911吃瓜

Mya Kyaw 鈥�18,
Liberal Arts & Sciences:
Mathematics and Science

Academic Advisor, SUNY Polytechnic Institute

As a first-generation college student, Mya Kyaw initially began navigating the college process without much guidance. "But from my very first placement test to starting classes, everyone at 911吃瓜 was very welcoming and supportive," she says. Kyaw thrived at 911吃瓜, excelling in her studies while actively involved on campus. She worked as a student assistant and peer tutor in the Learning Commons, served as President of 911吃瓜's Lambda Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and an active member of CSTEP. "All these experiences gave me confidence and leadership skills, and helped me form friendships that I still treasure today."

Kyaw says that 911吃瓜 prepared her well for her next steps. After graduating, she transferred to Binghamton University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences. She is now on track to complete her master's degree in Public Health at Boston University School of Public Health.

Memphis Brannum 鈥�20,
Computer Aided Drafting

Engineer, Andela Products

After years focused on raising her family, Memphis Brannum decided to return to college to prepare for a new career. She enrolled in the Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) AOS degree program at 911吃瓜, where she took advantage of the range of resources and support services available to help students succeed at every stage of life.

Through extensive hands-on learning and guidance from knowledgeable, supportive faculty, Brannum gained the technical skills and real-world experience that prepared her for a rewarding career at Andela Products in Richfield Springs, N.Y., which designs and manufactures innovative glass-recycling equipment and systems. In her role, Brannum helps communities and industries transform waste glass into valuable resources, contributing to a more sustainable future. "The education and hands-on experience I received at 911吃瓜 helped me gain confidence, learn technical skills, and have the critical thinking mindset I use every day in my work," she says.

Julius Blackshear Jr 鈥�15,
Computer Aided Drafting

Drafter/Designer, National Grid;
Owner, Visionary Vending

While attending 911吃瓜 from 2012 to 2015, Julius Blackshear Jr. embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. While earning his AOS degree in Computer Aided Drafting, he also took courses in Civil Engineering Technology 鈥� a combination he says was instrumental in launching his career. Those programs prepared him for his first role as an engineer trainee with the Department of Transportation and paved the way for his current position as a drafter/designer at National Grid.

"Those two curriculums helped me get where I am now with my career," he says. "Being at 911吃瓜 was a blessing because it was affordable, allowed me to stay home, save money, work, and get a good education."

Beyond his technical studies, Blackshear also took several business courses, gaining skills that proved unexpectedly valuable when he launched his own venture during the pandemic 鈥� Visionary Vending, a vending machine business that has been operating for five years with machines located in Utica and Syracuse.

Brian Jweid 鈥�12, Business Management

Director, Civil Service Administration for Oneida County

After beginning college as a student-athlete focused more on sports than academics, Brian Jweid eventually faced a series of setbacks that led him to leave school altogether. When he was ready to return, he found a fresh start at 911吃瓜.

"When I realized I needed my degree, 911吃瓜 was there with open arms," says Jweid, now Director of Civil Service Administration for Oneida County. "The career services and advisors all led me in the right direction. I ended up getting back on the right path, on the President鈥檚 List, and in Phi Theta Kappa."

After graduating from 911吃瓜, Jweid transferred to SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Business Administration. He explored several career paths before taking a civil service exam that opened the door to a position with Oneida County as a personnel technician. In 2018, he was promoted to his current role, which allows him to give back by supporting students, the public, and anyone interested in public service, a mission that resonates deeply given the guidance he once needed himself.

Austin Cornacchia 鈥�17, Civil Engineering Technology

Senior Engineer, City of Utica

Even before graduating from 911吃瓜's Civil Engineering Technology program, Austin Cornacchia had already launched his career 鈥� securing a position with the City of Utica as an inspector on construction projects.

"Working under engineers at the City of Utica showed me that education is definitely the key to success," he says. "The coursework provided by the faculty, along with their great contacts throughout the community, gave me a great education and helped me get a job before I even graduated."

