Bengal Tales – John Starkey

Class Year: 1998
Degree: B.A. in Spanish

Current Occupation: Principal, Lafayette International High School in Buffalo, NY

What is one of your fondest memories of Buffalo State?
My mentor, the late, great Dr. Javier Ortiz Calderon, accepting my final paper to seal my graduation and telling me "Sigue pa' adelante" [Keep moving forward].

Were you involved with any on-campus organizations as a student?
Sigma Delta Pi

How did graduating from Buffalo State shape your future?
It prepared me for the diversity of the world.

What accomplishments have you achieved since graduating from Buffalo State?
I became an ESL teacher, union leader and principal of International HS at LaGuardia Community College and Master Principal of Peace and Diversity and Bronx High School of Business in the NYCDOE. Now I am back in Buffalo at Lafayette International High School effective September 2016, partnering with Buffalo State!

Biggest accomplishment by far, however, is being a dad to two amazing, bilingual daughters!

Do you have any advice for current students trying to achieve success after graduation?
Don't wait for tomorrow for what you can do today, giving back to the community can bring you a gratification that can make your life meaningful and beautiful, and be proud of being a Buffalo State grad!


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Originally posted: December 2016