Scholars 2014

2014 SoLII Scholarship Recipient Profiles

Spring 2014 Recipients

	Yuliya Kolomiyets – Eastern Campus Briarcliffe College - Accounting Born in Nikolayev, Ukraine, Yuliya moved to New York at age 13. While working as an artist, she decided to change career paths and invest in her future as an accountant. An Honors student and PTK member, she also managed the books for a fine dining establishment on Shelter Island.

	Melissa Wilson – Eastern Campus St. Joseph's College - English After graduating as Valedictorian at Bishop McGann–Mercy High School, Melissa continued to excel at Suffolk County Community College. She intends to carry over her life–long love of writing and literature into her future career. Where is she now? Melissa Wilson was active in student life while pursuing her B.A. in English at St. Joseph's College. Not only was she the Vice President of Sigma Tau Delta, the international honor society for English majors, but she also contributed to SJC's literary magazine, was a part of the show choir, and participated in their undergraduate research symposium. She is currently working at a public library on eastern Long Island.

Fall 2014 Recipients

	Taylor Biondi – Ammerman Campus LIU Brentwood - Nursing While completing the rigorous course load of Suffolk County Community College's Nursing Program, Taylor volunteered at Stony Brook University Hospital, several campus blood drives, the Nursing Club's Holiday Toy Drive, and the Annual Halloween Festival. She was also nominated to serve as student representative for the CTEA Local Advisory Council. Taylor is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Pi Alpha Sigma Honor Societies, and was a "Get There from Here" scholar.

	Rachel Cipriano – Eastern Campus St. Joseph's College - Hospitality Management Rachel realized her passion for the culinary arts during her high school years. At Suffolk County Community College, she participated in the Culinary and Baking Club, and joined the Alpha Beta Gamma and Pi Alpha Sigma honor societies. Rachel's goals include opening a catering establishment emphasizing gluten–free, sugar–free, and other diet friendly options.

	Sawsan Elkurd – Ammerman Campus LIU Riverhead - Childhood Education A mother of four college students, including fellow SoLII scholarship recipient Asya Ashour, Sawsan began to pursue her dream of being a teacher here at Suffolk County Community College. Her love for children has motivated her to complete her degree in education. She would like to use this degree to provide impoverished children with a better education in her home country of Jordan.

	Milton Farez – Eastern Campus LIU Post - Business Administration After moving here from Cuenca, Ecuador, Milton worked tirelessly to succeed, recalling the quote "A dream doesn't become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination, and hard work." He also credits his family, friends, and professors for their support. This scholarship will enable him to continue his studies and lead to more success. Where is he now? Milton Farez double–majored while at LIU Post and earned his B.A. in Economics and B.S. in Business Administration, Finance in May 2017. While there, he became a member of both the Beta Gamma Sigma and Pi Gamma Mu Honor Societies, was a SGA Commuter Senator and President of the Economics Club, and played intramural soccer. Upon graduation, he was offered and accepted a position at Morgan Stanley as a wealth advisor, and is planning on getting his M.B.A. in the near future.

	Nicholas Frazier – Ammerman Campus LIU Post - Television Production According to Nicholas, attending Suffolk County Community College was the best decision of his life. This is where he met Professor Bernstein, who reaffirmed his decision to major in Broadcasting. While at Suffolk County Community College, Nicholas was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Chi Eta, a "Get There From Here" Scholar, and a part–time employee at Cablevision and the Anchorage Yacht Club. For fun Nicholas enjoys being a DJ in his new business venture, Aspire Entertainment. Where is he now? Nicholas graduated magna cum laude from LIU Post with his B.F.A. in Television Production in May 2016. While at LIU Post, Nicholas was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Broadcaster's Club, and he currently works in his field at Altice USA/Optimum.

	Robert Kowalski – Ammerman Campus Farmingdale State College - Mechanical Engineering A graduate of Suffolk County Community College's Automotive Program, Robert is continuing his education in Farmingdale State College Mechanical Engineering Program. From there he plans on pursuing his passion and working towards a career as an automotive engineer and designer. Robert strongly believes that Suffolk was the best start towards an even better career thanks to the dedicated professors both in and out of the automotive program.

	Jaclyn Langella – Michael J. Grant Campus Hofstra University - Sustainability, Geography, and Global Studies While at Suffolk County Community College, Jaclyn honed her leadership skills through participation in the Orientation Planning Committee, Peer Mentor team, Honors Club, and Phi Theta Kappa. At Hofstra, she joined the Honors College, supported environmental efforts such as the Climate March, and works as a data mapping specialist in the student computing services office. She has also been attending professional Geography conferences throughout the country.

