Notable Alumni of Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University, since its founding, has fostered an environment of academic excellence and leadership, producing graduates who have made significant contributions across various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most accomplished alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements in politics, law, business, arts, and academia.
Introduction
Seton Hall University's notable alumni span a wide array of disciplines, reflecting the institution's commitment to providing a well-rounded education. From groundbreaking legal scholars to influential politicians and accomplished figures in arts and sports, Seton Hall graduates have consistently demonstrated leadership and innovation in their respective fields. This article aims to present a detailed overview of these distinguished individuals and their contributions.
Politics and Public Service
Seton Hall University has a strong tradition of producing leaders in politics and public service, with alumni making significant impacts at the state and national levels.
- Christopher Christie (J.D. 1987): Served as the 55th Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. Elected in 2009, defeating Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine, reflecting voter demand for fiscal accountability amid a recession-driven budget crisis. Reelected in 2013 with 60.3% of the vote, the largest margin for a Republican in New Jersey in over two decades, attributed to post-Superstorm Sandy leadership and economic recovery metrics including private-sector job growth of 250,000 during his term. Key executive actions included pension and health benefit reforms in 2011, which reduced projected unfunded liabilities by $32 billion through higher contributions and age adjustments, prioritizing long-term solvency over immediate spending; these faced union lawsuits but withstood partial legal scrutiny, contributing to stabilized state credit ratings from junk status recovery. Advocated school choice via expansion of charter schools and vouchers, correlating with improved test scores in participating districts per state data. He was also a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and 2024.
- Donald M. Payne (B.A.): Served in the U.S. House from 1989 until his death in 2012, becoming the first Black congressman from New Jersey. Won initial election in 1988 special election with 72% of the vote after a Democratic primary recount, and subsequent reelections often unopposed or with over 80% in general elections due to district demographics. Focused on international affairs, chairing the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, authoring legislation like the HIV/AIDS reauthorization in 2008 extending PEPFAR funding to $48 billion over five years, which empirical data linked to antiretroviral treatment scaling to 7.5 million patients in sub-Saharan Africa by 2013. Domestically, supported urban renewal in Newark, correlating with post-1990s crime drops from 1,200 to under 400 homicides annually per FBI data, though causation debated amid national trends.
- Nicole Malliotakis (B.S.): Is a representative for New York's 11th congressional district since 2021. Her constituency covers Staten Island and southern Brooklyn.
- Jack Ciattarelli (B.S.): Served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2011 to 2018, representing the 16th legislative district. He was also the Republican nominee in the 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election.
- William Howe Davis (1904-1982): Served as mayor of Orange, New Jersey for 12 years and as the director of the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control during the administration of Governor Robert B. Meyner.
- Brendan Byrne: Served as the 47th Governor of New Jersey from 1974 to 1982.
These individuals exemplify Seton Hall's commitment to fostering leadership and public service, shaping policy and contributing to the betterment of society.
Legal Profession
Seton Hall University's School of Law has produced numerous accomplished legal professionals who have made significant contributions to the judiciary and legal scholarship.
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- Samuel A. Alito Jr.: Is a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
- Michael A. Chagares (J.D. 1987): Serves as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, appointed as a circuit judge in 2006 by President George W. Bush.
- Paul B. Matey (J.D. 2001, summa cum laude): Is a United States circuit judge on the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, nominated by President Donald Trump in 2019 and confirmed that year. He served as editor-in-chief of the Seton Hall Law Review during his studies and later clerked for Judge John C.
- Evelyn Padin (J.D.)
- Michael A. Shipp (J.D.)
- Madeline Cox Arleo (J.D.)
These alumni have demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and a commitment to justice, serving with distinction in various judicial roles.
Academic Achievements
Seton Hall University has also nurtured a strong tradition of academic excellence, with numerous alumni making significant contributions to various fields of study.
- Michael Coenen: Holds the Marino, Tortorella and Boyle Professorship in Law and teaches constitutional law, with scholarship centered on originalism and the historical understanding of constitutional provisions.
- Paula A. Franzese: Peter W. Rodino Professor of Law, teaches property, land use, and government ethics, earning the Student Bar Association Professor of the Year award ten times by 2023 for rigorous, principle-based instruction. Recognized as one of New Jersey's Top Women in Law in 2020, her scholarship integrates economic realities and constitutional limits on eminent domain, as in critiques post-Kelo v.
- Patrick Clawson: Served as assistant professor of economics at Seton Hall University from 1979 to 1981, later directed research at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, specializing in Iran and Middle East security.
