Meet the Students
Students continue to launch new careers at Alfred State College. Meet some of our current students working towards degrees on both our Alfred and Wellsville campuses.
Shane StrazdinsElectrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician
Shane Strazdins was introduced to careers in the electrical industry from a summer job which led him to the electrical construction and maintenance electrician program at Alfred State. He entered college with no experience but with the help of his professors and friends in the program, he is excited about where his degree will take him.
“I worked over the summer doing in-ground pools and through that, I was introduced to guys that did more electrical work and it sounded like a good opportunity for me.”
Shane enjoys the class schedule for his program. “We go to lecture for an hour or two and then head right to lab. The lecture deals with theory and we will go over what we are going to do that day in lab. It is very helpful that we can talk through things and ask questions before we jump into it.”
In his studies, Shane has enjoyed learning about solar panels and wind turbines but has found his professors to be key to his educational experience. “The professors are awesome. They are all guys that have experience, and they are all masters at what they do. It is nice to be able to ask questions to somebody who wants to help, and they know the answers.”
Alfred State has given Shane the power to jumpstart his career.
Ashley ClementeAgribusiness Management
Ashley Clemente fell in love with the Alfred State community and looks forward to growing her own community.
Ashley was introduced to Alfred State at a college fair and her interactions with the admissions counselor led her to visit campus. “When I came to campus with my aunt the summer before my senior year, I got that feeling that this was the right place for me. Alfred State was affordable and accessible.”
Becoming part of the Alfred State community has increased her overall experience. Ashley has worked as a resident assistant, an EOP mentor, an orientation leader, worked on the campus activities board, and most recently has been part of the opening and operation of the Community Needs Hub.
“I am involved in a lot, and it feels good to help. In the spaces I have been in, we have been able to create a community or family. It is important to give back to people who give to you. I have gained a lot from my experiences at Alfred State.”
Ashley has grown at Alfred State, and she can't wait to elevate her community.
Vina PhamArchitecture & Interior Design
Vina Pham took the recommendation of her siblings to attend Alfred State. Alfred State’s authenticity and the connections she has made have helped her be successful in her architecture and interior design studies.
“Both of my sisters attended Alfred State and they recommended the programs here. I just like the lifestyle and the culture they have here.”
“My favorite part about the program is the different challenges that the professors give us and the opportunities you must solve them. The professors want you to branch out and see the different pathways that you can take.”
Vina fostered her love for art and sketching during a semester-long experience in Sorrento, Italy. “I have always been interested in art. When I was in Italy, I wanted to sketch often. When I look back at my sketchbook, I get nostalgic, and it is just heartwarming to see what you have captured with your own hands.”
Her sketchbook from Italy earned her the honor of receiving the top Bob Pahl Sketching Award.
Vina’s experience in and out of the classroom has sketched the path to future success.
Adam EstesSurveying and Geomatic Engineering
Adam Estes was encouraged to check out surveying by his high school coach and that advice has led him to a career that he is excited to start.
“I had no idea that I wanted to be a surveyor. My basketball coach is a surveyor and graduated from Alfred State. He encouraged me to try surveying and now here I am, and I have loved it ever since.”
As a surveying and geomatics engineering major, Adam loves the mix of the classes he has taken. “It is about half and half. We learn the fundamentals in the classroom and then they take you outside to learn how to use the equipment and how to do the fundamentals that they teach in the classroom. I love being outside.”
Adam has worked in the field for the past three summers. He has worked on FEMA flood plan mapping, worked with the DOT on the NYS thruway stops, and has done culvert testing. Those experiences have taken him all over the state and given him more chances to use the tools he has learned in class.
Alfred State has elevated Adam’s career, and he does not see it leveling off soon.
Xavior FitzgibbonCNC Manufacturing and Machining
Xavior Fitzgibbon took classes in machining and manufacturing during high school and knew he wanted to learn more. His college search led him to the CNC manufacturing and machining program at Alfred State
“I chose Alfred State because it was the cheapest option for me and the best option. The program is one of the best in the country. I just fell in love with the program.”
Xavior was impressed with the number of machines he would get to learn on and with the career opportunities available. “Having all these machines made it easy for me to be intrigued with what I want to do. I want to learn as much as I can with the short amount of time I am here. There are so many job opportunities out there.”
Graduation will be special not only for Xavior but for his whole family. “I am a first-generation student. My family is ecstatic, to say the least. It is a big achievement for not just me but for my whole family.”
Alfred State has given Xavior the tools to program his future.
Rachel HooperDiagnostic Medical Sonography
Rachel Hooper knew she wanted to go into diagnostic medical sonography, and she found the perfect fit at Alfred State.
“When I was looking for a college, I really wanted to go into sonography and Alfred State had the program and it was close to home, so it worked out perfectly. I was looking into the medical field and sonography was really the only thing that stuck out to me. It seemed to have all the things that I wanted.”
Rachel loves that the program is hands-on and that she gets personal attention from her professors. “We get to go in the lab and scan each other. We are learning by doing. My professors are very helpful whenever we have questions.”
Through her experiences, Rachel is happy to call Alfred State her home away from home.
