NJIT Celebrates Graduates' Impact and Excellence with Alumni Achievement Awards
A cornerstone of NJIT’s annual Homecoming Weekend, the Alumni Achievement Awards recognize alumni whose professional and personal achievements stand as a testament to the values instilled at the university. These awards honor individuals for their exceptional accomplishments in fields ranging from technology and finance to community service and entrepreneurship — contributions that bring distinction to NJIT while advancing society in meaningful ways.
This year’s honorees include leaders in financial services, health care technology, global investment, energy transformation, leadership development, logistics and urban redevelopment. Together, they reflect NJIT’s enduring impact across industries and communities. Their stories embody creativity, innovation, and leadership — qualities that define the university’s alumni network worldwide.
Joseph Buga ’15
Joseph “Joe” Buga has dedicated more than 50 years to community building and redevelopment in New Jersey, focusing on Newark and his hometown of Passaic. In the 1980s, he partnered with NJIT President Saul Fenster through the Newark Collaboration Group, helping to launch projects such as the Newark Light Rail, NJPAC and Society Hill.
In the 1990s, Buga led the public sector division of DKM Building Enterprises, which developed more than 400 affordable housing units in Newark. Later, as president of Urban Systems, LLC, he guided redevelopment in Passaic, managing over $250 million in residential, commercial and industrial projects between 2012 and 2023.
Buga’s influence extended nationally when Passaic was chosen as one of only 20 municipalities to join the White House Initiative Strong Cities, Strong Communities program. His work also brought federal partnerships through Together North Jersey and the EPA’s Local Foods, Local Places initiative.
In addition to his redevelopment work, Buga authored “Historic Passaic: Tales from the American Revolution to Rock ’n’ Roll,” published by The History Press. He remains active in civic life, volunteering with the Passaic Boys and Girls Club, the Optimist Club and the Public Library Board of Trustees.
Angelica Ogando ’02, ’11
Angelica Ogando is an Afro-Latina leader, entrepreneur and international speaker whose career centers on resilience, leadership and empowerment. She co-founded Yoshida Academy, a leadership and personal development organization that partners with universities and global companies, and Warrior Queen Cosmetics, a vegan beauty brand that celebrates history-making women.
Ogando’s insights have been featured in Hip Latina, Madame Noire and numerous podcasts, where she inspires individuals to embrace their purpose and transform challenges into opportunities. Her work with Yoshida Academy has impacted organizations such as Netflix, Abbott and Turner, helping them cultivate inclusive cultures and leadership pipelines.
At NJIT, Ogando earned both a B.S. and MBA before becoming a certified neuro-linguistic programming coach. She has remained active in university life, serving as a board member of the Hispanic and Latinx Leadership Council, where she has championed representation and equity for future generations.
Her influence also extends to nonprofit leadership, with roles on the Minority Arts and Media Foundation and the United Nations Association of Northern NJ. Through her business ventures, coaching and advocacy, Ogando continues to redefine leadership and beauty, inspiring others to lead with confidence and authenticity.
Anthony Pusillo Jr. ’75
Anthony “Tony” Pusillo is the founder and CEO of Logistics Partners Group, LLC, where he provides global supply chain consulting and project management solutions. His firm leverages insights in operations and logistics to help clients reduce costs and accelerate growth in industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals and automotive manufacturing.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Pusillo has held partner-level roles at Big Six accounting and consulting firms, supporting client operations across North America, Mexico and China. He has managed plant turnarounds and worked extensively with automotive companies such as BMW North America, Continental AG and Chrysler.
Pusillo’s expertise extends beyond business. He has published and spoken widely on supply chain management, global markets and operations strategy. He also works closely with veterans’ groups to help service members with logistics backgrounds transition into civilian careers.
An NJIT graduate with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering, an M.S. in Operations Research and an MBA in Finance and Marketing, Pusillo's legacy reflects both technical expertise and service to the community.
