The CUNY Baccalaureate Blog

Prior to applying to the CUNY Baccalaureate, William McCaig was a largely self-taught, moderately successful Information Technology specialist, who had “an aversion to formal educational systems and shunned them whenever possible.”  But in finally deciding to go to college, he said “The scientific arts have always intrigued me for their pursuit of knowledge and truth, as well as the many mysteries that are waiting to be solved.  It is my intention to combine my affinity for technology and my fascination with science into an academic course of study, and eventually a career.  To this end, I am interested in taking courses in computer programming, systems design, biology and chemistry.”  

McCaig was able to accomplish his goals through the individualized CUNY Baccalaureate; he entered in Fall 2003 and designed concentrations in Computer Science and Molecular Biology, taking courses at City, Hunter and John Jay Colleges, under the guidance of faculty mentors Prof. Virginia Teller, Computer Science, Hunter and Prof. Weigang Qui, Biology, Hunter.  During his senior year, his hard work was rewarded with a National Science Foundation Scholarship.  McCaig graduated Magna Cum Laude in June 2007; he is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Genetics at Stony Brook University.  A paper that he wrote with Prof. Weigang Qui was recently accepted for publication in the CDC journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases.”

From David Morgante (International Crime / Terrorism Studies), graduating June 2008

“I owe great thanks to the CUNY BA Program. Today I received my formal ‘conditional offer of employment’ from the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service. I could be heading off to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as early as this summer.  (I was also recently offered an internship with the Regional Security Officer in Skopje, Macedonia through the State Department, but cannot do both, unfortunately.)  The CUNY BA Program has been nothing less than phenomenal.  I’ve been able to focus in on very unique coursework, and I’ve been able to progress with extreme efficiency.  I couldn’t have made a better decision with my education.”

From Charmaine Lezama, B.A., January 2008 (Holistic Psychology)

“I would like to thank the CUNY BA Program for allowing students such as myself the opportunity to design a degree and create a career based on their personalities and creative talents and abilities. Thank you for doing a great job of being a service for so many students.  I continue to encourage students to enroll in CUNY BA so that they can not only design a career based on their skills, but also based on the changing trends in these times.”

From Michael Kramberg, B.S., September 2006 (Financial Operations)

“For the past 21 years, I have worked at one of New York’s finest community and cultural institutions, the 92nd St. Y.  Now, two years after graduation, I am pleased to let you know that I will be leaving the Y to accept the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Stamford, CT Jewish Community Center where, as a member of the senior management team, I will be responsible for all aspects of the finance, human resources and facility operations departments.  I am very excited to be taking this major step in my professional career, and I am grateful to the CUNY BA Program for having made my college experience so rewarding and so relevant.”

From Shawn Guin, B.S., June 2006 (Health Care Reform / Music)

“I was accepted at several medical schools. I have chosen to attend SUNY Upstate Medical University in the fall. I wanted to thank you and the Program for being so supportive. I was a non-traditional student who went back to school to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It was very difficult going back to college after being out in the real world, but I took the plunge and did it. When I found the CUNY BA Program I knew that I had found exactly what I needed: a dual concentration degree. I chose Music/Health Care Reform as my areas of concentration. I was able to complete the music degree that I started years earlier at Indiana University and also create a new concentration in Health Care Reform. I knew that if I chose courses I was passionate about, it would make working towards my B.S. exciting and challenging. And as a Thomas W. Smith Fellow, I was able to focus less on working and more on my studies; I am so grateful to have received support from Thomas Smith.

I would add that every single interviewer asked a lot of questions about the Program.  Most, in one way or another, told me that being a Health Care Reform major showed that I am aware of the current situations affecting our current delivery system and that it is important to have a realistic view of it when deciding to become a physician. One interviewer said that I was brave to major in a controversial topic. I know that being a CUNY BA student helped me get the interviews.  I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life.”