Year: Senior

Major: Communication Arts

Hometown: Utica, New York

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
At UC, I am stage manager for the theatre program, president of theatre club, a member of G.S.A and a Student Ambassador.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College for the affordability and small class sizes. When looking at schools, I knew that I wanted to attend a college that had small class sizes so there would be more room for in class participation.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus would have to be the Strebel Student Center because it is the major place for socialization. Between the student lounge, dining commons and the theatre, students are given the opportunity to take a break from classes and hang out and participate in events.

What is the best thing about your major?
The Communication Arts major comes with a lot of flexibility. Students have the chance to take electives in Public Relations, Journalism, and Theatre. This flexibility has given me the opportunity for more hands on learning, and to broaden my horizons.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
The faculty at Utica College truly care about a student’s success inside and out of the classroom. They like to relate their teachings to what students would use for their future careers and will help guide students to their goals in any way that they can.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
Utica College is a very diverse community which leads its students to have a variety of opportunities.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
In the Communication Arts program, I have been given the chance for many hands on experiences which will be helpful for my future career. Because of the program, my public speaking skills have grown by taking many classes and also having the opportunity to DJ for WPNR 90.7. In the theatre program, I have been given the opportunity to develop leadership, time management, and organization skills by being involved with stage management.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica College has given me the opportunity to become a leader. Coming to college, I was not very sure what I was going to get involved in. By the end of my first year here, I became an assistant stage manager for the theatre program. Now going on my third year, I have become more involved and took on the role of stage manager and am now also a student ambassador.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
UC is a great school filled with great opportunities!
 

Year: Junior

Major: Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation (FFCI) and Spanish

Hometown: Martville, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
I loved being involved here at UC. I am the president of The Organization of Justice Studies (a club for criminal justice, cyber security, and FFCI majors), and secretary of the Utica College Student Chapter of The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College because of its outstanding Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation program. I hope to someday get a job in intelligence for countering narcoterrorism and UC was the only college I found that offered the resources and hands on experiences that would help me achieve my goal.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
If you ever can’t find me I’ll be on the balcony in the Economic Crime and Justice Studies Building. It has a beautiful overlook of the new sports dome as well as the back lawn of Strebel. The balcony is a great place to get some fresh air while reading for classes (and I usually compliment this relaxation time with an iced tea from Dunkin Donuts found across the road).

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about my FFCI and Spanish majors is that together they are providing me with the information I will need to hopefully someday counter terrorism. Terrorist groups rely on stolen money and identities which is where my FFCI major comes into play. In terms of narcoterrorism, Spanish allows me to study not only the language but the cultures and civilizations of Latin America as well. My majors are great because I find them interesting and I love learning about them (that is important when picking a major).

The faculty have been by my side every step of my journey here at UC. They have provided me with various hands on experiences outside the class room, networking opportunities (including an interview with a UC alumni who worked in the CIA), as well as countless office hours where I go and ask questions about everything and anything related to my classes. The faculty here have become lifetime resources that I can turn to for help in my future classes and career.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
Here at Utica you are treated as more than just a student. UC, being a smaller college, allows for students to grow friendships and acquaintances that will last a lifetime. I personally like the smaller class sizes as well (so small that the professors notice when you get a haircut and ask how your eight month old puppy is doing). There is time to ask questions and start conversations that go further into the discussion and get the others around you thinking about things in different ways. That is a learning experience you won’t receive in bigger schools.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
I have only been here at UC for just over a year so my experience has been short term. However, joining organizations and taking my learnings outside the walls of the classrooms has given me skills (public speaking, interpersonal communication, exc.) and hands on experiences that I will use in my future career.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica College has given me various opportunities outside the classroom that I would have never received if I didn’t decide to come here. Through the Organization of Justice Studies I have seen the Oriskany Emergency Preparedness Center, Oneida Corrections Facility, I have been on a Utica Police Department ride along, and many other unforgettable trips. I also received the opportunity to have an interview with a UC Alumni who worked in the CIA (I should mention that I had this interview as a first year student). Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would receive such an experience and the ability to have important questions regarding my career answered by someone in the CIA.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Quite simply you get what you pay for. College is not cheap and therefore time attending one should not be wasted. With the small class sizes and experienced professors you spend more time learning through discussions and real experiences versus reading a text book.
 

