AIC Led to “Yes”: Gene ’14 and Liz ’13

Gene and Liz Gonzalez’s story at American International College began on the very first day of orientation. Standing in line together in the dining commons, a simple exchange over a dinner plate turned into a conversation that would mark the beginning of a lifelong connection. What started as a lighthearted moment quickly led to sitting together, talking, and spending the rest of the day getting to know one another alongside new friends.

Both Gene and Liz chose AIC for reasons that reflected the College’s accessibility and sense of community. For Gene, staying close to home and receiving guidance from the registration and admissions teams made the transition to college feel comfortable and welcoming. A campus tour confirmed what he had hoped for: an environment that felt like family. Liz was drawn to AIC’s strong Nursing program and the opportunity to experience college life while remaining near home. Being awarded a Presidential Scholarship further affirmed AIC as the right choice for her academic and personal goals.

During their time on campus, Gene and Liz built countless shared memories. From supporting one another through demanding nursing exams to attending campus events and taking trips together, their AIC experience was shaped by both academic growth and meaningful relationships. Some of their favorite moments included spending time with friends in the surrounding community and celebrating milestones together, including a memorable proposal in the campus quad.

AIC played a significant role in shaping their professional paths after graduation. Liz credits her clinical instructors and hands-on learning experiences with helping her become the nurse she aspired to be. After graduating, she began her career at Holyoke Medical Center, one of her clinical sites, and progressed from a floor nurse to an ICU nurse. She now works full time in the ICU at a community hospital, a role she has held for several years. Gene continued his education at AIC through both undergraduate and graduate studies, which prepared him for a successful career as a high school science teacher.

Today, Gene and Liz remain closely connected to the friendships they formed at AIC. They stay in touch with classmates, host annual gatherings, and maintain traditions that began during their college years. They look forward to future opportunities to return to campus and reconnect with the AIC community.

Their journey reflects the lasting impact of an AIC education, one that fosters academic success, meaningful relationships, and connections that extend far beyond graduation.