Sahar Chohan: School of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2026. Matching Gift from Lorraine Hauck. Majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and a member of the Honors College, Sahar began college planning to attend dental school. However, she switched to the pre-med track, wishing to engage more holistically with patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Her service includes volunteer work at RWJ University Hospital and Rutgers Red Cross while serving as an Honors College First Year Peer Mentor. She serves as an onboarding chair for Rutgers Perfect Pair, establishing one-on-one connections between seniors in assisted living and college students. She volunteers for TEACH (Together Educating All Children in Hospitals), and she tutors math and Spanish to grade 4 students in her hometown.

Jason Choi: School of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2025. Matching Gift from Lorraine Hauck.  Jason Choi is majoring in Information Technology and Informatics with a minor in Digital Communication. Passionate about community service, he was involved in the Green Future Brigade Club in high school, organizing sustainability initiatives like recycling drives and Earth Day cleanups, showing how people can help forge a green future, while also trying to show what the future will bring if people don't. Now, as Volunteer Coordinator at Nourish & Share Community Kitchen in Morristown, he manages and trains volunteers to provide home-cooked meals to those in need, fostering a sense of community. Through these experiences, he has gained a deeper understanding of his capacity for empathy, patience, and kindness, realizing his ability to create real change. Jason believes even small actions can make a meaningful impact and inspire others to step up and improve the world around them.

Tatiana Feldman: School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College/Bunting Student, Class of 2025. Gift from the Women’s League of Rutgers University.A non-traditional-age student at Douglass Residential College, Tatiana is double majoring in Linguistics and Cognitive Science, minoring in Psychology, and earning a certificate in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Her academic journey is closely aligned with her volunteer work teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at her local library. Meeting students once a week in person, she also offers online support through Zoom  and other online platforms. Her experience teaching ESL sparked her interest in how the brain processes language, leading to her chosen fields of study. Though entirely volunteer-based, helping students gain confidence and improve their language skills has been deeply rewarding for her.

Bhavya Prakash Gupta: School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Class of 2025. Matching Gift from Michelle and Jesse Parelius. A biochemistry major and a member of the SEBS Honors Program, Bhavya was initially drawn to SEBS for its motto, “large university, small community," which she feels has proven true for her: from navigating class schedules to supporting her decision to pursue the BA/MD program. In return, Bhavya has actively contributed to the Rutgers and SEBS communities, inspired by advisors who worked on public outreach and health education, including the development of resources for incarcerated women. Bhavya serves as a research ambassador, helping undergraduate students find research opportunities—a process that can be challenging. She serves as treasurer and contributing writer for RU Green Print, an environmental magazine, and as a science and health reporter for The Daily Targum. Now, as she applies to medical school, she hopes to specialize in pediatric endocrinology, and has plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health to collaborate with local and federal institutions on diabetes prevention and management initiatives for children and adults.

 

Melissa Kudlak: Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Class of 2025. Gift from Jules Murray Meisler to Roy A. and Harriet Bowers Memorial Scholarship. Committed to supporting her peers, she has worked with the Office of Disability Services as a note-taker for seven courses while managing study materials. Through the Office of Diversity and Academic Success in the Sciences, she has organized tutoring sessions, provided weekly study materials and advice, and guided underrepresented students in mastering complex science concepts so they can continue to progress in upper-level classes. As Philanthropy Chair of Lambda Kappa Sigma, she raised over $800 for Project HOPE. Balancing service with academics, she works at a community pharmacy while maintaining her high GPA. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in Toxicology at Rutgers.

Margareta Lu: School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College, Class of 2026. Gift from the Women’s League of Rutgers University. Margareta Lu, a junior majoring in Political Science, is dedicated to environmental and social organizing, aligning with her goal of pursuing environmental or civil rights law. After her first year, she directed a canvass office for the Fund for the Public Interest, hiring and training canvassers to support New Jersey legislation on plastic producer responsibility and clean energy. As part of Douglass College’s Global Village program, she helped lead an ecofeminism project, educating the community on sustainability and feminist issues. Since her first year, she has served as Chapter and then State Board Chair of NJPIRG Students, overseeing campaigns on pollinator protection, hunger and homelessness, textbook affordability, and voter engagement. Under her leadership, the organization has gathered petitions, advocated for policy changes, donated over 1,000 items to local pantries, and registered students to vote. Once unsure of her ability to make an impact, Margareta now strives to inspire and help other youth to create change in their communities.

MaryKate McCunney: School of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2025. Matching Gift from Marilyn Gonyo. A senior majoring in Communication with minors in Digital Communication, Information, and Media (DCIM) and Sport Management, MaryKate is a member of the Rutgers women’s rowing team. She serves as President of Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication National Honor Society, and is deeply committed to volunteer work. In the summer, she teaches swim lessons to children of military families and participates in Swim Across America to fundraise for cancer research. During the school year, she helps students with learning disabilities through Learn2LoveLove2Learn, and during her two years as a student-athlete, she has volunteered with Elijah’s Promise to combat hunger in New Brunswick.
 

Aly Mustafa: School of Engineering, Class of 2027. Matching Gift from Janet Potenza in memory of Joseph Potenza. An Honors College student at the School of Engineering, Aly is majoring in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science, with plans to graduate in May 2027. Having entered Rutgers with 27 AP credits, he will have completed an impressive 91 credits by the end of the fall 2024 semester. Passionate about robotics since high school, he has volunteered at numerous robotics competitions across New Jersey. In his short time at Rutgers, he has been active in the New Brunswick community through school support initiatives and community cleanups. This year he volunteered as a First Year Transition leader, offering support, guidance, and information to help incoming engineering students adjust to college life.

Julianne Nguyen: School of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2026. Matching Gift from David and Tomeeka Adams. A Journalism and Media Studies major, Julianne has written for The Daily Targum, served as a Resident Assistant, and worked as a Marketing and Communications intern for the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. In addition, she cites a commitment to community service, and she has been actively involved in various community initiatives, most notably volunteering at the 5 Loaves Food Pantry in New Brunswick. Together, these experiences have strengthened her skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork while deepening her understanding of community challenges—an awareness she will carry into her future career.

Preya Patel: Rutgers Business School, Class of 2026. Matching gift from Sarah O’Rourke. A Finance and Marketing major at Rutgers Business School, Preya will graduate in May 2026. As Finance Captain for the Rutgers Dance Marathon, she helped organize fundraising and budgeting efforts, contributing to the event’s $400,000 total for children battling cancer and blood disorders. She is also an active member of Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc., supporting its mission to promote cancer awareness. Through initiatives like C.A.R.E. Week, she helps organize bone marrow drives, candlelight vigils, and fundraising events. These activities work to educate others, raise funds, and contribute to research and support for those affected by cancer. 

Elise Schicker: School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Class of 2025. Matching Gift from Rena and Richard Falk. A Biotechnology major in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Elise is also a dedicated leader. She serves as president of Helyar House, a cooperative dormitory supporting students in financial need, where she manages operations, policies, budgeting, and community-building. She also holds executive roles in The Association of Undergraduate Geneticists and co-founded the Designer  Genes/Biotechnology Club. Committed to the local community, Elise volunteers weekly at Unity Square food pantry and organizes community projects for Helyar House, from local cleanups to holiday gift drives. These experiences have deepened her empathy and commitment to fostering inclusivity at Rutgers and beyond.