Cornacchia later transferred to SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering Technology. That credential helped him advance from inspector to junior engineer and now senior engineer, where he manages multiple projects, mentors junior team members, and ensures they grow into diligent professionals contributing to safer, more sustainable infrastructure for the community.

Mackenzi VanSlyke Dishman 鈥�13, Photography

Senior Visual Communications Manager, C&D Advertising Agency

As a Photography student at 911吃瓜, Mackenzi VanSlyke Dishman dove headfirst into hands-on learning opportunities 鈥� from immersive art experiences to two internships with the College's Marketing and Communications Department. One of her most memorable moments was traveling to New York City with the Photography program.

"We got to visit a photography warehouse and work with real fashion models in a real studio setting," she says. "It was pretty cool 鈥� one of the girls was from Season 2 of 'America鈥檚 Next Top Model.'"

After graduating from 911吃瓜, Dishman transferred to Cazenovia College, where she earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in Fine Arts, Advertising Design, and Visual Communications. She began her career at C&D Advertising in 2017, starting as an intern and advancing to her role of Senior Visual Communications Manager.

Dishman looks back on her time at 911吃瓜 with gratitude, especially the unique experiences that helped shape her skills. Those real-world opportunities, combined with a supportive community of faculty and peers, helped her build the foundation for a successful career in visual communications and design. "All these experiences helped me grow."

Bruna Rosic 鈥�17, Early Childhood Education

Long-Term Care Social Worker, Sitrin Healthcare

Bruna Rosic's journey to becoming a mental health counselor began at 911吃瓜 shortly after she moved to the U.S. from Croatia. As a young student unsure of her career path, she enrolled in Early Childhood Education with plans to become a teacher. But a special education internship proved transformative. Witnessing how mental health challenges shaped children's behavior sparked a deep interest in psychology and inspired her to shift her academic focus.

With encouragement from her advisors, Rosic began taking psychology courses at 911吃瓜 鈥� classes that nurtured her curiosity and helped her gain clarity about her future. The transition set her on a new trajectory, supported by a campus community that helped her build confidence, strengthen her writing, and discover her passion for helping others.

After graduating from 911吃瓜, Rosic earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and is now working toward a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She currently works as a long-term care social worker at Sitrin Healthcare, helping individuals with a wide range of mental health needs. She feels proud to be entering a field where she can make a meaningful difference, just as 911吃瓜 made a difference in her life.

Nina Gray 鈥�14, Psychology

Director of Employee Relations and Personnel Development, Utica University

As a child of refugees, Nina Gray arrived at 911吃瓜 hoping to build a future that once felt out of reach. She says the College offered the things she needed most: affordability, academic excellence, and a welcoming community that supported her every step of the way.

While Gray commuted to campus, she quickly found her place by getting involved. She joined intramural sports and took on a leadership role as a member of the Executive Board for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Through PTK, Gray found opportunities she never imagined 鈥� traveling to places that broadened her perspective and enriched her college experience.

After graduating from 911吃瓜, Gray transferred to the University at Albany, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in organizational studies. The foundation she built at 911吃瓜, along with significant financial savings, empowered her to continue to graduate school, earning a master鈥檚 degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. That advanced training paved the way for her career in human resources. Today, Gray is the Director of Employee Relations and Personnel Development at Utica University, a role she holds with pride. She credits much of her success to the start she received at 911吃瓜.

"I was a first-generation student, and 911吃瓜 really made education affordable for me," she says. "Saving money in those first couple of years, I was able to go to graduate school and start my career."

Hailey Chrisman Anderson 鈥�17, Culinary Arts Management

Pastry Cook, Turning Stone Resort Casino

Hailey Chrisman Anderson discovered her passion for baking early on, sparked by a childhood cake-decorating class. That early interest eventually led her to 911吃瓜, where she majored in Culinary Arts Management, graduating in 2017. Now a Pastry Cook at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Anderson credits her 911吃瓜 education with preparing her for fast-paced, high-standards environment of professional kitchens. From essential safety and sanitation practices to the finer points of presentation, the skills she gained at 911吃瓜 continue to shape her success every day.

