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Kacie Cressey ’18, ’20 M.S., who is pursuing a master’s degree in cellular and molecular biology, says the University offers countless opportunities for its more than 2,000 graduate students to succeed and get involved on campus.

April 2, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

For Kacie Cressey ’18, ’20 M.S., the services, resources, and opportunities she’s had as a graduate student at the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ have been invaluable.

To pay it forward for the support she has received, she got involved with Graduate Student Council. After serving as vice president of programming, she was recently elected president.

"I enjoy being a resource for students," said Cressey, a candidate in the University’s graduate program in molecular and cellular biology. "I am glad to work with students who want to enrich the campus community and ensure that the graduate student experience is rewarding and enjoyable for everyone."

To help celebrate the dedication of graduate students and the many contributions they make to the campus community, the University established Graduate Student Appreciation Week six years ago. As part of the weeklong celebration, graduate students can attend field trips and social events on campus. This year’s program includes food trucks, a reception, and a paint night.

"This week is important because it recognizes our entire graduate student community for all of their hard work and accomplishments throughout the year," said Steve Macchiarolo, director of graduate student engagement. "This week really is about the graduate students and about making sure they feel valued."

"I am glad to work with students who want to enrich the campus community and ensure that the graduate student experience is rewarding and enjoyable for everyone." Kacie Cressey ’18, ’20 M.S.

Cressey says that some of the most important opportunities that graduate students have at the University enable them to make important connections and build relationships with mentors and colleagues. She is working on a thesis project with Dr. Tina Zito, researching breast cancer treatment.

"The smaller program sizes make it easy to connect with faculty, staff, and peers," Cressey said. "These relationships could open doors for future internships and careers."