INFORMATION FOR
Tell us about yourself: My name is Nafin Elias, and I am a proud American that has been a resident of North Jersey for over 20 years. I immigrated here in the ’90s with my parents and siblings with the hope that this new adventure would bring us opportunities for a better education than our birth country could provide us. Looking back, I am so thankful for my parents’ decision to leave the familiar behind and embrace the possibilities of life. I am currently a master’s-level clinical counselor and an adjunct professor. I am inspired by faith, nature, art of all kinds, and am fascinated by the mind and body connection. In my free time, I stay mentally and physically active and enjoy cooking with my husband, gardening, reading, and our cats.
Why did you seek the Alumni Executive Council presidency? I was motivated by the leadership around me; for example, witnessing how WP Vice President for Institutional Advancement and President of the William Paterson Foundation, Mrs. Pamela Ferguson, conducted herself with such grace and elegance while working on major projects, events, and managing teams throughout her tenure. I am honored to have the opportunity to invest my time towards a cause that means so much to me, allowing me to create a legacy of my own as a woman and leader.
What are your top three priorities or goals as Council president? Increasing outreach and fundraising efforts through new and creative ways, becoming a bridge between the current students and alumni, and having a grassroots approach to building connection in our community. For example, we have alumni working in different industries that are eager to connect with students, but do not know where to start. I would like to help close that gap during my time as Council president and invite you to start these conversations.
Tell us about a defining moment at WP. Receiving the Alumni Association Undergraduate Fellow Scholarship in 2019 was truly a defining moment for me as a student. The scholarship and honor of working as the Alumni Fellow allowed me to focus on my studies and connect with our community during a critical time in my life and educational career. Now that I am in a different place in my life, I feel honored to have the perspective and chance to give back to the community that helped shaped me in any way I can.
Why should alums stay involved with or reconnect with WP? To anyone who is thinking of getting involved with the Alumni Executive Council or reconnecting with WP in general, I highly encourage you to reach out to anyone on the council to discuss it further. Every council member has their reason why they stay involved, and I encourage everyone that is interested in getting involved to identify their “why” and let it guide you!
To learn more about the Alumni Executive Council and how you can stay connected to William Paterson University, email alumni@wpunj.edu.
Complete this sentence: WP students and alumni stand out because ... we honor our history and create new stories, respect tradition, and have an undeniable sense of community together – no matter where we come from.
What makes you proud to be part of this community? Everything! I have been able to witness myself grow here and now have the unique privilege to watch my past and current students grow into wise leaders, professionals, and amazing human beings.
