EOF Scholars to be Honored by the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education

On Friday, April 18, 2025, 13  graduating seniors from the Seton Hall University Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Plus Program (PMPDPP) and 63 graduating seniors from the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) will receive Graduate Achievement Awards from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). Award qualifications include academic performance (high GPA), leadership involvement, community service and overcoming personal challenges.  The OSHE award details per program for 2025 PMPDPP and EOF scholars are as follows:

PMPDPP: 100% of graduating Scholars are being recognized for academic achievement:

• Outstanding Academic Achievement (Cumulative GPA between 3.5-3.99): 11 Scholars
• Academic Achievement (Cumulative GPA between 3.2-3.49): 1 Scholar
• Outstanding Achievement Award (No GPA Requirement) for exemplifying the spirit and intent of the EOF Program: 1 Scholar

EOP: 77% of graduating Scholars are recognized (48 out of 62) for academic achievement:

• Outstanding Academic Achievement (Cumulative GPA between 3.5-3.99): 19 Scholar
• Academic Achievement (Cumulative GPA between 3.2-3.49): 28 Scholar
• Outstanding Achievement Award (No GPA Requirement) for exemplifying the spirit and intent of the EOF Program: 1 Scholar 

In support of Seton Hall University’s mission statement that focuses on academic and ethical development in a diverse and collaborative environment, educational opportunity programs, such as the PMPDPP and the EOP, are crucial in the journey of first-generation college students.  Higher education research supports their impact in bridging the gap between barriers that may exist due to a student’s background and the demands of university life - assisting them in overcoming obstacles and achieving their academic goals, providing a supportive campus environment, student development and global career preparedness skills.  The evidence lies in the accomplishments and experiences of its students:

Maria Abutrabe (PMPDPP senior):

The EOF Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Plus Program has given me so many amazing opportunities such as leadership positions, scholarships, chances for on-campus employment, tutoring, advising, one-on-one mentors to aid in my PA school applications and so much more.

Sofia Saquicela (PMPDPP senior): 

The EOF Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Plus Program has been more than just an academic resource—it's been a place where I've found a supportive community, made lasting friendships and received guidance that has helped me stay on track toward my career goals.

Juan Daniel Lotero (EOP senior):

If I had to describe EOP in one word, it would be a community. Through the program, I’ve been able to make many friends and form great relationships. One of the main things that EOP does well is connect people from similar backgrounds.  The staff at EOP are amazing and always are willing to lend a helping hand, from the Director to the advisors. EOP goes further than Seton Hall, it’s a community and best of all, a true family.

Students of EOF programs within Seton Hall University's Division of Student Services, such as EOP and PMPDPP scholars, demonstrate their resilience daily.  Recognition by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is a culmination of their diligence, tenacity and dedication to academic achievement and college persistence.  As Assistant Dean and Director of EOF Programs, Jason Oliveira, stated, “Our scholars continue to break barriers and become agents of change, not only for their families, but also their communities. We are extremely proud of our graduating seniors in both EOP & PMPDPP and can hardly wait to see what their future holds.”

Congratulations EOP and PMPDPP students for exemplifying the Seton Hall motto of Hazard Zet Forward – "whatever the peril, ever forward!"

Categories: Education