Tom DeLeo of Rochester, NY Honored with RACCE Outstanding Adult Students Award

ROCHESTER, NY (04/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Nazareth College is proud to announce Kelly Kemp, Larry Czubinski, and Tom DeLeo, as the winners of the Rochester Area Colleges Continuing Education (RACCE) award. All three winners of the award are veterans and thank their military experience for molding them into the students and individuals they are today. On April 21, 2013 Rochester Area Colleges Continuing Education(RACCE) will present awards to the Outstanding Adult Students from area colleges at Woodcliff Hotel and Spa.

The RACCE award is given to candidates who exemplify a strong commitment to higher education despite the unique challenges adult learners may face. Eligibility for the awards requires not only scholastic excellence, but also a demonstrated ability by the candidates to balance personal and professional responsibilities while working towards completing their degree.

Tom DeLeo is proud to finally be completing his goal of becoming a physical therapist. DeLeo was inspired to pursue a college education after encountering many hardships during his younger years and will be the first in his family to attend college. He pays credit to Nazareth College staff for their support and encouragement, convincing him to follow this career path. He is proud to have served his country in the military for two years and believes his experience serving has helped him to view the world differently socially and to develop confidence in himself. DeLeo shares that his greatest challenge has been pursing higher education while working to overcome the trauma of war that he experiences. However, he anticipates the sense of relief he will feel after passing his boards and the freedom he will embrace to improve his own health and the health of others.

The three candidates were chosen by faculty members on their qualifications of these criteria as well as their exceptional commitment to higher education at Nazareth College.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester, N.Y. The College offers challenging academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management. Nazareth's strong cultures of service and community prepare students to be successful professionals and engaged citizens. The College enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students.

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