Vincent James Siciliano (Jim)
Most adult students seeking their bachelors’ degree from the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement have career goals they want to achieve. Vincent James Siciliano (Jim), owner of an already successful real estate development company, enrolled for a personal reason – to finish the degree he started over 50 years ago and to set a good example for his 22 grandchildren. Married and with his third child on its way, Jim left Duquesne in 1960 during his senior year to focus on his family. He returned in August 2006 to complete his degree.
In December 2007 he received his Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with a 3.85 GPA. According to Jim it was a fantastic experience. “I’ve always loved Duquesne, it is a great school.”
What could he learn in class that he had not already learned in his work experience? “Every course added value, however, two years of information systems courses helped me to do a lot better on computers.” Jim immensely enjoyed the interaction. “I was treated with respect – not like an old man or ‘let’s get him through’ mentality. I was challenged the same as everyone else, maybe a little more so because of my experience. I was treated as a student by the professors and students. Several students even approached me for assistance preparing for exams.”
The main reason he decided to complete his degree was to convey to his grandchildren the importance of a good education. “I didn’t want them to have the excuse, ‘hey pappy, you did very well and didn’t graduate.’” At his graduation party, “I made them all stand up and I dedicated the evening to them. I asked them individually if they understood my message.” (His graduation message follows below) Jim kept high standards for himself but especially for his grandchildren. “They would ask me ‘pappy, did you get an ‘A’ not, ‘did you pass the class?’ They didn’t see me playing golf they always saw me working on my studies. I was fortunate that I had the time and flexibility to study.”
Lastly, he noted the significant changes in the campus since he last attended. “There has been a huge transition of the physical campus. Fifty years ago, I attended lab courses in metal Quonset huts and it was cold. The campus has been transformed. I had an hour and 40 minute break between classes and I sat on the same bench smoking my cigar. I had more people come up to me that I have ever met. Professors, students and priests came up to talk with me. I learned a lot, I got a lot education from all the interaction.”
PAPPY’S GRADUATION MESSAGE
DECEMBER 21, 2007
“This is not about me and getting a degree……
It’s all about you and what you can be……
It’s not about the young man who had gone to school…..
In order that one day, he would be nobody’s fool…….
It’s not about the old man who went back to college……
In order to gain a little more knowledge…..
The reason was to send a message for the 22 of you to see…
The importance of gaining a good education…...
And obtaining a college degree….
No matter how difficult it may seem to be…
You can do it, don’t ever give up, and you will see…
Your dreams will come true…
Remember this message, that’s all I ask of you.”
Love you all!!!!
Pappy