2018 Commencement Edition

New York’s Proprietary Colleges Recognize Academic Achievement The Commencement Edition: Honoring the Class of 2018

Continuing a legacy of conferred more than 3,500 providing an affordable academic success bachelor’s degrees, 3,100 and quality education. for over 100 years, associate’s degrees, nearly This commencement New York’s proprietary 800 master’s degrees and edition features our colleges have been 294 certificates. In total, that member colleges, educating students is over 7,700 individuals showcases student and helping them who made a commitment to achievement and achieve their personal, enhancing their education provides a line of sight to professional and and improving their lives. the faculty who together academic goals. Last year, APC is extremely proud of its make all of those degrees APC member Colleges member colleges’ history of a reality.

Berkeley College Graduates Write Their Own Stories Berkeley College celebrated from New Jersey’s first the more than 2,300 and only on-site Licensed students who have been Practical Nurse to Bachelor of awarded Certificates, Science in Nursing program. Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Two hundred and ninety- Master’s degrees during eight graduates received the 2018 Commencement. Certificates, 757 received The ceremony was held Associate’s, 1,248 received at the Prudential Center Bachelor’s, and 58 received in Newark, NJ on May Master’s degrees. 11, 2018 and included the Lachanee Scott happily receives second graduating class of Berkeley College’s Class her Robert Maher award at students receiving a Master of 2018 reflects a diverse the 2018 Berkeley College of Business Administration population of students. The Commencement ceremony on in Management degree, as Class includes more than 140 May 11, 2018. well as students graduating [cont. on next page] 1 military and veteran students, Tough times befell her again and 180 international students Robert Maher Award with her residential situation representing 40 countries. Recipient Exemplifies and familial circumstances. Many students are the first Story of Perseverance There were times when she in their families to earn a considered leaving college college degree. Others are not Among the 2018 Berkeley and going to work full-time native English speakers. Just College graduates is Lachanee because of the struggles she over 31 percent of graduates Scott, this year’s recipient faced, but she persevered. Ms. entered Berkeley as first time, of the Robert Maher award. Scott recalls her saying, “The full-time students, and more The award is an honor given way out of poverty is through than 82 percent identify as to a graduate who has met education.” minorities. The average age of high standards of excellence a Berkeley College graduate in while overcoming personal, At this year’s commencement, 2018 is 29.6 years. professional, or financial Ms. Scott graduated summa obstacles. A resident of cum laude with a Bachelor Michael J. Smith, President of Newark, NJ, Ms. Scott had of Science in Legal Studies. Berkeley College, addressed ambitions to earn a college She is a member of three the graduates saying, “Know degree and eventually become national honor societies, and that the future isn’t written a judge. the founder and president of for us. The future is written the Berkeley College Newark by us. In your heart, you truly Ms. Scott immigrated to the Caribbean Club. Ms. Scott has need to understand that the United States with her older secured a positon as a Records only person you are destined brother at age 13, but their Associate at the McCarter to become … is the person that situation did not work out and & English, LLP law firm and you decide to be.” she returned home to Jamaica expects to attend law school in where she graduated from the near future. This year’s class joins a high school. Ms. Scott and her network of more than 60,000 brother returned to the U.S., Watch video from alumni and receives lifetime and she enrolled in Berkeley Berkeley College’s career assistance. College to pursue her dream. commencement LIM College Celebrates 79th Commencement

On May 24, 2018, LIM College celebrated its 79th commencement ceremony, held at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan. The ceremony graduated more than 550 students earning Associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees. This year’s Commencement also included the College’s first group of graduates to receive Bachelor of Science degrees. This was LIM College graduates express gratitude and ambition on their 2018 [cont. on next page] mortarboards.

