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Photo collage featuring recent Bentley graduates posing with friends and family members.

Class of ’24: Graduates Reflect on Their Bentley Experiences

by Molly Mastantuono

After receiving their diplomas last month during the university’s undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies, scores of newly minted Bentley alumni took to social media to share the happy news with their friends and families. 

While their posts offered different perspectives on the significance of the occasion — some became Double Falcons by earning a second, advanced degree, while others became the first in their families to graduate from college — their messages shared a common theme: Gratitude for the life-changing educational opportunities and co-curricular activities they experienced during their time at Bentley and excitement for the future. 

Read on for more from the Class of 2024, in their own words: 

Elisa Cook ’24

Hometown: Medway, MA  

Degree: Marketing (summa cum laude)

Post-graduation plans: Marketing specialist (cancer team) at Mass General Brigham 

“Grateful for the countless opportunities Bentley provided me with that drove immense personal and professional growth over the last four years. As an admissions ambassador, I closed out every campus tour with, ‘At Bentley, you will be a name, not a number.’ This statement holds true and played a crucial part in shaping my college experience into all that it was. Excited for what the next chapter has in store as I pursue my passion for healthcare marketing — a dream Bentley helped make a reality.”

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Elisa Cook ’24 holds her graduation cap and wears a gown and blue-and-gold sash representing her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma.
Robert D'Arpino ’24, wearing a cap and gown and holding his Bentley diploma, poses with his father.

Robert D’Arpino ’24

Hometown: Syosset, NY

Degree: Finance (cum laude)

Post-graduation plans: Hedge fund credit risk senior associate at State Street

“I can’t believe how fast these four amazing years have flown by. I truly appreciate the lessons I learned throughout my time at Bentley from my professors who have prepared me very insightfully for the finance world. I’d like to thank my family, friends and peers for being by my side every step of the way throughout my college journey.”

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Isabella DeSouza ’24

Hometown: Medford, MA

Graduate Degree: Marketing

Post-graduation plans: Consumer banking enterprise experience (CBEX) associate at Citizens

“I am so utterly grateful for all the experiences I have had at Bentley University. These past four years have been ones of immense growth, healing and maturity and have not been without their challenges. As a first gen student, navigating college life was frustrating. Learning the ins and outs with nothing to base it off of was extremely hard, but that only makes this diploma that much more rewarding. 

This accomplishment I wholeheartedly share with my parents who immigrated here from Brazil and built a better life for their family. They instilled in me from day one how important education is, and this diploma is just as much theirs as it is mine.”

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Isabella DeSouza ’24, in her cap and gown and holding her Bentley diploma, poses with her parents and two brothers.
Nubya Filho poses with her family and friends on graduation day.

Nubya Filho ’24

Hometown: Revere, MA

Degree: Marketing (cum laude)

Post-graduation plans: Allocation analyst (merchandising) at TJX Companies, Inc.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I consider myself fortunate to have had numerous opportunities during my time at Bentley. I had the privilege to study and intern abroad in Milan, Italy; serve as the marketing chair for Her Campus Bentley; work as a video production assistant in the Academic Technology Center, and engage in multiple internship experiences, all while maintaining and nurturing lifelong friendships.”

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Alba Gamón Garcia ’24

Hometown: Madrid, Spain

Degree: Management (Entrepreneurship concentration; cum laude)

Campus Activities: Program manager, Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (BSLCE) center; Bentley Consulting Association  

“Making the decision to pursue my education in the United States was one of the most pivotal moments in my life. It meant leaving behind familiarity and comfort to chase my dreams. As an international student, I faced unique obstacles, but I refused to let them hinder my path. Instead, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, learn from diverse perspectives and cultivate invaluable skills in adaptability and resilience. 

I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the future, and I am ready to channel my passion, determination and knowledge into making a positive impact in the business world.”

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Alba Gamon Garcia ’24 holds her Bentley diploma while wearing her cap and gown and a sash featuring the colors of the Spanish flag and
Shlok Malhotra ’24 poses in his graduation gown next the falcon statue near the Bentley Library.

Shlok Malhotra ’24

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Degree: Finance

Campus Activities: President, Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity; Secretary, Senior Class Cabinet; Tutor, Writing Center; Building manager, Student Programs & Engagement (SP&E)

“Being an international student, Bentley offered me a unique platform to immerse myself in a vibrant and diverse community. The friendships I made with peers from around the world enriched my university experience and broadened my perspective. These connections have not only made my time at Bentley unforgettable but have also created a network that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

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Darryl (DJ) Smith, MBA ’24

Hometown: Washington, D.C. 

Graduate Degree: MBA (Finance concentration)  

Post-graduation plans: Senior investment associate at NEPC, LLC

“Highlights of my time at Bentley include my internships with the Boston Red Sox’s marketing team and financial services firm NEPC, LLC; serving as a graduate assistant in Bentley’s Center for Data Analytics and as a member of the Boston Celtics Partnership Student Steering Committee; and participating in a global consulting project during a faculty-led course in Scotland. Many thanks to my mentors, friends and family for their incredible support. I am excited to see what the future holds!”

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Darry Smith, MBA ’24 wearing his cap and gown and holding his Bentley diploma.
Nicole Topanian ’23, MSF ’24 holds her diploma while posing for a selfie with her father.

Nicole Topanian ’23, MSF ’24

Hometown: Watertown, MA

Graduate Degree: Master’s in Finance

Post-graduation plans: FP&A analyst at HEYDUDE

“The knowledge and experiences I gained during my time at Bentley have been invaluable. I am very grateful for the challenging yet rewarding courses and the vibrant campus life, which provided me with countless opportunities to create lifelong friendships and connections. Furthermore, I am thankful for my internships and the guidance of my bosses and coworkers, who taught me important skills and instilled the confidence I need to excel in my career.”

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