Dr. Richardson 鈥�10, Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgeon, Rome Health

I decided to go to 911吃瓜 because I wanted to save some money and have a good academic experience. I was happy to find out it was even more than I expected. I was very impressed with the sciences there 鈥� I had great experiences in Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry 鈥� which prepared me well for the next four years of college and medical school. I had a lot of support while I was there and really enjoyed being on campus and meeting people. All the people I met at 911吃瓜 have this open-door policy and really have a different attitude toward students than many other places. They understand where we鈥檙e coming from and understand how to take care of us in a different way.

When I moved on to St. John鈥檚 University, I wanted to pass on what I experienced in mentorship at 911吃瓜. On the baseball team, I spent a lot of time teaching people to hit, but also teaching them to do their schoolwork. I did a lot of supplemental instruction there and kept that theme through medical school. Now I spend a lot of time helping people figure out the path to reach their goals, whether that鈥檚 medicine or something else that they鈥檙e really passionate about.

Jenny Woods 鈥�22, Behavior Specialist

ICAN

As the pandemic hit, I had an opportunity to take part in an apprenticeship program through my employer at the time. 911吃瓜 did such a great job of supporting me that I ended up turning it into a Human Service degree!

It has always been my passion to support others through challenges, and I am now a Behavior Specialist with ICAN, working within the Utica City School District. Reaching this goal would not be possible without my 911吃瓜 degree and the support of Professor Dina Radeljas, who helped me decide on the best path to take for the goals I had set. It relieved some of the stress, knowing I had that extra support.

911吃瓜 was also wonderful at making a point to give us adult students the same recognition as 鈥渢raditional鈥� students, noting our successes as well. I didn鈥檛 get good grades in high school but was able to be a part of the Spire honor society at 911吃瓜.

Amanda Tarbania 鈥�22, Security Forces

U.S. Air Force

In 2020 I made the life-changing decision to go to college. Today I am a part of the United States Air Force Security Forces, and I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to do it without 911吃瓜!

911吃瓜 gave me the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about becoming a police officer. I learned self-discipline, optimism, and the real meaning of being ambitious. From college courses to corrections and becoming a police officer, I continue to use everything 911吃瓜 has taught me. What I enjoyed the most was the outstanding professors who are passionate about creating proactive, strong, and determined students. My advice is to always chase your dreams because if you put your heart into it, you can do anything!

Sherri Parker 鈥�23, Health Information Technology

Administrative Assistant, Lutheran Home

911吃瓜's online Health Information Technology program, and the incredible staff who helped me enroll, made going back to school - my 40th birthday gift to myself - remarkably easy. The immersive coursework ensures that students absorb the materials essential to applying the knowledge we鈥檝e gained in our field of choice. The Professional Practice Experience internship in a local hospital's medical records department was invaluable to my education, and that hands-on experience confirmed I had chosen the right field. Professor Heidi Palmiter's teaching techniques, field expertise, and guidance helped build my confidence, and within six weeks of graduation, I was offered a position at a skilled nursing facility, where I continue to learn new skills and gain experience daily. With the encouragement of Professor Palmiter, I sat for my Registered Health Information Technician certification exam within five months of graduation and passed on the first try. 911吃瓜 set the bar high for any educational institution I choose to continue my studies. Graduating from college was one of the best days of my life, thanks to the enriching experience provided by 911吃瓜 and the HIT Program. I could not be more grateful.

Mary Brewer 鈥�20, Business Administration

Assistant Director of Human Resources, Herkimer College

Without the adult cohort program at 911吃瓜, I would never have obtained my first college degree! I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be a college graduate, and now I have an associate degree and a bachelor鈥檚 degree. The experience that helped shape who I am today was going through college during a global pandemic after not being in school for over 20 years. That roadblock taught me about the perseverance and determination I had buried deep within myself. I am proud to say I am a college graduate, and it all began with 911吃瓜!