Year: Senior

Major: Health Studies, Philosophy, Spanish with a Pre-Law concentration

Hometown: Glassboro, NJ

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
I am the President of our Student Government Association as well as the Senior Class President. I am the Vice President of Membership of Alpha Phi Omega. I am currently the treasurer of our Honor’s Association. I volunteer with Pool Pals through our Health Studies Student Society. I am a Resident Assistant in Burrstone. I am also a member of the Gay Straight Alliance. I was inducted into the National Honor Society for Leadership and Success my first year here. I am also on the Diversity Committee.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College because out of the 19 schools I was accepted into, this school was the only one that gave me a home away from home feeling. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly when I came for a visit. This school was also the perfect size for me with great class sizes. UC was very affordable for me and offered me great scholarships.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the outdoor lounge on the balcony in the ECJS building. It is a great place to study and hang out with friends. It also has a beautiful view.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about my major is that it is very flexible. I first had two minors with my health studies major, but I was able to explore even further and turn the minors into majors. There are so many great internship and volunteer opportunities associated with my major.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
The faculty here at UC are absolutely amazing. They care about each student in and outside of the classroom. They want to see you succeed. Some of my professors saw I had potential in a different outlook and they have pushed me to discover two new majors.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
Utica College stands out from other institutions due to its remarkable ability to promote and encompass diversity. This would not be possible if it were not for the students here on this campus.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
I have grown tremendously since I stepped foot on this campus 3 years ago. Utica has prepared me with multiple opportunities for career development. From hands on experience in the field of health studies to mock interviews to professional runway shows I am more confident than ever for my time after graduation. Through different leadership roles on campus, I have been able to provide an inclusive living and learning environment for my peers.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica has helped me to never stop exploring the opportunities to grow as a leader. This upcoming year, I will be the Student Government Association President for two consecutive years as well as the Senior Class President. I would have never thought I would be involved in this organization before coming to college. I have been able to hold multiple leadership positions on this campus through different organizations. I was able to volunteer and help people in need. I was also able to study abroad in Ecuador and discover my passion for the Spanish language. I am really thankful for these opportunities because they have made me an all-around person.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
We are a welcoming community. There will be countless opportunities here at this college and you will discover your passion in life. The entire UC community will be cheering you on as you accomplish your goals.
 

Year: Senior

Major: Health Studies

Hometown: Patterson, NY

I am a Health Studies Major who wishes to go on to Graduate School for Public Health Administration.

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
I am involved in quite a bit on campus. I am apart of Alpha Phi Omega which is a service fraternity on campus, I am an active member in the Utica College Gay/Straight Alliance, I am a member of the Residence Hall Association, and I was in Student Government Association. In addition to that, I am a Resident Assistant in Boehlert Hall, an upperclassman residence building on campus, and I am a Student Ambassador.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College because I was very drawn in by the amount of diversity that the campus had to offer. I wanted to make sure that I was going to go to a school that was going to be understanding of my self-identification, but also broaden my knowledge and social life to other diverse backgrounds.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus would have to be the residential quad. Our residential quad is the grass space located between five of our residential buildings and it is a place for students to hold events, hang out, play catch with friends, or just relax in the sun. I love this place because I love seeing a place where ALL students can come together in a common space.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about being a Health Studies major would definitely be the hands on experience with my classes, but also, being taught by professors who have been working in the field they are teaching. It bring an aspect to learning that can make it easier to relate to and understand.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
A huge impact the faculty had on me has always been positive, but one in particular stands out. My advisor really helped my figure out which direction I wanted to go into with the healthcare field. He gave me a list of 25 different jobs I could do with a Health Studies Degree, 10 different type of facilities I could work in, AND all the resources where he got that information. He helped me really pinpoint the direction I should go in.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
The UC difference is that Utica is here to help find ways that will benefit the student. We are a place that is willing to work with the students on setting and achieving goals, but in ways that work for THEM. We focus on individual assessment, and individual growth for our students, but still work on building a campus family community.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
One thing Utica College has really prepared me with was professional development skills. I have had the opportunity to go conferences, work conferences, and help plan conferences. These are skills I am beyond excited to bring into my work environment in my career. Also, being a Resident Assistant has taught me a lot about dealing with different people and provided me with intense training from Safe Zone, to campus community building, to inclusivity, in order to bring our students together.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
One amazing opportunity was to be a part of the organization Residence Hall Association. Because of this organization, I have been able to be a leader within the residential buildings and provide education and advocacy for the students here on campus. Also, working in my college Admissions office has given me the opportunity to work one of the conferences, NYSACAC (New York State Association for College Admission Counseling). I was able to network with individuals from other schools, but also learn professional development skills.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
At Utica, you will bring out a side of yourself that you’d NEVER imagine. Utica is thriving with opportunity, and here to help the students achieve any goals they might have within their college experience. Utica is a diverse community with the focus on the students on a personal, professional, and academic level.
 

