Nicole Whitlock Pelfrey '94 | Nicole Whitlock Pelfrey, a member of the GSSM Class of 1994, has built an accomplished career spanning pharmaceutical science, aerospace operations, and executive leadership at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wofford College, Nicole began her career in the pharmaceutical industry before transitioning into aerospace and International Space Station operations.
Over the course of her career, Nicole has served in a variety of increasingly senior leadership roles supporting scientific research aboard the International Space Station. In 2023, she was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as ISS Payload Operations Cost Account Manager and Manager of the Payload and Mission Operations Division at NASA Marshall, where she leads more than 500 engineers, scientists, and operators supporting thousands of scientific investigations conducted on the ISS. Her work helps enable groundbreaking research in biology, materials science, and human health that delivers tangible benefits on Earth.
Nicole’s leadership has also extended to mentorship and workforce development initiatives. Her work advancing partnerships through NASA’s Mentor-Protégé Program earned recognition as NASA’s Mentor-Protégé of the Year and helped expand opportunities for minority-serving institutions and emerging STEM talent. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to collaboration, innovation, and the cultivation of the next generation of scientific leaders.
Nicole credits GSSM with laying the foundation for the analytical thinking, adaptability, and resilience that shaped her professional journey. She remains connected to the GSSM community through alumni engagement and by sharing her experiences with students as a role model for future STEM leaders. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nicole is deeply committed to her family, church, and community, balancing an extraordinary NASA career with devoted service as a wife, mother, mentor, and community member. |
Neel Sus '95 | Neel Sus, a member of the GSSM Class of 1995, is an entrepreneur, technologist, and servant leader whose work spans software innovation, community development, and personal transformation. Neel credits GSSM with changing the trajectory of his life. Growing up in rural South Carolina, he arrived on campus carrying assumptions that held him back socially. It was a GSSM roommate who gave him the honest feedback he needed, and the support system at the school that helped him begin a lifelong practice of self-awareness, growth, and ownership. Those lessons became the operating system for everything that followed. After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Economics from Tulane University, which included a junior year abroad at the University of Bristol, Neel spent several years in defense contracting before founding Susco Solutions in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. What began as a one-person side project became a mission to use technology to help rebuild the Gulf South. Today, Susco is a 38-person, nationally recognized custom software development, AI, and claims technology firm with 500+ completed projects, a 4.9/5.0 Glassdoor rating, and consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 and Inc. Best Workplaces lists. Susco holds SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, and Minority Business Enterprise certifications. In 2024, the company launched RocketClaims, a SaaS platform for insurance claims management now serving independent adjuster firms across the country. Beyond business growth, Neel's most distinctive contribution is the personal development culture he built inside Susco. After his own transformation, during which he lost 120 pounds, eliminated three prescription medications, and rebuilt his health, marriage, and leadership capacity, Neel embedded the same framework into his company. Susco subsidizes Transcendental Meditation for employees, runs structured coaching and individual development plans, and treats growth as its primary core value, not a perk. The result: under 10% employee turnover in an industry that averages 57%. Neel is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and the Entrepreneurs' Organization. He is actively involved with Son of a Saint, supporting mentorship programs for young men and families in New Orleans, and is a regular mentor to emerging entrepreneurs and leaders. As the 2025 GSSM Commencement Speaker, Neel challenged graduates to build lives of purpose by connecting their values to a vision bigger than themselves. Through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and a deep commitment to developing the people around him, Neel exemplifies the GSSM spirit of using education to strengthen communities. |
Wally Altman '98 | Wally Altman, a member of the GSSM Class of 1998, has dedicated his career to public service, technology, mentorship, and community leadership. After graduating with honors from the University of South Carolina Honors College with a degree in Mathematics, Wally began his career as a statistician for the State of South Carolina before teaching himself software development and transitioning into programming.
Today, Wally continues his work in state government as a software developer, creating systems that improve healthcare access, public services, and operational efficiency for South Carolinians. His projects have included electronic billing and records systems for Medicaid and Medicare patients, online oversight tools for childcare centers, and accessibility request portals for mobility aids. His ability to combine analytical thinking with practical problem-solving reflects the strong STEM foundation he developed at GSSM.