2 the largest ceremony since the perfect fit for keynote speaker. generations. The ability to College was founded in 1939. understand, appreciate, and “Our industry is global, empathize with individuals For a college focused diverse, and built upon from backgrounds whose life exclusively on fashion and relationships,” Ms. Outler experiences are different from business, Shawn R. Outler, said. “Today more than yours is essential.” Executive Vice President of ever, we need to develop Licensed Businesses, Food meaningful connections Watch video from Services, and Multicultural with individuals from varied LIM College’s Initiatives at Macy’s Inc. was a cultures, backgrounds, and commencement Monroe College Celebrates More Than 2,600 Graduates

Monroe College, a national With such a large graduating The afternoon ceremony, for leader in educating urban and class, the College held two the Schools of Business and international students, held its separate ceremonies to Accounting, Information 85th Commencement on June accommodate all of the Technology, and Hospitality 13, 2018 at Radio City Music graduates and guests. The Management and the Hall. The ceremony conferred morning ceremony, for the Culinary Institute of New Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Schools of Allied Health York, received their keynote Master’s degrees, as well as Professionals, Criminal speech from New York State professional certificates, upon Justice, Education, and Assembly Member Marcos more than 2,600 graduates. Nursing, received their Crespo, who represents the The College conferred 450 keynote speech from 85th Assembly District. Master’s degrees, 1,095 Benjamin Tucker, First Deputy Watch video from Bachelor’s, 1,036 Associate’s, Commissioner of the New Monroe College’s and awarded 50 professional York Police Department. commencement certificates.

Monroe College graduates happily pose for a commencement photo at Radio City Music Hall.

3 SVA Student Speakers Offer Encouraging Words To Fellow Graduates

On May 7, the Manhattan “Never fold under the societal the graduates to face them, Radio City Music Hall was pressure, and always keep an with poise. He concluded his filled with the School of open mind,” Mr. Dubose said. speech by saying, “I challenge Visual Arts Class of 2018 and “When the world shows you you to broaden your horizons, their guests. There were 1,180 chaos and hatred, channel take action, lose control to graduates receiving their your energy and fight it with gain control, and find your degrees. The diverse class is love.” Mr. Dubose’s speech place in society.” comprised of students from 30 recognized the hardships and Watch video different states, Puerto Rico, battles of racial and societal from SVA’s and 53 countries. challenges, and encouraged commencement

Students receiving Bachelor’s degrees were represented Plaza College Celebrates by Student Speaker Ariana Storm Ascher. “What is your 101st Commencement cause, and what will your Ceremony contributions to the art world mean in the context of the art Plaza College celebrated its was then performed by world at large,” Ms. Ascher 101st Commencement on student Sharlene Valvano. asked of her colleagues. She June 24 at Queens College continued on to say, “Don’t in Flushing, New York. Charles Callahan IV, COO feel paralyzed by the many The Schools of Business greeted Commencement avenues you can take. We Administration, Allied Health, attendees. Marie Dolla, Dean are lucky to have so much in and Legal Studies graduated of Academic Affairs and front of us to solve. We notice students from several Dean Lin Loffert introduced things, so use your intuition to programs. Student Speaker Olexa Capili. make an impact”. Jonathan Howe, Dean of The ceremony was introduced Student Life, and Candace For those receiving a Master’s with the procession of Nixon, Director of Student degree, the Student Speaker students, faculty, and staff Advisement closed the was Michael L. Dubose (below). that was accompanied by ceremony by reciting the musical ensemble Wholly alumni pledge for the newest Brass. The National Anthem group of Plaza College alumni.

Plaza College Class of 2018 celebrates their achievements. 4 Bryant And Stratton College Celebrates Over 1,000 Graduates Across Its NY Campuses

During its 161st graduation season, Bryant & Stratton College celebrated more than 1,000 students who participated in commencement ceremonies across New York State. This year marked the college’s first graduating class in its new Physical Therapy Assistant program. Also of note, the cohort completing the Occupational Therapy Assistant program had a 100% graduation rate!