Year: Junior

Major: Health Studies - Occupational Therapy

Hometown: Prospect, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
National Society of Leadership and Success
Orientation Mentor
Teacher’s Assistant
Intramural Volleyball

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College because not only is it close to home, so I am saving a lot of money, but also because the professors and administrators here care about you as an individual.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus would probably have to be Strebel Student Center; a great place to meet up and hang out.

What is the best thing about your major?
This one is hard because I love everything about my major. I would probably have to say that right now, my favorite thing is the fact that I get to work with real human bodies and real human brains. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
Utica College faculty have not only helped me with my academic success, but have helped me grow intellectually as well. There is always an open door with someone to listen.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
Probably the tight knit relationships between faculty and students. Students are seen as individuals with a name instead of just a number.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
My experience thus far has taught me that anything is achievable if you work hard enough. I know that with the support of professors and other faculty at UC that with enough hard work, I can be successful in my career.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica College has given me the opportunity to learn from cadavers and human brains, as I had mentioned previously. I have had the opportunity to interact and meet over 600 first year students. The opportunities are endless here at Utica College.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Utica College is made up of the most welcoming and friendly people you will ever meet. You will build relationships that will last a lifetime. If you put in the effort here, your professors will do everything in their power to help you succeed.
 

Year: Senior

Major: Economics

Hometown: Remsen, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
I pride myself in being a member of both the varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams. I am also the Vice President of UC’s Colleges Against Cancer.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica for the welcoming environment created by my coaches. Athletics was going to be a huge part of my college experience and they made me feel like I could be a vital part of the program’s future success. But the deal wasn’t totally sealed until I met the team. Luckily, they were a group of goofballs just like me, that’s when I knew this was home.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is our new indoor facility, ‘The Hutt’ named after former president Todd Hutton. It houses an 8-lane indoor track and full lifting area for my entire team to practice together.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best part of my major is the professors I get to work with. They come from all over the world and each have unique backgrounds that makes each class slightly different from the next. Professors here are people that have experiences I try to learn as much as I can from and my international classmates bring perspectives and stories I could only read about in books.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
There are a few faculty that have unknowingly had huge impacts on my life. Helping me decide what to go to grad school for and what career path to take just by the atmosphere and excitement of their classes.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
We really are a family here. Whether it be within your sport, major, floor, or anything in between.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
Through various events put on by the Office of Career Services, I have been able to sharpen my skills as a prospective employee as well as network amongst business people in the Utica area.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
I have never been given the opportunity to live and learn amongst as diverse of a community as this one. People here come from all over the country and all over the world. I have developed an understanding for different cultures as well as a great respect for them.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
The price, the professors, the opportunities… I could create a huge list!
 

Year: Junior

Major: Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation

Hometown: Buffalo, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
At UC, I am on the Football team and a Student Ambassador.

Why did you choose Utica College?
When looking at colleges, Utica and the football team here welcomed me with open arms and made me feel more comfortable than I did anywhere else.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the athletic center, likely because that is where I spend most of my time.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about my major is the interaction between faculty and people who actually are full-time in the field. My major also has its own building, so it feels like going to work everyday.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
Utica College Faculty has been incredibly helpful and understanding since the beginning of my first year as a college student. They do everything they can to make sure you are on the right track to be successful in the classroom.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
The UC difference is that their is always something to do and people to interact with, meaning no matter what there's something for you to be involved in, on, or around campus.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
Utica College has put me through a lot of adversity on the field and the classroom. Facing adversity and learning to deal with it is very important in all aspects of life, especially when things are not going as planned.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
It has given me the opportunity to further my athletic career and put me on the right path to success with their very notable criminal justice field.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Because it is a welcoming environment with great experiences to offer.
 

