(left to right) Sandra Maribel Pinto and Deborah Anne Robinson

Rider University’s College of Continuing Studies presented two graduating seniors with Citations for Achievement April 30 at the University-wide Awards Day ceremony. The two were recognized for pursuit of education in the face of unusual difficulties or handicaps, their outstanding community service; professional achievements; and general overall ability.

Sandra Maribel Pinto

Graduating officially last December with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies in applied social science, Pinto participated in Rider’s Lawrenceville Commencement ceremony this month. Her resolute pursuit of education, dedication to family and commitment to help others in need while continuing her education made her a prime candidate for recognition.

Born in Guatemala, Pinto immigrated to the United States in 1999. While in her home country, she faced personal obstacles. Upon her mother’s death, her father, an alcoholic, was unable to take care of his family. Pinto took full responsibility of her three younger siblings while working and attending college.

After arriving in the United States, Pinto realized her parents’ dream of graduating from college. She attended Mercer County Community College, completing an associate’s degree in arts and business administration. During her studies at Mercer, she worked as a waitress assisting the family she left behind.

In 2002, Pinto volunteered for Catholic Charities in Trenton, a multi-family community center that serves the needs of Latinos. That same year, she transferred to Rider University. A Rider education has allowed Pinto the opportunity to fulfill her aspirations of improving her role as a social worker in the Latino community. She currently holds a full-time position for Catholic Charities as a client service coordinator. Upon the death of her father, she continues to financially assist her family. Her goals are to continue to provide support services to the Latino population, pursue certification as an interpreter and further her career within Catholic Charities.

Deborah Anne Robinson

Robinson graduated this month summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a law and justice concentration. The University recognizes her for transforming her difficult life circumstances into opportunities while pursuing her education.

Lacking self-motivation, Robinson left college in the early ‘80s, married, and started a family. Facing the death of a family member, due to a drug overdose as well as immense difficulties in her marriage, she decided to reevaluate her personal and professional goals. After divorcing her husband, she struggled as a single mother, holding a full-time job. Despite these challenges, she decided to continue her education at Mercer County Community College where she completed an associate’s degree in applied science in paralegal studies.

Robinson transferred to Rider in 2004. During the last two years at Rider, she carried a full-time course load of evening classes, worked as a full-time paralegal at New Jersey’s Department of Corrections, and took care of her teenage son. Her aspirations now are to attend law school and become a judge.

While juggling all these responsibilities, Robinson has found time to volunteer at local hospitals and shelters to educate and support individuals facing the destructive influence of drug addiction and domestic violence.

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