Patricia Fralick '01, '14

Alumna Patricia Fralick ’01, ’14 has led a life devoted to a career of service. From her first professional role as a Licensed Practical Nurse to her current position as Executive Director of Lewis County Community Services in Lowville, NY, Pat credits her two SUNY Empire degrees with her ability to rise both professionally and personally.

“I really have benefitted from my experience at the university. Financially, professionally, and as a person,” she said.

Pat enrolled at SUNY Empire in 1998 for a Bachelor’s in Community and Human Services. She had been working in the behavioral health field as an LPN and, through the guidance of her managers, realized she wanted to progress further. “I’m the oldest of six,” she said, “and we didn’t have a lot of money. I knew that without a degree I would get to the ceiling.”

She was attracted to SUNY Empire due to the flexibility, value placed on prior learning, and positive results she had heard from friends and colleagues. Her experience was a good one, so much so that when she decided to continue her education, she enrolled again at SUNY Empire for a Master’s in Business Administration with a graduate certificate in Healthcare Management.

“The instructors were great, supportive people. They challenged you,” she said. “It taught me integrity, it taught me that you can do it, and I have told many people the value I got right away. In the second year of my program, I was able to get a really nice promotion. It was a win-win all around.”

Since Pat’s SUNY Empire education has benefitted her so much, she has been eager to get involved and to give back. That involvement has included talking to prospective students, mentoring her staff and encouraging them to apply to SUNY Empire, and by leaving a legacy gift to the university through membership in the Boyer Legacy Society. “I think it’s important to give back to others, to say thank you. By being willing to part with my finances, somebody may see the value in that as well,” she said.

She remains a champion of the university for any potential students. She says, “When you have somebody – whatever challenges you face – entertaining the idea of returning to your education, SUNY Empire is a great place to do it. Because Empire was never not there for me, even at the toughest times. I truly believe you’ll come out a better person.”