Student Commencement Speaker Series, Part 7: Peter Santoro's Case for Embracing the Struggle

When Peter Santoro walked across the stage as a two-time graduate of Bryant & Stratton College’s Syracuse Campus, he wasn’t just closing one chapter but instead building on a foundation from his first degree. Peter earned his AAS in Business in 2024 before also completing his BBA in General Management in 2026, when he was selected as the Student Commencement Speaker for his campus.

A Two-Time Graduate with an Eye on What’s Next

“My education at B&SC prepared me for my graduate studies in business by providing me with a great foundation to build off of going forward,” he explained pointing specifically to what he learned about management principles and Microsoft Excel as skills that carried him forward.

He’s always been drawn to business because of how open-ended the field is and as he said, “the kind of degree that can lead almost anywhere.” For Peter, it’s currently leading to Cornell University, where he’s now completing a graduate program. While he isn’t stepping directly into a career just yet while he finishes his studies, the mindset and skills he built at Bryant & Stratton College continue to shape the path he’s on.

A Professor Who Made the Difference

Ask Peter who left the biggest mark on his education, and he doesn’t hesitate. Professor Charles (Bert) Jerred stands out above the rest. “He has had the most impact on my educational journey because of his passion, kindness, and care to students’ success in and out of the classroom,” Peter said. “He is the best.”

That kind of mentorship that extends beyond lectures and assignments and into genuine investment in a student’s future is exactly the support Peter credits with helping him stay the course through two degrees.

Balancing the Books and the Scoreboard

Being a student athlete added a layer of difficulty to Peter’s academic journey. Juggling practice schedules, games, and coursework was initially a challenge for him. “Trying to perfect my time management skills when being a student athlete got difficult at times, but as time progressed, I found rhythm and routine to continue,” he explained.

That rhythm became the backbone of his success and proof that the discipline needed as an athlete can translate directly into discipline in the classroom, and vice versa.

A Long-Awaited Opportunity

Being selected as Student Commencement Speaker wasn’t a total surprise for Peter, it was a goal he’d been holding onto. “It is something I wanted to do since receiving my associate’s degree,” he shared. “I always wanted to tell others about my experience when it comes to both academics and athletics, and I was honored to represent the Syracuse Campus.”

When it came time to decide what to say, Peter built his speech around the dynamic of choosing a smaller school like Bryant & Stratton College while balancing life as a student athlete. The line he hopes stuck with his classmates most was:

“Embrace the struggle and remain disciplined.”

This message reaches far beyond just his graduating peers. Whether you’re balancing a sport and a syllabus or a job and life at home, the willingness to lean into difficulty rather than avoid it is what ultimately builds the discipline needed to reach the finish line.

Congratulations, Peter! Your path from student athlete to two-time graduate and now to graduate studies, proves that showing up with discipline even when it’s difficult truly pays off.

This wraps up our Student Commencement Speaker Series for the Class of 2025/2026. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us this year. Remember to stay up to date on our inspiring B&SC alumni stories here.