2020 Graduation Spotlights

We Can’t Wait to See What You’ll Do Next

Atlantic Cape graduates achieve success in countless ways. We are so proud of the students who are stepping into the next phase of their personal success story. Whether they are starting a first job, making a transition to their dream career, or continuing their education, our graduates have overcome individual challenges to reach the same prestigious accomplishment: a college degree. From here, they will go onward to be the leaders that our community needs. We know that Atlantic Cape alumni are ready be part of the solution – and we can already see the ways that they will forge a path that can change the world. Here are a just a few impressive stories from some of our recent graduates.

Associate in Science, Aviation Studies

Peter Wagner

Peter Wagner will be attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to pursue a career as a pilot. While attending Atlantic Cape, Peter was able to gain knowledge in the field of aviation from the UAS program. Through this program he was able to earn his Aviation Studies degree, a great foundation to pursue his chosen career path.  While attending Atlantic Cape Peter lost his father suddenly. He takes solace that he was able to fly over his hometown, proudly displaying the Gift of Life flag to be placed over his father’s casket. This flag symbolizes his father’s selfless decision to be an organ donor. It was at this moment Peter knew that he would continue to move forward and achieve his ultimate goal in life of being a pilot one day.

Associate in Science, Nursing

Ashley Christine Reider

After graduation, Ashley Christine Reider will transition to her RN position in the health care field and plans to continue her education in the future. While earning her nursing degree at Atlantic Cape she became a new mother. Ashley learned how to manage her time between school and family. She credits Atlantic Cape for providing a flexible schedule that allowed her to complete her degree while working full time at the local hospital and maintaining an active role in her family life. Ashley believes her key to success is effective time management, setting goals, and prioritizing. She lives by the motto, “no pressure, no diamonds”, by Thomas Carlyle.

Associate in Applied Science, Business Administration

Kaylee Betances

After graduating from Atlantic Cape, Kaylee Betances plans on moving forward in her professional aspirations by working directly with AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA. She is thrilled to have been selected to participate in this unique opportunity and work alongside disaster relief/management professionals. Kaylee plans to dedicate a year of her life to service while applying her critical-thinking skills and business knowledge that Atlantic Cape has provided to her. Kaylee has taken part in many different instructional workshops and seminars at Atlantic Cape, it was here she acquired the confidence to continue her education. Graduation symbolizes personal growth and mental/emotional expansion to Kaylee, she believes the tools Atlantic Cape instilled in her will advance her professionally throughout her career.

Associate in Applied Science, Paralegal Studies

Loretta M Morrison

After graduation, Loretta M Morrison will work as a paralegal at a local law firm, while continuing her education to earn a bachelor's degree in business. At 55 Loretta was able to earn her associate's degree from Atlantic Cape while working full time and balancing life. Throughout her time at Atlantic Cape, she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, a Student Government Association Representative, and a member of the Paralegal Club. Loretta credits Atlantic Cape for providing valuable skills that have created a new self-confidence, which has allowed her to excel after a long hiatus from academia. Earning this degree is one of her greatest accomplishments. Loretta takes pride in her education and lives by the philosophy of hard work, honesty, and to never be afraid of admitting your mistakes.

Associate in Science, Aviation Studies

Andrew Rock

Andrew Rock will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he plans to study Aviation Meteorology with a minor in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Atlantic Cape has provided Andrew with an opportunity to complete his associate’s degree while attending high school at ACIT. As a dual-enrolled high school student attending Atlantic Cape, he began his college journey at the young age of 14. Andrew held himself to a higher standard given this opportunity and excelled through all the challenges. Andrew celebrates achievements and uses failures as motivation, he finds opportunity within the obstacle and continues to look for ways to leave the world better than he found it.

Associate in Applied Science, Culinary Arts

Mark Henry

Mark Henry plans to use the culinary degree he earned at Atlantic Cape to own a food truck, and transfer to a four-year college to continue his education in business. Mark feels he is fortunate to have developed a network of colleagues and friends at Atlantic Cape that will benefit him in the future. Although he is a self-proclaimed “nontraditional” student, Mark was able to overcome academic challenges through his life experiences. He learned to be proactive during situations instead of simply reacting. Mark lives by the motto “the only thing guaranteed in life is death”, his advice is to take advantage of each opportunity life presents you.

Associate in Applied Science, Nursing

Rebekah O’Brien

Rebekah O’Brien plans to continue her education through the transition program at Rutgers University for her RN to BSN. Midway through earning her nursing degree at Atlantic Cape, she faced one of the most difficult moments of her life, the loss of her father. Rebekah took care of her father in his final months, while attending school and working full time. It was during this challenging time Rebekah feels she obtained the compassion and empathy needed to become a nurse. Taking care of him put things into perspective and provided tools that she will bring into the nursing profession. Focusing on the end goal kept her moving forward through any adversity. Rebekah believes that hard work and dedication pays off.

Associate in Science, Health Science

Dordley H. Cenat IV

Dordley H. Cenat IV will pursue his dream of becoming a police officer with his associate’s degree from Atlantic Cape. He plans to transfer to a four-year college to earn his bachelor’s degree, in the hope of becoming a dietitian one day. Dordley always knew he wanted to be a police officer, and is now able to achieve this goal through his hard work and perseverance at Atlantic Cape. He considers earning this degree a personal victory and part of his journey to continue to help people change their lives for the better. Dordley wants to inspire others by facing his challenges, they too can do the same in their own lives.