From the lights, camera, and action to books, studying, and graduating, Paul Dombrowski has come a long way from putting on his Manhattan College soccer gear and stepping onto the field at Gaelic Park.
A native of Floral Park, New York, Dombrowski competed for the Jaspers from 1997 to 2000. While at Manhattan, he studied hard to earn a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering in spring of 2001, and later on a master's degree in Environmental Engineering, as well.
"Just having as broad of an experience as possible is so important. We go to college when 18-20 years old, then graduate in our early 20s. We haven't even seen the world yet. Then, knowing you have 40 years of work ahead of you—a lot of people with mid-career changes, company or profession entirely. Problems someone may face in 4-5 years may not be something we as a society are facing right now. Build experience now. Be ready and always willing and eager to learn and find new experiences.
When asked about his favorite class at Manhattan, Dombrowski replied, "Literary NYC. It's the history of NYC through literature - pre-colonial to the 1980s. It was my favorite non-technical class. Also, I took Marine Biology as an elective in my junior year with Professor Mike Judge. We went to spring break in the Virgin Islands; that was awesome."
Putting on the Green & White uniform, stepping onto the field, and hearing the fans chant, "Go Jaspers, Go Jaspers!" These are memories that will last a lifetime. The feeling of the grass beneath your feet, the ball going into the goal, and the hugs and handshakes from your teammates are lasting impressions.
His Senior Day is a specific moment that still brings a smile to Dombrowski's face.
Dombrowski shared that "friendships and road trips" brought back memories, but one particular moment stuck out.
"I was a defender, but we got a penalty kick on Senior Day, and I got to take it. Coach looked at me and said, "Paully, take the penalty." Dombrowski would go on to score the goal, giving him the feeling of accomplishment to be called upon on Senior Day and to score a goal.
A part of Dombrowski's reflection was because the Manhattan men's soccer team held its annual networking event, and he volunteered his services to be a part of the event.
"I'm passionate about mentoring," expressed Dombrowski. From working with a younger staff at his company to teaching classes at Tufts University and UMass Lowell, he enjoys mentoring young students.
Dombrowski's Manhattan roots go back to his father, a Civil Engineer major in Riverdale. Being interested in soccer and Environmental Engineering, few schools offered an opportunity for both. Manhattan College was one of them that did. From his visit to the school, speaking with the faculty, and seeing the opportunities Manhattan College offered, being a Jasper was the right fit.
Dombrowski went on to earn Regional All-Academic Team honors and was named the Valedictorian of the Manhattan College Graduate commencement in May of 2003.
While residing in Massachusetts, Dombrowski still manages to stay very connected with his Jaspers and even taught classes at Manhattan in the spring of 2022.
His experience and time in Riverdale has left lasting impressions on Dombrowski. Now, in a position to share, reflect, and educate, Dombrowski can apply the lessons he has learned in life through sports and job experiences to be an instrumental part of the men's soccer alumni networking event.