On April 28, 2018 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, the Bryant & Stratton College (BSC) Albany campus conferred 26 Diplomas, On June 1, 2018 at Kodak Performing Arts Center, 114 Associate’s degrees, and 4 Bachelor’s degrees the BSC Rochester campus awarded 27 Diplomas, upon its graduates. The commencement speaker 145 Associate’s degrees, and 7 Bachelor’s was Michael Skiba, PhD, VP of International degrees. The commencement speaker was Counter Fraud Strategies at INFORM. Jennifer Johnson, Anchor, 13WHAM, ABC.

On April 28, 2018 at Oncenter Civic Center, the On May 19, 2018 at Hamburg Fair Grounds, BSC Syracuse campus awarded 17 Diplomas, 209 the BSC Western New York campus presented Associate’s degrees, and 20 Bachelor’s degrees. 41 Diplomas, 318 Associate’s degrees, and 77 The commencement speaker was Robert Diano, Bachelor’s degrees. President and CEO of WCNY Public Media.

5 Jamestown Business College Welcomes George Borello as 2018 Graduation Speaker On June 3 at First Lutheran “As we celebrate another year and then politics. He spent Church, Jamestown Business of student success,” said JBC many years working in high College (JBC) celebrated the President, David Conklin, levels of business before 132 graduates of the class of “we are especially pleased retiring and pursuing full 2018 during the College’s 132nd to have Mr. Borello share his time public service in 2017. commencement ceremony. experiences and address the In January of 2018, he was The College, graduates, and JBC Class of 2018.” elected Chautauqua County guests welcomed George Executive. In this position, he Borello, Chautauqua Borello graduated from serves as CEO of Chautauqua County Executive, as their Purdue University and County Government and commencement speaker. went on to work in business dedicates himself to serving the county’s residents.

Addressing the Class of 2018, he said, “So this is what I hope for all of you … That you choose your own path in life but a path that makes you a leader. Not just a business leader but a community leader.” Borrello acknowledged the need for and importance of community leaders and those willing to give back before congratulating the Class of 2018 graduates pose with JBC President David Conklin. graduates and concluding his speech. FiveTowns College Celebrates Class of 2018

Five Towns College held its is perhaps best known as the his contributions to the Mass 44th annual Commencement iconic drummer and founding Communication Industry, for exercises on Saturday, May 19, member of the band Chicago. assuring an independent voice 2018. During the ceremony, for journalists, and for serving the College conferred 141 President Cohen presented an as a role model for aspiring degrees. Honorary Doctor of Humane broadcasters.” Letters (L.H.D.) to John President David M. Cohen, J.D. Caracciolo, a radio station In addition to the two presented an Honorary Doctor pioneer and founder of the honorary degrees, Dr. Scott of Music (Mus.D.) Rock and JVC Broadcasting Corporation. Ballin, Professor of Music, Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, President Cohen noted Five received the Lorraine Danny Seraphine. Pioneering Towns College was awarding Kleinman Memorial Award jazz-rock drummer Seraphine the degree to Caraciolo, “for [cont. on next page] 6 for Excellence in Teaching. The class of 2018 Songwriting and Composition. Mr. Gene Salnave received Valedictorian was Amada After graduation, she plans the Presidential Award for Procopio (Music Education) to continue her songwriting Distinguished Service for from Center Moriches, NY. journey in hopes of becoming his contributions to the Ms. Procopio joined the class both a popular songwriter and students, faculty, and staff of 2018 as a transfer student composer. of Five Towns College, for from Molloy College in the reminding us that it does take fall of 2015. In addition to a community of dedicated her academic achievements, people to make the dream of she was also elected as college education possible. President of The Five Towns Five Towns College alumnus College Chamber Singers. Charles Foerschner ’07 The Salutatorian was Jessica receved the Distinguished Chertock (Jazz/Commerical Alumnus Award for Music). Ms. Chertock began representing this alma mater her time at Five Towns College with honor and distinction, after transferring from for demonstrating excellence Hofstra University in 2015 to in motion pictures, and for pursue a Bachelor of Music Founding member of the band serving as a role model for degree in Jazz/Commercial Chicago Danny Seraphine Film/Video students. Music with a concentration in receives an honorary degree.

