3 minute read
Inspire Magazine 2021
by adminscff
Kathleen Cucci '88 knows from experience that plunging headfirst into a university environment out of high school isn’t easy. After briefly attending the University of Alabama right after high school, Cucci, who now serves on the SCF Foundation Board of Directors, returned closer to home and graduated from Manatee Community College (now SCF). She then transferred to the University of South Florida (USF) to complete a bachelor’s degree.
“That was the best thing I could have done,” said Cucci. “What I really needed was that extra attention and good communication with my professors. I truly remember most of those professors at MJC more than I do my professors from USF.”
It’s no wonder Cucci, whose husband John Cucci '85 is also an SCF alum, advocated for her children to take advantage of what SCF has to offer. Her oldest son, John Cucci II ‘20, earned an associate in arts from SCF. When he decided he wanted to become a nurse after finishing his psychology degree at Florida State University, Kathleen was quick to point out SCF’s fast track nursing degree path for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. John Cucci II returned to SCF and now works as an emergency room nurse in Atlanta, Georgia.
“My employer is Manatee Memorial Hospital, so I’ve talked to our physicians and our nurses, and they always have only the best
things to say about the training nurses receive at SCF,” said Kathleen.
Kathleen’s daughter Anna dual enrolled at SCF while earning her diploma at Lakewood Ranch High School. Thanks to the Early College opportunities, Anna completed a debt-free associate degree by the time she graduated from high school and is now enrolled at USF studying integrated marketing. Anna’s twin brother also attends USF and plays football.
Kathleen frequently shares her daughter’s success with Early College with other parents. In addition to the opportunity to get experience with college classes and earn credits, she notes how easy it is to transfer credits from SCF to any state university in Florida.
“I wish a program like dual enrollment had been around when I was younger!” said Kathleen.
Serving on the Foundation board has been enjoyable and a source of pride for Kathleen, who values the experience working with so many other dedicated leaders to support SCF. She specifically cites her friendship and working relationship with Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Holmes.
“It’s a board where you can really bring your passion and spread it, and Cassandra’s energy and enthusiasm have always amazed me, from the day I met her,” Kathleen said.
