Chukwuzitere “Chuzzy” Nwaeme was just 12 years old when he moved with his family to Queens, New York, from their home in Lagos, Nigeria. An excellent student, Nwaeme was quickly moved into ninth grade at his new school, where he struggled to connect with his classmates.
“It was definitely a different feeling to adjust to because everybody was two years older than me,” he said. “It was overwhelming for sure. My parents were very supportive and encouraged me to be my best. So, I was just focused on getting good grades, and that helped me. But socializing was the hardest part. I learned how to navigate life changes…how to take it as it comes and keep moving forward.”
Nwaeme stayed resolute in his studies and became strongly interested in electrical engineering before enrolling in Queensborough Community College, where he learned about the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) Program, a State University of New York initiative focused on meaningfully improving student support, retention, and degree completion across New York State.
After earning his associate degree in electrical engineering in 2024, Nwaeme was determined to find the perfect balance of student support and academic programs to continue his education. He transferred to Farmingdale State College (FSC), where he immediately applied for the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) Program, an ASAP counterpart, and enrolled as an electrical engineering technology major.
“ACE was actually the first program I applied for and [ACE Director Georgia Kalamidas] replied to me the next day,” he said. “I was very excited and happy because I knew how much ASAP had helped me and I knew I needed something here that’s going to do the same, if not better.”
Nwaeme fondly recalls his first meeting with Kalamidas, who offered a warm welcome and explained the program’s unique holistic services, including individualized counseling, leadership and career development, peer mentoring, interactive workshops, and events.
“I made friends right away through ACE’s summer orientation,” Nwaeme shared. “And it helped me get familiarized and comfortable with different resources and the whole Farmingdale campus.
I come to campus and it just makes me feel really positive knowing I’m having an impact on the College and its community. FSC is shaping me to be a good communicator and a future leader. - Chukwuzitere “Chuzzy” Nwaeme, ’26
“It felt like a light shining on my younger self,” Nwaeme added, remembering his high school experience. “In life you need setbacks because you appreciate it more when you turn it around. It hits twice as good. And I am grateful for this opportunity to feel connected.”
“As a transfer student, Chuzzy has fully embraced all that FSC has to offer, immersing himself in opportunities that foster growth, leadership, and community,” said Kalamidas. “His dedication to excellence and his commitment to uplifting others have made him a tremendous asset to our campus and the ACE program. We could not be prouder of him and all his accomplishments.”
Now a member of the ACE Student Leadership Committee, Nwaeme has become a powerful advocate for the program, recently speaking at a variety of campus community events, including a recent ACE celebration ceremony and the College’s annual legislative breakfast, where he addressed elected officials, government partners, and local leaders in business, community, organized labor, and industry from across Long Island.
“I come to campus and it just makes me feel really positive knowing I’m having an impact on the College and its community,” he said. “FSC is shaping me to be a good communicator and a future leader. And, in the coming months, I’m looking forward to graduation—walking down that stage with my suit on—pursuing my dream job as an electrical engineer, and continuing to grow,” added Nwaeme, who is interested in power systems engineering and electronic circuit design. “I believe college is the way forward and I’ll keep being my best and see where that takes me.”
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