2006 Graduate Compares Charter Oak to Oz

Given the many ways that students are able to earn college credits at Charter Oak, 2006 graduate Barry Rahmy likens the college to the Land of Oz. In his commencement address Rahmy noted that, “The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion didn't have traditional degrees from brick-and-mortar schools, but by their actions on the journey to the Emerald City, they were recognized and validated. They reinvented themselves.”

Barry, who completed his Bachelor of Arts degree last November with a concentration in Individualized Studies, was selected to give this year’s student commencement address as a result of his dedication to completing his degree after thirty years of study. Charter Oak State College was the last stop on what he affectionately called his, "30 Schools in 30 Years" tour. In truth, he had only attended four other colleges, earning a large number of credits along the way, before matriculating with Charter Oak and completing his degree through CLEP testing and online courses in Project Management.

Rahmy is like many other adult learners whose pursuit of a degree was interrupted by the joys and challenges of career, family and life in general. His closing words most likely reflected the thoughts of many Charter Oak graduates and students: “I never foresaw that it would take me this long to graduate from college, but the greatest lesson from this experience is a simple one: it’s never too late.”

Barry Rahmy is Senior Director of Creative Services at ESPN in Bristol, CT. He leads a department of nearly 40 designers and animators who reinforce ESPN’s brand statement through design. In the fall, he will embark on a master’s degree in Project Management at Boston University, which is, ironically, the first college he had ever attended. His program will be entirely online, because, as he states, “I can't imagine any other way to do it now.”

Michelle Traub, Senior Associate, Internet Marketing