New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies Graduates Overcome Obstacles to Pursue Their Dreams

NEW YORK, May 14, 2012 – The NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS) held its 2012 Convocation exercises on Monday, May 14 at the Grand Hyatt New York.  For nearly 80 years, NYU-SCPS has delivered professionally oriented educational programs to students from New York City, across the country, and around the globe. This year’s graduating class features students of notable achievement, who have a hunger for learning and the staying power to pursue their education, while facing personal and professional challenges.

Overcoming HIV
Aundaray Guess will be graduating this spring after a previous attempt to earn his degree was derailed by his HIV diagnosis 25 years ago at the age of 19. He has faced the challenge of his HIV status by using it as motivation for his work as a writer and artist, as well as in his employment. He is currently the author of 20+, a blog in which he details his life with the virus, sharing both positive and negative experiences with blog readers so that they can feel less isolated. Guess also is a playwright and an actor who has written, produced, and performed in numerous one-man shows, the most well known being naked, which was funded by the Jerome Foundation. In February 2012, he revived his theater company, Flayva Cabaret, which showcases LGBT artists of color.

Combining School, Work, and Motherhood
Akira Barclay has combined part-time studies at the George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising with a demanding, full-time position leading the IMAGINE Your STEM Future project with AT&T at Girl Scouts of the USA. Despite her busy schedule, Barclay has been among the most serious and proficient students in the M.S. in Fundraising and Grantmaking and has contributed to important discourse within and outside the classroom. She served as marketing editor of PhilanthropyNYU and chaired the New York Chapter of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy. She also authored articles for Philanthropy NYU and the blog Black Gives Back.

Commuting from Out of State
William N. Duffey III completed his studies with a 4.0 GPA and received written accolades from numerous faculty members. In addition to his excellent academic record, Duffey assisted in recruitment efforts by talking with new student applicants about his McGhee experience and by participating in admissions events. Duffey, who works full time in Boston, commuted for the entirety of his studies at McGhee. He received “honors” for his senior project and was chosen to be a speaker at the George Sideris symposium. Based upon his studies at McGhee, he wrote a value proposition for his company’s CEO, which led to a promotion. He will pursue an M.B.A. at Boston College beginning in Fall 2012.

The students are available for interviews. To speak with them, contact Syd Steinhardt at 212-998-7262 or ss6519@nyu.edu.