Matthew started his education in kindergarten at Catherine E Doyle Elementary in Wood Ridge, NJ. After graduating from Wood Ridge High School with the class of 2005, Matthew went on to graduate at the top of his class in Chemical Engineering from The University of Alabama.

Education was very important to Matthew. He maintained a high grade point average throughout his entire academic career. He was involved in many sports and clubs. Matthew was known throughout his entire life as one of the nicest people you would ever have the pleasure of meeting. He worked hard to be at the top of his class and had big dreams to change the world and he did so with a smile on his face. He also made it a point to help others have fun with his welcoming attitude and infectious laughter. He was someone who was extremely successful in both school and life.

At the University of Alabama, he was a Founding Brother of the Theta Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity incorporated at the University of Alabama. This fraternity was the first multicultural Fraternity at the University of Alabama. At the time of his death, Matthew was studying for Medical School and had dreams of becoming a doctor one day to help those less fortunate.

To Matt everyone was a friend – he never met a stranger. Matt lived by a 12-point creed that he hung above his desk and read daily.