Alumni Bios
Admitted. Attended. Achieved.
Connect. Meet some of our dynamic alum members of the College Alumni Association. They left their impact on The Forest and applied their learning experiences to successfully launch their futures.
Michelle Gonnella C’17
Alumni Bios, Italian Studies, Political Science
Global Events Team, Verizon, Basking Ridge, NJ. While at Drew, Michelle was a Civic Scholar, the president of the Student Philanthropy Ambassadors, a member of the Gamma Kappa Alpha Honor Society, liaison for the Drew Coccia Foundation, president of the Drew College Republicans, and the recipient of the Thomas D. Sayles Jr. Student Award. Michelle also participated in the New York Semester at the United Nations and the study abroad program in Orvieto, Italy. Since graduating from Drew, Michelle has received a professional certification in event management from George Washington University.
Victor Garcia C’07
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. CAA Vice Chair, Communications Committee. Dr. Victor Garcia’s research focuses on the role of the lipid 20-HETE and its role across a variety of diseases including hypertension, vascular remodeling, kidney disease, ischemic stroke, heart failure, and obesity. He is credited with the discovery of identifying the 20-HETE receptor, a key molecular target. After graduating from Drew, Victor went on to complete his master’s at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, his PhD at New York Medical College, and postdoctoral training at Yale University. Victor currently provides research opportunities for high school and college students interested in science, particularly students of underrepresented backgrounds.
Sabrina Fruci C’15
Alumni Bios, Italian Studies, Economics
Associate, J.P. Morgan, New York, NY. CAA Co-Chair, Careers Committee, Business & Finance Affinity Group Representative, Young Alumni Association. While at Drew, Sabrina participated in the New York Semester on Wall Street program, an international seminar to Brussels and London, and was a founding member of the Drew Investment Club (The Fund). Outside of work, Sabrina sits on the board of the Juventus Official Fan Club of the Empire State, is a committee co-chair with the New York Junior League, and was a founding member of the Drew Business & Finance Affinity Group.
Ngina Deshields C’99
Asset Services Director, Cushman & Wakefield, East Rutherford, NJ. Ngina has worked in the banking and real estate industry for more than 20 years providing oversight for a diverse portfolio of industrial, office, and retail properties throughout the New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut regions. Ngina credits Drew for developing her independent and critical thinking skills, as well as allowing her to explore various leadership opportunities. After Drew, Ngina went on to attend Rutgers Business School where she earned an MBA with concentrations in Real Estate and Supply Chain Management.
Deb Coen C’97
Teacher, Technology and Education, West Orange School District, West Orange, NJ. CAA Vice Chair, Alumni Programming Committee. While at Drew, Deb was active with the University Program Board and student activities, and worked for both Academic Technology and Food Services throughout her four years. She received the Gold D award her senior year for her contributions to Drew. Deb continues her connection to Drew through working as a part of the Volunteer Admissions Network, speaking at Alumni Weekend, and attending events that bring students and alums together.
Madeleine Blossom C’18
Guest Service Associate, TodayTix Major: Theatre Arts with a concentration in Acting and Stage...
Andrew Binger C’13
Alumni Bios, Theatre Arts, English, Spanish
Artistic Director, Yendor Theatre Company, Newark, NJ Major: English Minors: Theatre Arts and...
Nate Barrett C’13
Political Science, Alumni Bios
Graduating with Civic Honors, Nate was a Jill Spurr Titus Scholar of Music, a prestigious music scholarship that accepts only four or five students annually. Much of Nate’s musical knowledge and experience comes from his training as a classical trombonist, studying with David Marowitz, arranger for the Buddy Rich Big Band, Paul Bryan of The Curtis Institute of Music, and Carl Della Peruti of Solid Brass.
Jonathan Amira C’10
Jonathan, who received a JD from Rutgers Law School, concentrates his practice on appellate advocacy and research within criminal law at every stage of litigation. Jonathan is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA), where he is the Young Lawyers Division District Representative for Gloucester County. An accomplished writer and performer, Jonathan has published articles for the NJSBA monthly newsletter Dictum, and appeared on stage at the Levoy Theater of Millville and NJPAC in New Jersey Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts’ production of Irving Berlin’s Face the Music. Jonathan took advantage of the many travel abroad opportunities while at Drew, including the Barcelona Summer Program, a Drew International Seminar in Argentina, and the Honduras Project.
More Stories About Alums
Drew University Alum Receives Prize for Poetry
Dara Laine Murray C’09 earned the 2026 John & Eileen Allman Prize for Poetry
Drew Family Ties: The Smith Family—Again!
“To me, being a legacy student means holding a pre-existing place in this community while also making my own path”
Drew Theological School to Present at 2025 AAR & SBL Annual Meetings
Scholars, students, and alums showcase their research and thought leadership in Boston
Drew Theological School PhD Alum Christy Cobb T’16 Publishes New Book
Co-editor of Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts
Drew Theological School Hosts 2025 Tipple Celebration & Lectures Day
Coming together to extinguish global fires
Drew University DLitt Alum Evelyn Mamman G’18 Lands Superintendent Position
Leading the East Brunswick School District in New Jersey
Drew Theological School PhD Alum Rory D. McEntee T’22 Publishes Second Book
Exploring the divide between sacred and secular perspectives in society
Jeffrey Jon Richards G’85 Publishes New Book
The PhD alum adds to his scholarly collection
Mario Demetriou G’24 Launches Career in Portfolio Management
“Drew’s Master of Science in Finance program promised (and delivered) tight faculty access, applied projects, and a community that actually knows your name”
