Year: Sophomore

Major: Cyber Security: Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation

Hometown: Marlboro, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
In addition to being a Student Ambassador, I am a member of the Cyber Security club. I also make every effort to participate in the wide variety of activities offered on campus and off, such as football and hockey games, movies on the quad, day trips, lectures and concerts- just to name a few.

Why did you choose Utica College?
Of course, the strength of the academic program was uppermost in my mind when I was looking at colleges. UC’s Cyber Security program holds two national designations for excellence; something no other college I looked at was able to duplicate. When I visited, I received a great deal of personal attention, from the Admissions Office and Cyber Security department in particular, and this made a big impression on me. Beyond the academic, it was important to me that I could see myself spending 4 years at whatever school I chose. The UC campus felt like home.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
The Pioneer Pub. It’s a good place to meet up with friends or listen to live music- plus the wings and spicy chicken sandwiches are great!

What is the best thing about your major?
Many of my professors have worked, or are still working, in the cyber security field, and this allows them to bring real world experience to the classroom. This affords us, as students, an in depth look at the field we have chosen- not just words on a page in a textbook. This field is experiencing tremendous growth and the job opportunities are endless. I hope to eventually work for the FBI or another federal agency; however, I am also interested in the finance industry as a potential employer. There are a number of different concentrations within the major so it’s easy to choose one that matches your specific interest.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
I’m happy to say that I have developed strong relationships with many of my professors. They have encouraged me to be an independent thinker and stretch the limits of what I believe I’m capable of. I have always felt comfortable going to them with questions/problems.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
The UC difference is that we focus on collaboration instead of competition, which allows everyone to succeed.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
College in general has strengthened many of the skills I will need to take with me into the workforce. Planning and organizing, problem solving, accountability, communication skills and leadership are just a few of the areas that I believe have been strengthened by my time at UC.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Here at UC I have had the opportunity to interact with a very diverse student body- which is quite different from my high school experience. Being able to view things from different perspectives is a very important part of life- during and after college- and UC has played a big role in my ability to do this.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
At UC you will find a community of diverse individuals- all of whom you can learn from. You will benefit from smaller class sizes and develop positive relationships with your professors. The college offers endless support systems to help each student achieve their goals. This is a place where you can stand out if you want to- and why wouldn’t you?!
 

Year: Sophomore

Major: Psychology - Child life

Hometown: Schuylerville, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
At UC, I am on the Field Hockey team, a part of psychology child life society and a Student Ambassador.

Why did you choose Utica College?
When looking at colleges UC quickly became my top choice because the welcoming small town feel that resembled the town I grew up in.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on the Utica college campus is the courtyard in the middle of the library concourse. This is just one of the many quiet places you can sit and do your work throughout the day or just sit and relax. What makes this area stand out to me above others is the outdoor setting and the fountain.

What is the best thing about your major?
The Psych department, along with many others here at UC, has many professors who teach from not only a textbook but are industry professionals that teach from first hand knowledge/experiences.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
Right from the first day of freshman year I got the impression from my professors that they were resourceful, many listing their office hours as well as insisting that their door was always open for additional help. They not only care about what they are teaching, but want to make sure that their students leave with a grasp on the knowledge.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
The UC difference is that there is always something to do, either on or around campus.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
UC has helped me in several ways to prepare for my future career. For instance, working on campus as an ambassador has taught me time management, leadership and public speaking skills, the latter being very helpful in conveying my opinions and thoughts in a professional manner.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica College has given me the opportunity to branch out and meet new people from all different backgrounds. My hometown is a small place in what seems like the middle of nowhere. Utica College has given me the opportunity to explore and make new and diverse friendships that I never could have imagined.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
UC may be a D3 school but has D1 pride.
 

Year: Junior

Major: Health Studies - PT Track

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
At UC, I am part of the football and tennis teams. I am a student ambassador as well an honor’s student.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica college because it felt like home when my parents and I drove up here. I later learned that the class sizes are small and that would aid in my education. We have amazing programs here that will lead to having an amazing life after school. I came to this school to be a student athlete and here at UC I get the best of both worlds.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the library. With all the challenging courses on campus, I love coming into the library at any point and going to the second floor and reading my notes. It’s a quiet space and provides maximum ability for me to be successful.

