Alumni Details

Vitiello, Jill

Jill Vitiello

Major: English

Minor: Women's Studies

Year of Graduation: 1978

Current Location (city): East Brunswick

Current Occupation: Business owner

Company Name: Vitiello Communications Group

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillvitiello/

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: From the time I was eight years old, I knew I wanted to be a writer. From the time I was 14 years old, I knew I wanted to be an English major at Rutgers. Studying English literature at Rutgers allowed me to immerse myself in a world of the greatest thinkers and writers in history and in modern times. It gave me the opportunity to learn how to write and think and observe. I took the certificate in Women's Studies because I wanted to apply what I learned about literature to advance women's place in the arts and business.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: After graduating from Rutgers, I landed a job in the Public Affairs department at a global insurance company on Wall Street. I learned about the field of corporate communications on that job. From there, I continued working in the field and became involved in industry organizations, going on to receive a Master of Arts in Journalism from New York University. Eventually, I became the speechwriter to the CEO of Equitable Insurance. When I started my family, I decided to go out on my own as a freelance business writer. From there, I started a business and grew it into a communications agency. Vitiello Communications Group celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2020.

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: Get involved in the Rutgers community. Use the skills you have now to pursue your passion. Learn about the world of business. Volunteer your talent to benefit others. Immerse yourself in the community of like-minded people to learn from them. Take a genuine interest in others; and be interesting yourself.

Do you have any exciting news to share?: I am proud to serve on SAS Executive Dean Peter March's Advisory Council.

Cangialosi, Joseph

Joseph Cangialosi

Major: ITI

Minor: Labor Studies

Year of Graduation: 2011

Current Location (city): New Brunswick

Current Occupation: Sr. Customer Solutions Manager

Company Name: Amazon

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephcangialosi/

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: I love being in IT, that's why I chose ITI from SCI at Rutgers, New Brunswick. I liked the fact that I was able to get hands on the technology versus just learning about theory. It's a great major to prepare you for the real world of technology.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: I kept in touch with my SCI professors and programs. I think it has helped me grow my knowledge and share with others. The work I did specifically in the research areas of the program has prepared me for role in IT that focus on new technology and the business impact.

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: Grow your network!!!! Meet people and take as many internships as possible, the more experience you have before you graduate the more marketable you are.

Do you have any exciting news to share?: I have been at Amazon AWS for the past 8+ months and have learned so many things. I recently became developer certified by AWS and look at achieving the AWS SysOps cert by end of May.

Wright, Timothy

Timothy Wright

Major: Criminal Justice

Minor: Sociology

Year of Graduation: 2013

Current Location (city): Tinton Falls

Current Occupation: Entrepreneur

Company Name: The Wright Cut, Dome Audio Inc

LinkedIn account: http://linkedin.com/in/timothy-wright-28972b10a

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: I chose Criminal Justice as my major because I have a long line of family who served in the military and law enforcement, so I was exposed to the justice system most of my life. I chose Sociology as my minor because I was always a visionary and wanted to understand the core fundamentals of society and what shapes it’s behavior. As an Entrepreneur, this background is priceless.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: Since graduating Rutgers, I was able to go on and have a successful 6 year career in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl in 2015 with the New England Patriots. The Rutgers Football program, led by Coach Schiano, gave me the foundation and grit to reach the top in professional sports. While in the NFL, I came back to campus (Livingston) and achieved a dream I set out for by opening my barbershop/hair salon The Wright Cut in 2016. All the sacrifices I made while pursuing my passion of cutting hair since the age of 13, paid off. I was inspired by one, Intro to Business Class in 2010, that made me realize there was a way to channel the visionary inside me, and that was Entrepreneurship. Presently, I’m working on an Audio venture with a partner, called Dome Audio Inc. Our premiere product is a Headphone that allows users to be Open & Connected. Dome is the multi-patent pending holder of the World's First Bluetooth Surround Sound Bone Conduction Headphone, which has uniquely captured Audio, Fashion, and Branding in one unmistakable design. As a visionary, study in Sociology, and enthusiast for business models that can impact the world, this is a product that is very much on that path.

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: I would recommend current Arts and Sciences students to discover what their passionate about, and pursue that passion to no end. When you can wake up daily and do what you love, the likelihood for success is in your favor. The ability to persist will be embedded in your journey.

