ACIT Students Attend Gala at Waldorf-Astoria in NYC -- Shore News Today
Students from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology participated in a fundraising gala at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City for the National Academy Foundation on Monday, May 10.
The students mingled with top executives from Coca-Cola, Citigroup, Verizon and Xerox, among others. CEOs and top executives from the nation’s largest companies attended the gala to network with each other, meet the students, and support NAF.
The five students selected to attend the event were Bradley Park and Chad Argue of the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality; and Devon Hosford, Yarissa Subervi and Jamill Jenkins of the Academy of Information Technology.
Monica Masi Amadio, instructor of information technology, was instrumental in coordinating ACIT’s attendance at the event and served as the chaperone.
“It was great to watch the students rub elbows with the upper management of some large and influential companies,” Amadio said. “We prepared for the event by studying the bios of the top executives. All of our students were able to identify and speak with the executives with ease.… In fact, Devon explained to Ursula Burns, CEO of Xerox, how Ms. Burns’ story of starting as an intern and working her way up was inspirational to her. Ms. Burns even offered her email to keep in touch.”
Jenkins said the experience helped with his networking skills and inspired him to aggressively pursue a career.
“Every second of it was a prestigious experience that I felt very privileged to be a part of. Being able to mingle with representatives and CEOs of enterprises was a great door-opener to opportunities in my future and simply an eye-opener to the business realm. Even meeting the people who have developed and sponsored my education in the Academy of Information Technology was quite fulfilling,” Jenkins said.
Students spoke with executives about their accomplishments, awards and internship experiences, which included winning state championships and working for the Federal Aviation Administration in Pomona.
After the dinner and reception, the students and guests watched a concert by Tony Award-winning performer Audra McDonald. Each of the student participants expressed gratitude and appreciation for the privilege of participating in the gala.
After the dinner and reception, the students and guests watched a concert by Tony Award-winning performer Audra McDonald. Each of the student participants expressed gratitude and appreciation for the privilege of participating in the gala.
Transportation for the group was provided by Anthony’s Transportation Service in Ventnor.
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