STAMFORD, Conn. – For Joanne Butler, it all started with a degree in secretarial administration from the University of Bridgeport. More degrees followed, but her first experience made all the difference in her path to becoming an adjunct professor in the university’s IDEAL program. “The skills and techniques I learned from that degree have been helpful and transferable,’’ said Butler, ...

STAMFORD, Conn. – Stamford’s Andrea Pagani enjoys people. And her classmates in the University of Bridgeport’s IDEAL program give her a well-rounded cross section with whom she can interact. “It’s interesting,’’ said Pagani, who started attending classes at the university’s Stamford location in January. “I’m a person who gets along with people pretty easily. What’s nice at school is you ...

STAMFORD, Conn. – Stamford’s Carol Piscitelli found teaching at the University of Bridgeport to be an extension of her work as a family therapist. What she did not know is that she would find it as enjoyable as she has in her seven years with the university’s IDEAL Program. “Some of my colleagues were doing it and I thought I would love to try,’’ said Piscitelli, who teaches at the ...

STAMFORD, Conn. – MaryAnn Gardner found her passion for teaching early in her career. The enjoyment she finds teaching students in the University of Bridgeport’s IDEAL Program adds to her enthusiasm. “I immediately enjoyed it,’’ said Gardner, who teaches psychology and human service courses. She started teaching at Bridgeport two years ago and is an adjunct professor in the university’s ...

DANBURY, Conn. – Danbury’s Elizabeth Noyce didn’t know how she was going to work full-time and obtain her college degree. The University of Bridgeport helped her figure it out. Noyce is pursuing a general studies degree at Bridgeport through its IDEAL program, and hopes to someday find a job in the medical field when she completes her studies. The online courses available through UB ...

STAMFORD, Conn. – Stamford’s Novlyn Hall came to the United States from Jamaica in 1982 with the idea of furthering her education. After a long and arduous road, the former school teacher feels she is on the right path toward achieving her goal in the University of Bridgeport’s IDEAL program. “It’s never too late to go back to school,’’ said Hall, who worked several jobs, including a ...

DANBURY, Conn. – Sharon Pereira’s journey to a college degree has taken longer than expected, in part due to a detour through an inflexible university. But now that she’s enrolled in the University of Bridgeport’s IDEAL program, the Danbury woman can see the light at the end of the tunnel. “It’s going well. I really enjoy it,” said Periera who works as a medical assistant and is the ...

DANBURY, Conn. – Danbury’s Denise Valeri figured if she was going to tell her children about the importance of earning a college degree, she had better attain one herself. After a seven-year journey at two colleges, the 51-year-old received an associate’s degree in general studies this month through the University of Bridgeport’s IDEAL program. "I think my kids already have respect for ...

NORWALK, Conn. - Graduating from high school can be a feat in and of itself. Graduating from high school while being a devoted mother adds a level of challenges most people can’t imagine. Connecticut resident Cristy Gonzales can though, and 13 years later, she’s still taking each task she faces by storm. After high school, Gonzales realized going away to college just didn't fit into her ...

STAMFORD, Conn. – With an upcoming wedding and plans to start a family, Paul Rosa Jr. is taking steps to complete his education and secure his future through the University of Bridgeport’s IDEAL Program. The 24-year-old Stratford resident previously attended the Audio Research Institute in New York City, where he earned an associate's degree in audio technology in 2009. The degree led ...