- Martin S. Edwards: Professor and associate dean in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University since 2006, examines international organizations and global governance, with expertise in IMF decision-making and economic sanctions efficacy.
- Larry Greene, Ph.D.: Has served as a professor in the Department of History at Seton Hall University since 1969, specializing in American history, the Civil War, and African American history. In March 2024, he received the Richard J.
- Nicholas H. Snow, Ph.D.: Chairs the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and holds the Thomas Tencza Endowed Professorship, established in 2025 via a $10 million gift to advance separation science and graduate training. His expertise centers on chromatography and analytical methods, supporting pharmaceutical research aligned with the legacy of alumnus Thomas Tencza, who earned a Ph.D.
These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields through research, teaching, and scholarship, upholding Seton Hall's commitment to academic excellence.
Arts and Entertainment
Seton Hall University has also produced notable figures in the arts and entertainment industry, showcasing the diverse talents of its alumni.
- Dulé Hill: Is an American actor. He is known for his roles as personal presidential aide and Deputy Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff Charlie Young on the NBC drama television series The West Wing, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, and pharmaceutical salesman-private detective Burton "Gus" Guster on the USA Network television comedy-drama Psych. He also had minor roles in the movies Holes, The Guardian, and She's All That and a recurring role on Ballers. He joined the cast of Suits for the last 2 seasons, and played patriarch Bill Williams in the 2021 remake of The Wonder Years. Hill also serves as a member of the SAG-AFTRA Board of Directors.
- Artie Lange: Is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality best known for his tenures on the sketch comedy series Mad TV from 1995 to 1997 and The Howard Stern Show from 2001 to 2009.
- Max Weinberg: Attended Seton Hall University, majoring in film studies, and joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as drummer in 1974, contributing to albums like Born to Run (1975), which reached No.
- Ron Carey: Was an American film and television actor. The 5-foot-4-inch (1.63 m) actor was best known for playing ambitious NYPD Police Officer Carl Levitt on TV's Barney Miller, in which he was almost always surrounded by male actors (and sometimes female guest stars) who stood at least 8 inches (20 cm) taller. The series' stars (Hal Linden, Max Gail, Abe Vigoda, Ron Glass, Steve Landesberg) all stood 6 feet (1.83 m) or more. Carey appeared in the recurring role for the last six of the eight seasons of Barney Miller's run. He first appeared on the show as a criminal, Angelo Molinari (aka The Mole), in season 2, episode 22.
- Marie Forleo: Is an American entrepreneur and founder of Marie Forleo International. She is known for her advice books Everything is Figureoutable and Make Every Man Want You, as well as the online business program B-School. Forleo hosts MarieTV, a YouTube web series, and The Marie Forleo Podcast.
- Josephine Siao: Is a Hong Kong film star who became popular as a child actress and continued her success as a mature actress, winning numerous awards. Since retiring from show business (partly due to her increasing deafness), she has become a writer and a psychologist, known for her work against child abuse.
- Bob Ley: Is an American sports anchor and reporter, best known for his work at ESPN. A multiple Emmy Award-winner, he was the longest-tenured on-air employee of the network, having joined ESPN just three days after the network's 1979 launch and retiring from the network effective at the end of June 2019.
These alumni have achieved recognition and success in their respective fields, contributing to the cultural landscape through their creative endeavors.
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Athletics
Seton Hall University has a rich athletic tradition, producing numerous accomplished athletes and coaches who have excelled in their respective sports.
- Dan Hurley: Is an American men's college basketball coach who is the head coach of the UConn Huskies. In 2023 and 2024, Hurley led UConn to back-to-back NCAA Division I national championships. He previously coached at Rhode Island and Wagner.
- Dick Vitale: Is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well known for his 41-year tenure as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.
- Kelly Smith: Is an English former football forward who spent three spells with FA WSL club Arsenal. After moving to the United States, Smith broke records with Seton Hall University then played professionally with Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) franchise Philadelphia Charge. After returning to Arsenal for a period which included a 2007 UEFA Women's Cup win, Smith was tempted back to America with another professional contract, this time with Boston Breakers in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). She accumulated 117 caps for the England national team after making her debut in 1995. Despite being hit by serious injury during her career, Smith is England's second-highest goalscorer with 46 goals. She played for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Smith was renowned for her speed, ball control and quickness in which she developed into a potent centre forward. She is considered by many who played with and against her to be one of the greatest ever players to come out of England, as well as one of the greatest players of all time.
