Start Here, Go Anywhere

SUNY Rockland serves as a steppingstone for students to develop an understanding of who they are and where they are going, before continuing on the path to success. Twenty-two-year-old Josh Roberts, RCC Class of  ‘07, did just this and took advantage of all the opportunities the school has to offer.      


Outlook Student Press: What are you up to now?
Josh Roberts: After graduating Penn last May, I joined the firm Insight Venture Partners in New York as an analyst on the investment team. Insight is a private equity firm that invests in profitable, growing software and internet companies.
      The firm has over $3 billion of assets under management and is one of the top ten private equity firms in the world. As an analyst, it is my job to research and evaluate prospective investments for the team. It has been a phenomenal opportunity for me and I am truly grateful for it.
       I never would have been able to succeed as I have if it wasn't for the mentoring I had at RCC. It prepared me for the rigors of Penn and challenged me to continue to push the envelope. After my time at Insight, I plan to go back to school to get my MBA/JD and continue my career path.

OSP: Where did you transfer? Did you change majors?
JR: I transferred to the University of Pennsylvania the following fall and majored in political science with a concentration in American politics. I had always intended to be a political science major, but I got to take my core curriculum classes at RCC.
      When I got to UPenn, I was able to take almost entirely major-related coursework, unlike many of my friends that came to UPenn as freshmen, who put off core courses until they were upperclassmen.

OSP: What were you involved in at UPenn?
JR: At Penn, I immersed myself in a wide variety of extracurriculars. I walked on the Men's Lightweight Crew Team, pledged a fraternity, joined the executive board of the Penn College Republicans as well as Penn Model Congress, and became a member of the Kite & Key Society, and the Wharton Politics & Business Association.

OSP: What did you major in at RCC and why?
JR: I majored in Liberal Arts & Sciences – Humanities & Social Science. When I first sat down with the late Dr. Sam Draper, who was then my adviser, Dr. Draper recommended that I choose a program that would meet the transfer requirements of the institutions I wanted to attend.
      The degree we chose for me was one where I could complete my required coursework, transfer to the institution of my choice, yet still have the freedom to challenge myself academically and include a fair amount of electives.

OSP: How do you feel RCC benefited you?
JR: I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have attended RCC and graduated from the M/TS Honors program. I received the mentoring I needed and the guidance necessary to transfer successfully.
      The unbelievable support of the faculty, students and administration changed me forever. I was not only challenged in class, but dove in to the many opportunities RCC has to offer. Enrolling in RCC was the best decision I have ever made!

OSP: What clubs and activities were you involved in on campus?
JR: I was the Board of Trustees Representative for the Student Government Association, President of the Political Science Association, Vice President of Sigma Chi Eta, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. My extra-curricular activities were a central part of my time at RCC and taught me the importance of a well-rounded education.

OSP: Did you have a favorite professor or class on campus?
JR: Throughout my three semesters at RCC, I had many phenomenal, bright, caring teachers. I will never forget Professor Frank's speech class, Professor Burnett's criminal justice class, Dr. Hazelton's Shakespeare class or one of my many meetings with Dr. Garner. I am forever indebted to all of my professors.
      However, Dr. Draper and Professor Weisgerber will always hold a special place in my heart. Professor Weisgerber, who had already been diagnosed with a terminal illness when I entered his class, taught me more about life than he did macroeconomics.
      His tenacious spirit, determination to thrive, and reflective outlook on life will never be forgotten. He reminded me of our mortality as humans, yet the undeniable traits that make us unique among all creatures.
      Dr. Sam Draper, another soul I was privileged to have learned under, will forever be considered one of my most cherished mentors.
      Dr. Draper first brought me to RCC, challenged me to dream bigger, and had the faith in me that I lacked at the time. He was not only a brilliant scholar but a true Renaissance man, a lover of opera, dogs and the classics.
      I would not be the man I am today if I'd never met Sam. I and so many other RCC alums will miss him so much.