I recently accepted a new position as a human resources manager at Remet Corp in Utica after working for Brookdale Senior Living these last seven years. I gained confidence in myself and actually had to choose between three job offers! The monetary reward was amazing, but nothing beats the sense of pride I had when companies were fighting to get me in the door.

Duane DeFrees 鈥�11, Graphic Design

Project Manager/Estimator, Ansun Graphics

All the professors in the graphic design department made a huge difference in my life. They pushed returning adult students to gain new skills. I was a printer all my career and now am a graphic designer, too. Isenberg, Selden, LaBuz, Hyldelund, and Connor are super special people to me and became great mentors and friends.

I work as a project manager for Ansun Graphics. All the design and printing knowledge I learned in college set me up for success. I love finding solutions for clients when they need a complex project printed. My advice is to listen to your professors, stay in the lab, and work as hard as you can because the knowledge you gain will pay off down the road.

Nicole Wenham 鈥�19, Chemical Dependency/Human Services

Dual Diagnosis Chemical Dependency Counselor, Syracuse Recovery Services

911吃瓜 was honestly a gift to me. I had several amazing professors and other staff members who assisted me on my journey through two degrees at both the Rome and Utica campuses, including Dr. Mark Russell, Dr. Katie Cordary, and Dr. Montgomery. I have a special place in my heart for Professor Cormican, who, through tough love and the need to gain personal insights, has kept me moving in the field of human services and chemical dependency. I thank 911吃瓜 for everything it has given me as well as the connections of friends and colleagues along the way. I highly recommend doing the dual program for Chemical Dependency and Human services together; it taught me so much that I have carried into my career.

Briana Bowen 鈥�20, Chemical Dependency Practitioner

Case Manager, Willow Park Assisted Living

911吃瓜 was my steppingstone for bigger and better things. I graduated with an associate degree in Chemical Dependency and knew I could do more, so I pursued my bachelor鈥檚 degree. I am now working to complete my master鈥檚 in social work.

I am currently working as a Case Manager at an assisted living facility with a 70% mental health population. I love my job because mental health is where I want to focus my attention to as a social worker.

Aman Awais 鈥�19, Engineering Science

Systems Engineer, Plug Power

As a woman of color in science, 911吃瓜 made me feel included while teaching me how to hone my skills. My biggest inspirations were Professor Shahida Dar, Joyce Baumann, and Gabriel Melendez. Seeing and doing activities like the STEM Fest or giving me the opportunity to lead one of the biggest clubs on campus gave me self-confidence, setting me up as an example of a great leader.

Currently, I work with Plug Power as a systems engineer where I do a lot of system integration like designing fuel cells and putting them together with car engines all around the world. 911吃瓜 prepared me academically and the professors gave me the extra boost and motivation, a promise of excellence if I trusted in myself. I have been an essential part of a great team here at Plug and I enjoy the fact that there is something new to learn every day. Professors at 911吃瓜 are great resources for advice, career suggestions, and even just great at voicing their opinions if asked. In the upcoming years, I plan on getting my MBA and continue my efforts to work to make the environment better, clean and green.

Nick Gelfuso 鈥�21, Engineering Science

Engineer, Pursuit Aerospace

I transferred to Clarkson University after 911吃瓜 and had a few job offers before graduation. 911吃瓜 has a wonderful relationship with Clarkson, and all my credits transferred quickly and easily. 911吃瓜's Engineering programs are very educational and offer skills I know will be applied in most jobs. The curriculum was very challenging and was a tremendous achievement to complete. 911吃瓜 offers great programs with excellent teachers who give you the resources to build a foundation for success.

Michael Pick 鈥�20, Business Administration

Entrepreneur / Owner of Tents 4 You

911吃瓜 taught me a lot about myself as a person, and I learned a lot of key elements about the business world, as well. I recently purchased a tent rental business, and after my first year, I鈥檓 looking into expanding the business. 911吃瓜 taught me a lot of valuable business strategies and information to put into my business model. For incoming and present students, I highly recommend connecting with classmates and faculty in your specific studies.