If you’re still not using FedEx, you’re running out of excuses.

That’s the new advertising theme recently introduced by one of the nation’s foremost package delivery services, and it somewhat parallels the thinking of Charter Oak alumnus, Dennis David, a one-time FedEx employee.  

In the mid-90s, Dennis found himself running out of excuses for not leaving his full-time position as a FedEx tractor-trailer driver. “I hated every minute of it,” he readily admits. He had always wanted to pursue a career in communications and, in 1995, determined there was neither room nor time to create new justification for remaining on the job at FedEx.

So, the long-time antique car enthusiast and automotive journalist, armed with an associate degree earned at one of Connecticut’s community college, set out in pursuit of his BS. “The folks at Charter Oak were the nicest people,” says Dennis. “They were really receptive.” He hoped he’d be able to transfer the credits he accumulated while working toward his associate degree and combine them with others he expected to earn through testing at Charter Oak to earn his bachelor’s. “I often studied for GRE and DANTES exams in the cab of my truck (while on authorized breaks),” he recalls, “and it all paid off.”

Dennis received his diploma as a member of the class of 1998. “I'd never have been able to do it without the flexibility Charter Oak’s program offered,” he observed. “It allowed me the opportunity to work toward my degree while dealing with the needs of both my family and my job.”

Where does his career in communications stand at this juncture? “I’d always thought about teaching,” says Dennis, who successfully completed Connecticut’s accelerated Alternate Route to Certification teaching program. He has been an eighth-grade teacher of Communications for the past several years at Shelton, Connecticut’s Intermediate School and thoroughly enjoys working with the youngsters there.

And what about his interest in antique autos? It goes far beyond interest alone. He has co-authored three books that focus on toy hobbies and restoration. One traces the history of the Tonka Toy Company. A fourth, that looks at the history of the DeSoto automobile, is scheduled for publication later this year. Those interested in further exploring the auto-related interests of this one-time FedEx employee should consider visiting www.dennisdavidauto.com.

By the way, he’s long past looking for excuses!