About

Adamaka Ajaelo, MBA ’10 has learned to solve many life challenges by approaching them like she would a math problem: persistently and step-by-step.

Making HNU Athletics history, Aiden McIntyre ’18 is the first player drafted by a Major League Baseball team.

Less than a month after graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Alan Bertolero ’15 spontaneously moved to the Dominican Republic to work as a volunteer.

Dr. Lopez-Levy, a faculty member at Holy Names, is a political scientist who specializes in international politics, comparative politics, and economic development.

Denise Aaron ’01 is passionate about women's health. She started a community organization to get Oakland women talking openly—and taking action—on health challenges that disproportionately trouble women of color.

Dianne Dobbs '96, MBA '98 is driven to make a strong impact through public service and advocacy.

Father Salvatore Ragusa, SDS, co-director of campus ministry and chaplain for the University, fosters a sense of community at HNU through storytelling, meal sharing, and service opportunities.

Jahan Bayramova is a star tennis player and passionate about coaching children.

Janine Jackson's, MA '17 personal and academic journey that made her all the more resilient and certain of her life’s purpose: to give back and help the Oakland community.

“Music makes a difference. It changes people. It gives us a voice and a community,” says Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20. As a student in the graduate music program at HNU, she's bringing her passion to Oakland schools.

Leila Abu-hijleh '08, MA '15 believes that helping Oakland youth rise up and reach their potential is her life’s calling.

A Hawk through and through, Leo Gonzalez ’13, MBA ’16 is known on campus for his genuine smile and contagious energy.

The odds of Letteria Fletcher '06, MA '08 graduating from college were not stacked in her favor. Today, Fletcher helps homeless youth transition out of the foster care system.

Lillian Le is a recipient of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) Scholarship and working on fulfilling a family dream.

Luis Guerra ’02, MBA ’04 doesn’t like to speak about his many accomplishments, except to thank those that made them possible.

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez ’13 was in the public spotlight after being deported to Mexico, leaving behind her three children, home, and successful career.

For the past 30 years, Dr. Martin Lampert has served the students of Holy Names as a committed professor and mentor.

Melody Hudson, MBA ‘12, founded The Equal Balance Movement to fight for equal pay for women.

Muryam Gourdet ‘14 is determined to change the face of science—and through her actions as a mentor and role model, researcher and academic, she is doing just that.

For Nobel Hadgu '18, 26, life began at the tail end of a civil war whose effects would disrupt his education and force his family to scatter across a continent by the time he was 10.

Ray Mangrobrang, a freshman in the pre-nursing program, is a third-generation Hawk.

Shaylah Ellis ‘19, an English major, lives by Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Sr. Mary’s mission—helping individuals recover from addiction—has led to a decades-long career working in recovery programs in Oakland and San Francisco. 

Steve Borg '86 is the chairperson of the board for Holy Names University. A true servant-leader, Steve has over 30 years of leadership experience in the financial service industry.

Tiana Davis Kara '06 empowers girls to pursue technology careers as executive director for #BUILTBYGIRLS.

Tofik Mohamed '20, a first-generation Muslim immigrant from Eritrea, wants to help other immigrants that are trying to make a better life.

When Will Newsome's promising basketball career was derailed by a serious heart condition, he became determined to start over and make a name for himself at HNU.

HNU alumna Adrienne Partridge, MEd ‘09, PhD is on a mission to accelerate the growth and advancement of female leaders and the companies in which they work. Dr. Partridge has partnered with over 150 professionals across various industries, from small businesses and start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

Raphael-Scott was the recipient of Holy Names University’s 2020 Alumni Service Award. This award is given to alumni who stand out for their service to HNU and dedication to living the University’s values.

A business management and marketing major and budding entrepreneur, Diamond Allen is breaking generational cycles.

Gustavo Garcia-Rojas, MA ‘20 is proud to be a DACA student. With his dual master’s degree in counseling and forensic psychology from HNU, he is dedicated to helping other Dreamers get the resources and counseling they need.

After transferring to HNU, James (Cogley) Viramontez ‘17 received his bachelor’s in sociology and is now working as a case manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland.

Mattea Carveiro '20 is an inspiring student leader and talented artist. While student leadership wasn't initially part of Mattea's plans, she quickly developed a passion for building community.

