Jeffrey Pascal '90, '92

Along with practicing Kung Fu and judo, extreme skiing in the European Alps, studying five languages, and teaching himself computer programming, Jeffrey Pascal ’90, ’92 wanted to be an acupuncturist. But first, he needed a college degree. Empire State University turned out to be the perfect fit.

Pascal tried a college stint at a young age but found he “couldn’t do it” and never finished the program. As a ski buyer for Paragon Sports, which is recognized as New York City’s largest single-site sporting goods store, Pascal’s work schedule prevented him from attending traditional classes.

“SUNY Empire had a nice balance in terms of getting the help that I wanted, but also allowing the freedom to learn at the pace that was good for me and in ways that were good for me,” he said. “The flexibility was absolutely wonderful. I told myself ‘I don’t know how this is going to go, but I’ll get it done’.”

Already familiar with a nontraditional education, having attended A.S. Neill’s Summerhill “free-range” boarding school in England, the SUNY Empire format was both familiar and comfortable. He said, “SUNY Empire allows somebody like me, who had a very unusual education, to find their way through. Without Empire, I never would have gotten a degree.”

He pursued his acupuncture degree simultaneously with an Associates degree, and then subsequently a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on the science courses needed for acupuncture school. His coursework was independently designed, which he describes as “perfect for me.”

Now retired from Paragon and having hung up his vintage long skis – although he still has the skis, “I just can’t let go of them” – Pascal still practices various martial arts and is contemplating pursuing a graduate degree in Mathematical Theory, while he adds to his thoughtfully-curated art collection. (M.C. Escher is his favorite, because “He was a mathematician. Everything he does is mathematically sound.”)

Through his varied passions and myriad life experiences, Pascal remains grateful for SUNY Empire, and pleased to join the Boyer Legacy Society through his planned gift commitment.

“Empire gave me a tool I needed – my degree – to continue my life. It opened up doors that I simply wouldn’t have had. That was tremendous for me. Empire gives everyone a shot at a degree and I think that’s really important. Education should help you fulfill and expand your life, as SUNY Empire did for me. It can really make a difference in someone’s life.”