November 27, 2012
A
first-generation college student, Hadassah St. Hubert ’09C, ’10G
knows the importance of a great education, and she hopes to give
that gift to others – both personally and professionally.
“As young alumni, we need to stay connected and assist however we
can,” said the Queens native, who is currently a History Ph.D.
student at the University of Miami. “Just a few years ago, we were
in today’s students’ shoes, so we know firsthand what type of
financial difficulties they face.”
St. Hubert is a recipient of the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship,
which fully funds her doctoral studies, and she credits St. John’s
with helping her get there.
“Initially, I planned on working my way up to St. John’s School of
Law,” she said. “But after taking courses within the St. John’s
History Department, my career path changed. I completed the
University’s five-year program and obtained both a B.A. and M.A. in
History, and that’s when I decided that I wanted to become a
college professor.”
Inspired by her research at St. John’s, she is working on a
dissertation about Haiti and seeks to promote an alternate
narrative about Haitian history by examining moments of achievement
and promise.
“My involvement with the Haitian Society at St. John’s made me want
to change the perceptions of the country,” she said. “Typically,
Haitian history is depicted as a story of governmental failures and
poverty, so I hope to alter that.”
She credits her professors at St. John’s for preparing her well and
for inspiring her to pursue a doctorate, but she is also grateful
for what she learned outside the classroom.
“The Vincentian mission helped make me who I am today,” she
explained. “Whether it was the Ronald McDonald House, University
Service Day, the 2010 earthquake supply drive for Haiti or the New
Orleans Plunge, St. John’s always reminded me of the difference I
can make in the community and the world.”
And now, just two years after graduating, she knows that she can
make a very real difference in the lives of today’s students by
giving back to the University.
“Contributing financially to St. John’s allows us to pave the way
for many first-generation college students, like I was,” she said.
“Our support can ensure that they receive a great education.”
Make your
gift to St. John’s today.