"While in high school, I applied to Georgetown and didn't get accepted, so I decided to try the Honors program at RCC. After graduating, I was accepted to Georgetown, Cornell University and the University of Virginia."

Christopher McManus, Georgetown University (bachelor's) and Yale University (joint master's in in Public Health and Environmental Management)

"RCC helped me sharpen my focus and decide on a career in journalism. It’s a great stepping stone."

Elizabeth Hopkins, CBS-TV News Anchor, Nominated for Emmy award

"As hard as I worked to get where I am today, I would not have been able to do it without my RCC professors' guidance, personal attention and direction. You are unlikely to find such caring faculty at a large university, which is what makes RCC such a nurturing place."

Elizabeth Snaider, a Cornell University graduate and Business Technology Relationship Manager at UBS Investment Bank.

My first acting experience was at RCC. It gave me the freedom to explore and be free on the stage and in class. It was a positive environment."

Lawrence Saint Victor, Soap opera star (Remy Boudreau on "Guiding Light"). Graduated SUNY Purchase

"RCC gave me a good base for my further education, particularly the criminal justice courses. The instructors went out of their way to help."

Clarke Osborn, Chief of Police, Suffern. Trustee, Ramapo Central School District. Graduated SUNY Empire State College with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.

"At RCC I learned how to run a food business in this country. The teachers were really there for me, and I still call them for advice."

Michelle Timothee, Caterer & event planner (Specialty: American food, Caribbean style). Associate's in Hospitality & Tourism

"I chose RCC because it was convenient and affordable, but I got so much more than I bargained for, like gaining the tools I needed to land my DREAM job!"

Kimberly Hicks, Paralegal, Law Offices of Ronald DeCaprio. Earned a bachelor's from John Jay College

"At first I was nervous at SUNY Rockland, because it was my first college experience, but by the second semester, I was on the Dean's list, joined the Art Club, and worked for campus Public Safety. I cut the ribbon at the Haverstraw campus grand opening. I felt very involved."

Patricio Nunez, group home counselor

"When I took the bus from South Carolina to New York in my teens, I wore an outfit given to me by the local undertaker. Now when I look into my closet, I see success," says Frances Pratt. "Education is the reason I have success. It’s open to everybody, but you have to be motivated to take advantage of it."

Francis Pratt, President of the Nyack branch of NAACP and Manager of Employee Health Services, Nyack Hospital. Nursing graduate.

"Thanks to the one-on-one attention and guidance I received from the professors at RCC, I learned about the transfer programs and scholarships available to me."

Lisa Reyes, graduated New York University, Magna Cum Laude, TV News Reporter

"As my first college experience, RCC exposed me to the fundamental idea of being a college student. Taking English as a Second Language classes helped me to grasp my adopted language."

Fritzner Soliman, Actuarial Associate, Towers Perrin. Graduated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a master's degree in Mathematics.

"When my dad found out about the honors program, he convinced me to learn more. When I heard about students transferring to top schools, I realized this would be a great opportunity for me."

Dr. Andrea Z. Ali, Pediatric Resident, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, N.Y. Ali earned her B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia, her Master of Biomedical Sciences from Barry University, a Master of Public Health from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from NSU-COM (College of Osteopathic Medicine).