Frank Parise, SUNY Nassau's most mature graduate this year, will be 75 in August.
"I first came to SUNY Nassau Community College in the mid 1960s, just after I graduated from high school. I have to admit that back then I wasn't ready for college and wasn't the best student. At that time, I also thought that 12 years of school was enough. Then I got drafted.
After that I started working in retail management. I found I liked and had a good career in various establishments. Over time I also became a volunteer firefighter and have worked as one for many years. As a firefighter, I have attended SUNY Nassau through the SAFER grant, which is a partnership between the College and Nassau County.
I have always been an active guy, so I also participated in my local school board and eventually was elected president. At graduations I would see others in their robes and mine was plain because I didn't graduate from college. I wanted to encourage the students to continue their education. By that time I also had grandchildren and wanted to be an example to them, too.
I enjoyed every minute of my classes at SUNY Nassau. In addition to emergency management, I found that I also really like history. I'm thinking about continuing my education to get my Bachelor's degree in history!"
My decision to attend NCC after high school stemmed from a variety of reasons. I had a lack of direction on what career to pursue, and I certainly noted the astronomical tuition costs at the schools that offered me admission. When doing my research, I noticed NCC's commitment towards its students.
Jun 7, 2023 | NCC
I am a first-generation college student and have been paying my way through college. I had previously attended NCC because of its affordability and location. I had such good memories from my first time attending that it made sense to go back to finish my degree. People also recommended Nassau's Surgical Technology program to me because it is one of the best in the area.
Jun 7, 2023 | NCC
Kyra Cardoso chose to come to Nassau Community College for its affordability and for the opportunity to earn a degree in acting. She recently acted in Noel Calloway’s "Mr. Santa," a movie about restoring the Christmas spirit.
Jun 1, 2023 | NCC
Anabella Segura Rivero was awarded the SUNY Empire Diversity Honors Scholarship "I finished high school in Peru in 2004, graduated from a technical school in 2006, and at age 17 immediately got a job at a law firm in my hometown.
Jan 31, 2023 | NCC
Going back to school was honestly the best choice for me. As an adult student, I felt focused and goal driven because I knew the expectations of the real world. The NCC - SUNY Empire State College Multi-Award Nursing Program prepared me for my future in so many ways.
Jan 12, 2023 | NCC
NCC was a smart choice for me because I wasn't really sure what my passion was. Nassau gave me a chance to figure it out while not having to carry the financial burden of switching my major should I want to make a change.
Dec 2, 2022 | NCC