DAILY LOBO new mexico
The Independent Student Voice of UNM since 1895
Joseph DiVincenzo proves it’s never too late to graduate By Tom Hanlon
@TomHanlonNM Joseph DiVincenzo is the selfdescribed poster child for why it is never too late to go back to school. DiVincenzo, 48, is about to receive his bachelor’s degree in accounting. After a long journey of working at restaurants, call centers and taking a few college-level classes before deciding to earn a degree in accounting, he reflected on his choice to go to college at a non-traditional time in his life. “I’m relieved, thrilled. I never thought that I would actually get my bachelor’s in accounting, never thought I’d be a college graduate,” DiVincenzo said. After graduating from Cibola High School in 1987, he said he didn’t feel the urge to attend college. In the 1990s, he worked at Blake’s Lotaburger and Pizza Hut, rising to the ranks of assistant manager and general manager, respectively. He was then hired by El Pinto as a cook. Throughout the 2000s, he worked for Sprint and then UnitedHealthcare as a customer service
representative in Albuquerque. “I just got tired of that after a while, people yelling at you all day,” he said. “So, I said, I need to do something with my life, I want to learn something.” DiVincenzo received his associate’s degree in accounting from Central New Mexico Community College in 2013. He continued to attend CNM to finish his prerequisite classes for the accounting program at the University of New Mexico and was accepted into the Anderson School of Management in 2016. He will be the first in his immediate family to earn an undergraduate degree. DiVincenzo said that since attending UNM, he has learned more than just how to be an accountant. “I’ve learned a lot. Not just technical skills, not just how to do accounting, but also soft skills, like how to get along with people, how to work in a group,” he said. “I feel like I’ve broadened my horizons since I’ve been here, at UNM.” While twice as old as most of his peers, DiVincenzo said he never felt out of place.
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Monday, D ecember 11, 2017 | Vo l u m e 1 2 2 | I s s u e 3 3
Graduation Issue
Congratulations, Class of Fall 2017! Departmental Convocations
Fall 2017 Graduation Ceremony Schedule
Commencement
Date: Dec. 15 Time: 6 p.m. see DiVincenzo page 2 Location: Dreamstyle Arena
Honors College Convocation Date: Dec. 14 Time: 6 p.m. Location: SUB Theatre College of Fine Arts Reception Date: Dec. 15 Time: 8:30 p.m. Location: Dreamstyle Arena Club Level
College of Education Convocation Date: Dec. 16 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Johnson Gymnasium School of Engineering Convocation Date: Dec. 16 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Kiva Auditorium, Albuquerque Convention Center Anderson School of Management Convocation Date: Dec. 16 Time: 2 p.m. Location: Johnson Center
Julieann Lopez looks forward to new chapter in life By Nichole Harwood @Nolidoli1 Julieann Lopez looks back on her positive experiences at the University of New Mexico as she approaches graduation day. This week, she will be earning her Bachelor of Science in exercise science with a minor in psychology. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and my interests for the future. I’ve made many lifelong friends while at UNM, and I’m very thankful for my opportunity to come to school here,” Lopez said. Of her experiences, Lopez’ internship seems to stand out the most for her. “I was working at a physical therapy clinic for the duration of the semester,” she said. “While doing the internship, I met so many new people and professional colleagues in the PT field. It’s made me even more excited to continue my education.” After graduation, Lopez plans on continuing her education by applying to physical therapy school at UNM, along with a few other schools around the country,
she said. “My experience from exercise science has prepared me well to continue in school and do well in physical therapy school,” Lopez said.
“My parents and my sister have been the greatest support team I could have asked for.” Juliann Lopez UNM Fall Graduate Bachelor of Science Her friends and family have been supportive of her throughout her entire college career, she said. “They are all just as excited as I am for me to finally be done,” Lopez said. “My parents, (Tom and Barbara), and my sister, (Tamara), have been the greatest support team I could have ever asked for. They believed in me even when I had doubts, and they always encouraged me to keep going. I love you guys.”
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Lopez is excited to graduate but even with all the excitement, she is nervous and a little scared to see what the future will bring, she said. “School has been a part of my life for so long. It’s very strange to think this chapter of my life is coming to an end,” Lopez said. And as that chapter ends, she said she understands that for many other students, the chapter is just beginning. For incoming students, she suggests finding a person in each class to work with. “It’s so helpful if you have a friend to work on homework with and ask questions when you’re stuck on something,” Lopez said. She is also quick to remind students of the dangers of procrastination, as it only makes college harder in the end, she said. “Also remember to have fun,” Lopez said. “College will be over before you know it.” Nichole Harwood is the culture editor at the Daily Lobo. She primarily covers alumni and art features. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Nolidoli1.
Nicholas Nuñez/Daily Lobo/@dailylobo
Julieann Lopez stands near Hodgin Hall. She will be receiving her Bachelor of Science in exercise science and a minor in psychology.
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