College of Westchester Student Speaker Shares Personal Story With Peers The College of Westchester share her story at this year’s give up on a dream. If you can celebrated the graduating commencement ceremony. believe it, you can achieve it.” class of 2018 on May 31 at the She told her peers of her high Westchester County Center. school pregnancy, the harsh 337 students received degrees words thrown at her, and the and awards as their guests and difficult jobs she worked to peers proudly looked on. keep herself and her child on their feet. She also told The ceremony was her peers of the power and attended by George Latimer, importance of perseverance. Westchester County Executive, who was this “Now in a few short moments year’s keynote speaker. The I will walk across the stage ceremony also included a and with pride and dignity speech from Student Speaker accept this degree and fulfill Marie Russo. a promise I made to my Student speaker Marie Russo mother 42 long years ago,” Ms. shares her inspiring story with Ms. Russo is a mother and Russo says in remembering fellow graduates. adult student who hit hard the promise she made to times at a young age, and earn a college a degree. She Watch video from The was extremely proud to concluded her speech by College of Westchester’s receive her diploma and saying, “It’s never too late to commencement 7 Monroe College President Marc Jerome Named to Higher Education Service Corporation (HESC) Board of Trustees

Monroe College President opportunity to help HESC and APC Board Member in its important work to Marc M. Jerome was named improve college access and to Higher Education Service affordability for New York’s Corporation’s (HESC) Board of students and am honored Trustees following unanimous to be named to its Board of confirmation by the New York Trustees,” said Mr. Jerome. State Senate on June 19. Mr. A seasoned educator and Jerome was nominated to the recognized expert on the position by Governor Andrew impact of higher education M. Cuomo. policy on underrepresented student populations, Mr. The Higher Education Services Jerome has long championed Corporation (HESC) is New students’ interests in Albany York State’s higher education and Washington, DC. He has student financial aid agency. shared his perspectives on It administers the Tuition higher education policy and Assistance Program (TAP), regulatory design with the various state scholarship and White House, the Department Marc Jerome, Monroe College loan forgiveness programs, of Education, the House President the state’s 529 College Savings Committee on Education and HESC’s Board of Trustees is Program, and other programs the Workforce, and NASFAA, a 13-member governance and initiatives to make college among others, and provided body that provides strategic more affordable for New York counsel on fair and balanced guidance and fiduciary students and their families. solutions to achieve desired oversight. Mr. Jerome was Mr. Jerome is president of outcomes. selected to represent New Bronx-based Monroe College, York’s vibrant proprietary a national leader in urban “For more than two decades, sector, which educates nearly education that delivers some Marc Jerome has been a state 35,000 students at institutions of the best outcomes in the and national leader in the across the state. His non- country for first-generation field of higher education,” said compensated position begins urban students. He has played Donna Gurnett, President and immediately. an integral role in leading CEO of APC. “His Monroe College for more perspectives on higher Mr. Jerome earned his than two decades, serving as education policy and insights undergraduate degree at Executive Vice President for on college access and Tufts University and his juris 22 years prior to his elevation affordability will no doubt doctor from University of to President in January 2017. be of great benefit to HESC as Pennsylvania’s School of Law. He has served as an APC it continues its work to help Board Member since 2000. college-bound New Yorkers “I look forward to the achieve their college dreams.”

