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Resources

Academics

QUESTIONS ABOUT AES? CONTACT

Johulin Zuluaga C’11

Student Success Advisor

973-408-3925

[email protected]

Academic Excellence Scholars Mission

In conjunction with Drew’s overall mission to encourage knowledge, experience and service within our diverse community of learners, AES serves to support first-year, Pell-Eligible and/or First-Generation students in their transition from high school to university life. Through our summer bridge program, we seek to provide first-year scholars with skills and confidence needed for overall college success.

AES HOMEPAGE

Meet the Faculty/Staff

Learn more about each member of the professional team behind the Academic Excellence Scholars, including both faculty and staff.

THE DREW TEAM

First-Year Toolkit

Review important resources such as academic policies and semester checklists.

REVIEW THE RESOURCES
Additional Navigation

Learn about each member of the Academic Excellence Scholars student mentor team below!

Isabella Da Silva, AES’24

“Hi! My name is Isabella, but most people call me Izzi! I’m planning on majoring in Spanish and Math and minoring in Teaching. Other than AES, I’m also a Tour Guide for Admissions and am the Gig Coordinator/Secretary for one of our acapella groups on campus (On A Different Note!). I’m super excited to be a peer mentor and can’t wait to meet you all!!”

Tad Szymczak, AES’22

“I’m a psychology and history major. I graduate in 2026. I like to read, hike, and hang out with friends. I earned my Eagle Scout Rank at the young age of 15. Since boy scouting I enjoy guiding people to new experiences and situations.”

Ann Marie De Jesus, AES ’24

“Hey everyone! My name is Ann, and I’m a rising sophomore intending to major in Political Science and Philosophy, with a minor in Spanish. I love Drew’s small community, and how welcoming it is to others. I’m looking forward to meeting you all!”

Christdia Mensah AES’23

“Hello! My name is Christdia Mensah. I am a rising sophomore with intended Public Health and Data Science majors. I am the Co-President of the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship as well as the President of the BIPOC Peer Mentoring Club and an Action Scholar among other things. I am passionate about community service, and I love almost any and every avenue of art!”

Camila Blandon AES’23

“Hello everyone! Welcome to the Academic Excellence Scholars Program :)! My name is Camila and I am very excited to be your mentor. I am a first-generation college student and my intended major is Psychology. I am a commuter, but I did live on campus the first semester so I have lived both lives as a college student in one year lol! Anyways this is me and can’t wait to meet you all :D”

Alex Graziano AES’23

“I am a dedicated and enthusiastic undergraduate committed to fostering academic excellence and inclusivity among first-year students. With a passion for mentorship and community building, I am eager to contribute to the Academic Excellence Scholars Program by supporting and inspiring my peers through their transition into university life.”

Vioula Girgis AES’23

“My name is Vioula Girgis! I plan on becoming a political science major. Some fun facts about me are that I love reading as well as traveling! I love Drew because of its constant ambition for inclusion and diversity.”

Jennifer Arroyo AES’23

“Hi, my name is Jennifer but you can also call me Jenny! I plan on majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish. I am part of Action Scholars and the AES Program. I also work for DNL and as a student administrator for the CAE. Some fun facts about me are I love listening to music and building Legos also, I will be part of the marketing team for the Ariel Club! My favorite thing about Drew is how welcoming and kind the community is on campus.”

Past Mentors

Alexa Santillan AES’22

“I am planning to major in chemistry with a minor in Spanish. I am part of the EOF, Action Scholars, AES program and I am also a student worker at the Dean’s Office! As a commuter, I am finding different ways to involve myself on campus & what I like most about Drew is its welcoming community. A fun fact about me is that I like Legos!”

Jax Dal Bon AES’22

“Hi I’m Jax! I am an AES alum and pre-med biology major. Some fun facts about me are that I love reading and digital art, and I will be working at the Library Tech Center this Fall. My favorite thing about Drew is how tight our communities are. I am so excited to meet everyone!”

Julia Satola AES’22

“Hi, my name is Julia (they/them) and I am a History and Philosophy major. I am primarily interested in Eastern European/Russian history, and I work in the University Archives. My favorite thing about Drew is how crazy its history is. Fun fact: I am fluent in Polish.”

Alpha Sesay AES’22

“My name is Alpha Sesay and I’m double majoring in Business and Public Health. I’m part of the Action Scholars Program and an EOF student. Moreover, I’m a student athlete on the Drew Track and Field team, but also play club soccer. In addition to being a student athlete, I’m a student worker at the Media Resource Center (MRC). My favorite part about Drew is its diverse culture. A fun fact about me is that I hold club leadership positions as the Social Media Coordinator for Active Minds and the Events Coordinator for DASA.”

Ramisha Tuba AES’22

“My name is Ramisha Tuba but you can also call me Remi! I’m doing a special major in Behavioral Science with a minor in Spanish. I’m part of the Action Scholars and Baldwin Honors Program. Aside from my academics, I’m a student worker at the Drew Health Center. My favorite part about Drew is the beautiful campus and the mission to uphold diversity and inclusion. A fun fact about me is that I’m a club leader serving as the Secretary (and hopefully future president) of Drew’s South Asian Student Association.”

Austine Lee AES’22

“Hello! I’m Austine Lee, a current sophomore. I’m intending on majoring in Psychology, with a possible minor in Theatre. I’m currently a part of the a cappella group, 36 Madison Avenue. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!”