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President Richard Helldobler speaks with alumna Chanti A Carter Rene for his video interview series, WP Reflections, in which he speaks with alumni and friends about their unique experiences at William Paterson experience and how the University influenced them, personally and professionally.
Michael Koutsokoumnis, a May 2026 graduate of William Paterson University with a bachelor of science degree in management, summa cum laude, was named the 2026 “Outstanding Senior” by the William Paterson University Alumni Association.
Presented annually since 1962, the “Outstanding Senior” award recognizes a graduating senior with strong involvement in extracurricular activities, service to the University and community, demonstrated leadership ability, and high academic standing. It is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. The award was announced at the Senior Send-Off celebration on May 13 where Nafin Elias ’20, MA ’22, president of the Alumni Association, recognized all the nominees and announced the recipient.
Koutsokoumnis received multiple nominations for the award, which cited him for his academic achievement, leadership, service to the University, and commitment to professional development. He was the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, and the Raymond Miller Activities Endowed Scholarship.
He was actively involved with the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute, as both a mentee and a student ambassador, and with the Career Development Center, where he served as a peer career leader. In his role as a peer career leader, he assisted students with résumé reviews, career exploration, and job search strategies. He also assisted with career fairs, networking events, presentations, and special projects.
Koutsokoumnis also served as president of the Human Resources Leaders Association (HRLA) and president and founding member of Students of Service. Other positions included treasurer of the Student Activities Programming Board and secretary of the Volleyball Club, among others.
A member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and the chapter’s philanthropy chair and vice president of alumni relations, he initiated the first community service mixer with multiple fraternities, sororities, and Students of Service. He also held camps-wide positions including unity chair of the Greek Senate and secretary of the Interfraternity Council and helped plan numerous campus events, including Greek Week.
Koutsokoumnis earned Dean’s List honors across multiple semesters and was inducted into several prestigious honor societies, including Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, the WP LEADS Honor Society, and the NSLS: The National Society of Success and Leadership.
Following graduation, Koutsokoumnis plans to pursue an MBA in human resource management at William Paterson.
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Rosa Diaz'97 Chief School Administrator/Superintendent of Schools, Carteret, NJ View news story
"As a first-generation college student, I needed guidance, so I networked with fellow business students, professors, and alumni. That gave me a competitive advantage in the workforce; I was better prepared to navigate and build my path to professional success."
Manuel Garcia'04 Private Equity Consultant and Director, Accordion View news story
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Dylan Johnson'21 Technology Risk Consultant, Ernst & Young, Cincinnati, Ohio View news story
