Alumni Profiles
Meet a few of our graduates!
Nick Marrone, Class of 2009
Nick Marrone ’09 loves a challenge. Having climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, surviving four years as a Marine Corps infantryman, and achieving a bachelor’s degree in business with honors, his determination is evident. Nick was not always so driven, barely maintaining a GPA of 2.0 in his first year in college.
For Nick, his experience in the Marine Corps was the turning point. After a tour in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, Nick returned to Paul Smith’s College with a new perspective on academics and soon after transferred to SUNY Plattsburgh.
“I grew up and learned discipline which, for me, is the most important thing to be successful in school.” He also learned there are a lot of people out there who would love the opportunity to live in this country and go to school, with that he urges others, “Don’t throw it away, take it seriously.”
Nick’s interest in business as a degree started out entrepreneurial, hoping to open a series of martial arts studios. After some self-reflection, he discovered that his career goals had changed. He was accepted to the SUNY Plattsburgh/Clarkson University 4+1 MBA program for fall 2009.
“I’m leaning toward the new operations/supply chain management MBA. (Ultimately,) I think that my background would be valuable in working for a defense company such as Lockheed Martin.”
After graduate school, Nick plans to hike in Scotland or the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Kerry Haley, Class of 2000
- Major: Business, Concentration in Marketing
- Current Job: Executive Director of the Foundation of CVPH Medical Center
There were two classes that I found to be very exciting at SUNY Plattsburgh. Both principles of advertising and marketing research required real-world projects to be completed where we could directly see the results of our work. I still think back to what I learned in those classes and apply those techniques to my job today.
Dr. Nancy Church was one of my top professors because of the enthusiasm and knowledge she exuded for every one of the classes I had with her. I was fortunate to have her as my adviser and she has been a terrific mentor.
In my senior year, I had the opportunity to be president of the Marketing Club. It was a huge learning experience and although it was a lot of work, I enjoyed it immensely. It was not only an opportunity to practice marketing skills but learn how to work with people, lead a group, create agendas, stay organized and much more.
What I like about SUNY Plattsburgh is that the campus is beautiful; the professors are knowledgeable and have real world experiences to share. And, I love the location!