Do you have any exciting news to share?: Dome Audio will be bringing an innovation to campus like no other with its Dome Headphones. Our headphone features an interchangeable component that attaches to the headphone. My team is in the process of securing the Rutgers “Block R” logo, that will feature the Rutgers Brand, and will allow the community of Rutgers to wear and headphone that bears the Rutgers brand on it. Check out the latest of my journey through this article, link attached. http://www.njdiscover.com/2020/02/12/nj-discover-exclusive-conversations-with-tim-wright-rutgers-football-nfl-tampa-bay-detroit-kansas-city-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-ring-business-the-wright-cut-and-now-changing-the/

Stratton (née King), Meghan

Meghan Stratton (née King)

Major: Double Major: History and Women & Gender Studies

Minor: -

Year of Graduation: 2014

Current Location (city): North Brunswick

Current Occupation: Teacher of Social Studies

Company Name: East Windsor Regional School District

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megking15/

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: My love and inspiration for history education goes back to when I was six years old. “I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, who was a dedicated educator. As I grew older, I came to realize that the passion I held for history throughout my academic career was what I wanted to share with others. When I first started teaching I learned that this was more than a passion, it was a calling. There is nothing more important that I would rather dedicate my life to. Knowing that my students are excited and just as passionate as I am to learn is my reason for coming to work every day.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: I was named the 2019 New Jersey History Teacher of the Year. This award is presented annually by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K‐12 American history education. Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. In 2015, I received my Master’s degree concentrating in Social Studies Education in addition to serving as an Urban Teaching Fellow at the GSE. I am also the Summer Program Coordinator at the Rutgers Office of Leadership and Experiential Learning in the summer, and advisor for the drama program at my middle school.

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: My time at the GSE instilled a lot of valuable lessons that I use every day in my teaching in addition to giving me an appreciation for the importance of history education specifically. Through practical experience and strong pedagogy, the GSE reaffirmed my belief that everyone deserves an education, and the best way you can show love to your students is by providing them the best education you are capable of delivering.

Armonaitis, Keith

Keith Armonaitis

Major: Theater Arts

Minor: N/A

Year of Graduation: 1996

Current Location (city): Rockaway

Current Occupation: IT Innovation Lab Lead, Screenwriter, Filmmaker

Company Name: Port Authority of NY / NJ

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharmonaitis/

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: I wanted to be an Actor! I was going to be the next DeNiro/Hoffman/Pacino and I was going to be celebrated on stage and screen. I auditioned and was accepted into Mason Gross for their BFA acting program which I attended for the first year. By the end of that year I was miserable and had an ulcer, so I left the program. I went into Economics for another year until I came to my senses and went back to Acting this time as a BA. I left school in my Junior year to work for my first start up and wound up finishing my degree part time over the next few years.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: To look at my journey, one would think that I was a drunk stumbling through the world. Truth be told, I tried very hard to please so many other people, my parents, friends, significant others- that it wasn't until I learned to follow my passions the I was able to get onto a track that has become my life. I have been an actor, stand up comic, computer programmer, screenwriter, filmmaker and IT Executive. I have had several start up companies, three of which I founded, several others I did not. I have managed to not get rich in all of that time, but I have done well enough that I would consider myself a success. I found that the creative side of me was missing for a very long time, and so I started writing screenplays about twenty years ago, and I now have three films that have been produced.

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: That the only people who should be asked "What are you going to do with the rest of your life?" should be people who are retiring. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to find "your calling" right now. Find a passion that speaks to you and seek out opportunities to follow it. Also- be forgiving. Of others, but especially yourself. Almost every overnight success is someone who kept going for years before they were discovered.

Do you have any exciting news to share?: Currently the head of the IT Innovation Lab at the Port Authority of NY / NJ. If you ever wanted to see where the Arts and Sciences collide it would be there. I'm helping make the world better for millions of people a year - even now by providing good information for traveling during the time of COVID-19. On the writing front- finishing the draft for a TV series to hopefully get it made. Stay tuned.

Schwartz, Calvin

Calvin Schwartz

Major: Pharmacy

Minor: Science

Year of Graduation: 1969

Current Location (city): Marlboro

Current Occupation: Journalist

Company Name: NJ Discover

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-schwartz-866a805/

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: My mother chose my profession of Pharmacy for me based on my relatives being Rutgers grads and pharmacists.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: Quite a journey., Graduated Rutgers Pharmacy in 1969. Practiced community Pharmacy for 12 years, An epiphany; it was time to change. Went into Eye wear business working for world's largest Eye wear company, Luxottica as a salesman and regional manager for 25 years. Another epiphany. It was time to write my first novel, 'VICHY WATER' which mentions Rutgers 92 times. Published 12 years ago. Then (and this is true) I said to myself "I'm a Rutgers grad, I can do anything" So I decided to become a journalist. Wrote for two central Jersey magazines THEN NJ Discover in October 2011. My journalism was specialized, concentrating on the people "who do the living and dying" here in New Jersey. I've covered homelessness, hunger, autism (Rutgers advances), environment, music, film, and Rutgers. Five years ago NJ Discover and myself developed a central jersey cable TV talk show, which I produce and co host. I spend 160 days a year on Rutgers campus for everything including athletics, Eagleton, lectures, networking, mentoring (communication and media.) My most prideful life's achievement was being asked to teach at Rutgers, which I did in Fall semester 2019, a course in Career Explorations in SAS. And here I am now finishing my 2nd novel (87% done), still tethered to Rutgers, and having connected with 9992 Rutgers alums, students, professors on LinkedIn (past 14 months.)