- Nikos Galis: Enrolled in Seton Hall University Studied in 1975-1979. Is a Greek-American former professional basketball player. Galis, who during his playing days was nicknamed, "Nick The Greek", "The Gangster", and "The Iron Man", is widely regarded as Europe's greatest scorer to ever play the game, and as one of the all-time greatest players in FIBA international basketball history. In 1991, Galis was named one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players. In 2007, he became an inaugural member of the FIBA Hall of Fame. In 2008, he was chosen as one of the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors. In 2017, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2018, he was named one of the 101 Greats of European Basketball. In 2022, he was inducted in to the Greek Basket League Hall of Fame.
- Charlie Haas: Is an American professional and former amateur wrestler. He is best known for his time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2000 to 2009 and Ring of Honor (ROH) from 2010 to 2013. In WWE he was a member of Team Angle, which later became a Tag Team duo with Shelton Benjamin known as "The World's Greatest Tag Team".
- Adrian Griffin: Is an American professional basketball coach and former player who most recently served as the head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played in the NBA as a shooting guard and small forward from 1999 to 2008. Griffin grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and played college basketball for the Seton Hall Pirates.
- Andrew Gaze: Is an Australian former professional basketball player and coach. He played 22 seasons in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Melbourne Tigers from 1984 to 2005, winning the league's MVP award seven times and winning the scoring title 14 times. He also guided the Tigers to two NBL championships, in 1993 and 1997, and was named an All-NBL First Team member for a record 15 consecutive years. Gaze has been described as one of the greatest players Australia has ever produced.
- Bill Raftery: Graduated with master's degree in education. Is an American basketball analyst and former college basketball coach.
- Sandro Mamukelashvili: Studied in 2017. Is a Georgian-American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Seton Hall Pirates.
- Isaiah Whitehead: Is an American professional basketball player for King Szczecin of the Polish Basketball League (PLK). He played college basketball for Seton Hall. He played for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA in 2016-18.
- Samuel Dalembert: Is a Haitian-Canadian former professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for Seton Hall University. During his active NBA career, Dalembert was known for his rebounding as well as his shot blocking ability.
- Jason Grilli: Is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers.
- Myles Powell: Studied in 2016-2020. Is an American professional basketball player for the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played college basketball for the Seton Hall Pirates.
- Angel Delgado: Is a Dominican professional basketball player for Galatasaray Ekmas of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL). He played college basketball for the Seton Hall Pirates. Delgado has also played on the Dominican national team.
- Jordan Theodore: Is an American-born naturalized Macedonian professional basketball player who last played for Saski Baskonia of the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. He also represents the senior North Macedonia national team. He played college basketball at Seton Hall.
- Rimantas Kaukėnas: Is a Lithuanian professional basketball executive and former player who is the president of Wolves Twinsbet of the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) and the EuroCup. His long career has taken him to a number of countries, finding the most success in Italy. He has also been a member of the senior men's Lithuanian national team. Playing primarily at the shooting guard position, he could also play as a point guard.
- Louis Gaudinot (Criminal Justice): Professional mixed martial artist; The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs.
These athletes and coaches have brought recognition to Seton Hall through their achievements and contributions to the world of sports.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Seton Hall University's Stillman School of Business has produced numerous successful business leaders and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the corporate world.
- George Kurtz: Is the CEO and founder of the cybersecurity technology company CrowdStrike, and the founder and former CEO of Foundstone, a worldwide security products and anti-virus software company. He previously served as executive vice president and chief technology officer of McAfee. He is also the author of the best-selling book of all time on cybersecurity, Hacking Exposed: Network Security Secrets & Solutions.
- Dennis Kozlowski: Kozlowski, now 67, has deep roots in New Jersey. The Newark native earned a bachelors degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange before landing a job at Tyco as a comptroller at age 27.
These alumni have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, leading successful companies and contributing to economic growth.
University Leadership and Service
Seton Hall University has also been fortunate to have dedicated individuals who have served the institution with distinction.
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- Michael M. Reuter: Director Emeritus of the Gerald P. "Live passionately; love unconditionally; care deeply."Michael M. in the Department of Management and the former director of the Gerald P. Center for Leadership Development at Seton Hall.
- Reverend John D.: Hall University Chaplain for 17 years. cultivating positive relationships through compassionate presence.
- Robin L. Cunningham: Associate Vice President of Student Services and Dean of Freshman Studies"It's not where you start; it's where you finish."The first woman recruited to Seton Hall on a basketball scholarship, Robin L. Studies within the Division of Student Services. to work with the general freshman population. preparing them for success as they begin their college journeys.
These individuals have played vital roles in shaping the university's culture, supporting students, and fostering a sense of community.
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