Dr. Emmanuel Payano-Frias ’95 ’21 completed his Doctor of Education degree at Bradley University, an achievement rooted in the values and support he first experienced at Neumann. His dissertation, titled "The Road to Success: The Interplay of Academic Preparedness, Imposter Syndrome, and Resilience in Male African American Students," explores the unique challenges and resilience strategies of male African American students. This research reflects his own journey in academia and is inspired by the transformative support he has received along the way. Dr. Payano-Frias also reflects on the profound impact of Neumann’s core rises values and how they have become essential to who he is.