Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Monroe Community College honors our Jerome!!!

It seems our younger bro has been holding out on us in more ways than one. 2009 has been a very note worthy year for Jerome. Google his name and the college and you come up with News 10 stories on his talks to hundreds of parents on financial aid as well as other items - all good. It is no wonder he has to appear in disguise at college lax games as a ref. His fame is growing as he was recently recognized for his efforts and he gives his family credit. Who would of ever thought that the kid who couldn't wait to see the garbage man arrive once a week would aspire to such great heights??? Congratulations Jerome! I know how dedicated you are and deserving as does your supporting wife and sons!!!

Here is the website for Jerome's Award (check it out):


Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service
Jerome St. Croix

Financial Aid Director Jerome St. Croix spent time working in admissions and coaching lacrosse at his alma mater, SUNY Potsdam as well as SUNY Canton and Jefferson Community College. However it was his family background that really prepared him for his eventual career. “I come from a large, close-knit family—I have seven older brothers,” he said, “and from a young age, I was instilled with the concepts of teamwork, cooperation, and responsibility.” Those are the values that St. Croix brings to the financial aid office.
“I’m here to alleviate the fear and the sticker shock,” he said. “Because whether a college education costs $4,000 or $40,000, if the family doesn’t have the money, their student can’t go. We try to find the resources needed to make an education possible. It’s an investment, so we work with students and their families to formulate a plan.”
St. Croix’s “laid-back attitude” is valued highly by his colleagues. A changing student body, more adult students coming to MCC to train for new careers and a tight economy are among the financial aid challenges that have emerged over the past several years. St. Croix takes it all in stride.
“I try not to look at it as strictly money, but as an opportunity,” he said. “I’m here to help MCC students make the best investment, encourage them to apply for financial aid and help them understand the entire process.”
St. Croix, who leads frequent financial aid workshops for faculty, staff, and students, is highly regarded as a relationship builder and collaborator. “I never quite understood how individual awards were needed or how they played a part in functions that involved working cooperatively. But when I saw how excited my staff was that I received this award, it hit me. This isn’t really an individual award; it’s a recognition to be shared.”
St. Croix lives in West Irondequoit with his wife and three sons. He keeps his passion for lacrosse alive through coaching youth teams and refereeing. He also enjoys traveling and hiking.

2 comments:

Jan and Tony said...

Nice article Jerome! Dad read it to me on the phone.

Saint8 said...

this is cool and congrats Uncle Jerome but i can not believe that someone sits there and googles names all day must be a easy job you have there. When you google me does a police report come up or does it say "ship back to africa"?