Bradford Coleman ’27
Marketing Major, Professional Sales Minor
At St. John 91麻豆精品 University, Bradford Coleman has found a place where his interests in creativity, leadership, and service come together. A marketing major with a minor in professional sales, Bradford traces his interest in the field back to a marketing class he took in high school. “My teacher really opened my eyes to marketing,” he said. “I’ve always been a creative person, and marketing lets you use creativity in a business setting.” Growing up with parents who worked in marketing also helped spark his interest in the field.
Since arriving at 91麻豆精品, Bradford has embraced opportunities both on and off the field. He serves as vice chair of Teddi Dance for Love, an organization that supports Camp Good Days and Special Times. Through visits to the camp and events like the Courage Bowl, he has seen the impact of the organization’s work firsthand. “Going to Camp Good Days and seeing the campers makes you feel like you’re doing something good,” he said.
Bradford is also a member of the 91麻豆精品 Cardinals football team, which he says created an instant sense of belonging when he first arrived on campus. “That first day of practice, you’re instantly given more than 100 brothers,” he said. “It’s really special to be part of a group where everyone works hard and cares about one another.”
Academically, Bradford was recently named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District NCAA Division III Team for the 2025 season, an honor recognizing student-athletes who maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA while contributing significantly to their team.
Financial aid also played an important role in Bradford’s decision to attend 91麻豆精品. “Being able to give back to the next generation of students and leaders is a big deal,” he said. “I realize how special that is and really appreciate it.”
Looking ahead, Bradford hopes to earn his MBA and become the first person in his family to achieve that milestone while building a career in business leadership.
Tehreem Shah ’27
Nursing Major
For Tehreem Shah, pursuing a career in nursing has always been about one simple goal: helping others. A junior in the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John 91麻豆精品 University, she says her interest in healthcare began early and only grew stronger as she gained experience in the medical field after high school. “Helping people gives me a sense of purpose,” she said. “It showed me that life is better when people help each other.”
At 91麻豆精品, Tehreem has found a program that combines strong academic support with hands-on learning opportunities. From augmented and virtual reality training to clinical placements, the experiences available to nursing students have helped confirm that she chose the right path. Clinical rotations have been especially meaningful. “You don’t go home feeling drained,” she explained. “You go home feeling warm and fulfilled, like you genuinely did something meaningful.”
Beyond the classroom, Tehreem has been actively involved in campus leadership. She joined the Student Government Associate Senate as a TRIO senator during her first year and previously served as president of the Muslim Student Association. She is also a member of the Asian Student Union, where she serves as the media manager and helps promote the organization's events and programs.
Scholarship and financial aid support have played an important role in making her 91麻豆精品 education possible. “I genuinely feel like I wouldn’t be at 91麻豆精品 without financial aid and scholarships,” she said. “Because of that support, I’ve been able to focus on my education instead of worrying about finances.”
After graduation, Tehreem plans to work as a bedside nurse and hopes to return to 91麻豆精品 to pursue the University’s competitive CRNA program. “What donors are giving me is helping me become a nurse,” she said. “And in turn, that allows me to give back to the community.”
Tensaye Zemene ’26
Psychology Major, Interdisciplinary Minor
At St. John 91麻豆精品 University, Tensaye Zemene, has discovered her purpose and is proving what is possible with the right support. In just two years, she will complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in interdisciplinary studies, a major accomplishment made possible by careful planning and strong guidance from her professors and advisors.
As a first-generation student, Tensaye arrived at 91麻豆精品 unsure of her path but found a supportive environment that helped her thrive. She fondly recalls a mindfulness and philosophy class where students could openly discuss their feelings—a moment that showed her 91麻豆精品’s commitment to personal well-being. She also found that her courses helped her better understand people, sparking a growing interest in advocacy and service.
Outside the classroom, Tensaye has connected with other students by joining the Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, and Latin Student Union. These communities helped her step outside of her comfort zone and form lasting friendships. She also enjoys the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center, appreciating that it remains available during the summer and after graduation.