Adamaka Ajaelo, MBA ’10 has learned to solve many life challenges by approaching them like she would a math problem: persistently and step-by-step.

Making HNU Athletics history, Aiden McIntyre ’18 is the first player drafted by a Major League Baseball team.

Less than a month after graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Alan Bertolero ’15 spontaneously moved to the Dominican Republic to work as a volunteer.

Dr. Lopez-Levy, a faculty member at Holy Names, is a political scientist who specializes in international politics, comparative politics, and economic development.

Denise Aaron ’01 is passionate about women's health. She started a community organization to get Oakland women talking openly—and taking action—on health challenges that disproportionately trouble women of color.

Dianne Dobbs '96, MBA '98 is driven to make a strong impact through public service and advocacy.

Father Salvatore Ragusa, SDS, co-director of campus ministry and chaplain for the University, fosters a sense of community at HNU through storytelling, meal sharing, and service opportunities.

Jahan Bayramova is a star tennis player and passionate about coaching children.

Janine Jackson's, MA '17 personal and academic journey that made her all the more resilient and certain of her life’s purpose: to give back and help the Oakland community.

“Music makes a difference. It changes people. It gives us a voice and a community,” says Katerine Carmona Arbelaez, MM ’20. As a student in the graduate music program at HNU, she's bringing her passion to Oakland schools.

Leila Abu-hijleh '08, MA '15 believes that helping Oakland youth rise up and reach their potential is her life’s calling.

A Hawk through and through, Leo Gonzalez ’13, MBA ’16 is known on campus for his genuine smile and contagious energy.

The odds of Letteria Fletcher '06, MA '08 graduating from college were not stacked in her favor. Today, Fletcher helps homeless youth transition out of the foster care system.

Lillian Le is a recipient of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) Scholarship and working on fulfilling a family dream.

Luis Guerra ’02, MBA ’04 doesn’t like to speak about his many accomplishments, except to thank those that made them possible.

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez ’13 was in the public spotlight after being deported to Mexico, leaving behind her three children, home, and successful career.

For the past 30 years, Dr. Martin Lampert has served the students of Holy Names as a committed professor and mentor.

Melody Hudson, MBA ‘12, founded The Equal Balance Movement to fight for equal pay for women.

Muryam Gourdet ‘14 is determined to change the face of science—and through her actions as a mentor and role model, researcher and academic, she is doing just that.

For Nobel Hadgu '18, 26, life began at the tail end of a civil war whose effects would disrupt his education and force his family to scatter across a continent by the time he was 10.

Ray Mangrobrang, a freshman in the pre-nursing program, is a third-generation Hawk.

Shaylah Ellis ‘19, an English major, lives by Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Sr. Mary’s mission—helping individuals recover from addiction—has led to a decades-long career working in recovery programs in Oakland and San Francisco. 

Steve Borg '86 is the chairperson of the board for Holy Names University. A true servant-leader, Steve has over 30 years of leadership experience in the financial service industry.

Tiana Davis Kara '06 empowers girls to pursue technology careers as executive director for #BUILTBYGIRLS.

Tofik Mohamed '20, a first-generation Muslim immigrant from Eritrea, wants to help other immigrants that are trying to make a better life.

When Will Newsome's promising basketball career was derailed by a serious heart condition, he became determined to start over and make a name for himself at HNU.

HNU alumna Adrienne Partridge, MEd ‘09, PhD is on a mission to accelerate the growth and advancement of female leaders and the companies in which they work. Dr. Partridge has partnered with over 150 professionals across various industries, from small businesses and start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

Raphael-Scott was the recipient of Holy Names University’s 2020 Alumni Service Award. This award is given to alumni who stand out for their service to HNU and dedication to living the University’s values.

A business management and marketing major and budding entrepreneur, Diamond Allen is breaking generational cycles.

Gustavo Garcia-Rojas, MA ‘20 is proud to be a DACA student. With his dual master’s degree in counseling and forensic psychology from HNU, he is dedicated to helping other Dreamers get the resources and counseling they need.

After transferring to HNU, James (Cogley) Viramontez ‘17 received his bachelor’s in sociology and is now working as a case manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland.

Mattea Carveiro '20 is an inspiring student leader and talented artist. While student leadership wasn't initially part of Mattea's plans, she quickly developed a passion for building community.