Berkeley College Cited among 'Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 Four-Year Schools' in Military Times Survey

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019
Contact: Ilene Greenfield
Director of Media Relations
973-278-5400, ext. 1-5122
igl@BerkeleyCollege.edu
 

BERKELEY COLLEGE CITED AMONG ‘BEST FOR VETS:
COLLEGES 2019 FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS’ IN MILITARY TIMES SURVEY

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Photo Caption: Each year Berkeley College students, staff, faculty, family and friends march in the New York City Veterans Day Parade on Fifth Avenue near the Midtown Manhattan campus.

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Military Times announced in its recent survey results that Berkeley College is among the “Best for Vets: Colleges 2020 Four-Year Schools.” This is the seventh year Berkeley College has received this distinction. The Military Times survey evaluated hundreds of colleges across the United States and used responses based on what veterans said was important to them, combined with federal data, to rank the schools in the areas of university culture, student support, academic policies, academic quality and outcomes, costs and financial aid. To view the entire list of schools click here.     

Nearly 400 military-aligned students enrolled at Berkeley College in the fall 2019 semester and they perform well both in and out of the classroom. According to Edward Dennis, Associate Vice President, Berkeley College Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, “Military and veteran students bring an added dimension of excellence to the classroom and to the Berkeley College teaching and learning community. We are proud of the fact that 5.6% of Berkeley College’s military-aligned students have a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.”

To view a short video interview with Mr. Dennis about veterans transitioning from the service to civilian life click here. 

Berkeley College is ranked as a best college for military and veteran students by several organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Military Times, U.S. Veterans Magazine, and Military Advanced Education. The Berkeley College Office of Military and Veterans Affairs provides support to its student-veterans through six on-site veterans resource centers (VRCs) in New Jersey and New York, as well as through an Online VRC. Berkeley College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program under the G.I. Bill, and supports service members and their families across all branches of the military and overseas.  

Berkeley College recently expanded its Veterans Resource Center in New York City, welcoming veteran supporting organizations on campus and establishing its Spartan Student Veterans of America Club National Chapter. To see the story, click here. 

Berkeley College Online® Offers Flexible Options for Student-Veterans 

Berkeley College Online® is a recognized program that has enabled student-veterans to continue as active service members or carrying out other family responsibilities.
 

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Photo Caption: Left to right, Berkeley College student-veteran Josephine Cornacchia of Woodland Park, NJ, served in the United States Air Force for five years before transitioning to civilian life. She finds that earning her degree through a combination of on site and online classes was the best approach for her. Berkeley College alumnus and Air Force veteran Grovert Fuentes began two businesses while completing his degree. He found that online courses worked best for his busy lifestyle.

Josephine Cornacchia of Woodland Park, NJ, served in the United States Air Force for five years in satellite communications for a combat communications squadron, mostly in Georgia. It took her a while to overcome challenges in transitioning to civilian life. She started her educational journey by earning a Certificate in Culinary Arts at Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson, NJ.  Then an instructor who was a fellow veteran recommended Berkeley College. She finds taking both on site and online courses is the best approach for her.

“It worked for what I needed because I was having a baby. I was able to stay enrolled continuously because it gave me the convenience of staying home,” Ms. Cornacchia said. An Honors student, this semester she is taking three courses online and two on site. One course is a project-based internship online for the New York YWCA. Following graduation, she wants to complete the new Online Paralegal Certificate program at Berkeley College, which begins in January 2020.

“I enjoy going to school,” Ms. Cornacchia said. “I will complete the Certificate in six months and it will distinguish my credentials when I apply for permanent employment.”

Berkeley College alumnus Grovert Fuentes developed a reputation as a combat photographer during his six years of military service. After his discharge, he knew he needed to prepare for a new career because he had sustained injuries that made it impossible to continue with his passion for photography. Searching for a military-friendly college, he discovered Berkeley and was attracted to support services offered for veterans and the flexibility that Berkeley offered. Mr. Fuentes took classes at night while working during the day. At age 24, he feared being the “old guy” in class, but found students of all ages and from all backgrounds. The experience helped him expand his perspectives. While still attending Berkeley College, he launched two of his own businesses – Fit Lifestyle Box, a subscription-based service offering fitness-related products, and T-Print Express, a print shop. To continue his studies while devoting time to the startups, Mr. Fuentes took online classes. His professors helped by offering advice for getting the businesses off the ground.

“I don’t think I would have been able to start my businesses and remain in school without being able to take online classes,” said Mr. Fuentes.

Having accomplished much since earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications in 2017, Mr. Fuentes continues planning for his future. He loves to travel and enjoys public speaking engagements with other Berkeley veteran alumni. “It’s a network that is extremely valuable,” he said. “Veterans are always willing to help each other and I’ve gained friends who are always supporting me through the Berkeley veterans community.”

To view a video story about Berkeley College alumnus Grovert Fuentes click here.

To learn more about the Berkeley College Office of Military and Veterans Affairs click here.

About Berkeley College
Berkeley College is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College has campuses in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains, NY, as well as in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 5,700 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for six consecutive years. The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers.

 

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