College of Arts & Sciences
Gianna Donahue ‘25 - Biological Sciences
A passion for animals charts alumni’s professional course
A lifelong animal lover, veterinary medicine seemed like a natural career path for Gianna Donahue. After earning her Associate’s degree at community college, she looked at ESU. She knew ESU had a strong biological sciences program, whose curriculum—as well as the professional opportunities she identified-- aligned with her goals. She’s now preparing to attend veterinary school. “I feel ESU prepared me for this next phase very well,” she said. “I was able to have a lot of different experiences.
I was an RA so I developed my conflict resolution and mediation skills. The professors were nice—they were accommodating but also pushed you if they thought it would get you to a certain point.” Donahue’s words of encouragement? “Definitely go outside of your comfort zone. You never know what opportunities are going to come to you.”
Aaron Zaso ‘24 - Mathematics
ESU’s rigorous mathematics program prepares alumni for actuarial science career
Aaron Zaso chose ESU for a few reasons—namely, affordability. “I felt ESU was the most cost-effective for what you get. Such a value of an education at a low cost,” he says. Originally an economics major, Zaso added the applied mathematics major with the goal of pursuing a career in actuarial science. He received several scholarships, which made pursuing higher education that much easier. The demanding mathematics program helped Zaso pass four actuarial exams—7 are needed for the first certification and 10 are required for full licensure. “I feel ESU prepared me a lot as far as the mathematical rigor I needed to pass the actuarial exams.
Regarding the material, I think the courses provided me with the foundational knowledge needed to excel in the exams,” he explains. Zaso is now an actuarial analyst with Lincoln Financial. “In general, our job is to perform risk management for insurance companies, and make sure the reserves you’re holding now will be able to pay out liabilities in the future based on probability,” he explains. ESU alum Anthony Walker recruited Zaso for an internship at Allianz Life, which helped him land his job at Lincoln Financial. “It’s really hard to get a full-time job in this field without an internship—that experience helped me a ton,” he said.
College of Business & Management
Angelina Balkarran ‘25 - Accounting
COBM graduate pursuing dream accounting job
Angelina Balkarran, a first-generation college student born in Guyana and raised in Canada before moving to the U.S., is chasing her dream of becoming a CPA and climbing the corporate ladder at Ernst & Young (EY). Inspired by a high school business class, she set her sights on working at a “Big Four” accounting firm early on. “That's been my dream since high school,” she said. With guidance from her academic advisor, support from a Warrior alumna, and with the skills gained from her College of Business Management classes, she secured a two-part internship with EY, hoping it will lead to a full-time offer.
Her academic achievements, including earning a place in ESU’s Honors Program and receiving a scholarship, stem from her mother’s encouragement to focus on her studies. Grateful for the support of her family and friends, Angelina takes pride in manifesting her goals and paving the way as the first in her family to pursue this path. “I didn't want to let them down, and to see where I am and just fully have my entire family’s support, I'm so grateful.”
College of Education
Abigail Zall ‘25 - Mathematics and PSED
Teaching combines alumni’s passion for working with others and leaving an impact
Abby Zall always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and thanks to the education program at ESU, she is about to begin her career as a math teacher at East Stroudsburg South High School. It’s the same school where she completed her student teaching. “Now that I’ve gone through student teaching and graduated, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I definitely think ESU prepared me for the field,” she says. “I love how in your first year, for any education major, you get right into the field, so you might volunteer at an event for students with special needs, or you help with an after-school homework club.
A lot of schools don’t put you into the field until your junior year.” Zall received the Shi-Yang Mathematics Endowed Scholarship, which helped ease the financial burden of attending college. “My advice would be—if you have a passion for teaching, go for it. Don’t allow other people’s experiences and opinions get in your way. At the end of the day, it comes down to the kids and leaving an impact, building up our communities, and working with our youth.”
College of Health Sciences
Victor Cepeda ‘25 - Exercise Science
Exercise Science graduate prepared to make an impact
Victor Cepeda, a graduate of East Stroudsburg University’s College of Health Sciences, is continuing his education with a master’s degree in exercise science while stepping into a new role as a lead sport performance coach at a local training facility. There, he will train athletes ranging from age 10 to the collegiate level, focusing not only on their physical performance but also on their personal growth. Passionate about coaching, Victor values the opportunity to shape athletes both on and off the field, helping them develop as players and as people.
“I love being a coach because it gives me that opportunity to help people, whether it's for physical development or just personal development,” he said. At ESU, he found his niche through diverse coursework, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, and opportunities that built his confidence as a leader. “All those things are great resources that the university has for students here that you just need to take advantage of.” Victor credits the university with preparing him for success beyond the classroom by fostering his growth as a coach, mentor, and individual ready to make an impact in his field.
