"Utica became home for me,” he says. “It taught me how to manage everything in my life."
Many travel far to revisit the campus and their memories of Utica University, but few may be hard-pressed to come as far Saleh (Sal) Alsaykhan ‘15, who not only travels from Saudi Arabia for Homecoming, Family, and Alumni Weekend, but actually scheduled his wedding and honeymoon to do it.
“I always talk about Utica, the area and the university, and bring all the good memories to my wife,” Saleh says.
Born and raised in Alqurayat, Saudi Arabia, Saleh always had an interest in computers, especially when it came to the topic of cybersecurity. That put Utica, though a world away, at the top of his list of potential institutions in which to begin his future.
“I found very few Universities and Colleges around the U.S. back in 2010 who were teaching cyber security,” he says. “It was one of the very first universities that was doing that back then. I call Utica University ‘the home of cyber-security’. I thank the King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman, and the Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who gave me the opportunity to study abroad and gain my knowledge in cybersecurity.”
Today, he puts all the expertise he honed while a Cybersecurity and Information Assurance major at Utica to use as an Assistant Director of the Cyber Security Department at a private company in Saudi Arabia.
“I can easily say that my dream came true.”
Those dreams found their foundation in the classes and experiences at Utica that have left a lifelong impression upon Saleh since the moment he arrived.
“From Day One until the last day of my student life, Utica became home for me,” he says. “It taught me how to manage everything in my life. Every little detail I have experienced in the Utica area and on campus has left a positive mark on my life. And the faculty at Utica have given me the best advice to prepare for my master degree and for my career. I still keep in touch with many of them.”
It’s evident that his time at Utica holds a very special place in Saleh’s heart, and when reflecting on the impact of that experience he says the thing that made the biggest difference can be summed up in one word.
“Diversity. I would easily say it without thinking twice. I met many international students throughout my five years in Utica. We got along with each other, we learned from each other and got to know many cultures, which later led me to explore many different things about life.”
And when that life brought him back to Saudi Arabia after graduation, it was also back to a girl he grew up with in the neighborhood and had kept in touch with via social media while he was so far away from home. The two would eventually plan to marry - a wedding timed to allow the couple to return to where it all began for Saleh, with a return to campus during Homecoming, Family, and Alumni Weekend planned as part of their month-long honeymoon travels.
“I always talk about Utica, the city and the university, and bring all the good memories to my wife. She was very interested to visit and see my university, my old house and my favorite restaurants. We have a plan to make our wedding in the fall season, so I checked on homecoming dates, then I picked our wedding a week before so we can be at my alma mater during our honeymoon. She was, and still is, so happy every time I mention a visit.”
One thing he will miss during his visit is the embrace of James D. Adasek, “my forever best friend and my favorite math professor at Utica, who passed away several weeks ago. I was hoping to see him, and he planned to attend my wedding in Saudi Arabia. I have never left him behind in my prayers and I never will. My warm thanks and best wishes to the rest of my professors at Utica, who have prepared me for my bright future. They are all amazing.”
With plans during Homecoming, Family, and Alumni Weekend to attend athletic events, visit old classrooms, and show off the campus to his new bride, Saleh can’t wait to relive his most cherished years with the one he loves.
“I hope my wife gets to see the Utica team beat the other team, not just in football, but in all sports. We will visit my two old houses in Utica, and eat in many of my favorite restaurants, too.I hope to see everyone from my classes who attends the homecoming weekend.”
Their visit to New York State will be the longest part of their month-long honeymoon trip, which includes stops in New York City, Utica, various destinations within Upstate New York, Hershey Park, Florida, and wrapping up with a cruise to The Bahamas.
He hopes those considering Utica for their future academic career will embrace it as much as he has and take advantage of all its campus, professors, and community have to offer.
“Utica University is the best choice and will prepare you not just for your future career, but for your life and many things you may have never guessed. Everyone at the University has the knowledge to offer and an open ear to your concerns. You just need to ask. Do not hesitate.”
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