By:MELISSA O'HARA
Business Information Center celebrates graduating class
Representing a diverse group from all areas of Nassau County and Queens, and an age range from 20 to over 50, the graduates of the Business Information Center, the College for Business in Valley Stream, celebrated completion of their studies with commencement exercises last week.
The cordial ceremony was held June 29 at the VFW hall on Merrick Road with students graduating with associates degrees in computers, and from office technology to court reporting.
Business Information Center was founded in 1982 and provides educational opportunities through hands-on, highly structured programs to prepare students for entry level positions in an ever-changing job market.
Graduates included young adults, single parents, grandparents, and even a retired New York City firefighter. Graduate Jay Ozzato said, "the diversity of all students, whether it be age, race, or location is what makes BIC different. Education is so wide open, you can go back and never stop learning."
Business Information Center encourages a sense of family among students, faculty, and staff, school officials say. Paul Womack, a graduate who returned to school mid-career, said, "I had a wonderful experience, between the education I received and the friends I met."
Graduate Dersy Mendez, originally from Cuba, summed it up best for all graduates by saying, "this is the best feeling you can have."
The 2001 graduates are:
Juliette A. Ashe
Jay B. Azzato
Christine Berardi
Maryann Cerniglia
LaNise Kay Clark
Nicole Lee Clark
Benny Abdel Colon
Edrice Deane
Janice Dexter
Cheryl I. Finley
Nancy J. Greco
Jeanine Aine Hermantin
Najat Zouhal Idrissi
Melanie L. Jackson
Nikeisha Jackson
Sadika Roberta Baez Jennings
Kazuko Kay Leaver
Karen McGreen
Leslye P. Medina
Darsy Mendez
Lourdes Marisol Molina
Oscar Montiel Jr.
Rita Valentin-Nusser
Alexander Josei Ortiz
Luis Isidoro Ortiz
Nylsa Rodriques
Miriam del C. Ortiz Rosario
June E. Siegel
Peggy Turcios
Judith S. Velloza
Delia Weston Williams
Paul Patrick Womack
