"The Foundation to Achieve Many Goals I Thought Were Not Attainable" - Ann Ciancia '18

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"The Foundation to Achieve Many Goals I Thought Were Not Attainable" - Ann Ciancia '18

Ann Ciancia sits outside Plymouth Church with her multiple degrees.

"Utica University has given me the foundation to achieve many goals I thought were not attainable."

With all she’s accomplished as a Utica alumna, it’s hard to believe Ann Ciancia graduated from Utica University just three years ago. The former Student Government President with a trio of majors (Health Studies, Philosophy, and Spanish) now also holds a J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law and an MBA from Utica University, which she earned simultaneously in 2020-21.

Today, she is a Judicial Law Clerk in the New Jersey Judicial System.

On the 75th Anniversary of Utica University's founding as Utica College, she writes:

"75 years ago today, Utica College held its very first convocation at Plymouth Church, shining light to a new institution. For some that don’t know, Utica College was founded by Syracuse University, where both colleges have been my home away from home. To honor the 75th anniversary of Utica College, I wanted to go back to where it all began.

"By age 25, in the last (7) years, I was able to achieve (5) degrees: 2 BAs, 1 BS, and an MBA all from Utica College, and 1 JD from Syracuse University. These institutions have made a tremendous impact on my life, and I cannot thank them enough. Utica College has given me the foundation to achieve many goals I thought were not attainable.

"At such a young age, my mom ingrained into me that education is far more beneficial and will allow you to open doors to a multitude of possibilities. She taught me the importance of using education as an omnipotent tool and how it will always be there to guide you. Although there are times when outside of the classroom experiences are far more beneficial than structured education, I can’t help but recognize the importance of education and how it is fundamental.

"These educational milestones would not have been possible without the gracious guidance from my mother and from my tenacious professors, turned mentors, turned friends along the way."