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Student Stories

Working Adults Earn Their Degrees and Fulfill Goals

As I was taking a course through Pace University, my office was dealing with technology changes. I was able to explain things to my co-workers with out even thinking about it.  NACTEL has made a lot of things possible for me.”

Robert Linville

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Robert Linville
Verizon
Central Office Tech
IBEW 824 member for 11 1/2 years
Palm Harbor, FL

Bachelor of Science degree

 

Both Verizon and IBEW 2323 support and strive to educate their employees; they both view an educated employee as a great asset.”

Arthur Cabral

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Arthur Cabral 
Verizon
Central Office Technician
Dayville, CT
IBEW 2323 member for 25 years
Bachelor of Science degree

“I was a single mom with two teenagers and was working 12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week.  Looking back, the outcome was worth it.  I would do it all again in a heartbeat.” 

Mary Billanti
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Mary Billanti
Verizon
Field Tech
CWA 1122 member for 35 years
Amherst, NY
Bachelor of Science degree

My telecommunications degree is important because it has helped me better understand the technologies out in the field, adding to my knowledge base, and increasing my value to Verizon.”

 

Tim Wagner

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Tim Wagner
Verizon
Specialist, Web Technology
Brandon, FL
Bachelor of Science degree

The NACTEL online program at Pace University has paid off.  Both AT&T and CWA were very supportive of me obtaining my degree.” 

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John Underwood
AT&T
Communications Tech
CWA 6225 member for 15 years
Lorena, TX

Associate of Science degree

 

Don’t wait another day to get started on your degree.  The day you need a degree is not the day to start.”

Thomas Corum

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Thomas Corum
AT&T
Communications Technician
CWA 6313 member since 1997
Carl Junction, MO
Bachelor of Science degree

 

I thought, maybe I could do this.  The classes were relevant to my job, and I could set an example to my daughter that she shouldn’t complain about her homework when I was doing mine.’’

Bonnie Boord

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Bonnie Boord
Verizon
Frameworker
CWA 9000 member for 15 years
Woodland Hills, CA
Associate of Science degree

"The NACTEL program was a great way to connect and learn from other people in the telecommunications industry."

 

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Vishal Brown
McKenzie Global Consulting Firm
Video Engineer
Brooklyn, NY
Bachelor of Science degree

I changed positions and elevated my career thanks to the online classes I took through the NACTEL program at Pace University. “

Matt Cariveau

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Matt Cariveau
Qwest
Broadband Technician
CWA 7200 member since 2000
East Bethel, MN
Bachelor of Science degree

"If you really want a degree, online learning is the way to go."

Kyle Irby

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Kyle Irby
Qwest
Network Technician
CWA 7601 member for 4 1/2 years
Gillette, WY
Associate of Science degree

"The NACTEL program is for people that want a degree and want to work for it."

Chris Kaylor

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Chris Kaylor
AT&T
Network Technical Specialist
CWA 3250
Atlanta, GA
Associate of Science degree

“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. “

Donna Hull

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Donna Hull
Qwest
Service Delivery Coordinator
Seattle, WA
CWA  7800

Associate of Science degree

 

"The NACTEL/Pace program has let me continue schooling in an online atmosphere, which worked well while trying to juggle work, family and school."

Debbie Minser

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Debbie Minser
Verizon
Specialist – Workforce Development & Performance Management
Marion, OH
Bachelor of Science degree

I never expected so many of my classes to relate directly to my current position at Qwest.”

Kathy Phillips

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Kathy Phillips
Qwest
Central Office Tech
CWA 7500 member for 31 years
Sioux Falls, SD
Associate of Science degree

After getting my Associate’s degree online through Pace University I thought, ‘Why stop now?  Keep going and get your Bachelor's.” 

 

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Debbie Condron
Verizon
Section Manager OSP Engineering
Snohomish, WA
Bachelor of Science degree