"The leadership opportunities I received from Seton Hall transformed my life. As a freshman and sophomore, I learned first-hand about leadership while working as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill. I got an inside look on how the legislative process works, and I'll remember that experience for the rest of my life."

If there is one word that best describes Joe Donato's Seton Hall experience, it's "leadership." He explained Seton Hall believes that leadership development is a vital part of the college experience. "The leadership opportunities I received transformed my life. During my first two years, I learned first-hand about leadership while working as a congressional intern on Capitol Hill. I got an inside look on how the legislative process works, and I'll remember that experience for the rest of my life." Joe said his internship prepared him for his position as a full-time congressional aide in Washington, D.C. after graduation. "I definitely believe Seton Hall made me real-world ready. I've been able to work into leadership positions within my interests to become a better person for the university community and for myself."

Joe always had the characteristics to become a leader, but before Seton Hall, the opportunities to express those strengths hardly presented themselves. That quickly changed when he was elected president of Seton Hall's student government association - a position which he held for two consecutive years. "Representing the needs and interests of Seton Hall students was so important to me. I learned so much from being involved in Seton Hall student government: how to run a meeting, how to set an agenda. I learned how important it is to effectively run a team. I learned about delegating authority and being on time."

Joe's leadership development continued through his involvement in Seton Hall's ROTC program. Known as the Pirate Battalion, he described it as a community within a community. "ROTC teaches you leadership, management, and communications skills. The program prepares you to go out and lead."

As a history major, Joe was drawn to the University for its academic excellence and rich sense of community. "Seton Hall gave me priceless opportunities to embrace its liberal arts education and strive to become a global leader. I'm very grateful to the University and I love the Seton Hall family - it's been like a second home to me." Joe thanks his professors for providing him with a world-class education. "My professors were passionate about critical thinking and were extremely influential. They went above and beyond to help you learn."

Joe also had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy. The trips to Rome and Florence provided him with not only great memories, but practical, real-world experience. "Studying there was kind of daunting at the beginning, but after getting adjusted, it was an amazing experience."

Now that Joe is a proud graduate of Seton Hall, he hopes to expand his leadership opportunities by becoming an intelligence officer in the Army reserve and attending law school. "Seton Hall gave me opportunities to grow and develop as a student and leader and now I want to give back to them."

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