Baldrige Scholars
Celebrating the Baldrige Scholars
Each year, beginning in early March, the Dean of the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business begins the search for the students who will be named Baldrige Scholars. Since 2019, over 140 Post students, who come from throughout Connecticut and the United States, Puerto Rico as well as internationally from Germany, Italy, London, and China comprise the select and elite group of Scholars.
The students selected represent the top five percent of the graduating class in the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business. Clearly, becoming a Baldrige Scholar is a privilege. Moreover, it is an emotional experience for those selected. Just read the comments from the students who have been selected Baldrige Scholars.
Kierra Adams, New Jersey
What does this award mean to you?
This award means the world to me. It is a testament to all the hard work I put in for the last four years to get here; from staying up until 3 AM doing homework, double and triple checking my work before submitting, and doing additional research and reading, it has all resulted in this prestigious accomplishment. This award means that even through difficulties and uncertainties, I can do anything I set my mind to.
Annunciata De-Souza, London, England.
What does this award mean to you?
This award helped me to prove to myself that once I apply all my efforts and find a true passion in what I am studying; there is no limit to what I can accomplish. By beginning my marketing career working for the Centre for Career & Professional Development social media team, to progressing to the social media team for Campus Life, this has shown me that getting involved on campus and putting your heart into everything you undertake can open many doors of opportunity in the world of business.
Shaliza Lyken-Bogart, born in George Town, Guyana. Currently reside in Waterbury, CT
What does this award mean to you?
This award means much to me, as I am grateful for my school upbringing — Bendals Primary School, Princess Margaret Secondary School, Antigua State College in Antigua and Barbuda, and Post University – along with the help and support of the numerous professors, staff, and advisors that brought me thus far. Being amongst my best pack helped mold this wolf Mrs. Shaliza Lyken-Bogart to be the best I can be, with my mom Jacqueline Gilpin’s continued prayers and thoughts.
Phillip Cossmann, Hamburg Germany
What does this award mean to you?
Being recognized as a Baldrige Scholar is an exceptional honor on multiple levels. As a member of this exclusive group of exceptional students, I take great pride in representing the pinnacle of academic excellence at Post University. I am profoundly grateful to Post for acknowledging the sheer determination and unwavering commitment that all Baldrige Scholars exhibit in order to achieve our academic aspirations. This achievement serves as a powerful reminder of the outstanding support that I received from both the Post community and my family, who patiently stood by me through countless long nights and days spent in front of my computer screen. It is an immense privilege to be associated, even in a small way, with the legacy of Malcolm Baldrige himself.
Ginni Estevez, born in the Dominican Republic. Currently reside in Ledyard, CT.
What does this award me to you?
I am extremely proud and honored to be named a Baldrige Scholar. I graduated High School in 2017 and joined the Connecticut Army National Guard because; I did not want to go to college. It blows my mind that six years later I am graduating with my MS degree and soon start my D.B.A.
I am the second youngest out of 14 siblings. I am the third in my family to have a bachelor, the first to have a master’s, and I will be the first to have a Doctorate. I dedicate this award to my family, which is the reason why I push myself so hard. To my mom and dad that had nothing and gave me everything. To my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins, whether you’re the oldest or youngest, like Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Devin Shorey, Bristol, CT
What does this award me to you?
As someone who was told since middle school that they won’t achieve much of anything, this award means everything to me. There were times when I was younger, I would succumb to the idea that I would achieve nothing and I stopped trying. In high school, I was in the bottom 15 of a graduation class of over 160. After entering the real world, joining the military, and meeting some amazing friends, I realized that I had potential yet to be tapped. I began putting effort into myself and that’s when I finally settled on a motto that has been stuck in my head since 2016: “one percent better than yesterday.”
Emily Tarko, Windsor Locks, CT
What does this award mean to you?
Being named a Baldrige Scholar is a great honor. I am very proud, as this award is a reflection of the hard work that I have put forth in my years studying at Post University. I am very grateful that Post has recognized my academic achievements, and this award will motivate me in the future to continue to aim for a high level of success.
Jennifer A. Mahadeo, born in Guyana, South America. Currently reside in Bridgeport, CT
What does this award me to you?
Being named a Baldrige Scholar is a great honor. I could never have imagined it would be bestowed on me. I strive to do my best to be an example to my children. I want to show them that with hard work and dedication, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to; the possibilities are limitless. It is a blessing to receive a Baldrige Scholar award. It’s boosted my confidence as I am recognized for my hard work and dedication to my academics.
Elisa Murphy, Naugatuck, CT
What does this award mean to you?
Honestly, I was shocked. Coming back to school after so many years was very intimidating. Throughout my MBA program, I met and worked with so many impressive, bright people, with so much business and life experience. To learn that I had earned a place in the top five percent was really validating. I am really proud to be a part of Post University as a student and an associate and especially proud to have finished my degree. However, this award makes it much sweeter.
