Alumni Corner
Alumna Spotlight: Cassandra E. Bradley
December 1999 Graduate
Major: English/Minor-Communication
Assistant Director of Residence Life, Winston Salem State University
What is your favorite memory from your experiences at Bellarmine?
During my junior year, one of my suite mates and I would blast Michael Jackson's, Man in the Mirror every Friday afternoon. We knew every word and every Friday, we were at a Michael Jackson concert...well, at least until the RA knocked on the door! Wow-I truly value all of my friendships; honestly, the friendships that I treasure the most are those that I made as an undergraduate student. Those friends are the ones that not only knew me before and after, but stuck by me while I was in transition.
How did your experiences at Bellarmine prepare you for your career?
As an undergraduate student, I was always involved in various student organizations. I must admit, however, when I started college, my intent was to be a "super accountant." I wanted to unite the former Big Six accounting firms. Too much time spent on Bardstown Road ended that dream! The more I delved into student activities and over stayed my welcome in the Student Affairs Office, the more I wanted to "plan programs" for a living. During my sophomore year, the Assistant Dean of Students, Judy Pennywell, discussed with me the possibility of making student affairs my profession. I participated with the Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program offered through NASPA; through the program, I was afforded many wonderful opportunities that prepared me for my career in student affairs.
What are your current roles/responsibilities in the community?
Presently, I am the Assistant Director of Residence Life at Winston Salem State University. My main job responsibilitiesinclude overseeing the management and operation of eight residence halls, supervising 12 professional staff members, and compiling data for assessment for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
What is your most significant personal accomplishment or goal you have achieved?
This question always astonishes me simply because I believe I do not have some grandiose accomplishment. I view many of my achievements as following the footsteps that were laid for me. If I had to choose one defining moment, I would choose my career in student affairs. Over the last several years, I have met a gamut of students. Knowing that I impact young adults in some fashion whether through programming, responding to a crisis, or just having a teachable moment, affirms that I am in the right profession.
Who is the most influential person in your life? Particular mentors?
As far as my professional life, my mentor is Judy Pennywell. Judy has not only guided me through student affairs, but shehas been an invaluable resource of knowledge and has always given me the best advice throughout all of my careerendeavors. Even though she left Bellarmine at the end of my junior year, we would eventually work at the same university for three years. Judy was the first person I called after I had accepted the new job. I felt especially appreciative to have mymentor at the same university and for her to see how I had grown from an undergraduate student to a professional instudent affairs. In terms of my personal life, my friend and Big Sister, Ruby Jacobs, undoubtedly is the most influential person in my life. I still remember the day we met ten years ago in the library. We did not exchange many words but I canrecall our conversation as if we had it yesterday. I once saved a voicemail message from her for almost three years; the message was only deleted because I moved to another state. Our friendship is truly a testament of divine intervention. Ruby has such a phenomenal presence and I know she was embedded in my life for a specific purpose.
Alumna Spotlight: Silviya Hovanesyan
May 2007 Graduate
Major: Business Administration/ Minor: Computer Information Science
What is your favorite memory from your experiences at Bellarmine?
My favorite memory is when I was accepted into Bellarmine and my graduation day. The teachers are excellent, accommodating, supportive, and provided guidance on projects and coursework. The campus is inspiring, beautiful, andprovides a relaxing atmosphere. It was accessible, located right in the heart of the city. The students are welcoming, which made it easy to make good friends. The campus has a great research library with a very helpful staff located in a clean, stimulating, gorgeous facility. The exercise facilities are beneficial. Bellarmine was my “home away from home.”
How did your experiences at Bellarmine prepare you for your career?
Bellarmine provided me with the tools and knowledge to be successful. They have a valuable careerdevelopment program with the best career development mentors. There were abundant job opportunities and a wide variety of internships.
What are your current roles/responsibilities in the community? - I am currently working for Yum Brands as Help Desk specialist.
- I tutor 1st through 8th grade students with disabilities at A to Z company, providing guidance on completing their homework and school assignments/projects.
- Several Dare to Care volunteer efforts through Yum! Brands, Inc. including World Hunger Relief.
- Language translation aid to non-English speaking Bulgarian immigrants assisting them in completing legal paperwork.
What is your most significant personal accomplishment or goal you have achieved?
My significant accomplishment is coming to United States at the age of sixteen, graduating from Bellarmine and being professionally successful.
Who is the most influential person in your life? Particular mentors?
My grandmother is my best friend, my spiritual lifter, my supporter and my mentor.