Dear Alumni and Students,

Greetings to you and to the Thomas Edison State University community. My name is Upendra Chivukula, and I am proud to say that I am a member of the inaugural class of TESU students to complete the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program in Organizational Leadership. I genuinely appreciated receiving my degree at the University’s recent Commencement ceremony.

I began my journey in 2020 while serving as Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Two years later, I am now Commissioner Emeritus and am excited about the future. While I’ve had a remarkable career filled with fantastic achievements, earning this degree has been an important highlight of my life. And, at 71 years young, one might say I am an example of what it means to be a lifelong learner.

As I worked toward my degree and learned more about Thomas Edison, I became very aware of how supportive the TESU community is. In fact, it was the generosity of TESU donors that provided the resources to create the DBA degree program. Giving to the TESU Annual Fund is an important way to create opportunities and strengthen the University’s ability to invest in critical areas. The DBA is just one example of how the University leverages philanthropy and provides meaningful programs for students on an ongoing basis.

I am humbled to be one of the first DBA graduates and will join you as a grateful TESU Alumni supporter. As TESU celebrates its 50th Anniversary, I hope you will consider making a gift to the Annual Fund or another University initiative that is important to you. As education is the greatest equalizer, your donation can help provide many students equal access to those opportunities that would otherwise not be possible. Together, we help to further the mission of this wonderful institution.

Sincerely,
Dr. Upendra Chivukula, DBA ‘22
Proud TESU Alumnus and Supporter