There are many reasons to take pride in being a NSU student. Maybe it’s because our women’s basketball team has won three consecutive South Region championships or because we own a prestigious art museum in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. In case you need another reason to boast your shark pride, take a look at our impressive history of famous alumni. Professional athletes, pageant queens, and politicians, NSU is home to them all. Here is a concise list of some of our most notable alumni.
Name: Anastagia Pierre
Occupation: Model/Actress/Social Media Influencer
The stunning former Miss Bahamas Universe, Anastagia Pierre, is the epitome of beauty and brains. Pierre graduated from NSU with a bachelor’s in communication studies in 2012, and since then has utilized her degree in the most incredible way. At the age of 19, the former NSU cheerleader was crowned Miss Florida USA and, since then, has won numerous pageants, including the prestigious title of Miss Bahamas Universe in 2011. While Pierre is internationally recognized as a pageant queen, she also holds many other titles under her belt, such as former NBC 6 host, model, and reality TV star from when she was featured on TLC’s Say Yes to The Dress. She’s also been highlighted in several magazines such as Ocean Drive, Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition, GQ and was named “Hottest Beach Body” in 2012 by US Weekly magazine. The YouTube personality also has a blog with beauty tutorials featuring her Hair by Anastagia extension line.
Name: Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado
Occupation: Vice President of Panama
Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado is a political-powerhouse. Alvarado graduated from NSU with her master’s degree in business administration and currently holds the position as Vice President of the Republic of Panama. Alvarado is highly involved in state development and focuses on solving poverty and the environmental issues. She also serves as an ambassador of Panama to the United Nation in the New York headquarters.
Name: Cathy Areu
Occupation: Magazine owner
American author, journalist, Cathy Areu is the founding publisher of Catalina magazine. This magazine strives to break Hispanic stereotypes in the media and entertainment industry. Areu earned an M.S degree is English Education here at NSU, and has been featured in numerous publications since. She’s contributed to The Washington Post, where she profiled influential political figures including Laura Bush and Nancy Pelosi. She also taught high school English and journalism in Palm Beach County schools and has also written a book titled “Latino Wisdom,” a collection of inspirational stories by well-known Hispanic figures.
Name: Martin David Kiar
Occupation: Broward County Commissioner
Broward County Commissioner Martin David Kiar graduated from NSU Law School in 2002 at the top of his class. After graduating, he held several roles within the community, including the assistant town attorney and positions on the Davie School Advisory Board and Broward Housing and Finances Community Development Division. He’s served in the Florida House of Representatives for four years and has held the title of Broward County Commissioner since 2012. He’s also won numerous awards from noteworthy organizations, such as the Broward Democrat Party and American Cancer Society.
Name: Dr. Will Kirby
Occupation: Celebrity Dermatologist
Dr. Will Kirby is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Kirby Dermatology, located in Hermosa Beach, California. Kirby is best known for winning Big Brother 2, but has also been featured on more than 35 different shows such as Dr. 90210, The Doctors, and Real Housewives of Orange County. Dr. Kirby received his medical degree from NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at NSU. The services he offers clients range anywhere from lip augmentations to skin cancer treatments. Dr. Kirby has treated some of the hottest faces in Hollywood like Vanessa Marcil and Kat Von D and continues to succeed in his line of work.
NSU may not be the largest university in South Florida, but we’ve managed to produce an impressive list of alumni. We have the same opportunities to succeed as these former students and should feel encouraged to follow in their footsteps.