Douglas Stefano, BA Management and Marketing ’93

When Douglas Stefano ’93 walked back onto the Rutgers School of Business–Camden campus to speak to two of Professor George’s Intro to Business classes, he returned not just as an accomplished business leader, but as an alumnus whose personal and professional journey began in the very seats our students sit in today. Now the Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Taylor Healthcare, Doug shared a powerful story of resilience, hard work, and the transformational impact of his RSBC experience.

Growing up in Blackwood, NJ, Doug learned early what responsibility looked like. He began working at just 12 years old as an umpire making $6 a game to support his family, eventually taking a job in a liquor store throughout college to help pay for his education. He entered higher education with dreams of becoming a pharmacist and was accepted into the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. But when his family realized the tuition wasn’t feasible, Doug pivoted and enrolled at Rutgers–Camden.

His first year didn’t go as expected. Science courses proved challenging, and his schedule—combined with long commutes and the disappointment of not following his original plan—made that early period difficult. But it was during this time that several caring professors, including Dr. Atkinson, Dr. Cialella, Dr. Gaines, and Mr. Maradonna, noticed his potential and encouraged him to rethink his path. A blunt comment from his organic chemistry instructor—“You obviously have no idea what you are doing in this class so I strongly suggest you drop it!”—became the push he needed to step back, reflect, and ultimately redirect toward a future that better aligned with his strengths.

Doug also recognized that leaving athletics behind affected his structure and motivation. A three-sport athlete in high school, he struggled when he no longer had the routine that sports provided. Joining the Rutgers–Camden baseball team during his sophomore year changed everything. The balance of academics and athletics restored discipline, provided community, and helped shift his outlook. He credits the baseball program—not just for shaping his college experience, but for forming friendships that still remain strong today.

Majoring in Management and Marketing, Doug discovered that the business school’s emphasis on presentations, teamwork, and communication would become one of the most valuable parts of his education. Years later, when he landed his first sales job, he was flown to Ohio for training alongside graduates from elite institutions across the country. On day one, the new hires were filmed delivering impromptu presentations. Many struggled—but Doug excelled. The preparation he received at RSBC, especially in public speaking and group collaboration, set him apart immediately.

During his visit back to campus, Doug shared stories of his decades-long career—most of it spent rising through the ranks at the same company—and the principles that guided him: align with your values, bet on yourself, and always “do more” than what is expected. He reminded students that success is built on consistency, character, and the willingness to stretch beyond your comfort zone.

Even now, 33 years after graduating, Doug says he still turns to the concepts he learned at RSBC in his daily work. Whether he’s developing a budget, planning strategy, or preparing a go-to-market approach, he draws on the foundation built in classes taught by Dr. Atkinson, Dr. Cialella, Dr. Gaines, and Mr. Maradonna.

Doug’s story—of resilience, redirection, mentorship, and hard-earned success—left a strong impression on today’s first-year students. His message was clear: your path may shift, your plans may change, but with hard work, community, and belief in yourself, those detours can lead exactly where you’re meant to be.