Happy Holidays from Berkeley College!

As we bid goodbye to 2010, we can look forward with excitement to 2011! Berkeley College will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary, with a theme of “Changing Lives”! There are many events planned for the upcoming year to which you will be invited. I encourage you to check out http://www.berkeleycollege.edu/80th/ to read more about Berkeley’s history, and discover our path to the future.

The holidays are a wonderful season for giving, and Berkeley College alumni exemplify this spirit. In this issue, you will read about Micki Sander ’54, an alumna who has dedicated her time and energy to helping the children of fallen servicemembers. You will also read about new developments in Berkeley’s athletics program as we speak with Brian Maher, Athletics Director. And don't miss our note from Amy Soricelli, Director of Alumni Placement, who has offered some tips for effective job-searching during the holiday season.

Finally, we will be celebrating the opening of Berkeley College’s new campus in Brooklyn, NY! The campus is now open, I encourage you to read more about the campus and COO Conrad Walker.

Have a wonderful holiday season! See you in the new year!

Berkeley College Opens New Brooklyn Campus

Berkeley College’s Brooklyn Campus has recently opened its doors for applicants interested in taking classes in the upcoming Winter 2011 quarter, which is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2011.  The Brooklyn Campus is located at 255 Duffield Street, between Fulton Street and Willoughby Street, in close proximity to all downtown Brooklyn mass transit.

Conrad Walker was appointed Campus Operating Officer for the location. In this role Mr. Walker will oversee preparation of the new facilities, as well as handle day-to-day operations and monitor personnel.

“Mr. Walker has the experience and commitment to lead the Brooklyn campus community,” said Berkeley College President Dario A. Cortes, PhD. “He understands the academic needs of our students, and as a resident of Brooklyn he understands the importance of incorporating the community's energy and spirit with our campus life."

Career Advice from Amy Soricelli, Director of Alumni Placement

Job Hunting Tips for the Holiday Season by Amy Soricelli, Director of Alumni Placement

The holiday season can be a challenging time to prepare for an interview, so it is important to keep a positive attitude and stay determined. Here are some tips to make your best impression:

• If you must change into more comfortable shoes for your long trip home, wait until after you leave the recruiter’s office before removing boots, socks, etc.
  
•  Chewing gum is never allowed, even if you offer a piece to the recruiter. Your resume might end up exactly where the gum will.
  
• Do not bring luggage to your interview. You shouldn't need to remove your iPod, magazine, file folders, and an apple in order to find your resume.
  
• Walls are thinner than you think! Make sure to wait until you're out of the building before calling your best friend to tell him or her all about the interview.

Finally, remember that searching for a job is itself a full-time job, and you deserve to take a break. Make sure to take a few moments during this holiday season to count your blessings, and spend some time with your friends and family.

Q&A with Micki Sander '54: Helping the Children of Fallen Servicemembers

When did you graduate?

I received a certificate from Berkeley College in 1954. 

Describe your experience at Berkeley.  Any special memories? 

I would get together with a friend before class, and she and I would get coffee and bacon on an English muffin every day.  We took classes on stenography, typing, writing letters, and other classes.  I couldn’t have made it where I am today without that background.  All of the skills I learned have given me the ability to write for magazines, newspapers, and create proposals and presentations.  Just the ability to write a good letter gives you so much strength in what you do. 

Q&A with Brian Maher, Director of Athletics at Berkeley College

If you haven’t already heard about Berkeley’s new athletic teams, you will soon.  From soccer dominance in the Hudson Valley Athletic Conference to celebrating the first season of Women’s Basketball in New York, the Knights are blazing new trails for Berkeley College.

We asked Brian Maher, Athletics Director for Berkeley College, a few questions about how he and his staff have created such stunning successes. 

Thanks for sitting down with us, Brian.  How long have you served as Athletics Director at Berkeley?
I have been at Berkeley for five years.  I was named Athletics Director in February, 2008.  Before that, I worked in the Student Development and Alumni Relations Departments.