Meet Rhea!

"When I first came to Hofstra, I was under the impression that I would only be involved with my major, but that was not the case at all. During my time at Hofstra I have been involved with so many organizations. I am a finance major but I still have been a part of TranscenDANCE, Student Government Association and Unispan Records. And within my major, I was able to get involved with the dinance department and work on the Bloomberg terminals during my first year! As a Resident Assistant and a Pride Guide, I can connect with so many first-year students and help them join the PRIDE. 

My Hofstra journey began during the first presidential debate in 2016 and in the span of those three days I got the opportunity to work with ABC News, NBC News and FOX News." -Rhea '20

Zeta Phi Eta at Hofstra

"I joined Zeta Phi Eta, the pre-professional fraternity for students in the communication arts and sciences, because I felt like I needed to expand my network and get to know more people within the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Yet, I found so much more than just that! I now have a community of people that are friendly, driven and extremely passionate about what they do. From the moment I got in, I saw how some of my fellow members were already on their third or fourth internship while also being heavily involved on campus. Being in such an inspiring and goal-oriented environment has definitely helped me push myself further and pursue more with my film major, while also keeping myself grounded and looking at the steps I needed to pursue my long-term goals. I even landed an internship in the field for next semester, something I am sure I wouldn’t have even applied for if it wasn’t for just how empowering and helpful my brothers and sisters are." -Dejan

Business Overseas

"What I value most about my experience at Hofstra is all the professional opportunities I have as an undergraduate. For instance, I am part of the DUFE program with the business school, which will allow me to graduate a semester early with both my BBA from Hofstra and a Degree of Economics from a Chinese university. I will even be interning in China this summer as a part of the program! Having a global perspective is extremely important in business, and I am so thankful to Hofstra for this opportunity." -Lauren

Hofstra Family

"I love my Hofstra family because everybody here is so welcoming! Everyone is open to meeting new people and making new friends, regardless of any differences we may have. As a Latino international student who was new to US life and, additionally, a relatively shy person, I was very anxious when I first got to campus. I didn’t know if I was going to make friends or if I would get used to being so far from home. Through different clubs and organizations, however, I found people from all walks of life who share similar interests to me. From there, many friendships flourished – which I am sure will last for a lifetime. Absolutely everybody who looks for ways to get involved will have the opportunity to become an active and valuable part of this family." -Dejan

Living on Campus: As Told by an RA!

"I currently live in Stuyvesant Hall and absolutely love it. It helps me connect with a lot of first-year students. In the past, I have lived in many housing styles but Sytuyvesant is definitely my favorite. I'm on the Residence Life staff at Stuyvesant, and I can really help build a community in the building. So far we have built a tight-knit community in the building by organizing fun programs and carrying forward initiatives that can help students get involved on campus. Living in Stuyvesant gives me the opportunity to show all first-year students all that Hofstra has to offer!" 

-Rhea '20

Meet Kennnedy!

"One of the most impactful decisions I made at Hofstra was joining the on-campus radio station - 88.7 FM Radio Hofstra University. Never before had I been involved with radio so I was walking into this blindly. However, after only a few months I realized it was something I wanted to pursue post-graduation. I currently co-produce the only electronic dance music show at WRHU, which has helped me get two internships. I have met and interviewed so many local/non-local DJ's and artists through this experience and I'm so grateful for it." 

-Kennedy, '20

Facebook Live: Campus Visits with Andrew Cohen

Andrew Cohen, Associate Director for Campus Visit, talks about the benefits of getting to know Hofstra up close.

Meet Our Pride Guides: Jared, Maya and Mikayla

Get to know three more of our amazing new Pride Guides!

Jared Keyes

Year: Senior
Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ

Majors: Economics and Political Science

Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant, Hofstra Pep Band

Favorite class so far? Political Science Scope and Methods

Favorite Hofstra Moment? "The entire 24 hours when we hosted the Debate last year!"

Maya Deschenes

Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Franklin, MA

Major: Drama Performance

Campus Involvement: Masquerade Musical Theatre, The Pride Network, HUHC

Favorite class so far? Drama 60- Fundamentals of Acting II

Favorite Hofstra Moment? "Being cast in my first department show!"

Mikayla Van Dam

Year: Junior
Hometown: Putnam, CT

Major: Biochemistry

Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant, National Residential Hall Honorary, Residence Hall Association, HU Honor Board

Favorite class so far? Intro to Cinema Studies

Favorite Hofstra Moment? "Realizing that I made a lifelong friendship with my best friend Mario."

Hofstra Does Pride 2017

The Hofstra community was out in full force on Sunday, June 25, marching for love and equality in the 2017 New York City Pride Parade. This is Hofstra’s second year marching in the parade. Organized by the Division of Student Affairs, participation tripled over the course of one year with 90+ students, alumni and staff in 2017.