What is the best thing about your major?
The health studies major is incredible in the sense that I can have a career in so many fields. Whether it is PT, Nursing, OT and administration I will be helping someone in the near future. I chose to be a health studies major in order to be there for people when they need help in life.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
The UC staff is incredible. They truly want all of us to succeed, but they aren’t going to baby us. They are always upfront and honest and will stop everything they are doing to help.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
Utica College is extremely diverse in the staff we have, the students, the tons of organizations and the life we live.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
With the various undergraduate courses I have been taking, each professor offers a bit of their own twist on how we need to be successful. Classes that I have taken push me to be able to speak in front of strangers and feel comfortable when doing so. I also have been taught on being organized as well as being professional in settings that require it. The sports I play have taught me to be dedicated, driven and humble. These all will help me be a leader and a professional one day.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
In high school and all throughout my life I played sports. I got the opportunity to play them at UC, but a huge opportunity that I was given here was being able to be a Resident Assistant and help on campus. The job helped me open my eyes and see how I can help and improve UC.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
You will never, ever regret your decision on coming here!
 

Year: Junior

Major: Psychobiology

Hometown: New Hartford, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
I’m involved with activities like president of ASA Gray Biological Society, member of the Honors Program, Orientation Mentor, Student Ambassador, conducting outside of class research, etc.

Why did you choose Utica College?
Utica College has small class sizes and you have the chance to become close to your teachers whereas in other schools, the professors would just know you as a number.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
The Library

What is the best thing about your major?
Exciting research that I am able to take part in and know that I might be making a difference in the community with the research.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
They have really helped me see that no matter what if you work hard enough no goal or dream is impossible to reach.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
The “UC” difference is the diversity and culture which can be seen on campus.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
Utica College has offered challenging classes that have prepared me for graduate level classes and future studies that I might go into.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Being able to expand my knowledge on science in different ways. Having the opportunity to present my research at conferences and meet people from other cultures and areas who I would not have met otherwise.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Prospective students should come to Utica College because Utica College offers so many once in a lifetime opportunities and experiences that students are able to take part in, starting as early as their freshman year.
 

Year: Junior

Major: History

Hometown: Yonkers, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
On campus I’m a Residence Assistant.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College because it reminded me of my high school. When I came for a campus visit I felt everyone around me was very inviting and helpful. This made my decision of what college to attend a lot easier.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus would have to be the Residential Quad. I enjoy the Residential Quad because it’s a place right in the middle of all the residence halls and it’s where I listen to music or do homework. When it’s nice outside, different organizations will hold events there. I just simply love sitting on the grass and relaxing.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about my major is my professors. I feel that each of them want you to succeed and they go above and beyond to help you out with something that you are struggling in.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
Utica College faculty is absolutely amazing inside and outside of the classroom.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
I feel like there's a family here as soon as you get on campus.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
I took advantage of an internship at the local District Attorney’s office.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica College has given me an opportunity to be a leader on campus via different clubs and organization to join. I really enjoy experiencing new things and Utica College has helped me with that.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Students should come to Utica College because of the small student to faculty ratio. They should also come to UC because there is such a positive environment filled with people from different places. We all share a common interest to excel in the classroom.
 

Year: Junior

Major: Psychobiology

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
On campus I am involved in Residence Hall Association I am their National Communication Coordinator, President of Pre-Health Professional Society, Assistant Director of Utica College Programming Board, Seminar Coordinator for ASA Gray Biological Society, A Brother and Service Chair of Alpha Phi Omega, Residential Senator of Student Government Association, Orientation Mentor and Student Ambassador.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica college because from my very first tour of the campus I fell in love with what Utica College stood for and the people that I interacted with made this campus feel like home away from home, they showed kindness and companionate for all students. The class sizes and the close interaction with the faculty was one of my favorite part because I got to know the professors and was able to have a close professional relationship with them.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Pioneer café because it the perfect place to get a bit to eat and socialize with your friends. Pioneer cafe also holds many events put on by our student run organizations.