In addition to his professional work, Wally is deeply invested in mentorship and service. He has volunteered with GSSM as a guest mentor for the Computer Surgery Club, helping students build a water-cooled computer system still in use today. He is also heavily involved in his church community, serving on the advisory board, coaching Junior Bible Quiz teams, supporting youth ministry, and leading media projection efforts.
Friends and colleagues describe Wally as empathetic, generous, and quietly committed to helping others. Whether mentoring coworkers, supporting those in need, encouraging online gaming communities, or caring for his family, Wally consistently reflects a servant-hearted approach to leadership and community impact.
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Cmdr. Alexander “AJ” Franz ’00 | Cmdr. Alexander “AJ” Franz, a member of the GSSM Class of 2000, has built a distinguished career of technical excellence and servant leadership in the United States Navy’s Submarine Force. After graduating from Kenyon College with degrees in Physics and Mathematics, AJ began a career in one of the military’s most demanding and technically rigorous environments.
Over more than two decades of naval service, AJ has earned recognition for exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and mentorship. He served as Squadron 19 Junior Officer of the Year, taught leadership at the United States Naval Academy, and received multiple Navy commendations and meritorious service awards. Most recently, he completed a distinguished command tour aboard the USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), where his leadership helped the submarine earn the 2025 CSS-15 Battle “E” Award for operational excellence.
AJ’s leadership philosophy emphasizes investing in people first. Under his command, USS Jefferson City sailors earned squadron-wide honors, while Naval Reactors recognized the crew’s qualification and retention metrics among the best in the fleet. Colleagues credit AJ with building cultures of trust, resilience, and high performance in one of the world’s most demanding operational environments.
AJ credits GSSM with providing both the technical rigor and collaborative environment that prepared him for success in submarine operations and leadership. His career reflects the values of discipline, service, and excellence while demonstrating the profound impact of STEM education in service to the nation.
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Patrick Cleary ’01 | Patrick Cleary, a member of the GSSM Class of 2001, is a Partner at Bowman and Brooke LLP, a nationally recognized law firm focused on product liability defense and complex litigation. A triple-degree graduate of North Carolina State University in Chemical Engineering, History, and Paper Science & Engineering, Patrick later earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, combining technical expertise with legal excellence throughout his career.
Over nearly two decades of legal practice, Patrick has built a reputation for handling complex litigation involving product liability, consumer finance, intellectual property, and emerging technologies. He is also a recognized speaker and educator on topics including artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicle systems, helping bridge conversations between technology and the law.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Patrick has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to civic leadership and service. He has served as President of the GSSM Foundation Board, President of the GSSM Alumni Association Board, and President of the Historic Columbia Board. His dedication to community engagement and access to justice was recognized through inclusion on the South Carolina Pro Bono Honor Roll and multiple leadership awards from the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division.
Those who know Patrick describe him as thoughtful, generous, and deeply committed to supporting others. Whether through professional mentorship, nonprofit leadership, or alumni engagement, Patrick consistently invests his time and talents in strengthening the communities around him and advancing GSSM's mission.
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Paige Swanstein ’17 | Paige Swanstein, a member of the GSSM Class of 2017, has emerged as a nationally recognized advocate for higher education equity and access to basic student needs. Following her time at GSSM, Paige attended North Carolina State University, where she combined academic excellence with service-centered leadership through programs including the University Scholars Program, Thomas Jefferson Scholars Program, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Honors Program.
Paige is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC), an organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity, housing instability, healthcare access, and financial hardship among college students. Under her leadership, SBNC has expanded to more than 500 campuses across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. In 2025 alone, the organization helped connect students to more than $32 million in SNAP and Medicaid benefits.
Drawing from her own experiences navigating financial insecurity during college, Paige has become a leading voice in higher education policy reform and student advocacy. Her work combines technology, public policy, and student-centered design to create scalable solutions that improve student success and well-being. Her leadership and expertise have been recognized through national speaking engagements, published advocacy, and features in publications including Forbes and Fast Company.
Paige credits GSSM with helping shape the interdisciplinary thinking, leadership, and systems-oriented problem-solving that define her work today. Through her advocacy, innovation, and commitment to equity, Paige exemplifies the power of using education not only for personal achievement but to create meaningful systemic change for others. |