alumni events & news Roberson, who interviews hundreds of applicants each year as part of his professional role, saw the experience as a chance to help students develop skills that will serve them well beyond high school. “My time at Aquinas was special,” he said. “It taught me how to be a professional and how to conduct myself in a business atmosphere, so I wanted to be a part of that journey for the students currently at Aquinas.” Their participation highlights an important aspect of the AQ experience: alumni remain invested in the success of future generations. “There is such a natural sense of community and pride that comes with being an Aquinas alumnus,” said Barbone. “It is important to show current students how that community continues after you graduate. Relationships matter and giving back matters.” Roberson echoed that sentiment. “Aquinas connections and alumni are family,” he said. “Whether it’s in person, phone calls, texts, social media, or at an Aquinas event, you feel the love and pride of the people around you. It is something that will last forever.” The Sophomore Mock Interviews give students the opportunity to practice interviewing skills in a professional setting while receiving valuable feedback from experienced professionals. In January, Barbone and Roberson visited each sophomore English class to help students prepare for the experience, sharing interview strategies and practical advice using a modified version of the presentation Dede developed over the years. Then, in February, 27 alumni returned to campus to conduct mock interviews, creating meaningful connections while helping students gain valuable real-world experience. Moving the interviews to after the holiday break for the first time also gave students additional time to prepare before meeting with alumni interviewers. For Barbone, mentoring students is a source of tremendous pride. “I have appreciated all of the Aquinas mentors I have had over the years and love that I have the opportunity to support and inspire others.” For Roberson, it is about being the person current students may need as they navigate important decisions. “I remember being in their position, asking questions and wondering what college would be like or where my career might go,” he said. “It’s awesome to be a mentor or a point of reference for the students.” The message they hope students take away is simple: build relationships, stay connected, and never underestimate the value of the Aquinas network. That spirit of mentorship extends beyond the Sophomore Mock Interviews through Aquinas’ Career Connect program. Career Connect brings alumni and local professionals into the classroom to share their career journeys, experiences, and insights. Through these conversations, students gain exposure to a wide range of professions. This year’s Career Connect program welcomed a group of alumni and community professionals who shared their experiences and insights with students, including Maia Mesh, Monroe County Human Resources Recruiter; Pat Duffy ’04, P’28 & ’30, co-host of The Break Room on 96.5 WCMF; Kathleen (Brasley) Trepanier ’00, executive educator and leader of KTB Innovative Solutions and administrator in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District; Tyler Gleason ’91, former combat-experienced Naval Aviator; Jill Sharp, Senior Nurse Manager at Strong Memorial Hospital; and Michael Burns ’95, Deputy Mayor of the City of Rochester. On behalf of Aquinas, we would like to thank everyone who remains connected to our school. Whether serving as a mock interviewer, Career Connect speaker, mentor, or volunteer, your support demonstrates the power of the AQ network and the lasting connections that unite our community. If you’d like to get involved, we are always seeking alumni and friends of Aquinas to share their experiences and inspire the next generation. Give us a call at (585) 254-2020 and connect with us! 17 “My grandfather and father both attended Aquinas. Growing up, they always spoke about the school with tremendous pride and maintained lifelong friendships through the connections they made there. I feel fortunate to have experienced Aquinas as a student and now to be experiencing it again as a parent, with my daughters, Ava ’30 and Lena ’31. Many of their classmates’ parents are people I went to school with! Today, I have the opportunity to model the importance of building meaningful relationships and giving back to the community for my children. My hope is that 30 years from now, they will be able to say the same.” – KATIE (MORGAN) BARBONE ’99, P’30 & ’31
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