When Remi Rivera started college at SJC Brooklyn in September, it wasn’t the first time the freshman took a class on the Clinton Hill campus.
Rivera attended a pair of collegiate-level courses at St. Joseph’s, while still studying at the neighboring Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, as part of the College Experience Program (CEP). The program gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to become immersed in campus life at the College — just as if they were a Bear.
The young scholar loved his Foundations of Computer Programming Using Animation (COM125) and Fiction Writing (ENG107) classes in the program. CEP drew him to the College — especially once he learned about the potential to receive a scholarship.
“During the CEP, I remember hearing about the scholarships offered at St. Joe’s,” said Rivera, valedictorian of his high school class. “I held all the criteria for the highest scholarship, so I believed it would be my best option. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money for college and make my parents suffer financially.”
In July, Rivera was selected to be a recipient of the Board of Trustees Scholarship — a special award given to an entering freshman with an outstanding record of academic achievement. The scholarship is a four-year full tuition award. Only one student per campus earns the scholarship each year.
A Dedication to Academics, Music and Service
In addition to being an academic all-star, Rivera is a talented musician and a dedicated volunteer.
In high school, Rivera played the flute and piano in the band. On Sundays, he continues to meet with other musicians at the Jazz at Lincoln Center program to learn about the music language and practice for public performances.
Rivera is excited to bring his musical talents to SJC Brooklyn. He already signed up for the music performance club, as well as the campus ministry, computer and martial arts clubs.
When Rivera isn’t busy studying for classes or playing music, the freshman can often be found giving back to the community. Every Monday, Rivera returns to his alma mater as a volunteer math tutor, through the nonprofit Boys Hope Girls Hope of New York.
Rivera said his calculus professor — Elizabeth Zollinger, Ph.D., an associate chairperson and professor of the mathematics and computer science department — helped him find the volunteer opportunity.
“The professors at St. Joe’s are great,” said Rivera, who is part of the Honors Program. “Because of the small classes at the College, there is more individual attention to each student and you can get help from professors whenever you need it.”
