On April 30, Goodwin University hosted its 2026 Alumni Awards and Scholarship Recognition event on its East Hartford campus. With Adam Rivers of iHeart Media serving as master of ceremonies, classmates, family, friends, faculty, staff, donors, and trustees gathered to pay tribute to Goodwin graduates who have made significant contributions in their fields, as well as current scholarship recipients working toward their own certificates and diplomas.
Goodwin president Mark Scheinberg and Goodwin Foundation chair Lee Housley ’13, ’15 offered welcoming remarks. Observing that three women were receiving the evening’s awards, Mr. Scheinberg noted that Goodwin was recently named by Newsweek as the #1 school for women in Connecticut and #32 in the nation.
Dr. Cliff Thermer, dean of the School of Business, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing, and Dr. Vivienne Friday, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, presented the awards for the graduates of their respective schools.
The Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Danielle Cooke, ’20, BA, BSN, M.Ed. (Bristol, CT).
With a multidisciplinary background in higher education administration and nursing, Ms. Cooke serves as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), providing trauma-informed care to survivors. She also works as a critical care nurse at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, delivering high-acuity patient care.
Ms. Cooke previously served as a charge nurse and preceptor, helping to lead clinical teams and support the development of new nurses in a high-acuity step-down unit. She is a board member of Annabella’s Angels, supporting families affected by pregnancy and infant loss, and mentors students in Goodwin’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.
The Master’s Professional Achievement Award was presented to Aqueela Talat Hassan, ’21, ’23, MPH, (New Britain, CT).
A senior healthcare technology professional and public health leader, Ms. Hassan’s professional focus is on improving care delivery through data-driven strategy and systems innovation. She currently works within large-scale healthcare systems, contributing to product development, health informatics, and operational strategy. Her work bridges clinical environments and technology, with a focus on optimizing healthcare processes and advancing equitable access.
Ms. Hassan is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology — her scholarship centering on population health improvement and healthcare workforce sustainability. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is developing community-focused ventures, including home care initiatives and culturally informed restaurants that promote accessible, health-conscious options within local communities.
Certified welder Shareece Watkins, ’21 (Bloomfield, CT) was named the Alumni Service Award recipient in recognition of her leadership and commitment to uplifting others.
A graduate of Howell Cheney Technical High School, she forged a diverse career path, graduating from the Connecticut Culinary Institute and beginning her career at Disney World and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. She later expanded her service-oriented skill set by becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) before establishing her own construction and trucking companies. Within her construction career, she has worked on commercial projects throughout New England, including Target, Hyatt Hotels, and Extra Space Storage.
After graduating from Goodwin with a BS in Manufacturing Management, Ms. Watkins broke barriers as the only female welder at Bull Metals and Mitchell Waste Management. She returned to Goodwin as a welding lab technician and instructor, mentoring students, strengthening lab operations, and preparing the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.
The second part of the program recognized the 23 current Goodwin students receiving financial support through the University’s named scholarships. Student speaker Johauris Hernandez, ’26, recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Scholarship in Memory of Mary Galatro Donahue, RN, shared how the scholarship had been critical in helping overcome obstacles during her educational journey.
With 88% of Goodwin students receiving grant or scholarship aid during the 2025-2026 academic year, the evening underscored Goodwin’s mission to align education, commerce, and community.
Learn more about Goodwin’s scholarship programs at www.goodwin.edu/foundation/scholarships.
Ready to get started? Learn how Goodwin can help you earn an affordable, career-ready education today!
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.