Whether they're calling NBA games as the league’s youngest play-by-play announcer, conducting red carpet interviews in Hollywood, producing thought-provoking documentaries, designing award-winning floral arrangements, or advocating for fair housing on behalf of underrepresented communities, this year’s Suffolk University 10 Under 10 honorees are already leaving a powerful mark on their careers and communities—less than a decade after graduating. Last month, the Suffolk community came together to celebrate this exceptional group of alumni at the annual 10 Under 10 Recognition Night.

“Each of you has taken lessons learned here at Suffolk and applied them in your communities and your lives, in ways that truly matter. Whether through your leadership in your industries, service to your communities, or groundbreaking innovation, your accomplishments reinforce what makes Suffolk so special,” observed Provost Rick Oches in his opening remarks. “It's a place where education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about using that knowledge to create change, to lead, and to lift others along the way.”

Honoree Siobhan Araya credited Suffolk with equipping her with “vital, transferable skills”—especially writing—that are helpful and important for careers in a variety of industries. “I'm grateful for my education. I'm grateful for who I am because of this university.” And who she is, is a dedicated educator helping future generations of students develop critical skills for their own personal and professional journeys.

Other honorees expressed appreciation for the supportive Suffolk community. “I have a real sense of belonging, especially when I come back,” said Hunter Berube, who thanked Studio 73 manager Jerry Glendye, in particular, for his mentorship and guidance. “It's something special to be a Ramily.”

Sawyer Business School honoree Eneda Golemi also expressed gratitude for the support she received both as an undergraduate and a graduate student. “It was hard to find a college that felt like home while supporting me financially,” she said. At Suffolk, she found both. She also learned from caring professors who shared “exceptional knowledge and would go above and beyond for their students.” Not only did Eneda’s experience keep her at Suffolk to complete her master’s degree, it also inspired her younger sister to follow in her footsteps to earn her own undergraduate degree and an MBA.

A few honorees shared words of inspiration and encouragement as well as gratitude. After a moving acknowledgement of those who helped her along the way, Samantha Garcia urged the audience to remember the importance of their own communities. “When you leave here, do not look to only connect with those who have been honored, but also those who have been trailblazing alongside them, as we are no better than the community we actively seek to grow ourselves.” Fellow College of Arts & Sciences honoree Shampagne Robinson closed her remarks with a call to action, “I challenge all of you to go out in this world and lead with empathy and courage.”

Provost Oches—attending his first 10 Under 10 Recognition Night—eloquently captured the significance of the event and the impact of the honorees. The alumni “embody the spirit and values of Suffolk long after they leave,” he said, and the 10 under 10 honorees are “really shining examples of that.”

10 Under 10 is an annual recognition event hosted by the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council in partnership with the Division of Advancement. View an honor roll of past honorees.

College of Arts & Sciences Honorees

Siobhan Araya, BS ’15
Director, Career and Technical Education at Everett High School

Hunter Berube, BA ’22
Grant Management and Program Specialist at MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board and Producer & Festival Director, at IMAG9NE

Haley Cormier, BFA ’17
Founder & Floral Designer for Bluebird Bouquets

Samantha Garcia, BA ’22
Social Impact Program Coordinator for Cambridge Innovation Center and Community Chair for Four Points Arts Community

Vincent Perella, BS ’20
Senior Social and Culture Editor for IndieWire

Shampagne Robinson, BS ’15
Trial Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Jacob Tobey, BA ’18
Spurs TV Play-by-Play Announcer for the San Antonio Spurs

Sawyer Business School Honorees

Juan Carlos Becerra Blanco, BSBA ’15
Director of Analytics at Fidelity Investments

Eneda Golemi, BSBA ’16, MSA ’17
Vice President and Controller for Connell Family Office & Management, LLC

Eric Kostandin, BSBA ’21
Private Equity Associate at Sheridan Capital Partners