	Kevin Lopez – Michael J. Grant Campus SUNY College at Old Westbury - Communications At Suffolk County Community College Kevin was president of the Christian Faith Fellowship Club. How has winning a SoLII scholarship affected you? "My life has been greatly impacted by this scholarship because I can move forward with my pursuit of being a communications professor." Where is he now? Kevin Lopez graduated from Old Westbury with his B.A. in Media and Communications in May 2016. He was a member of their radio station and the Tau Sigma National Honor Society as well as Old Westbury Web Radio (OWWR) with whom he set up a twice–weekly show with pre–vocational members of YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities. He is now in pursuit of his Master's in Pastoral Studies, and hopes to become a full–time pastor on Long Island upon completion.

	Vincent Mistretta – Michael J. Grant Campus St. Joseph's College - Accounting Vincent served as President of the Christian Faith Fellowship and Business Club, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, and other leadership roles. He also tutored in the Business and Accounting Learning Center, assisted with the coordination of the Suffolk County Community College Free Tax Program, and worked as a Peer Mentor.

	Bryan Nee – Ammerman Campus Dowling College - Communications To simply say that Bryan enjoyed his years at Suffolk County Community College would be an understatement. While here, he discovered his passion for acting and teaching. Additionally, Bryan took advantage of countless opportunities to help and inspire others. Where is he now? Bryan completed his B.A. in Communications from Dowling in May 2016. He was the founder and first president of the Italian heritage fraternity, Alpha Phi Delta's, Epsilon Kappa chapter while he was there. He is now a Sales and Marketing Specialist with a manufacturer/distributor based out of Amityville, and is taking advantage of every opportunity at his company, including extensive travel across the U.S.

	Alexandra Norbury – Eastern Campus Stony Brook University - Applied Mathematics Alexandra graduated in the top 15 of her class at Riverhead High School and continued to excel in Suffolk County Community College's Honors Program. She will now be studying Applied Mathematics at Stony Brook University. Where is she now? Alexandra was on the Dean's List and received her B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from SUNY Stony Brook in May 2016. She is currently working for a pension consulting firm, and she and her fiancé recently purchased their first house on Long Island.

	Cassandra Nyati – Michael J. Grant Campus Stony Brook University - Biochemistry Cassandra graduated with an award–winning college experience. Her involvement in various activities helped her to earn leadership roles in multiple student organizations, scholarships, and awards that include the Chancellor's Biomedical Research Internship Award. Cassandra's career goals include becoming a neurosurgeon as well as founding a brain cancer research laboratory.

	Jeanatte Ouldelhkim – Eastern Campus Briarcliffe College - Graphic Design While at Suffolk County Community College, Jeanatte was a "Get There From Here" scholar, student representative to the CTEA Advisory Council, and PTK member. She also volunteered for activities such as the Suffolk County Community College blood drive and the Eastern Campus's Open House. How has winning a SOLII scholarship affected you? "The scholarship motivated me to succeed and take more initiative. Now I can worry less about educational expenses and focus more on my academic goals."

	Maryam Rabbani – Michael J. Grant Campus NYIT - Biology Upon receiving the Chancellor's Education Pipeline Biomedical Research Award, Maryam began studying the expression of proteins used to differentiate benign from malignant uterine cancer cells. This important research could lead to earlier diagnoses and potentially save lives. Outside of the lab, she served as President of the Natural Science and Discovery Club and helped her PTK chapter earn its 5–Star recognition through an Honors In Action project. Where is she now? Maryam Rabbani graduated summa cum laude from NYIT with her B.S. in Biology in May 2016. She made the most of her time at NYIT, becoming President of the Golden Key International Honour Society and Historian of the Tribeta Biology Honor Society. She also attended an international conference on eye research and worked in two research labs. She is currently working at a third lab and is planning on attending medical school.

	James Stundis – Ammerman Campus St. Joseph's College - Journalism and New Media Studies At Suffolk County Community College, James enjoyed participating in PTK events. He looks forward to continuing his education at St. Joseph's College where his love of writing, and interest in digital media and social networks, will aid him in his upcoming courses. What does winning a SoLII scholarship mean to you? "Receiving a SoLII Scholarship has validated my mantra of 'work hard and work ahead'. It will give me the opportunity to take full advantage of all that St. Joseph's College has to offer."