Original story: http://news.hofstra.edu/2017/06/27/peace-love-pride/ 

A Reflection

As I quickly approach student teaching and graduating in December, I look back at the years I spent at Hofstra and how many amazing and challenging experiences I had during my years here. I walked onto Hofstra’s campus as a freshman for what would be my first long-term stay away from home, and my family. I was determined to be the coolest and most mature person I could be, but let’s be honest, I was so nervous to meet everyone, and a huge klutz. As my parents and I got out of the car a huge grin and some strawberry blonde hair greeted me with a huge hello and, “Welcome to Hofstra!” This was the first friend I met here at Hofstra. His name was Kilmer, and he became the older sibling I never had. He was there for me through everything. He helped me adjust to life at Hofstra, telling me who the best professors to take were, where to eat, and most importantly, he was there when I needed a hug.

As I started my second year at Hofstra, I walked in more calm, cool and collected, ready to take more education classes, and ready to commit to the five-year masters program. My sophomore year was my year of discovery. I tried new things and explored all of my interests. I was the assistant costume designer and soundboard operator of Masquerade Musical Theatre’s Assassins, I took a history class, a subject high school Emma hated, and I got to spend some time observing in local schools. This year was also a year filled with challenges. I remember I was taking Human Biology, and it just wasn't clicking for me. So I went to see my Biology professor, and after working with him, I got an “A” on the paper! I was so proud of myself and so grateful to Adam, I still make a point to go see him each semester to say hello.

My junior year at Hofstra has just come to a close and I can honestly say it has been the best and most interesting so far. My first semester was spent in a school that I fell in love with that I hope to work at someday. I still go back and see the fourth graders I taught from time to time. I also took an amazing Human Geography class which really opened my eyes to the incredible world we have. I even decided to take another geography class the second semester. Although, I would have to say my favorite classes from my junior year were both with Dr. Jase Bernhardt. Jase is one of the most brilliant and awesome professors I have encountered here at Hofstra. 

As I look forward to my last semester as an undergraduate here at Hofstra, I am excited to be in the classroom student teaching full time, and being able to do research on a topic I am passionate about at the same time. Jase and I even discussed presenting my work at the American Geographical Association’s upcoming conference. Also, some advice to students who are looking into coming to Hofstra or any other school for that matter: you are your own best advocate. Talk to the mentors and professors around you, they are full of knowledge and wisdom, as well as connections that can help you in the future and get you where you wan to be. The people around you are the people that will help lift you to the stars because that's where we are shooting for here at Hofstra.

-Pride Guide Emma Vaccaro

Internship Spotlight: Lauren

Hi! I’m Lauren and I’m a junior Public Relations major here at Hofstra.

One thing that has made my Hofstra experience so worthwhile is interning. Right now, I'm at my second internship. My first internship took place over the summer, where I was doing social media for an elementary school in Massachusetts. I'm currently an intern at Zimmerman Edelson, a small public relations and marketing agency on Long Island.

So far, this internship has been one of the best experiences of my college career. Everything I have learned at Hofstra I've applied in my internship- and vice versa! I have worked closely with account executives to help them create documents I'll need to know how to make when I finish my time at Hofstra and go out into the real world. I have also gotten a chance to sit in on meetings, contribute ideas for major projects, learn how an agency functions, and most importantly... learn how to become a great public relations professional.

There are five other interns at Zimmerman Edelson this semester, and all of them go to Hofstra! Not only that, but everyone except three or four people in the company has graduated from Hofstra. This gives me the opportunity to network with Hofstra alumni and students, as well as professionals and the media.

Overall, this internship is better than I could have ever imagined. I love how Hofstra encourages its students to obtain an internship because it is the best educational experience you will ever have. I am excited to start my 3rd internship this summer (I just have to get one first!)

My Life as an International Student

Hi! My name is Kelly Mizuno, and I’m a junior double major in Political Science and Public Policy from Malaysia.

Being from far away is definitely a cool thing – it means I’ve gotten to see a completely different part of the world (and it’s a great conversation topic on tours!)

Not taken by me, but isn’t my hometown pretty?

Since I attended high school in Malaysia, I wasn’t actually able to visit any of the colleges I applied to. Instead, I relied solely on websites, online reviews, and opinions from my friends and family when deciding on what school to attend. My first time on campus was when my dad dropped me off about a week before classes began – definitely a nerve-wracking experience.

Being an international student, I was fairly sure that I was going to make friends with other international students -- people that had similar backgrounds and experiences to the ones that I had. However, as I met my roommates and began to get involved on campus, I found that the people that I was meeting were incredibly diverse.

As someone who grew up around diverse people, I loved it. I loved meeting people from different places or who shared opinions that differed from my own. (Extra perks of Hofstra include having friends that will take you in for Thanksgiving/Easter/other holidays if you have nowhere to go).

One of my friends, Gray (left), who took me home for Easter and showed me Philly and Independence Hall for the first time!

