Produced by: Office of Marketing and Communications
April 10, 2013
Strengthening a bond that has benefited both institutions for several years, administrators from St. John’s University and Nassau Community College (NCC) signed a new articulation agreement on April 5 featuring a special discount and other benefits for transfer students seeking a bachelor’s degree.
"Today, we celebrate the similarities that exist between our two institutions, more so than the differences," Robert Mangione, Ed.D, R.Ph., Provost of St. John's, said during the ceremony at the University’s Queens, NY, campus. "When you look at the great students from Nassau Community College and our students, they're the same. They come from families that work very hard—families that invest in their children."
"Collectively,” he added, “we have a wonderful opportunity to transform their lives, and that's quite a gift we've been given. It's so great to have partners like you to share this journey."
"The importance of such an agreement,” said Martha K. Hirst, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at St. John’s, “is that we extend the opportunity St. John's provides to students who perhaps didn't find us in the first instance, or who have had a really affordable opportunity for their first two years, and can now enjoy a combination of the financial support and rich academic life we offer."
As a highlight of the agreement, students transferring to St. John's who have earned an associate degree from NCC will receive a 40% tuition discount. Those wishing to transfer without an associate degree are eligible for merit-based scholarships ranging from $7,000–$15,000 a year, based on academic performance. This is one of nearly 20 articulation agreements St. John’s has forged with accredited two-year colleges on the East Coast and in Bermuda.
The affiliation agreement is open to all those who attend NCC and are then eligible for admission to St. John’s University.
Kenneth K. Saunders, Ph.D., Acting President of NCC, attended the ceremony and echoed the sentiments of his St. John’s counterparts. "We are so pleased to be joining with St. John's in this agreement. By facilitating their transfer to St. John's, it will enable our students to build upon the top quality education that NCC offers as they seek to advance their educational goals and their career development."
He added, "We are very clear in terms of the reputation of St. John's. A number of our faculty members are graduates of St. John's, and there's a long history between us."
"Rather than the beginning of a new relationship, we're putting the stamp of approval on an existing relationship," Dr. Mangione said. "We're absolutely delighted and honored to be embraced by your family, and I hope you know we're embracing you into the St. John's family."