NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release – May 31, 2012 Media Contact: Alicia Steger 516.572.9634 Email: alicia.steger@ncc.edu ncc.edu/newsreleases

Joshua Goodfarb Named Valedictorian of the Nassau Community College Class of 2012

Garden City, NY – Nassau Community College is proud to announce that Joshua Goodfarb, a graduate of Jericho High School, has been named the valedictorian of the class of 2012. At the College's graduation ceremony on May 23, Goodfarb gave a rousing speech to over 10,000 attendees about his experiences at NCC and in life.

In his speech, Goodfarb talked about his journey of overcoming the obstacles he has faced so far and the help he has received. "In elementary school, I was first classified as "learning disabled" and later diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. My teachers were extremely cautious in their assessment of my obtainable goals," he said. "My mother's continued support and advocacy enabled me to effectively deal with the academic and personal obstacles that presented themselves." Goodfarb further mentioned that the atmosphere he encountered at Nassau was one of support and inclusivity, in which students are challenged to reach their potential regardless of learning styles. He hoped that his journey would be a source of inspiration for his fellow students and all who attended the graduation ceremony.

According to NCC president Dr. Donald Astrab, "Josh has inspired all of us to measure our reach by how much we can grasp with our hard work and our indomitable spirit."

Goodfarb – who was a SUNY Chancellor's Award recipient and graduated NCC with a 4.0 GPA – will attend St. John's University in the fall. He plans to pursue a career in medicine, so that he may be of help to others. "To move forward we must give back," he concluded in his speech, for which he received a standing ovation.

The Goodfarb family has started a scholarship at the College to help other students who have learning disabilities.

Ref: 1609.5/31/12/5

About Nassau Community College Nassau Community College, part of the State University of New York, is an institution where nearly 24,000 full- and part-time students and almost 15,000 continuing and professional students start and continue their successful journey through higher education. More than 70 fields of study are offered on a 225-acre campus located in the center of Long Island. As the largest single-campus two-year college in New York State, Nassau Community College maintains a national reputation for excellence.