Maron Yusuf of Monroe, N.Y. will graduate from Mount Saint Mary College on May 20. Here, he is seen presenting his research, “Connecting the Dots – Turning a Set of Activities into a Learning Experience,” at the Mount’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.
Receiving a degree from Mount Saint Mary College has become something of a tradition for the Yusuf family of Monroe, N.Y.
Maron Yusuf, who studied Information Technology with a concentration in Human Computer Interaction, will graduate from the Mount in May. But he’s the second in his family to complete a degree at the college – the first being his wife, Kathy.
Yusuf met Kathy while the two were serving in the U.S. Army. Having been stationed in places like Hawaii and Germany, their last tour of duty found the couple at West Point. Afterwards, they settled in Monroe with their two children.
“Kathy had great things to say about the Mount,” Yusuf noted. “It sounded good, which is why I came here. I really love it. I like the cozy atmosphere, the small classes, and that the professors are always available if you have questions” outside of class time.
Yusuf, who has a background in healthcare and had served as a combat medic in the Army, had been considering switching fields. Mount Saint Mary College’s IT program was just what he was looking for, he said.
The veteran made the most of his time as an undergraduate by lending his skills to several prestigious programs and events outside the classroom. Earlier this year, Yusuf participated in the annual Techstars Startup Weekend at the Mount, where dozens of young entrepreneurs cultivated their ideas for new, unique businesses. He was also a member of the college’s Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), where he researched topics like experiential learning through applied, real-world Math.
Yusuf was also known for his appearances on the Dean’s list semester after semester. This year, he earned the title of Aquinas Scholar, an honor given to only the best academics at the Mount. He summed up his work ethic in one simple sentence: “I always try to give 110 percent.”
As he reflected on his time at the Mount, Yusuf said he will miss the relationships he’s built at the college. The Mount “is small enough that it feels like home,” he explained.
That includes his friendships with other students and his professors, such as Sagar Raina, associate professor of Information Technology; Mike Daven, professor of Mathematics; Denise McCarroll, instructor of Information Technology; and Christina Alvey, associate professor of Mathematics and chair of the Division of Math and IT.
Like the others, Micah Modell, assistant professor of Information Technology, was always there to help Yusuf along the way: “As an adult student, we related on a personal level and a as teacher and student,” he explained.
The future is looking bright for Yusuf, who plans to take what he’s learned at the Mount, combine it with his previous master’s degree in Health Education, and go for a PhD in Systems Science at Binghamton University.
But that leg of his life’s journey will begin in the Spring of 2024. For now, he’s going to enjoy some quality time with his wife and sons.