Briarcliffe College Selects Nassau County District Attorney as Commencement Speaker

May 15, 2012

Kathleen M. Rice Serves as a Role Model for Community Leadership

NASSAU, N.Y., MAY 15, 2012 — Briarcliffe College has selected Kathleen M. Rice, Nassau County District Attorney, as the speaker for the College’s spring 2012 commencement ceremony. Rice is the chief law enforcement official for one of the nation’s largest and safest counties, and the first woman to be elected to the role. She will speak to an audience of more than 670 graduates, along with graduates’ family and friends, and Briarcliffe faculty.

Rice has a long history of working within and giving back to the community – a hallmark of a Briarcliffe education. She has made significant improvements in the community by tackling a variety of critical issues, such as drunk driving, drug presence, and domestic violence. She is also known for her efforts to modernize the office in order to address local problems with modern resources.

“Ms. Rice is a wonderful role-model to our students and the entire community,” said Dr. George Santiago, Jr., president of Briarcliffe College. “Our students are focused on the importance of community involvement throughout their educational careers at Briarcliffe, and Ms. Rice exemplifies how one person can make such a difference. It is truly an honor to have her join us at commencement this year.”

Rice has an illustrious background in law enforcement and criminal justice, which will be especially relevant for those students earning their Associate and Bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice. It’s Rice’s community leadership role and experience, however, that will resonate with all six academic programs graduating on Sunday. These programs include Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting, Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Business Administration, Associate in Science and Bachelor of Science degrees Criminal Justice, Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Graphic Design, Bachelor of Science degrees in Healthcare Administration and Associate in Applied Science degrees in Networking and Computer Technology and Paralegal Studies.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at the Sports & Exhibition Complex at Suffolk Community College, Brentwood Campus. Other speakers include valedictorian, Cherie Botcher, and salutatorian, Suzanne M. Caldeira.

Since 1966, Briarcliffe College has graduated more than 12,000 students and provided a career-focused education to a diverse student population. For the past 46 years, Briarcliffe College has been part of the Long Island community supporting educational needs of transitioning students, adults who are seeking further career opportunities or individuals who want to enhance their current careers. With three locations on Long Island, Briarcliffe College offers degree programs in the fields of accounting, business administration, criminal justice, graphic design, healthcare administration, information technology, management, marketing and paralegal studies.

About Briarcliffe College
A proprietary institution with locations in Bethpage, Patchogue and Queens NY., Briarcliffe College is a four-year career education college offering degree programs in the fields of accounting, business administration, criminal justice, graphic design, healthcare administration, information technology, management, marketing and paralegal studies.  Programs vary by location.  The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000 accredits Briarcliffe College. Briarcliffe College cannot guarantee employment or salary.  Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.briarcliffe.edu/disclosure.  Briarcliffe College is also a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of colleges, universities and schools.  For more information, visit www.briarcliffe.edu.