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: Absorb, explore, learn, network every day, brand yourself, get out of dorm room, never feel you are pigeon-holed in career choices. A student graduating today will have 17 jobs, 5 careers. Always engage, ask questions and grow. There is no limit to what you can do.

Do you have any exciting news to share?: Just that I'm here, helping setting up alumni-student Webex discussions relating to this very different world we're living in. Quoting a Rutgers grad, Keith A, "There is an opportunity in chaos IF you recognize it"

Bechta, Danielle

Danielle Bechta

Major: Political Science

Minor: History

Year of Graduation: 2011

Current Location (city): North Brunswick

Current Occupation: Advancement Officer

Company Name: The Michael J. Fox Foundation

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-bechta-2b468848/

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: When I first arrived on the banks I had no clue what I should select as my major or minor. My first year I decided to take as many classes as I could in different subjects, this way I could make a confident decision based on which ones I liked the most. I loved Political Science instantly. The professor's were amazing and I really enjoyed learning about political theory. When it came to choosing my minor, I originally thought that I would pick psychology. However, it turns out that wasn't in the cards. That's when I realized I loved attending my history classes. So after some trial and error, I was able to confidently pick history as a minor.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: After graduation I was lucky to land a part-time role within the SAS advising office of seniors. I worked with an amazing team of deans who were committed to ensure students were able to graduate by the end of the year. That position ended up becoming a full time role and I learned so much about data analysis. However I realized something was missing, I needed to interact more with people 1:1. This came from my experiences on campus as a leader in my sorority, Sigma Kappa, and Dance Marathon (DM). After a few years I moved to a role at Rutgers University Human Resources (UHR), where I helped develop a program for retired faculty and staff. I met so many amazing friends at UHR, but I wanted to follow a passion of working for a non-profit. Non-profit work was always important to me and this was also because of Sigma Kappa and DM. An opportunity presented itself at the Rutgers University Foundation (RUF) as an events assistant. It was incredible to work so closely with donors and create events that celebrated Rutgers. After a couple of years, I was promoted and had an opportunity to work alongside RUF leadership and Chancellor Dutta. But I wasn't done yet! The non-profit world was still knocking on my door, but I needed to move past RU. That is when another Rutgers Alumni posted on a Facebook group about an opportunity at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. I believe all of my experiences at RU helped me get to where I am today. I learned how to be resilient and use the skills I learned in class, and found that a liberal arts education was the best tool I had.

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: Trust your gut! You will know when something feels right. There is no one path, and you will always wind up where you need to be, even though it might take a while. Now is the time to try something new, you never know where those experiences may take you.

Do you have any exciting news to share?: I am proud to be the first SAS graduate to be President of the Rutgers Alumni Association! My term as RAA President started in July 2019 and will go through June 2021.

Khosla, Parul

Parul Khosla

Major: Sport Management

Minor: N/A

Year of Graduation: 2016

Current Location (city): New York

Current Occupation: People Acquisition Coordinator

Company Name: Madison Square Garden

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul-khosla-6899a866/

Why did you choose your major/minor, and what did you like most about it?: I transferred to Rutgers as a sophomore, not knowing that a Sport Management major even existed. Once I learned about it, I thought it was perfect for me. I have always been passionate about sports, as an athlete and fan. I loved the idea that I could use my passion for sports and my interest in business to create a career that I loved. The thing I liked the most about the major were the classmates. It was great to be a part of a community of sports-minded students.

Tell us about your journey since graduation and the ways that your experiences at Rutgers and SAS (major/minor, classes, professors, clubs, etc.) have contributed to your successes.: While at Rutgers, I did 6 internships in sports and served as Secretary of the Exercise Science and Sport Management Club. These roles gave me the work experience and leadership skills to succeed in the sports industry. After graduation, I was completing an internship at Major League Baseball in Community Relations. After the season ended, I got an assistant position in Football Operations at the NFL. I helped organize diversity and inclusion programming to get women into the NFL in coaching, scouting, officiating, and athletic training positions. From there, I developed an interest in switching to HR to pursue recruiting. I spent 6 months in a contract recruiting role for Disney and then got my current position as a People Acquisition Coordinator for Madison Square Garden.

What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?: Never turn down an opportunity. You never know where it could take you. As long as you are always pursuing your dreams, you will find success.

Do you have any exciting news to share?: I'm hiring students for our Student Associate Program! I recently transitioned within the company to help manage this program. We hire interns all throughout the year to work in all the different corporate functions of our company, including sports, live/productions, and venue operations. We're currently hiring for the Fall semester. I'd love to speak to current Rutgers students about this unique opportunity!

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Our alumni embody the Scarlet Forever ideal and advance it in ways that have changed the world. Read about the extraordinary individuals who represent the rich history, enduring values, and far-reaching aspirations of the Rutgers community.