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2009 Student Stories

Working Adults Earn Their Degrees and Fulfill Goals

This was my first experience with online education. It was extremely easy from start to finish, from registering for classes to communicating with the instructors.”

Vito Barnes

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Vito Barnes
Verizon
Fiber Network Field Tech
CWA 6171
Whitesboro, TX

Associate’s Degree

 

I enrolled in this program to strengthen my career security. I now have a stronger skill set thanks to the NACTEL program at Pace University.”

Richard Benn

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Richard Benn 
AT&T
Telecommunications Specialist
Spring Arbor, MI
CWA 4040
Bachelor of Science Degree

The people who put the NACTEL program together really understand the working adult.” 

Todd Berguetski
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Todd Berguetski
Qwest
Central Office Technician
CWA 7743
Grand Junction, CO
Associate’s Degree

I chose the NACTEL program at Pace University because of the affiliation of all of these leading telecommunication companies.”

Jim Case

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Jim Case
AT&T
Service Delivery Business Tech - DSL
CWA 1298
Berlin, CT
Associate's degree

Everything I learned in the NACTEL program was geared 100% toward improving what I am doing on the job everyday.” 

Rich Damiano

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Rich Damiano
Verizon
Senior Staff Consultant
Randolph, NJ

Associate of Science Degree

 

I like the NACTEL program at Pace University.  It seems to be the closest to hands-on work, and it is designed with an eye on what the industry needs.”

David Furey

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David Furey
Verizon
Network Technician
IBEW Local 827
Oldbridge, NJ
Bachelor's Degree

 

The reason I could do it is because Pathways paid for my tuition and books. All I had to do was give my time.’’

James Grose

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James Grose
Qwest
Central Office Technician
CWA 7702
Pueblo, CO
Bachelor’s Degree

"I thought for a long time about the decision to enroll.  It’s a major commitment, but it was a great program.  Everyone should take advantage of it."

Wm. Shane Mason

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Wm. Shane Mason
AT&T
Service Delivery Business Tech - DSL
CWA 6311
Ofallon, MO
Associate’s Degree

Because this industry is so unpredictable, I wanted to earn my degree to keep my resume on the ‘top of the pile’. “

Randy Massow

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Randy Massow
AT&T
Technical Sales Consultant
Fox River Grove, IL
Bachelor's Degree

"I’m looking forward to walking across the stage at graduation, getting my degree, taking it home, and hanging it on the wall.  I am the first person in my family to earn a degree, and am proud and excited about it."

Wendy McNichols

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Wendy McNichols
Noble Energy Inc.
Telecommunications Tech
Humble, TX
Bachelor's Degree

"This program helped me learn more about troubleshooting and how networking is related to my job."

Luwanda Owens

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Luwanda Owens
AT&T
Telecommunications Specialist
IBEW 21
Chicago, IL
Associate’s Degree

I have been working on my degree for 35 years.  I would start, then stop, then start up again.  I enrolled in the NACTEL program at Pace University program because this program provided a way for me to finally complete it. “

Royce Potts III

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Royce Potts III
RP3 Enterprises
Owner/CEO
Jackson, NJ
Bachelor's Degree

 

"I really liked the NACTEL program at Pace University because I could do it at my own pace."

Linda Rodriguez

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Linda Rodriguez
Verizon
Analyst – Edge Team
San Angelo, TX
Associate’s Degree

My Associate’s degree gave me confidence.  My Bachelor’s degree will expand on that confidence with the skill, knowledge, and expertise to be truly successful in the telecom industry.”

Aimee Sumereau

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Aimee Sumereau
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Senior Technology Engineer
Northport, NY
A.S. Degree May 2007
B.S. Degree August 2009

This program has given me a high level of personal gratification and self esteem.” 

Stephanie Swenson

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Stephanie Swenson
AT&T
Communications Tech
CWA local 6360
Basehor, KS
Associate’s Degree

To be successful in this program, you need to have a time management schedule.  The program is very user friendly.  Just make a plan and manage the time when you will study.” 

Phillip Young

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Phillip Young
AT&T
Network Engineer
Baltimore, MD
Associate’s Degree