Sofia Bautista Pertuz '91

Sofia Bautista Pertuz ’91, Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students at Hofstra University, brings some of the lessons learned at Cathedral to her current position. She credits her Cathedral experience with creating a strong foundation for her work as an education professional. One valuable lesson she learned at Cathedral is that everyone has potential.

“I had several teachers that really took the time to understand me, to listen to me, and to say, you can do anything you want. You just need to work hard. And, don’t give up when things get hard,” said Sofia.

She remembers teachers such as Mrs. Rivera, Mr. Adams, Mr. Marino, Sr. Janice Novotka and Sr. Eileen Regina, especially. “I can remember specific teachers who took me under their wing; took good care of me; and made me feel like I was really smart and I had a lot to offer,” said Sofia.

Some of her favorite classes were her Spanish, English, natural sciences and social studies classes. After school, she was part of the student council; she wrote for the school paper; and she was also in the National Honor Society and service club. She played various instruments in the marching band, including the glockenspiel, bass drum, and cymbals. “I remember being in all of the parades,” she said.

Through Cathedral, Sofia landed a part-time job at the law firm Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP. She also worked at the firm while she was attending college.  She felt that Cathedral helped to instill some of the skills she used on-the-job at the law firm. “I felt like those of us who were from Cathedral advanced more and seemed better prepared,” said Sofia.

Sofia remembers the Cathedral environment as being firm, challenging, and, at the same time, very supportive. “I felt that the teachers really cared about who we were,” said Sofia. “[All of the teachers] made us feel like we were adults already. I never felt like I was being treated like a child. I always felt like they were respectful of our views.”

After high school, Sofia attended State University of New York at New Paltz, where she majored in organizational communications. She took on several leadership positions at the university, including being a resident assistant. That positive experience led to her career in student affairs. 

She attended graduate school at Seton Hall University, where she studied educational administration and supervision. At Ramapo College of New Jersey, Sofia was a residence hall director, and she went on to hold various positions in the areas of residence life and student affairs at College of Saint Elizabeth, Seton Hall University, Teachers College - Columbia University, Wagner College, and Fordham University.

Now, in her current position at Hofstra University, she enjoys seeing her students develop. “They come in sometimes not knowing what they want to do next, and I help to create positive co-curricular experiences to assist them with their development so they can learn how they can use their experiences in college to help them with their future endeavors,” said Sofia.

Sofia just earned her Ph.D. in higher education leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall last year. “Finishing my Ph.D. was a big deal because it took me a long time, but I stuck with it. I considered quitting several times, but I kept thinking, I have to finish and I did,” said Sofia.

Sofia grew up in the Bronx and now lives in Long Island with her husband and two children, and she stays connected to Cathedral by going to the reunions. She attended her 25th reunion, two years ago, and she is now the Class of 1991 representative.

For Sofia, her connection to the school has grown stronger over the years. She believes that will be the same for this year’s graduates as well. “They don’t realize how significant their connection to Cathedral is just yet. They will, in 25 years when they come back for their reunion. They will realize how close they are with their friends and what a great foundation they received -- both educationally and spiritually,” said Sofia.