40 Under 40 Inaugural Class

Inaugural Class

This year, the Salem State Alumni Association began a new tradition: the 40 Under 40 program to celebrate young alumni leaders. These remarkable individuals exemplify true Viking spirit and are a testament to the work ethic, talent and perseverance that define a Salem State graduate.

We are proud to share the stories of three honorees who attribute their success today to the scholarship support they received as students, helping to lift them up and prepare them for their future successes.

Learn more about all of the inductees to this year’s 40 under 40 class at salemstate.edu/40under40.

CHRISTOPHER CORRENTE ’10, ’12G

BA, History; MEd, Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA), coordinator of college based advising at UMass Lowell Award Received: Donna Tosches Fund As an advisor for almost 600 students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Chris’s decision to pursue his work stems from the relationships he forged across the Salem State University community, and he notes that without financial aid, he would not have been able to engage so actively on campus; instead, he would have needed to work more to earn money to pay for college. Chris received many honors and awards at Salem State, including one awarded by his peers in the Student Government Association (SGA). The Donna Tosches Award is given to an SGA member to recognize their accomplishments and their contributions to the Salem State community. “This award was presented at a time when I was really just becoming an engaged member of the university community,” Chris says. “It was one of the earliest indications that my involvement was making a difference. The award inspired me to believe that I could potentially leave behind a lasting impact for future generations.” Today, Chris serves as vice president for administration on the Alumni Association’s board of directors and continues to give philanthropically. “My involvement and my service to the Alumni Association are ways for me to give back to the university which has given me so much: an education, a career, lifelong friendships, and memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. If I can assist today’s students with a little financial support to provide them the means to gain similar experiences, then I absolutely want to. Working in the field of student affairs, I have witnessed too many students foregoing their college education because of financial hardships. They’re the reason I give today.”

NIKOLLA “NICK” PAPA ’19

BS, Business Administration, growth equity investor at Akmazo Capital Scholarship Received: Opportunity Fund Award A first-generation immigrant and first-generation college student, Nikolla “Nick” Papa ’19 works at Akmazo Capital as a growth equity investor, focusing on originating and evaluating investment opportunities. While at Salem State, Nick received the Opportunity Fund Award, graciously supported by benefactor Oscar Malcolm. “Given the extra free time I had from no longer working full-time at two different jobs, I was able to join the honors program, become a peer mentor, take on leadership positions in extracurriculars such as the Student Government Association and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, and maintained straight As throughout my last two years at Salem State,” Nick shares. In his senior year, Nick gave back to the university through the Senior Class Gift Fund and has gone on to establish his own scholarship award at Ipswich High School for lowerincome students who have overcome insurmountable obstacles through persistence, grit and resiliency. “My motto is that once you’ve climbed up a ladder, it’s your duty to help the next person reach for a rung that they might not be able to reach themselves,” he says. “It’s important to give back to the communities that have molded you into the person you are today, and I can without a doubt say that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of everyone that’s helped me along the way.”

AASMA AZIZ SAHOTRA ’18G

MSW, founder of One Little Light and Aasma’s Dream Scholarship Received: Eugene and Janet Salem Fellowship As a young woman growing up in Pakistan, Aasma Aziz Sahotra ’18G always knew she wanted to make a difference. During her MSW program at Salem State, she founded One Little Light and Aasma’s Dream. “I was attending an Agency Practice class and was given the assignment to write a fundraising proposal,” Aasma shares. “The assignment helped to clarify how I would start a nonprofit program and got me familiar with the basics of fundraising and reaching out to people.” One Little Light creates opportunities for disadvantaged persons by addressing inequality and increasing access to education and strengthens families and communities. Aasma’s Dream works with artisans and organizations helping women in difficult circumstances. Receiving the Eugene and Janet Salem Fellowship at Salem State helped Aasma explore her passions even further, allowing her to intern at the Haven Project, a Lynn-based organization led by alumna Virginia Mazman ’85 that helps young adults in Lynn and surrounding areas who face homelessness and would benefit from guidance. “The fellowship funds eased the financial and emotional burden that came with paying for grad school as an international student,” Aasma says. “I am endlessly grateful for the fact that this and other scholarships exist. Now I have what it takes to be an effective social worker. My internship at the Haven Project greatly enhanced my educational experience and my professional development.” 