Coming Home to FDU: Stephen Bozer’s Journey from Forklift to Pinnacle Award

Stephen Bozer shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Buffalo, NY and working blue-collar jobs to earning his Master’s degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University and winning the Pinnacle Award, FDU’s highest student honor. A powerful conversation about mentorship, resilience, and the people who shape our paths.

In this episode of Coming Home, we sit down with Stephen Bozer, an FDU alumnus whose story proves that success is rarely linear and that mentorship can change everything.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Stephen grew up in a struggling family and faced academic challenges throughout high school. He went on to attend SUNY Binghamton, studying biology under the assumption that medical school was the next step or, as his friends joked, becoming a zookeeper. But Stephen knew neither path felt right.

After his family relocated to New Jersey, Stephen found himself overwhelmed by the scale and pace of the NY/NJ region compared to Buffalo. He entered the workforce, driving a forklift before working as an analytical chemist in Paterson, NJ. It was there — inspired by working alongside first-generation Americans that Stephen realized an advanced degree was necessary to grow his career and build a future he hadn’t yet imagined.

A friend recommended Fairleigh Dickinson University, a school Stephen had never even heard of at the time. What he discovered there changed his life.

Stephen was blown away by the industry professionals teaching his graduate courses, the scholars he was exposed to, and the history and mission of the university itself. Most importantly, a mentor at FDU fundamentally altered the trajectory of his life — reinforcing for Stephen just how critical mentorship is to student success and personal growth.

Stephen went on to earn his Master’s degree at FDU, receive the Pinnacle Award the highest honor awarded to an FDU student — and now proudly serves on the FDU Board of Governors as an alumnus.

In this episode, Stephen reflects on:

• Struggling academically and finding purpose later in life
• The power of mentors and industry-driven education
• Why representation and community matter in higher education
• How FDU became more than a university it became home

This conversation is a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the people who help us see what’s possible.

The views statements and opinions expressed on the Coming Home Podcast do not represent Fairleigh Dickinson University, its views or affiliates, the content of these episodes are solely focused on the stories, memories, and journeys of FDU Alumni.

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#FDUAlumni #PinnacleAward #HigherEducation
#GraduateSchool #AdultLearners #CareerJourney
#FirstGenInspiration #EducationMatters

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