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Goodwin University Names 2026 Alumni Award Honorees, Recognizes Scholarship Students and Donors

by Philip Moore

East Hartford, CT (05/12/2026) — 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 shared 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, were presenters of the awards for the graduates of their respective schools.

The Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Danielle Cooke '20, BA, MEd, BSN (Bristol, CT). With a multidisciplinary background in higher education administration and nursing, Ms. Cooke serves as a sexual assault forensic nurse, 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 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 focused 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 Doctor of Public Health degree with a concentration in Epidemiology, her academic work centering on population health improvement and healthcare workforce sustainability. In addition to her professional work, 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 Walt Disney World and Disney's Port Orleans Resort. She later expanded her service-oriented skill set by becoming a Certified Nurse's Aide before establishing her own construction and trucking companies, working 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 who received 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 some sort of financial aid (data December 2025) before entering the workforce, 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.

Media Attachments

Headshot of Danielle Cooke ’20, recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award

Danielle Cooke ’20, Alumni Achievement Award

Headshot of Aqueela Talat Hassan ’21, ’23, Master’s Professional Achievement Award

Aqueela Talat Hassan ’21, ’23, Master’s Professional Achievement Award

Headshot of Shareece Watkins ’21, Alumni Service Award

Shareece Watkins ’21, Alumni Service Award

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