On Saturday, October 27, 2018 two alumni of the College Experience enjoyed an adventure to the City of Kingston, which was the first capital of New York State in 1777. Andrew Maggio ’14 and David Lieberman ’18, were transported by staff to attend a gathering of the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP), at the historic Dutch Church located on Wall Street. Interesting note, this building was first constructed in 1852, and is one of the oldest churches in the country. It has a graveyard with the remains of George Clinton, who once served as the first governor of New York State from 1777 to 1795 and the 4th U.S. Vice President from 1805 to 1812.

GRASP runs support groups throughout the country for individuals who are either diagnosed with or identity as individuals on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. The group also encourages self-advocacy and changing the perceptions of individuals on an often-misunderstood spectrum of autism. Andrew and David both serve as public advocates who have built an impressive public speaking career and lectured at venues ranging from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY to the College of Saint Rose right here in Albany. Andrew has enjoyed a long career in retail at Marshalls and David was recently selected to be the first former student to become a staff member at the College Experience in its thirteen years of existence!

Andrew and David enjoyed a nice lunch at the Olympic Diner located on 620 Washington Avenue in Kingston, with their new friends who they met at the GRASP gathering. Joining them at the diner were staff member, Jesse Saperstein in addition to the GRASP members Jason, Brian, and Monique. This trip was organized by staff and students who run the Alumni Activities Club that give alumni the chance to travel on social outings in the proximity of Albany and well-beyond the Capital Region!