Queens resident Bryant Panora Receives Hispanic Scholarship Award From Briarcliffe College

September 9, 2008

(New York...September 9, 2008) Briarcliffe College, with campuses in Long Island City, Bethpage and Patchogue, New York, awarded Corona, Queens resident Bryant Ariel Panora with its 2008-2009 Hispanic Scholarship. The Briarcliffe College Hispanic Scholarship Committee selected Mr. Panora for the $5,000 grant based on criteria meeting the application guidelines announced last year, including a 750-word essay on "The Impact of Higher Education on the Hispanic Community."

"Mr. Panora comes from a family with strong values and he follows two sisters and a brother as the first generation of this native Ecuadorian family to pursue higher education," said Briarcliffe College President Dr. George Santiago, Jr. in presenting the award. "The Hispanic population is the fastest growing across America, but one of the lowest ethnic groups to complete either high school or college. The Briarcliffe College Hispanic Scholarship Program was established to address this by alleviating some of the financial obstacles for those intent upon meeting their goals."

The 18-year-old researched metro area colleges while a junior in high school, selecting Briarcliffe College because of its computer technology facilities and courses.

"Briarcliffe College grabbed my attention because of its up-to-date facilities and superb academic standards," said Mr. Panora. "I contacted the College, received answers to all my questions and felt very welcome. When I learned about the scholarship opportunity I immediately applied and am exceedingly grateful to be honored as a recipient."

A sports enthusiast, Mr. Panora is a Yankees fan despite his family's proximity to Shea Stadium and resident team, the New York Mets. He began classes this summer at the Briarcliffe College Bethpage campus, and upon graduation, his long-term ambition is to establish a career in Information Technology.

About Briarcliffe College: A proprietary institution with campuses in Bethpage, Patchogue and Queens, and a combined student body of more than 1800, Briarcliffe College is a career education college offering diploma, two- and four-year degree programs in Criminal Justice, Graphic Design, Business Administration, Digital Photography, Accounting, Office Technologies, and Information Technology. For more, visit www.briarcliffe.edu.