Defying the Odds: The Unstoppable Journeys of Three Westcliff Graduates
Not every degree is earned in a classroom. Some are earned from hospital beds and through quiet moments of resilience.
At Westcliff University, three international doctoral students — Omar Najjar (Doctor of Business Administration), Nancy Fugaha (Doctor of Education), and Hani Ibrahim Jamil Younis (Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics) — embarked on a journey that stretched far beyond textbooks and exams. They faced life-altering illness, personal loss, and the unique challenges of pursuing a degree from across the globe.
They all studied remotely from different corners of the world, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, yet their paths shared a common thread. What united them was not just the pursuit of a degree, it was the determination to follow a dream, even when life seemed to be pulling them in the opposite direction.
“I was attending classes out of my bed at the hospital,” Omar shared. “Sometimes from the ICU itself.” After surviving a near-fatal stroke and a devastating car crash that injured his wife and children, he returned to his dissertation with even more resolve. “Since I’m still breathing, I’m going to pursue my goal no matter what.”
For Nancy, the doctoral journey became a turning point. One of her professors, Dr. Amy DiBello, M.F.A., became a source of strength. “Dr. Amy was the light in the darkness after I had been diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “That marked the beginning of a new chapter for me.” Thanks to her studies, she was able to find focus during a difficult time.
While Hani didn’t face the same challenges as his peers, balancing family, work, and a demanding doctoral program as an international student was no easy task. His research on AI and mobile health carried a clear purpose. “It is not only academic or something written on paper,” he said. “We should always give back what we’ve learned and apply it to our community, wherever that may be.”
Their paths looked different, but each was driven by something that kept them moving forward. Now, after graduating from their respective programs, they are not only proud Westcliff alumni — they are proof that with a strong mindset and a solid support system, you can beat any outcome.
The Quiet Strength Behind the Journey
Omar, Nancy, and Hani didn’t reach the finish line on commitment alone. Behind every late-night assignment and virtual class session was a steady network of support offered to them by Westcliff.
Nancy recalls the impact of faculty who did more than teach. “I feel like Westcliff selects professors based on high standards. They motivate us to think critically,” she said. “Doctor Marconi… her encouragement, her guidance, her support throughout the journey… she was always there whenever help was needed.”
That same kind of presence stood out to Omar. His dissertation chair, Dr. Mourad, wouldn’t let him give up. “I said I couldn’t do it, but he told me we’re all capable of moving forward.” That single moment of belief helped him stay on track.
Connection came from classmates, too. Hani described building relationships across borders, with students sharing insights, swapping encouragement, and keeping each other on track. “We interacted with students from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the U.S. — from everywhere,” he said. “We helped each other, even if we had never met in person.”
Westcliff’s learning model was built for this kind of connection. Through Zoom classes, group discussions, and accessible faculty, remote learning didn’t feel remote at all.
“We felt like we were in the same room,” Hani said. “The university made sure we had everything — the resources, the communication, and the sense of belonging.”
When you’ve been through many setbacks, sometimes it isn’t the big gestures that carry you; it’s a thoughtful email from a professor, a classmate who checks in, or a few words of encouragement at just the right moment. Those small acts can become the reason someone doesn’t give up and finishes the dream they’ve always carried.
The Road Beyond the Degree
Graduation may have marked the end of their programs at Westcliff, but for Omar, Nancy, and Hani, it was only the beginning of something bigger.
Nancy now hopes to return to the university world, this time, on the other side of the classroom. “My future plan is to apply to join a university as a faculty member,” she said. Her goal is to pay forward the guidance she received and become the kind of professor who inspires strength in others.
Hani, on the other hand, is already working as a program manager in the tech space, and plans to publish academic papers based on his dissertation research in artificial intelligence and mobile health. He’s focused on making sure his work doesn’t stay on a shelf but instead finds real-world application. “We should not just write papers. We should give back what we study — apply it to our organizations and communities so it becomes something useful.”
And Omar, whose research explored how corporate personalities affect financial performance, dreams of launching a consultancy that helps organizations operate with more emotional intelligence. “Westcliff opened a new horizon for me,” he said. “It widened my perspective on what’s possible. They say the sky is the limit. No, I say there is no limit.”
Each of them now carries their degree like a compass. Not just a credential, but a tool to navigate the real world. Wherever their paths lead, one thing is clear: no matter the hardship, they are prepared to rise above it.
Westcliff is proud to celebrate Omar, Nancy, and Hani whose stories inspire us every day. We remain committed to creating a welcoming, supportive experience for every student, no matter where in the world their journey begins. Hani echoes this sentiment.
“I will not stop being a doctor of business. I will keep learning. I will keep communicating with colleagues and faculty to keep growing,” Hani said.