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Pace University/NACTEL Online Program Graduates 26
Bahr Honored at Ceremony for Educational Leadership
Twenty-six new graduates, most CWA members, received associate degrees in telecommunications from Pace University on May 20 through a unique online learning program, NACTEL (National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning).
This was the second class to graduate so far from the NACTEL program, established in 1999 as an industry-union partnership involving Verizon, SBC, Qwest and Citizens together with CWA and IBEW, Pace University, and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning in Chicago.
Several hundred other students currently are working on telecom degrees through the program, whose purpose is to provide career opportunity for workers and also meet the industry’s needs for a highly skilled workforce.
At the graduation ceremony, CWA President Morton Bahr received an honorary doctorate for his contribution to establishing the program and promoting lifetime educational opportunities.
In accepting the honor, Bahr said: “This day is noteworthy. It is one more stop on the road to continuous education.” He urged all the Pace graduates to continue to be lifelong learners.
One CWA graduate, Terri Wittich, an information specialist for Qwest and mother of two young children, noted that the Internet-based program gave her a chance to further her education without taking time away from her family. “NACTEL gives me the freedom to do things when they’re convenient for me,” she said.
The program has already helped some graduates advance their careers. Rosalinda Perez from SBC noted: “When I started I was a service rep. Today, I’m a regulatory and appeals manager and I’ve increased my salary by 20 percent. My NACTEL studies helped me a lot in getting the promotion.”
Several Pace/NACTEL graduates journeyed to the White Plains, N.Y., campus to attend the ceremony along with 1,100 other Pace graduates, while others participated through a live Internet webcast.
Twenty-six new graduates, most CWA members, received associate degrees in telecommunications from Pace University on May 20 through a unique online learning program, NACTEL (National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning).
This was the second class to graduate so far from the NACTEL program, established in 1999 as an industry-union partnership involving Verizon, SBC, Qwest and Citizens together with CWA and IBEW, Pace University, and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning in Chicago.
Several hundred other students currently are working on telecom degrees through the program, whose purpose is to provide career opportunity for workers and also meet the industry’s needs for a highly skilled workforce.
At the graduation ceremony, CWA President Morton Bahr received an honorary doctorate for his contribution to establishing the program and promoting lifetime educational opportunities.
In accepting the honor, Bahr said: “This day is noteworthy. It is one more stop on the road to continuous education.” He urged all the Pace graduates to continue to be lifelong learners.
One CWA graduate, Terri Wittich, an information specialist for Qwest and mother of two young children, noted that the Internet-based program gave her a chance to further her education without taking time away from her family. “NACTEL gives me the freedom to do things when they’re convenient for me,” she said.
The program has already helped some graduates advance their careers. Rosalinda Perez from SBC noted: “When I started I was a service rep. Today, I’m a regulatory and appeals manager and I’ve increased my salary by 20 percent. My NACTEL studies helped me a lot in getting the promotion.”
Several Pace/NACTEL graduates journeyed to the White Plains, N.Y., campus to attend the ceremony along with 1,100 other Pace graduates, while others participated through a live Internet webcast.