People of HNU

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

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.

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

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

Last July, Holy Names University welcomed Dr. Kim Bowers as the new Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Bowers brings a wealth of experience along with great enthusiasm for academic collaboration to campus.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

2019 Oakland Teach of the Year, Precious James '12, believes that every child deserves a teacher that will go above and beyond for them—and she does.

Last Spring, Dr. Stanley opened her home to HNU nursing students working in high-risk healthcare settings who were worried about exposing their vulnerable family members to COVID-19.

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

Rosemary Everett, SNJM ‘65 has lived a life committed to empowering students, working for social justice, and promoting the SNJM Core Values. She was the recipient of Holy Names University’s 2020 Alumni Recognition Award.

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

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.

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

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

Last July, Holy Names University welcomed Dr. Kim Bowers as the new Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Bowers brings a wealth of experience along with great enthusiasm for academic collaboration to campus.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

2019 Oakland Teach of the Year, Precious James '12, believes that every child deserves a teacher that will go above and beyond for them—and she does.

Last Spring, Dr. Stanley opened her home to HNU nursing students working in high-risk healthcare settings who were worried about exposing their vulnerable family members to COVID-19.

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

Rosemary Everett, SNJM ‘65 has lived a life committed to empowering students, working for social justice, and promoting the SNJM Core Values. She was the recipient of Holy Names University’s 2020 Alumni Recognition Award.