Countdown to Commencement: James Elliot

Student veteran James Elliot, a management major, is the next member of the Class of 2018 to be featured in our Countdown to Commencement video series. Assistant Registrar and Veterans Coordinator, Monica Gebhardt, nominated Elliot.

After serving in the Air Force for 25 years, Elliot retired and was having trouble finding a job. He decided that going back to school was his best option. Fisher was a family decision for him with his wife and children, and turns out, it was the best fit.

Elliot finds that everyone here at Fisher is very interested and happy to hear about his stories and time in the Air Force.

“They wanted to hear our experiences, they wanted to get to know us and that made for a really awesome experience here at Fisher,” Elliot says.

Elliot is a member of the Veterans Club, which is working to make an even more welcoming campus to student veterans. The club is currently looking to install a study area and computer room for veterans to do homework and relax.

Gebhardt said that Elliot took to Fisher very well, and excelled at all he did.

“James is a very eager learner who balances being a full-time student and a family man very well,” Gebhardt explains.

The Fisher family feel was very important to Elliot, making for his transition back to school seamless.

His words of advice to future Fisher students?

“Don’t hesitate to come to St. John Fisher College; this is where you will feel at home.”