Watch Robert's Graduate spotlight
What are your plans after graduating?
I am planning to go to Walden University because it has a strong online Social Work program, so I can earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I would like to start working soon and an online university is very attractive to me.
Why did you choose Atlantic Cape?
I chose Atlantic Cape because of the associate degree program in counseling.
What opportunities has Atlantic Cape provided you?
Atlantic Cape has provided me with a new life.
What activities, clubs or sports were you involved with at Atlantic Cape?
I was involved with volunteering for All Roads Recovery in Pleasantville and for a class student intern at Enlightened Solutions for a class.
Describe the biggest challenge(s) you faced and how you overcame it/them.
My biggest challenge was writing several papers each week.
Did you attend classes in-person, online, hybrid or remote?
In-person, hybrid, online and remote.
Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve your college or career goals?
I would like to thank Dr. Sullivan in Psychology, Professor McElroy in Social Work and Tabitha Handeling in the CADC Program.
Did you utilize any of the free student resources available to you?
I was able to utilize tutoring for my computer lab and for all of my math labs, as well as the Food Pantry, Advising, Center for Accessibility, Career Services, SAS and Student Support Services.
What does graduating from Atlantic Cape mean to you?
Graduating from Atlantic Cape means a lot because 10 years ago I went through a liver transplant and on August 4, 2026 it will be 10 years since my transplant.
Why do you feel others should consider attending Atlantic Cape? What is your advice for them?
I earned my Culinary Degree in the late 1980s from the Academy of Culinary Arts and I had an 18–year–career in the restaurant business in Atlantic City. In the late 1990s, I went to Atlantic Cape’s Casino Career Institute and wound up having a 25–year–career in the gaming industry in Atlantic City. I have now been sober for 12 years and I am about to earn my associate degree. I feel I can do what God sent me to do, and that is save lives and help people like me.