Press Release

RIRAL Transition to College Adult Education Program Celebrates Graduates

Submitted by: Marie Crecca-Romero

cell: 401.487.9566
mariecrecca-romero@riral.org

May 26, 2016 (Woonsocket, RI)

RIRAL Transition to College Adult Education Program honored seven
adult education students who began their journey toward a college
education last October, a step that is recognized with great significance.
The most recent graduates enrolled in CCRI and completed their first
college course this past semester. They are on their way to join over
41% of Rhode Islanders with a college education. TTC was their
launching point, and now they are ready to move on with improved
skills and the determination and the confidence to reach their goals of a
college education.
Mr. Barry OConnor, Associate Director of Enrollment Services at the
Community College of Rhode Island addressed the graduates with a
very personal story and advised them to work hard to overcome any
obstacles that may come their way and to be happy with all their
accomplishments, even playing the song, Happy by Pharrell Williams.
The spotlight of the evening came from Nuno Rodrigues, a TTC Alumni,
who just completed his third semester at CCRI. Nuno gave a heartfelt
presentation to the graduates of the challenges that life brings and the
meaning of adversity in his life. He spoke about reinventing yourself and
quoted from Ben Franklinout of adversity comes opportunity.
Sue Gaulin represented Woonsockets Mayor, Lisa Baldelli-Hunt,
congratulated the students, and shared her own hopes and dreams of
returning to school.
The graduates, who all completed their required coursework, were
presented with Certificates of Completion. Awards were give to Gibril

Fadia (ABC Poetry Award), Marlenys Peralta (Career Portfolio Award), and
Gisel Silva (TTC Book Award.) The TTC Scholarship was presented to
Marlenys Peralta for academic excellence and leadership. Rev. Ken
Boyle, presented Bernardino Morales with the the Candleberry Chapel
Scholarship for the most confidence attained during the program.
TTC graduates: Ibrahim Abdelhamid, Jaime Correria, Gibril Fadia, Alexis Leaf,
Bernardino Morales-Noriega, Marlenys Peralta, and Gisel Gomes Silva.
Each semester, TTC welcomes new participants and helps them to become stronger and
more confidant college students. Interested adults should contact Marie Crecca-Romero
@ 401.487.90566.