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Jennifer Gibbins '01
Software Engineer
Orincon Corporation International
"Be involved in as much as you can. It is great to meet people and it helps you get ready for life outside of UC."
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John Altamura '00
Associate Editor
USAENews
"Utica College offers an opportunity for you to obtain a prestigious degree in an environment that focuses on the individual. You are not just a number at UC -- you're a person."
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Dan Cormican '98
Registered Occupational Therapist, Director of Occupational Therapy
Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
"My one piece of advice to people in school is 'Keep at it.' It's very corny and quite cliché, but it's so true. Life keeps throwing things at us all the time."
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Stephen DiGiovanni '98
Manager
Totem Sushi Restaurant
"Utica College provides a big school education with small school intimacy. You're being taught by, in my mind, some of the best minds in the country, and you're not just a number to them."
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John C. Hersey '97
Optometrist
Vision Care of Maine
"I can't stress this one enough, any goal is attainable with preparation, hard work, and especially a good attitude. A good attitude will shine through and place you above and beyond your wildest dreams."
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Dan Jones '97
Financial Representative
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
"UC provides a fantastic community filled with multiple spectrums of diversity. The most important lesson at UC is the lesson of life. You have an opportunity to see the world from this little spot in central NY."
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Betsey Snyder '97
Associate Attorney for the State of New York, Mental Hygiene Legal Service, Appellate Division, Fourth Department
"I feel everyone should join something while they are in college because it makes your experience so much more memorable ... It also allows you to give back to UC and make it a better place for other students."
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Stephanie (Roe) Zimmer '96
Presence Marketing Specialist
Auto Shows & Consumer Events Mercedes-Benz USA
"Don't be afraid to ask for what you want -- be direct! You're not going to get the job you want unless people know that you want it and you have the skills to do it."
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Solade E. Rowe '94
Logistics & Operations
Federated Department Stores Foundation
"Utica College draws individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds with a variety of interests and perspectives; all of which are valuable when you interact with people in the real world."
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Julie (Bachman) Botteri '92
Travel Planner and Consultant, Freelance Writer
"My UC education built a strong foundation of interpersonal and written communication, which has proven invaluable to me."
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Lance Kriegsfeld '92
Assistant Professor
University of California- Berkley
"My advice for current students is to gain exposure to your chosen major field to make sure that it is right for you. It's easy to become 'married' to a career choice without being quite sure what one's job in their field really entails."
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Ann Marie Teitelbaum '92
Account Manager
Thompson Legal and Regulatory Group
"My advice to students is to try and experience as many different things as you can while at UC. Get involved in activities that you have grown curious about or have always wanted to do."
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Craig Chevrier '91
Account Director, Senior Projects Manager
Propeller Media Works
"I loved the small campus, and the students who took me on the tour when I visited were friendly and knowledgeable. It felt like a home I hadn't had in my education before. The hands-on and warm approaches were the opposite of what I expected from a college."
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David Guistina '91
Producer, Adjunct Communication Arts Professor
WAMC Public Radio, Utica College
"Show enthusiasm for learning. Do an internship. Most importantly, figure out what you like to do and try and make that your life's work!"
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Leila S.T. Davis '89
Financial Controller
Piscataway Mfg.
"Live life as if there were no tomorrow. In this crazy world that we live in, each day is a blessing that should not be taken for granted."
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Dale Wagner '89
TV Program Manager
WCNY (PBS, Syracuse)
"My one piece of advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity to get experience in your field of study."
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Pam Brunet '88
Public Relations Consultant
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Syracuse Divisions
"Relationships I developed through internships have landed me both positions I've had since I graduated from UC."
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Mark Pilipczuk '88
Senior Vice President, Access Marketing
America Online, Inc.
"Take every advantage of the opportunity to ask 'why?' and learn about everything you can. It doesn't matter how you ask 'why?' - you could take a course in a subject that's not directly related to your major or career aspirations, participate in a club or take part in student government. Take the chance you have to stretch as far as you can, because that's what builds the foundation of who you're going to be for a very long time."
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Brian J. Jackson '85
Dentist
Utica
"I encourage any student to develop a passion for their career choice. It is that purpose and passion in your field that will allow you to transcend to the highest level."
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Diane E. (Hickey) Hotaling '83
Director of Community Service
Virginia Wesleyan College
"Take it all in; strive for a broad education; live on campus for the full experience"
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Kathryn (Kate) Barefoot '80
Assistant Registrar
MVCC
"UC offers the best of both worlds, a small college with a BIG reputation"
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Mark Salsbury '79
Vice President of Human Resources
MARKEM Corporation, NH
"Define your own view of success by enjoying what you do, and do it to the best of your ability."
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Jerry Circelli '76
Director of Public Relations and Communications
American Paint Horse Association
"When a student works closely with a professor to pursue his or her plan, there?s a synergy that takes place. The result ends up being far greater than the sum of their combined efforts.."
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Chris Cirmo '76
Biology/Chemistry
"Enjoy your time developing life-long relationships and friendships with fellow students and particularly with your faculty"
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William "Bill" Evans Jr. '75
Office of Homeland Security, Recent Retiree
(After more than 30 years of Federal service)
"When I look back I remember coming to UC as a young married Vietnam Veteran and Utica College giving me an education and my first professional job. If it were not for God first and Utica College and the people there believing in me I wouldn't be where I am today."
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Frank Perretta '66
Former Director, Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP)
Utica College
"Do all the work, read all the materials, and your classes will become much more interesting."
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Honorable Anthony J. Garramone '61
UC Adjuct Professor of Business Law
(Steps out of the classroom after 42 years of teaching)
"Teaching at Utica College, I must say of all the things I’ve done in my life, and I’ve had a varied life, has been one of the most enjoyable parts."
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Michael Levine '61
Consultant
"As a small school, one had the opportunity to see and be involved in more activities, get to know the faculty and staff, and have a more of a hands on experience."
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Jessica M. (McDermott) Nelson '99
Assistant Director of Admissions
Utica College
"UC gave me the knowledge I needed to face the "real world" head on, the confidence to know that I have what it takes to get what I want and the resources to go out there and get it."
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Janice Huss '73
Associate Professor of Computer Science, Coordinator of Computer Science
Utica College
"Devote the same amount of time to your academic studies as you would to a paid job."
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Dominic Passalacqua '71
College Registrar
Utica College
"You get out of it what you put into it. The College gives you the tools to become productive, but you need to take responsibility for your own actions and interactions."
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Kathy Randall '71
Director of IITS Operations Multimedia and Computer User Services
Utica College
"Learn what you can from your work-study job. Take your work-study job seriously and learn to be responsible."
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"It is with a great sense of pride and enjoyment that I join you today as your Convocation speaker because I believe that education, especially higher education, is the pathway to a better, safer, and more prosperous world."