---

Fire Science majors, Ryan Boyle and John Catalano graduated May 12, 2010. These two Fire Science graduates not only graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, they went above and beyond during their years as New Jersey City University students. They both graduated with a second major. Ryan, a New York City Police Officer, co-majored in professional securities, while John co-majored in business. When asked the reason they chose their particular co-major, both stated that it would be beneficial to their career development.

John Catalano, graduated from NJCU Summa Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.9. He is also the recipient of several awards and honors. Through out his career at NJCU, John has been the recipient of the George Karnoutsis and Provident Bank Scholarships. He has been inducted into; the National Society of Leadership and Success, Who’s Who among College Students, Delta Mu Delta chapter of the Honor Society for Business, New Jersey Collegiate Business Administration Association Honor Society, and is a 2010 University Achiever.

John began his career at NJCU as a fire science major. Feeling that a background in business would be beneficial as he rises through the ranks of the fire department, he decided upon pursuing a second major in business. John has recently registered to take the New Jersey Civil Service Commission’s Entry Level Firefighter exam. John’s aspirations include being hired by the Kearny Fire Department.

When asked about the fire science program at NJCU, John stated that the expertise of the professors made an impact on him. He continued to say, “It was definitely a beneficial part of the program”. John felt that the staff cares about the students while they are in the program and even after they graduate there is still a connection. When I asked John if he had anything that he’d like to say, he had the following to share; “Be open to change and be open to the ideas of others, because if you’re not, you’ll miss out on many things”.

Ryan Boyle began his career at NJCU in the fall of 2002 as a fire science major. Then around January of 2004 he was hired by New York City’s Police Department as a Police Officer. Working full time and attending college classes became a way of life for Ryan. Then at some point along his career he decided upon pursuing a second major in professional security studies with the intent that having a degree in both fields would open up more opportunities for him now and in the future.

Ryan believes that the college experience has helped him to grow and pursue his future dreams.