What is the best thing about your major?
I love my major because there are so many opportunities that allow me to explore what kind of career I can have with that major. Also in class I have many opportunities to get a lot of hands on experiences due to our amazing state of the art labs.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
They helped me realize that no matter what or how big your dreams are they’re always possible and are valid.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
“UC” difference is that are so many opportunities available in every corner of UC, the biggest difference is that the faculty and staff is always there for students to help them with practically anything enable for them to achieve their goals.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
Utica College has helped by giving me the opportunity to shadow my professor, do research with them and most importantly they have given me the opportunity to shadow actual professionals in my field as fast as my second year here.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica has giving me the opportunity to learn how to be leader, through different organizations I am thankful to be part of have taught me how to lead your peers and be outgoing because before Utica that seemed like a very impossible task to do. One of the best opportunity I have had it is through the Office of Career Services I was able to network with many professionals who are at the prime of their careers and are doing what I hope to do as a career one day.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Utica college does whatever they can to help the student achieve their dreams no matter how high and big they are, from time to time they will make you believe that everything you are working for here is always valid no matter who you are and where you come from.
 

Year: Junior

Major: Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation

Hometown: Bridgeport, CT

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
I’m involved in Student Government, Organization of Justice Studies, I’m a part of a service fraternity, and I’m a Resident Assistant.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College because the moment I arrived on campus I felt accepted. My tour guide was very friendly, made me feel welcomed, and the campus was the perfect size for me. Utica College also offered my intended major. When I met the faculty and saw the ECJS building, I knew that I would go far in this field of study.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus would have to be the Library. Although it may seem like a place to just study, it actuality is a great place to socialize, hang out with friends, and get work done at the same time. My friends and I usually sign out one of the study rooms and do our work while we laugh and talk about the day. The best part would be that we have the coffee shop in the same building so we don’t need to leave for food or caffeine to stay up.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about my major would be how I used my classes and studies to help me with my personal experience in being a victim of fraud. I took the resources given to me and reached out to my professors to resolve my problem. Experiencing fraud first hand gave me the motivation to continue in this major.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
Faculty at Utica College are not just faculty, they become mentors and connect you with a variety of opportunities that can benefit your major.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
Here at UC we are a melting pot. Campus is very diverse and we are constantly learning, living, and loving one another.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
When I was a sophomore I had the opportunity to go to Quantico, Virginia to the FBI academy and this gave me an actual visualization of the career I am aiming for.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Becoming a Resident Assistant has given me the opportunity to meet a variety of people with different backgrounds that I might have never had the chance to meet.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Utica College is that home away from home.
 

Year: Sophomore

Major: Fraud and Financial Crime Investigation

Hometown: Rochester, NY

What activities are you involved with at Utica College?
I am the Manager for the Football team as well as a brother of Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity here on campus.

Why did you choose Utica College?
I chose Utica College because it has everything I was looking for in my college experience. From the hometown feel to the various activates to get involved with. All of my professors know my name and truly care about how their students do in class.

My favorite place on campus is the Athletic Center; whether I am in the fitness center or on the football field I feel right at home. The atmosphere in the fitness center is a very open and nonjudgmental.

What is the best thing about your major?
The best thing about my major is that we get to conduct research on old cases to better understand the procedures in our career field. We also have a state of the art crime lab on campus so often times there are actual criminal justice professionals on campus conducting investigations in real time.

What impact has the Utica College faculty had on you?
The Utica College faculty has impacted me greatly because all of the professors are very friendly and very willing to help in any situation that may arise. The faculty is very understanding and truly cares about each and every student that takes their class.
 
What is the ‘UC’ difference?
The ‘UC’ difference is the atmosphere of everyone around. There is nothing that can compare to the atmosphere here. Every professor cares about you and your friends are always a call (if not a door) away. On the nice weather days people are out in the Quad laughing, joking, playing games and all around enjoying the company of one another.

Comment on how your Utica experience has helped prepare you for a career.
My Utica experience has helped me prepare for my future in many different ways. I have learned that it is important to ask if you do not understand something and to use the resources provided by Utica College to help better prepare for life after college. Being both an Ambassador and the Football Program Manager has taught me how to budget my time and get assignments done. It has also taught me that being prepared for a multitude of things is very important in both jobs.

What opportunities has Utica College given you that you never had before?
Utica College has given me the opportunity to become my own unique person. It has allowed me to grow as both a student and a member of a community. Being very involved has been very beneficial for me in my academics as well as my personal/professional life.

Prospective students should come to Utica College, because…
Prospective students should come to Utica because the moniker “Never Stand Still” is 100% true. UC is always looking for ways to grow and change so that the students here have the best experience possible. They want students to have a step above the rest when it comes to entering the workforce. Our faculty and staff will make you feel very comfortable and are always looking to help you succeed in and out of the classroom.