Ray Sgambati
Name: Ray Sgambati
Hometown: West Islip, N.Y.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Marine Science
On an early weekend morning, Ray Sgambati found himself on Waties Island. The sun was shining. The water was flat. The mood peaceful. Allowing the gorgeous scene to surround him, Ray considers the special moment as one of his favorites at Coastal.
Not that he doesn’t have a lot to choose from. The senior marine science student from West Islip, N.Y., is heavily involved in several diverse activities at CCU. He is president of the Coastal Elasmobranch Society (shark club), a student-worker for the Outdoor Recreation Program and a member of the CCU Club Lacrosse team. When Ray made the decision to attend Coastal, he didn’t expect how involved he would become.
“If you told me I would be the president of an academic club, hold an on-campus job working with bikes and be on the lacrosse team, I wouldn’t believe it,” Ray admits.
Perhaps most impressive is Ray’s academic progress. He is expected to graduate this academic year after only five semesters at Coastal. Attributing his advantageous academic position to taking advanced placement courses in high school, he brought plenty of credits to the table when he became a Chanticleer. But don’t think he doesn’t hold CCU in high esteem for helping him succeed.
“Coastal has helped me to grow, do more as a person, and do what I can to be active in the community,” Ray says.
Describing himself as “thoughtful,” Ray has definitely thought a lot about his future. He wants to earn a doctorate degree in biological oceanography and put his talents to use in the professional world. Ray’s time at CCU will have been short once he graduates, but there is no denying that it has also been sweet.