Kevin Kaulfers ’09CPS, ’11GCPS

As a freshman in the College of Professional Studies, Kevin Kaulfers thought he had his career path planned. However, the advice he received as a Criminal Justice major opened his eyes to a wider array of opportunities in the field.  

“I wanted to be a crime scene investigator, like the ones on CSI,” said Mr. Kaulfers. “But I learned there are only a handful of those jobs out there.” He then focused on a different area of criminal justice—cyber security. “Fortunately, St. John’s has so many resources and advisors in the field. They helped me identify all the possibilities.”

When Mr. Kaulfers earned his degree, Jacqueline Grogan ’90P, ’95MBA, ’01PD, ’10Ed.D., Associate Provost for Student Success, offered him a graduate assistantship. This prompted him to enroll in the M.P.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership program, now known as Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership. “Dr. Grogan made it possible for me to continue my studies,” he said. “I also benefited from the phenomenal alumni, faculty, and advisors who helped me on my path.”

Today, Mr. Kaulfers combats fraud as an intelligence analyst in the Special Investigations Unit at American International Group, Inc. “Big data allows us to identify different patterns of fraudulent behavior and pinpoint nuances of potential fraud,” he said. “The goal is to spot and, in some cases, stop fraudulent activity before it happens.”

A resident of Brightwaters, NY, Mr. Kaulfers is a member of CPS’s Criminal Justice Advisory Council. In 2006, he received the Distinguished Young Alumni Award.

“It is something I will never forget,” he said. “Starting as a freshman, getting a dream job, and then getting an alumni award—it has been an incredible experience.”