Moving to the United States also meant a lot of other things for me, such as getting used to larger portion sizes, learning about American culture and slang, explaining why I speak English, and missing Malaysian food. However, these things are easily overcome. I couldn’t have picked a better place to go to school (I’m talking about both Hofstra and New York) and can’t wait to see what my final year and a half at this university has in store for me!

My Semester on RHA

Hi Everyone! My name is Nadeem, and I’m a sophomore psychology major with a minor in dissability studies from Clifton, New Jersey.

Last semester I had the opportunity to serve as the secretary on the E-Board of the Resident Hall Association, and it was such an amazing experience. We're a club on campus that tries to improve the quality of living here at Hofstra for residential students. We provide programs students may be interested in, as well as promote a safe and welcoming community.
              

Last semester we had some very successful events that we put on for residential students here at Hofstra. We had the "Wiener Welcome" which welcomed students back from break by giving them free food and prizes, as well as "BOO Bingo!" They were both so much fun- because who doesn't love free food and bingo? 

                                        

My favorite event last semester was "Roll with RHA." We built a roller skating rink inside of Hofstra USA for our resident students to come de-stress and roller skate! It was so amazing and everyone had a lot of fun. I'm hoping that we can try to do it again this semester.

Being on RHA has given me so many amazing opportunities. From working with a great staff to being a part of the Office of Residential Life and working with such an amazing E-Board, it has been the experience of a lifetime! I encourage all resident students to come and join our RHA family and help us create more fun activities!

                       

                                               

HofstrA CAPPELLA

Hi everybody! My name is Izzy Falkovich, and I’m a sophomore PR major from West Hartford, Connecticut.

One of my favorite parts about Hofstra is that there are endless opportunities for students with all different kinds of interests. For me, that's a cappella. For those who may not know, an a cappella group is a bunch of students who sing with no instrumental accompaniment. Hofstra currently has five a cappella groups: Makin Treble, The Hofstra Dutchmen, Sigma’capella, The Chai Notes, and The Hofbeats.

The 2016-17 Hofbeats!

The current Hofbeats E-Board! From left to right: Hannah Tight//Secretary, Izzy Falkovich// Treasurer, Connor Martin// Music Director, Courtney Cox// President, Anders Jorstad// Vice President, Ashlee-Kate Tisi// PR Chair

I auditioned for the Hofbeats the first semester of my freshman year, and couldn’t have been happier when they invited me to be a part of the group. A year later, I currently serve as Treasurer on the E-Board, and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my college career. We’re currently a group of 21 undergraduate students who rehearse about twice a week, with not only concerts once or twice a semester, but also various performances at club events and fundraisers! With the help of the E-Board, we arrange, learn, and perform 100% of the songs that we sing, making us completely student run! It’s a real testament to the maturity and independence of the group, and while it’s hard work, it’s also an amazing time!

Although the first semester recently came to a close, we’ve already done some pretty amazing things! We recently wrapped up an invitational that we co-sponsored with the Hofstra Dutchmen, called “The Dutchbeats Invitational." The event took place on campus in Monroe Lecture Hall and included groups from the New York metro area like The Queens College iTones, Pace University’s Tonal Recall, the Stony Brook Pipettes, and the FIT Skyliners. The event was not only a concert, but a fundraiser for a local homeless shelter, as well. By the end of the night, we raised over $500 and 100+ cans of food! Not only was it great to see other a cappella groups performing, but it was very rewarding to know that we were contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

The “Dutchbeats” Invitational Participants!

Another one of my favorite things about being in the Hofbeats is the fact that we perform at a lot of admission events (talk about worlds colliding!). We perform at almost every single Open House and Admitted Student Days, and it’s how a lot of our current members found out about us as a group. It’s really rewarding to know that we play a role in prospective students being interested in Hofstra.

In addition, we recently found out that we've been chosen to compete in the 2017 ICCA Quarterfinals!! For those who don’t know, the ICCAs (or International Championship for Collegiate A Cappella) is a competition put on by Varsity Vocals (you probably know it as that competition from the movie Pitch Perfect). The is the first time in the seven years of Hofbeats history that we are competing, and we could NOT be more excited! We will be competing along with two other Hofstra a cappella groups (Makin Treble and Sigma’capella) on February 11, 2017 at the College of Staten Island.

The Hofbeats performing at a recent Open House!

Hofstra a cappella is an amazing place for anybody. It’s a comfortable, supportive community for everybody, and it's where I’ve met some of my best friends. For that reason and for so many more, it’s by far one of my favorite parts of Hofstra, and one that I wouldn’t be able to live without.

If you’re interested in a cappella, don’t be afraid to reach out to us! We’re always looking for new members, and love meeting new people!

Facebook: The Hofbeats

Instagram: @TheHofbeats

Twitter: @TheHofbeats

Snapchat: TheHofbeats

The Hofbeats YouTube Page