James Conti ’93

James Conti ’93

I graduated in 1993 from Saint Peter’s College with a BS in Computer Science. Ironically enough my career has predominantly been in finance and not in the Computer Science field. However, my educational background in CS certainly has given me a leg up over the years as the world became much more technically adept and focused. 

Specifically with regard to being a first generation college student at Saint Peter’s College (SPC back then), I certainly had my world and peripheral career vision expanded tremendously while attending classes and much more after graduation.  The nurturing environment at SPC and special attention paid by the Jesuit ethos to me as a person was something very new to me.  Coming out of a predominantly ‘blue collar’ world growing up , I was used to a daily grind in all aspects of life and paying close attention to trying to get and keep my slice of the pie in life.  I had not been around an environment where collaboration and a focus on me becoming an overall better human being were at the forefront of things.  Teachers and students alike all seemed to be on the same page and attempting to move forth as one and not so much on an individual basis. 

That mindset and caring (Cura Personalis), has not ever left me since.  I saw the power of a team and the goodness of people and defined my own success in that framework.  Helping others and giving back to my community are my success measuring tools.  I truly am a blessed man for having gone to Saint Peters and becoming enlightened (so to speak).  I hope I can add those things to others’ lives as well in some small way.