Niko Julious Grollman, Laguna Niguel, California
What does this award mean to you?
This award shows how all my juggling and time spent has paid off.
Jonathan Martin, born and raised in Norwich, CT. Moved back to the state in 2021
What does this award me to you?
This award means a lot to me. It the culmination of two-years of studying, researching, writing and collaborating. This award provides the exclamation mark to my studies here at Post.
Anthony Gugliotti, Wolcott, CT
What does this award mean to you?
I feel quite honored to be receiving this award. I have worked very hard over the last 4 years, so it is exciting to know my hard work has paid off. I am proud of myself for putting in the time and effort to earn such an honor.
Alex Pena, born and raised in Carmel, New York. Currently reside in CT
What does this award mean to you?
This award means a lot to me. I am the first person in my family to graduate with an undergraduate degree let alone an advanced master’s degree. That was already a big enough of an accomplishment for me. Being able to graduate with this selective award proves to me that all my hard work in my academics, workplace, and community has paid off. This award gives me the confidence to never settle in life and to keep my focus on the road and goals ahead of me.
Alberto Solaeta, Castro-Urdiales, Spain
What does this award me to you?
Receiving this award means a great deal to me. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top five percent of graduates from the school, and it serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication that I have put into my academic pursuits. This achievement validates my efforts and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive this award and am excited to see what the future holds.
Jenna Abeyta, Aurora, Colorado
What does this award mean to you?
I am proud and honored to be a Baldrige Scholar. It is a culmination of all the hard work that I have put into my studies since day one of freshman year. I am thankful for the time spent in the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business and for the guidance from the entire faculty that I have able to connected with. This award means that we as Baldrige Scholars have strived to be the best version of ourselves throughout our college journey, and I am so proud of everyone in this group!
Cassidy Elvidge, Durham, Ontario, Canada
What does this award mean to you?
Receiving this award was a huge honor. I felt that my hard work throughout these four years was really paying off. I am excited to tell people about my accomplishment and I am excited to see where this award can take me in the future!
Isabel Cruz, Oxford, CT
What does this award me to you?
This award means more than most people would assume. It’s an honor to receive an award that signifies the hard work that went into my MBA program. This is also a reminder that if you put your mind to something you can achieve whatever you want, even with a busy schedule! I personally could not have done it without my amazing support system, my family, friends, and the amazing associates/faculty at Post. So thank you!
Nicholas Meier, Bethel, CT
What does this award mean to you?
This award means a lot to me as I have put in much work and effort to achieve the grades that I did. It took four years of late nights, doing papers and long days attending classes. I couldn’t have done it without all the great professors I have had over my four years here. My parents also helped my significantly by providing me with the resources I needed to succeed.
Angelina Fernandes DaSilva, Naugatuck, CT.
What does this award mean to you?
Being a 2023 Baldrige Scholar and earning this award shows that all of the hard work I have put into my education over the years has paid off. Not only was I able to graduate early, but knowing that I was able to do so and be at the top of my class is a great feeling. I am proud of all the academic accomplishments I have achieved, with this award being one of them.
Tanner Stephen Carone, Plymouth, CT
What does this award me to you?
The Baldrige Scholar Award represents the time and effort placed into my studies at Post that I will continue to utilize in my career. The Award represented my educational goals when I started at Post and how I can use my education in the future.
Lena Gehrke, Stuttgart, Germany
What does this award mean to you?
I am very honored to have received this award. I’ve worked very hard for this result over the past two years, so I’m all the more pleased that I was able to achieve my goals.
Brandon Cathcart, Watertown, CT
What does this award mean to you?
Over the past couple of years, I have had quite a few hurdles to get over, which ultimately drove my decision in obtaining my Masters of Science in Accounting. This award to me means more then recognition for hard work, rather it means I put myself first in accomplishing something that is meaningful. Life will always present challenges, but when you give the opportunities presented your best effort and never give up, life will return rewards.
Griffin Maguire, Watertown, CT
What does this award me to you?
Last year, I was a Baldrige scholar, and this was my number one goal this year when I decided to come back to Post for the MBA program. This award means a lot because all the hard work I put into my classes is recognized and I have proven to myself that I can maintain exceptional grades with a busy schedule.
Ranilo Bacani, Born in Philippines and moved to the US in 2003. Later, moved to Guam and decided to join the military.
What does this award mean to you?
I can add this accolade to my resume.
Other 2023 Baldridge Scholars
- Courtney A. Brobst, Townsend, DE
- Ephraim Wakszul, Waterbury, CT
- Christopher R. Gonda, , Slidell, LA
- Admire Dani, Middlebury, CT
- Michael T. Fischer, Armed Forces Europe
- Dominic J. Nesci, East Hampton, CT