NEWS RELEASE

Immediate: May 1, 2019

Nassau Community College “Professors on Wheels” Graduation Pinning Ceremony at the Levittown Senior Center on Tuesday, May 14

 Garden City, NY — Proving that you’re never too old to learn, Nassau Community College (NCC), is proud to announce that the graduation pinning ceremony for the “students” of 2019 “Professors on Wheels” program will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at the Levittown Senior Center at 555 North Newbridge Road. At the pinning ceremony, “students” will receive an NCC lapel pin, a certificate of completion and a class photo.

During this program, seven professors from NCC volunteered their time once a week for five weeks to conduct classes with seniors from the senior center.  Approximately 20 seniors participated in the program.

The program, designed to be eclectic, began on November 13th 2018, with a class called “The Key to Health Through Nutrition and Movement,” taught by Professor Jessica Marra Clingo, of the College’s Health/Physical Education/Recreation Department.  Subsequent lectures included “Plato and the ‘Meaning of Democracy,’” by Philosophy Professor Frank Pupa; “The Science of Our World, Part 1,” by NCCFT President and member of the Engineering/Physics/Technology Department, Professor Frank Frisenda; and “Benjamin Franklin’s Persian Parable,” by NCCFT Secretary and member of the English Department, Prof. Richard Newman.  This semester, Professor on Wheels faculty covered a wide range of topics, including "The Health Benefits of Yoga,” by Professor Jessica Marra-Clingo of the Physical Education and Recreation Department; "Owls of Long Island,” by Physical Sciences Professor Michael Zito; and "Exploring Religions of the World,” by Professor Emeritus Nancy Barker from the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work.

NCC President Dr. Hubert Keen enthused, “I want to thank our professors and the NCC Full-Time Faculty Union (NCCFT) for sponsoring this great community program. Union President and Professor Frank Frisenda and his supportive union board are to be commended for reaching out to the community to provide this service. Their actions show that life is a journey, and we need to keep learning every day to stay vital and engaged.”

NCC Marketing & Retailing Prof. Donna Hope, VP of the NCCFT and manager of the program, said, “We thought this would be a wonderful way to give something back to the men and women who have spent their lives giving of themselves to their families and their communities. Their lifetime of experience certainly kept us on our toes!”

The students at the senior center couldn’t be happier with their classes. “This is one of the best programs that has ever been offered here,” stated Sally Lilli. Lisa Lagan, another student, remarked, “I’m looking forward to next semester’s classes already!” The fall syllabus, which is still being designed, will also cover a wide range of topics.

Media Contact:  Charmian Smith 516.572.9634; charmian.smith@ncc.eduncc.edu/releases
About Nassau Community College
Nassau Community College is an institution where almost 19,000 full-time, part-time, Workforce Development and continuing education students start and continue their successful journey through higher education. More than 80 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 SUNY System, Nassau Community College maintains a national reputation for excellence. For more information, visit www.ncc.edu.

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