College Can Lead to a More Fulfilling Life

January 18, 2012 — Amy Radik

Ambrose Schaffer, a resident of Canajoharie, attended FM after high school because, “You couldn’t beat the cost for a college degree,” he said. However, thinking back now, Ambrose says the small campus atmosphere and class sizes were especially endearing to him.

“My major was liberal arts and as are most students, I was unsure of what I wanted to do post-college. Being exposed to various subjects during my first year of classes, my focus became science, and in particular, chemistry. At the beginning of my second year I was very interested in pharmaceuticals either as a pharmacist or in the research area. That shifted when I started my third year and I focused on inorganic chemistry,” says Ambrose.

Seeing firsthand the passion his science professors had for their work instilled that same passion within Ambrose. “Dr. Pynadath (Physics) and Dr. Slezak (Chemistry) both impacted me for the same reasons, their passion for their respective subject and how that translated to me as a student. They both had a unique way of relaying information and they made sure that you understood it before they proceeded. This was especially true for second semester classes and higher level courses when the class sizes were smaller and the experience was even more intimate. I appreciated the ability FM allowed its students to have one-on-one interaction with the instructors,” says Ambrose.
Ambrose went on to earn a B.S. in Chemistry from University at Albany. He is now the Lead Chemist for Coventya Inc. where he manages three other chemists. “We develop Electroless Nickel technology which is a metal plating process in which a nickel alloy is applied to various substrates for a wide variety of applications, our largest being data storage (hard drives in computers),” explains Ambrose. “We are the largest supplier of this technology in the United States. I have a passion for chemistry that was developed and fostered at FM and has allowed me to pursue my career ambitions while maintaining a strong desire to wake up and go to work every morning which I think is of the utmost importance in a person’s life.”
Ambrose’s mother, Diane Boslet, works at FM and recently graduated with an A.A.S. in Business Administration. “My son inspired me to continue my education,” she says. “He showed me that no matter what stage a person is in their life, there is always room for education. Education can and does open doors.”

“I am proud of my mother for taking that step to earning a higher degree,” says Ambrose. “I feel very strongly that if I hadn’t attended FM, I would most likely not be sitting where I am today. I think obtaining a solid education can be one of the most rewarding experiences one can have and I will always encourage others to pursue their educational goals. FM is a great place to begin this journey. It can allow a person to live a much more fulfilling life.”

Ambrose and his wife, Leah, have a ten year old daughter who, he says, will be supported by both of them with any career choice she makes later in life, but there is no doubt they will encourage her to earn a college degree, hopefully at FM.

Amy Radik is Coordinator of Public Relations & Marketing at FM.