Gunjan Samtani ’97
Gunjan Samtani is co-chairman of Goldman Sachs in India and country head of Goldman Sachs Services India. A partner at the firm, he oversees strategic operations and growth in one of the company’s largest global hubs, playing a central role in shaping its impact in the financial services sector.
With more than 20 years of international experience, Samtani has held leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, UBS and Bear Stearns. He has also authored books on service-oriented architecture, business process management, and collaborative commerce, exploring how these frameworks apply to finance.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Samtani contributes to shaping India’s business landscape as chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Taskforce on Global Capability Centres and as a member of the National Committee on Multinational Corporations. His perspectives help guide policy and industry standards in one of the fastest-growing financial markets in the world.
Samtani holds dual M.S. degrees in Computer Science and Information Systems from NJIT, where he built the technical foundation for his career. His continued engagement underscores the university’s global reach and influence.
Anthony Shiao ’01, ’07
Anthony “Tony” Shiao has built a distinguished career in the energy industry, rising from engineer to leader and advocate for sustainable transformation. He currently serves as director of sales at GE Vernova, where he manages commercial activities for power plant investors, owners and operators. His team advances electrification and decarbonization efforts while ensuring efficiency across client facilities.
Shiao’s entrepreneurial drive extends beyond his corporate role. He has launched small businesses in apparel and real estate, guided by a Kaizen mindset of continuous improvement. As a cancer survivor of 15 years, he has also dedicated time to advocacy, supporting Stupidcancer.org and promoting resources for young adults navigating life after cancer.
Committed to service, Shiao is an early supporter of AAPI NJ, a nonprofit that advocates for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across New Jersey. At NJIT, he serves as an alumni advisor with the ISOTOPE program, where he mentors students preparing to enter the workforce.
Shiao earned both his B.S. and M.S. in engineering at NJIT. Today, he and his family remain active supporters of Highlander athletics, regularly attending basketball and soccer games to cheer on the next generation of students.
Sarabjit Singh ’02
Sarabjit Singh is the founder and CEO of Five Rivers IT, a compliance- and security-focused IT solutions company that helps organizations optimize operations and manage risk. He is also the co-founder and CTO of RPM Healthcare, which delivers technology for in-home vitals collection, data analysis, and proactive healthcare solutions.
With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship, Singh has established himself as a leader in designing systems that combine innovation with measurable business value. His companies have helped clients modernize their IT infrastructure while navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments.
Singh earned both his B.S. in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and his M.S. in Computer Science from NJIT. The Dorman scholar continues to support his alma mater as a member of the Albert Dorman Honors College Board of Visitors, contributing his expertise to strengthen academic programs and student opportunities.
Alana Dudley ’17 — GeNext Award
Alana Dudley is a senior associate in PGIM Fixed Income’s Portfolio Analysis Group, where she leads a team supporting Global and Domestic Rates, Hedge Fund, and Agency MBS portfolio managers. Her group delivers quantitative solutions, in-depth analysis and risk management expertise, shaping investment strategies across a diverse range of fixed income mandates.
Over nearly a decade in the financial industry, Dudley has excelled in both operations and investment roles, distinguishing herself as a forward-thinking leader. At PGIM, she also contributes to recruitment initiatives and plays an active role in the Black Professional Alliance, advancing diversity and mentorship within the company.
The Albert Dorman Honors scholar remains deeply committed to NJIT, serving as vice chair of the Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts Board of Visitors and vice president of NJIT’s Alumni Association. She established two scholarships to support students and was instrumental in launching the Ray Cassetta Financial Analysis Lab, which provides hands-on access to industry-standard tools.
A 2017 honors graduate in Mathematics with a concentration in Finance and Actuarial Science, Dudley also captained NJIT’s Division I basketball team. Beyond her professional and volunteer roles, she enjoys weightlifting, hiking and snorkeling, reflecting her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.
Collectively, the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award honorees embody the ambition, innovation and service that distinguish NJIT graduates around the world. From transforming industries and shaping communities to mentoring the next generation, they bring honor to the university while demonstrating the far-reaching power of an NJIT education.
