Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program 2025 Graduate Corner
Each year, JTSP has the privilege of supporting extraordinary students as they pursue their academic goals. Last spring, our team was honored to attend select New York State and New York City graduation ceremonies to witness our scholars cross the stage—marking the culmination of years of dedication, resilience and exceptional hard work.
In addition to these milestone celebrations, JTSP proudly hosted their annual Graduate Photo Studio Day to honor the 2024–2025 scholarship awardees who completed their degrees in 2025. This special event provided a space for students to celebrate their accomplishments, connect with our staff and capture professional portraits commemorating their achievements.
In this issue, we are excited to highlight a few of the scholars who took part in these celebrations and share a glimpse into their remarkable journeys.
DAVID SHARER, HUNTER COLLEGE
2025 Hunter College valedictorian and graduate in Chemistry
PAULINE SHARER, HUNTER COLLEGE
2025 graduate in Nursing
These dynamic twins both enjoyed the Hunter College community and friendships they developed through the years and are grateful for the JTSP. David and Pauline also participated in the Study Incentive Program, and Pauline received the Next Generation Registered Nursing Scholarship award.
RAINA PLAISIR, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
Joseph Tauber Scholarship recipient Raina Plaisir, who graduated from the University of Rochester in May 2025, is the focus of an inspiring University of Rochester alumni news profile. The profile traces Raina’s remarkable journey from Haiti to Rochester, beginning with her family’s immigration to the United States after the 2010 earthquake. Despite the challenges of learning a new language and adjusting to a new environment, Raina thrived, thanks in part to her mother’s determination and her own growing passion for both science and the arts. Her path through LaGuardia High School and early theater experiences helped shape her dual interests in medicine and performance, which she continued to pursue throughout college.
The article also highlights Raina’s dynamic campus involvement, from her participation in the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students and the French Club to her love of writing, reading and sharing meaningful moments with friends. Financial aid—including her Women’s Network Scholarship—played a vital role in supporting her academic and personal growth, empowering her to forge her own path as a first-generation student.