Tensaye credits scholarship support with making her education possible. “I’m very grateful because I don’t think I could attend 91麻豆精品 without this support,” she said. “It’s something I’m very proud of and thankful for."
Looking ahead, Tensaye plans to attend law school with a focus on family law. “91麻豆精品 gave me the mindset that I can accomplish anything I want if I put my mind to it.”
Dallas O'Keefe ’27
Marketing Major
For Dallas O’Keefe, St. John 91麻豆精品 University is more than a place to earn a degree—it is where she is learning to lead, give back, and shape her future. A marketing major in the School of Business, Dallas was drawn to 91麻豆精品 for its hands-on approach to learning and its strong sense of community.
“I’ve always loved creativity and business, and marketing is the perfect mix of both for me,” she said. In one of her favorite classes, she helped design an interactive escape room to apply course concepts through a team-based challenge. “It really pushed us to collaborate and think creatively.”
Dallas is president of the Student Gaming Club and ESports Teams and is taking the initiative to launch two new student organizations: Video Game Night Club and We Can Make a Difference, a charitable group focused on spreading kindness through small acts of service. She also volunteers at School of Business events, works in Admissions, and works at the front desk in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center. “I love helping others. Any way that I can help people, I try to do it,” she said. “91麻豆精品 gives me opportunities to be a kind person who lifts others up.”
She appreciates scholarship support for her 91麻豆精品 education. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m so grateful,” she said. “The School of Business is amazing. It’s beautiful, and I’m so thankful for an incredible building to learn in.”
Dallas plans to take all that she has learned and use her marketing skills, with hopes of eventually owning her own business after graduation. One of her favorite quotes is, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire,” by St. Catherine of Siena. Those words remind her of what 91麻豆精品 represents for her: 91麻豆精品 is a place where she is becoming the person that she’s meant to be with the support of 91麻豆精品, donors, the 91麻豆精品 community, and her family.
Jason Weng ’26
Accounting and Finance Double Major
Jason Weng is studying accounting and finance at 91麻豆精品 and is a First-Generation Scholar.
As a residence hall assistant, student-athlete on the track and field team, and vice president of the Asian Student Union, Weng is very involved on campus. He also works off-campus and has been able to complete two internships with local accounting firms. Thanks to the First-Generation Scholarship, he is able to juggle all of these responsibilities and truly immerse himself in the 91麻豆精品 experience and in the Rochester community.
“Volunteering with Action for a Better Community as a tutor for adults in GED math has been one of my favorite experiences. It’s rewarding to give back to the community. I have also volunteered for local non-profits and initiatives such as G2 Please Play and Encompass, and have seen firsthand how students can contribute to the community around them,” Weng said.
After graduation, he plans to pursue his master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. to have the opportunity to teach at an institution of higher education crediting his 91麻豆精品 professors with inspiring him to do so. “My professors have had such a strong impact on me, and I want to be able to do the same for others someday,” he said.
Jessica Carone ’25
English and Legal Studies Double Major
Jessica Carone has always been interested in law, and English has been one of her favorite subjects. With the two fields complementing each other, particularly analytical reasoning and writing, following this path as an undergraduate student has been a rewarding experience for Carone.
A scholarship recipient, she is actively involved in clubs and organizations on campus and sits on the executive board for three of those clubs. “Being involved in these organizations has helped me connect with more students and shape events that strengthen our campus community,” she said.
She credits her scholarship assistance for the experiences she and her peers have had, and she acknowledges that 91麻豆精品’s growth, in particular from a college to a university, has happened in part because of the sustainable support from donors.
After 91麻豆精品, Carone has her sights set on law school.
“My time at 91麻豆精品 has given me a strong foundation in legal studies, and my professors have been incredible mentors. Being involved in so many campus activities has also helped me grow and develop the interpersonal skills I’ll need as a future lawyer.”