Christopher Brockett ’26 – School of Arts, Sciences & Business
At just 20 years old, Christopher Brockett ’26 has already built an impressive academic and leadership foundation. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in leadership in hospitality and event management, Brockett has spent his college years balancing academic excellence, military preparation, and ambitious goals for the future. In addition to excelling academically, Brockett has dedicated himself to the ROTC program, where discipline, teamwork, and leadership are part of everyday life. Through ROTC, he has developed skills that complement his studies and prepare him for future service.
Alyssa Demski M’21, C’26 – School of Education
With just five years in the classroom, Alyssa Demski M’21, C’26 is already making an impact—leading special education classrooms and innovative STEM experiences, all grounded in one core belief: every student learns differently, and that’s something to celebrate. A two-time NDMU graduate, Demski earned her master’s degree in elementary and special education in 2021 before recently completing a post-master’s certificate in leadership in teaching: STEM. Demski’s experience at NDMU helped spark her passion for innovation in the classroom.
Dr. Oluwatosin Oluokun D.C.N.’26 – School of Integrative Health
For Dr. Oluwatosin Oluokun D.C.N.’26, health is more than a field of study—it is a calling shaped by personal experience and a desire to help others live well. As a wife, mother of two, entrepreneur, scholar, and upcoming graduate of the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition program from the new Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Integrated Health (NDMU SOIH), Dr. Oluokun has transformed her own wellness journey into a mission to educate and empower communities through nutrition.
Erin Bobango ’26 – School of Nursing
For Erin Bobango ‘26 the decision to follow in her mother’s footsteps became a no brainer. She found herself drawn to the nursing profession’s unique blend of purpose and possibility. “My mom is a nurse, and through our talks I’ve really enjoyed hearing her stories. I learned more about nursing and about the stability, flexibility, and ability to truly make a difference every single day,” she explained. “There aren’t many professions like that.”
Getachew Tariku, Pharm.D.’26 – School of Pharmacy & Health Professions
Growing up as the eldest son in Ethiopia, the journey for Getachew Tariku, Pharm.D.’26 to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy was shaped by a family of educators who emphasized the power of learning. For Tariku, education was never simply a choice; it was a pathway to opportunity and a better future. With that mindset, he made the life-changing decision to come to the United States in 2022 to pursue his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Originally from the Wollega region of western Ethiopia, about 200 miles from the capital city of Addis Ababa, Tariku arrived in the United States ready to embrace both opportunity and challenge.
