Westchester Community College Alumnus Succeeds at Clarkson University

POTSDAM, N.Y. - Greek life and a warm, welcoming community are just some of the factors making the change from the urban Westchester Community College to the rural Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., a pleasant transition for business student Seif Habib of Pleasantville.

After spending three semesters at Westchester studying business, Habib is now furthering his expertise in supply chain management at the Clarkson University School of Business, recently recognized as the 11th best supply chain program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

"It's outstanding. The teaching is great and the environment is great," he said. And since his enrollment in the fall of 2007, Habib said the University has certainly lived up to its reputation.

Habib, who originally came from England but lives in Westchester County, also found the people at Clarkson welcomed him with open arms.

"I found it all very welcoming, but I'm a pretty outgoing person," Habib said.

And between the warm atmosphere and an aggressive scholarship program, which provided full support for Habib to the nationally recognized school, Clarkson was a sound choice. 

"When I actually visited the school I was very impressed with how welcoming they were. I liked the idea of being in a small school," he said.

The transfer was smooth and easy, as well, according to the business student, who said moving from Westchester Community College to Clarkson was both quick and simple.  At Clarkson, Habib has not only found an advanced curriculum, but also a new family in his fraternity. Habib said he loves having pledged and now feels there's always something to do.

While Clarkson was highly recommended by his advisor, Habib suggested that those looking to attend Clarkson from Westchester should make sure their grades are high.

"It's pretty competitive anywhere. It's getting more and more competitive every year, every semester. That's why grades are so important these days," he said. Being a member of honor societies like Alpha Beta Gamma and Phi Theta Kappa can help as well, he added.

Clarkson University crosses the boundaries of disciplines, nations and cultures in order for discovery, engineering innovation and enterprise to come together. As a result, faculty and graduates grasp the full impact of their calling, direct their research to the world's pressing issues and lead with confidence and distinction. One in seven alumni is already a CEO or other senior executive. Located in Potsdam, N.Y., just outside the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, Clarkson is home to 3,000 students preparing for rewarding careers through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, science, and health sciences, as well as unparalleled outdoor recreation and life experiences beyond the classroom.