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
Living Between the Lines: On Involved Knowing in the Health & Medical Humanities Spring Colloquium
Showcasing student and alum research and projects
How Language and Healing Brought Laura Mccullough-Thoms G’26 to Drew University’s Medical & Health Humanities Program
The veteran writer and educator earned her Doctor of Medical & Health Humanities
How Duke Health Executive Ian Lee Brown G’25,’26 Put His Medical & Health Humanities Degree Into Practice
“This program was both academically rigorous and deeply human”
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Love Stories from Drew University
Seven love stories from The Forest
Drew University Celebrates the Retirement of the Rev. Dr. Tanya Linn Bennett
A powerful service to honor her lifelong contributions to the community and beyond
Drew University Art Department Opens Two Exhibits
The Landscape by Rick Mullin and A Prayer in Three Acts by Richard Choi are on display now
Drew Theological School PhD Alum Lauren D. Sawyer T’22 Publishes First Book
Debut book examines complicity in purity culture
Drew University Alum Makes Her Way Into the New York City Art World
Rachel Cohen is an artist, educator, and curator based in Brooklyn
Drew Theological School Alum Ryan M. Roberts T’11 Publishes Debut Book
“I’m thankful to be a Drew graduate and carry that formation with me into my writing and ministry”
















