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Student Stories

Working Adults Earn Their Degrees and Fulfill Goals

“People make lists outlining why they can’t accomplish something; not enough time, too difficult to schedule, costs are too high, etc. NACTEL’s online programs remove those excuses so that all that’s left are the positive aspects of why you should go back to school.”

Anthony Visciglia

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Anthony Visciglia
Technical Manager
Verizon
Telecommunications Track

“I just know a lot more now and with knowledge comes power.  Not superfluous things, but more in-depth knowledge within my field.  I now have industry-specific expertise and I know that I am a better Technician because of time spent in the NACTEL program.”

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Jeffrey Baer
Switching Equipment Technician
Verizon
CWA 13000
A.S. Degree Applied Information Technology in Telecommunications

“Because of NACTEL I am better at what I do.  I’m able to troubleshoot customer issues faster and more efficiently. Everyone wins; me, Qwest and our customers.” 

Anthony Visciglia

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Wayne Leroy Beall
Call Center Screener
Qwest
CWA 7603
A.S. Degree Applied
Information Technology in Telecommunications

“NACTEL’s curriculum is current, relevant and comprehensive.  The courses I took while earning my Bachelor’s degree are directly related to the work I do on a daily basis.” 

 

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Christian DeCosta
Fiber Optic Equipment Technician
Verizon
CWA 9588 Union Steward
BS Degree in Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications Concentration

“I can say this course of study has helped me in many parts of my work.  I am normally involved in meetings with end user IT departments, their contractors, and other consultants.  Having knowledge to intelligently converse on a professional level is a distinct advantage.  I reach for some portion or piece of reference from NACTEL’s curriculum almost daily.” 

Joe Fleming

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Joe Fleming
Contract Consultant
IBEW 716 since 1971
BS Degree - Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications Concentration

Graduated Magna cum Laude

“Globalization will continue to drive technological advancement, forcing companies to commit to outsourcing and cost containment.  The only chance you have of surviving this change is to meet it head-on with knowledge.  NACTEL’s program will help you compete and maintain your professional edge.”

Eduardo Garza

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Eduardo Garza
AT&T
Systems Tech
CWA 6143
Bachelors in Telecommunications – Telecom Focus
Graduated with Distinction

“NACTEL has made me more marketable and more intellectually ready for the dynamic future of the telecom industry.’’

Phillip Horgan

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Phillip Horgan
Cable Splicer
Verizon
BS Degree in Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications Concentration
Graduated Summa cum Laude

"I plan to use my NACTEL credentials to transition into a more administrative career path.  NACTEL helped me gain the confidence and expertise I need to make that happen."

Joseph Leger

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Joseph Leger
BS Degree – Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications Concentration
Verizon
Splice Service Technician
IBEW 2321
Graduated Summa cum Laude

“If it weren’t for NACTEL, I might not be in my current position.  The program has allowed me to reposition myself with knowledge and technical expertise that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. “

Joseph Mancini

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Joseph Mancini
Wireless Survey Developer
Verizon
A.S. Degree Applied Information Technology in Networking

"I got more than I ever expected out of the NACTEL program.  Not only did I receive an excellent education, I also gained an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and was able to make new friends along the way."

Carols Martin

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Carlos Martin
BS Degree - Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications
Concentration
AT&T
Testing Technician (DSL)
CWA 9412
Graduated Summa Cum Laude

"I am curious by nature and want to understand how things integrate and operate. NACTEL provided the perfect platform for me to continue my quest for knowledge with telecom-specific information that is both current and robust."

Pamela Mccullough

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Pamela Mccullough
Technical Specialist
AT&T
CWA 4009
A.S. Degree Applied Information Technology in Networking

“College degrees are a plus.  A degree makes a difference in the way you are perceived by your peers, it elevates pay and promotes job security. “

Julie Nietz

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Julie Nietz
Central Office Technician
Qwest
CWA 7019
BS in Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications Concentration
Graduated Summa cum Laude

"Earning a degree was a life-long dream for me and NACTEL helped make that dream a reality."

Veronica Rivers

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Veronica Rivers
Retired in 2006 after spending 25-years as a Verizon employee
Networking Track

“I’d tell people who are sitting-on-the-fence to just try it.  The worst thing that can happen is you’ll fall on your face.  The more likely thing is you’ll open your mind, gain new information and expand your world.”

Michael Steffens

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Michael Steffens
Site – Focal End User Support
IBM – contractor for AT&T
A.S. Degree Applied Information Technology in Networking

“When I entered the NACTEL program, my life began to change.  I feel more confident now.  Bottom line, I see myself in a different light.” 

Aimee Sumereau

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Aimee Sumereau
Senior Technology Engineer
Brookhaven National Laboratory
A.S. Degree Applied Information Technology in Telecommunications

“For me, the most unexpected benefit of the program was how it helped me learn to effectively manage my time.”

Juan Villon

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Juan Villon
Maintenance Splicing Technician
AT&T
CWA 9509
A.S. degree -  Applied Information Technology in Telecommunications