8 Meet the Professor

Our college is unique because Revolution. It also looks at the of our students. They are impact of the radio, television, predominantly urban certain decades in history and students who just want to really shows the students the experience something outside way all of that has shaped and of the cities they grew up in changed our society. I also get and who want to further their to bring a lot of history into education and be someone. that course and the students They have such a thirst for learn things they previously learning and most are first hadn’t been taught. generation college students, which makes it even more Q: What unique/interesting special for these students techniques do you use to Dr. Erica Schacht, to obtain their degree. I also keep students interested and Chairperson, General feel our faculty truly add to motivated? Education Department, The the uniqueness of the college College of Westchester as we try very hard to put Well, I am a bit high energy. I an individual emphasis on never sit still. I talk super fast. Q: What brought you to the our students to ensure their Pretty much your traditional College of Westchester? success. New Yorker. However, I try to teach to every student’s Eleven years ago, I had Q: What is your favorite class learning style. I incorporate a recently finished graduate to teach and why? variety of teaching techniques school and was adjuncting at and delivery methods. I a few colleges, and truly was This is an interesting one. I try to make the class fun just trying to find my path. am an undergraduate and and interesting, even if the About a year later, I noticed graduate English Literature material might be boring to an ad in the paper, yes the major so naturally one would them. I change my tone of newspaper. This was before assume it would be any voice a lot. Sometimes, I even the majority of people were English class. And, perhaps act silly to get their attention. searching for their jobs online. back in the day it probably I was such a novice and still was our English Composition And other times, I make the in my 20s. I never thought 2 class which focuses heavily class more like a talking/ I would be hired because I on fiction short stories since hanging out session but they didn’t have much experience. there’s just so much you can are learning in the process. But, I took a chance and on do with that, and so many This way they truly want to a whim, I decided to apply new stories and authors you be there, and they want to for the full time General are bringing to the table for keep coming to class. I think Education instructor. The rest our students. But, recently, I about what would keep me is history. I like to think I was have truly begun to love our engaged and motivated in at the right place, right time. American Media and Culture class, and I try to reflect that class because it digs at the in my teaching. Q: In your opinion, what heart of our media dating as makes College of Westchester far back as the pre-American [cont. on next page] so unique?

9 Q: What sorts of things do am a summer baby, and I love give up, but it will so be you enjoy doing outside of spending time with friends worth it. Anything that is work? and family, and my 4 month worth pursuing will require old nephew. I also read a lot, perseverance and hard work. I have always been an athlete. I’m a vegetarian and love Just because someone else I was a runner all through experimenting with different might get there faster doesn’t High School and half of dishes. mean you won’t get there or college. But the last two years, get even further. The key is to I have developed a passion for Q: What’s the best advice believe in yourself and never spinning. I love the feeling of you have to offer your recent give up. You can be there for accomplishment after a 45 graduates? others but remember it is your minute session. I even went game and your journey. You ahead and became certified The world is yours. At hold the key. Go after your to teach spin. In the summer, times it will not be easy, dreams. I love being by the pool as I and you might want to just

APC member colleges employ more than Did You 6,000 New Yorkers. APC member colleges provide students with Know? more that $92 million in grants, scholarships and institutional aid.

10 Get the facts about New York’s proprietary sector of higher education

APC member colleges believe on-time graduation is the key to success for students. Graduation helps ensure students are able to find good jobs and repay their student loans. In fact, recent studies have shown that student loan borrowers who struggle the most to repay their loans are often non- completers.

Based on recent IPED’s data, in the 2015- 2016 academic year, APC member colleges conferred 7,791 certificate, associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. Of those degrees, 793 were master’s and doctoral degrees.

APC member colleges have a long history of providing an affordable and quality education. The average APC member college has been in existence for more than 90 years and more than half were founded more than 100 years ago. We’re proud to represent 12 degree granting colleges

Berkeley College - Est. 1931 Bryant & Stratton College - Est. 1854 The College of Westchester - Est. 1915 Elmira Business Institute - Est. 1858 Five Towns College - Est. 1972 Island Drafting & Technical Institute - Est. 1957 Jamestown Business College - Est. 1886 LIM College - Est. 1939 Monroe College - Est. 1933 Plaza College - Est. 1916 School of Visual Arts - Est. 1947 The Swedish Institute - Est. 1916

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