The Vocational Independence Program (VIP) at New York Institute of Technology's (NYIT) Central Islip, N.Y., campus, is graduating its largest class ever on Thursday, May 15th at 10:00 a.m. in the Campus Auditorium. This year's distinguished guest speaker is Neil L. Amdur, veteran sports editor for The New York Times.
"It's an honor to participate in this graduation ceremony," says Amdur, the author of five sports-related books and former editor of World Tennis Magazine. "As the father of a former VIP student and as someone who has watched the growth of the program and its benefits to students, the opportunity to share this joyous event should be exciting and memorable."
"We are delighted with Neil's participation," adds Jim Rein, VIP founder and dean. "Neil brings very personal experience to our VIP commencement. I'm sure his inspiring words will help to motivate our graduates, as they strive toward productive and independent lives."
NYIT President Edward Guiliano, Ph.D., a strong advocate of the program, will preside. "Nearly 3,000 students from NYIT's eight schools will receive degrees this spring," notes Dr. Guiliano. "Graduates of the VIP program make a particularly lasting impression on me because I know how hard they have worked to reach this special day. For many VIP students, commencement is the beginning of a life of independent living."
After several decades of fielding sports coverage for the nation's top daily and other publications, Amdur was named last year as The New York Times' senior editor for staffing/national recruiting. As a top editor, reporter and TV producer, Amdur's distinguished career in sports journalism has made him a professional eyewitness to the pre-eminent sporting events and athletes of the last 40 years. As the VIP commencement speaker, he will no doubt share a lifetime of insights gleaned from closely observing highly motivated men and women who have achieved their goals through dedication and hard work.
Two student speakers, Jason Rosen and Caroline Rippe, both of New York City--chosen by VIP staff based on their performance in the classroom, on the job and on campus--will address their fellow graduates, reflecting on the role VIP has played in changing and improving their lives.
A highlight of the graduation ceremony is the presentation of the Matthew Schure President's Award, named for the former president of NYIT. It is given to someone outside the NYIT community who has made a significant contribution to the program, usually in the vocational area. This year, Kathleen Donnelly, Head of Volunteer Services at the Gurwin Jewish Geriatric Center will receive the Schure Award. The center has provided numerous training opportunities for VIP students.
The class of 2003 is VIP's largest graduating class in the program's l6-year history. Thirty-two students are completing a three-year program that not only provided academic and vocational support, but also gave them the skills and tools they will need in order to lead relatively independent lives. "This is both a large and special graduating class for us," says Rein. "Their achievements reflect an amazing amount of effort both on their part and that of the staff. We are very excited that the program continues to grow and develop."
Neil Amdur's participation is part of VIP's continuing tradition of inviting distinguished and committed speakers to VIP ceremonies. Past speakers have included actors Susan Sarandon, Joseph Bologna, Renee Taylor, Mariette Hartley and Lane Smith, as well as former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young.
The Vocational Independence Program is a full-time, three-year college-based program that not only provides learning-disabled young adults with the academic and vocational skills needed to find and maintain jobs, but also has a strong social component that helps them to nurture peer relationships and develop strategies for independent living.
New York Institute of Technology is an independent, comprehensive college that offers, through eight schools, more than 100 courses of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. NYIT currently educates more than 11,000 students on three physical campuses--in Old Westbury and Central Islip, Long Island, and Manhattan, near Lincoln Center--and one virtual campus via the Internet. More than 60,000 alumni have received degrees from NYIT
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