Collage of photos of members of the Bentley graduate school Class of 2025 celebrating during commencement day

Bentley Class of 2025 Graduate School Alumni Reflect on Their Journeys

by Kristen Walsh

June 26, 2025

Newly minted graduate school alumni from Bentley’s Class of 2025 took to social media to share inspiring stories about their journeys. Many juggled full-time jobs as they earned their degree. They forged connections with their cohorts. They strengthened more than technical skills as they learned how to lead with purpose, collaborate and think strategically.

Read on for more about their varied experiences in graduate programs such as the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Science in Finance and Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design.

Marquis Cooper MSF ’25

Program: Master of Science in Finance

“Challenges have been many, and this endeavor has been an uphill journey. But having gotten through it successfully, all I can say is thank you to my friends, family and colleagues for all of the support and grace that helped me get over the finish line.”

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Marquis Cooper MSF '25 wearing a graduation cap and holding Bentley diploma in front of the falcon statue on campus

Miguel Diaz MSF ’25

Program: Master of Science in Finance

“From day one, Bentley pushed me to think deeper, move faster and lead with purpose. Bentley has prepared me not just for my next role, but for a career built on analytical thinking, global perspective and purpose-driven leadership.

I’m excited to take the next step and bring this experience into a role where I can help teams and companies make smarter financial decisions through data, insight and client-focused execution.”

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Isaac Quinn Hackman MSHFID ’25

Program: Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design

“My professors all cultivated a wonderful environment for applied learning, and I thank you for the wisdom, teachings and critical thinking you passed onto students.”

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Isaac Quinn Hackman MSHFID ’25 wearing graduation gown stands in front of the Bentley library to celebrate Bentley's Class of 2025 graduate school commencement

Kimiya Ingale MSHFID ’25

Program: Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design

“Through the rigorous coursework and my work experiences at Bentley University User Experience Center and Ariadne Labs, I’ve discovered a few superpowers of mine:

• Being able to sit with the complexities and uncertainties of research problems patiently, till the threads gently start unwinding.

• Doing my research to do the research; the right questions don’t appear out of thin air.

• Familiarizing myself deeply with the gathered data during the cleaning and processing phase to go beyond superficial themes and connect the dots that lay underneath.”

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Purva Khandekar MSBA ’25

Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics

“As the first woman in my family to study in the United States, I carried not just my own aspirations, but also the hopes and dreams of those who came before me. There were moments of challenge and uncertainty, but each one taught me something invaluable about perseverance and the power of belief.”

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Purva Khandekar MSBA ’25 holding her Bentley diploma in front of the falcon statue on campus

Lindsay Kosinski MSBA ’25

Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics

“Returning to student life after more than a decade was a bit nerve-wracking, but Bentley’s Business Analytics program proved to be an exceptional experience; truly one of the best decisions I’ve made. Special thanks to the amazing faculty for their brilliance and support throughout!”

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Phillip Kudryavtsev MSBA ’25

Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics

“Over the past two years, I’ve grown tremendously in my technical skills and in my ability to perform complex, creative data analysis. But beyond the coursework, there are two lessons I’ll carry with me long after graduation:

1. Most complex topics aren’t as intimidating as they seem. Don’t let fear stop you from learning. Growth comes from curiosity and consistency, not confidence. Confidence is a product of growth.

2. Some of the best insights don’t come from textbooks or lectures alone. They come from your peers. Listening, collaborating and challenging each other’s perspectives complements your growth.”

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Wearing a graduation cap and gown, Phillip Kudryavtsev MSBA ’25 shakes Bentley President E. LaBrent Chrite's hand as he receives his Bentley diploma

Tatiana Lialina MSBA ’25

Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics

“The decision to move to the U.S. and pursue a master’s degree in business analytics wasn’t easy ... When I started the program, many of the topics and tools were completely new to me. These past two years have been incredibly intense — exhausting at times, but also rewarding and transformative. Balancing a full-time job, graduate studies and family life taught me how resilient, adaptable and resourceful I can be. I now consider multitasking one of my superpowers.”

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Darakshan Nazir MSBA ’24 (December)

Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics

“Through my coursework and research projects, I developed a robust foundation in data analysis, visualization and business acumen. I’m particularly proud of having worked on projects that tackled real-world business challenges, leveraging analytics to support strategic decision-making.”

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Darakshan Nazir MSBA ’24 wearing a tan pant suit with a graduation sash, holding her Bentley diploma

Alekhya Penumarthy MBA ’25

Program: Master of Business Administration

From her mother: “Our daughter, Alekhya Penumarthy, graduated with her MBA with distinction, marking a milestone of dedication and hard work ... Watching Alekhya walk across the stage filled us with immense pride and gratitude. Her resilience and commitment brought her to this achievement — and we couldn’t be prouder.”

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Zaida Pimentel, MSBA ’25, MBA ’26

Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics

“Why this journey mattered to me:

• Data to decisions: From predictive modeling to storytelling with numbers, the program sharpened my ability to spot insights that move business strategies forward. Thank you! Moinak Bhaduri and Luke Cherveny for your incredible way of teaching!

• Leadership in action: Serving as president of the Graduate Student Association taught me that analytics is only as powerful as the community it empowers.”

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Zaida Pimental, MSBA ’25, MBA ’26 wearing a white dress, graduation cap and sash holding her Bentley diploma in front of the falcon statue on campus

Carter Straub ’25, MSF ’25

Program: Master of Science in Finance (Advanced Standing Program)

Undergraduate Major: Finance

Minor: English and Media Studies

“Balancing academics, athletics, and personal pursuits over the years has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for the support of my professors, coaches, teammates, family and friends throughout this journey. Looking forward to what’s ahead.”

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Aritro Talukdar MSBA ’25

Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics

“Two years ago, I took a leap of faith — moving to a new country with nothing but ambition and curiosity. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I was ready to grow.

This journey has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Bentley gave me more than just technical skills — it gave me resilience, perspective and a chance to grow through late-night projects, countless assignments and on-campus work that taught me lessons beyond the classroom.”

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Aritro Talukdar MSBA ’25, wearing a graduation cap and gown and holding his diploma, standing with the Bentley library in the background

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