career goals. My success will not be judged by my bank account but rather by the people I help and individuals I see grow.
6. What is your favorite movie?
I love all movies. I even do a bad movie Sunday. This day I watch nothing but movies that everyone says are horrible. I seem to find some entertainment in watching the whole film. But as far as my favorite movie, Ghostbusters, the original, of course!
7. If you could be on a cover of a magazine or website - what would it be?
I would absolutely love to be on the cover of Time magazine. I feel to grace their cover you have to have been a very influential person. I would like to believe that I would be on the cover for being influential. Or for winning the Presidency!
8. You love Seton Hall because…
I love Seton Hall because I am living a dream I had when I was such a young child. It might have taken me a few extra years to get here, but I am here, and I am making it count!
9. Best advice you can give a younger student…
Work with your advisor continuously. Do not only talk to them when you need to register for the next semester. For the transfer students, always be checking your transcript and that all your courses from previous schools’ transfer in. Also, take this from a guy who had to go back to college ten years after graduating high school. That advice is: get your education now… I assure you, that you will need a degree in life. Might as well get it out of the way now and have the rest of your life to have fun. Have fun!! Life is too short. Learn to enjoy it, and it will be so much better.
10. Your favorite color is…
Blue. Like my eyes and school pride!!! GO PIRATES!!!
Sean Kip (Celebrated Spring 2015)
Junior, Business Management
Stillman School of Business
Sean Kip has found success both in the classroom and on the cross-country course, maintaining a strong GPA while participating in a Division I BIG EAST sport. As tireless off campus as he is at Seton Hall, Sean has spent countless hours over the past few years volunteering with the Marist Brothers in Esopus, New York.
1. What are you doing now?
Pursuing my degree in marketing. Looking for a summer internship within the field of marketing .
2. What is a favorite memory so far of your time at Seton Hall?
Being able to live off-campus with a great group of guys I have for teammates. Has been an amazing experience for us.
3. Who has been a role model for you at Seton Hall?
Ryan Westman (Academic Adviser for Student Athletes). Has always been someone I felt comfortable speaking to since the day I got to Seton Hall. I see numerous awesome traits in Ryan every time I go and speak with him.
4. What is your favorite book?
To Kill a Mockingbird
5. What are your career goals?
Social Media Marketer for a professional sports team
6. What is your favorite movie?
Rocky 4
7. If you could be on a cover of a magazine or website - what would it be?
ESPN The Magazine
8. You love Seton Hall because…
It has introduced me to people who I would consider great friends of mine
9. Best advice you can give a younger student…
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I've always felt I have learned the most when I am not very comfortable
10. Your favorite color is…
Orange.
Yvonne Pruitt (Celebrated Fall 2015)
Sophomore, Theatre Studies
College of Communication and The Arts
An enthusiastic and talented student, Yvonne Pruitt inspires first-year students as a peer adviser and provides leadership to her fellow theatre majors through the University's student-led Theatre Council. Having performed on stage at SOPAC and in Seton Hall's Theatre-in-the-Round as a freshman, Yvonne spent the summer in England and Ireland as part of the college's Theatre-in-London course.
1. What are you doing now?
I'm currently rehearsing for Seton Hall University's production of The Women of Lockerbie. I was also recently hired as a voiceover artist for Riverside Digital Productions. I work as a Peer Adviser in Freshman Studies, am involved with the Theatre Council, and Potential New Member of Alpha Phi Omega. Outside of work and extracurricular activities, I am taking six classes, three of which are geared toward my major.
2. What is a favorite memory so far of your time at Seton Hall?
I think I have two that stand out the most. The first would have to be rehearsals for Radium Girls in the fall of my freshman year. We had so much fun doing that show and I met and met some of my closest friends here at Seton Hall. The second memory would have to be PA Training. I didn't know that I was missing something in my life until I became a PA. During training and the Pirate Adventures, I felt like I found my place at Seton Hall aside from theatre. I just remember being truly happy and the feeling of fulfillment and purpose. It was amazing.
3. Who has been a role model for you at Seton Hall?
I do not have a specific role model here at Seton Hall. I see qualities in many of the people I interact with on a daily basis and I try to emulate those qualities and skills. It takes a village and I try to learn from mine..
4. What is your favorite book?
A book that I've always remembered and learned something from was The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It taught me that everything happens for a reason. Every choice you make has a bigger outcome that you can even imagine.
5. What are your career goals?
My career goal is to be an actress. Before I started applying to college, I wanted to study Psychology. I found human behavior and the mind fascinating and I thought I would love to explore that. I knew I loved acting but I did not think that I could make a profession out of it, so I planned to minor in it. But my then director and now close friend told me that if I wanted to act, I had to be fully committed. It was all or nothing and I had to decide if I loved it enough to risk it. The feeling I get when I act is indescribable. So I took the risk.
6. What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Dirty Dancing. "Nobody puts Baby in a corner.."
7. If you could be on a cover of a magazine or website - what would it be?
Forbes
8. You love Seton Hall because…
It's home.
9. Best advice you can give a younger student…
Encourage yourself. You'll have enough people discouraging and shooting you down, do not be one of them. "I am the master of my fate, I am the master of my soul." Always remember that.
10. Your favorite color is…
Blue and Purple.
Francesca Laracca (Celebrated Fall 2014)
Speech Language Pathology
School of Health and Medical Sciences
As president of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholar, a student ambassador for the College of Education and Human Services, and chair of the Scholar Buddies tutoring program, Francesca Laracca embodies Seton Hall University's commitment to servant leadership. She hopes to inspire others to rise to their full potential and succeed.
1. What are you doing now?
I am in my first year of my Master's Degree here at Seton Hall. I'm studying Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Health and Medical Sciences. I'm also working as a graduate assistant with Project Acceleration in the College of Arts and Sciences.
2. What is a favorite memory so far of your time at Seton Hall?
I've has so many memories here, it's hard to pick just one! I would have to say my favorite was when I heard my name called at the academic award ceremony and received the highest honors of Summa Cum Laude upon graduating last May. The look on my family's faces were priceless. It proved that all my hard work and efforts were worth-while. I will always smile at that truly special memory.
3. Who has been a role model for you at Seton Hall?
A true role model for me since my freshman year has been Omayra Arocho (Assistant Dean of College of Education and Human Services). She has always encouraged me to do my best and take the path less traveled. Omayra inspires me to be and do better not just in school but in life. I look up to her as a professional and also a dear friend.
4. What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
5. What are your career goals?
As of right now, I hope to work in a school as a speech therapist to get my career started, but after a few years open my own private practice. I would like to have enough experience and wisdom before branching off on my own to practice speech-language therapy. Working with other professionals like occupational and physical therapists in my own practice would be ideal to really help clients with all of their therapy needs. The beauty of speech therapy is that there are so many directions and options for careers.
6. What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Forrest Gump. It's a classic.
7. If you could be on a cover of a magazine or website - what would it be?
I would choose to be on the cover of Elle Decoration since one my favorite things to do in my free time decorate homes. Interior design has always been a hobby of mine.
8. You love Seton Hall because…
It's given me the tools I'll need to accomplish my goals both in academic and personal endeavors.
9. Best advice you can give a younger student…
When faced with difficult decisions or hard time, always trust your gut, it's never wrong.
10. Your favorite color is…
Green.