José M. Nieves, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
Tell us about what you’re doing with your life
I am living in Northern Virginia with my wife of 33 years Kelly, and our son Joshua, who recently became engaged to a wonderful young lady! After a stint being a Captain in the USAF, I decided to be a consultant around the DC beltway on federal government contracts for 11 years. Then I found my true calling: teaching and research. I have served as a Professor of Information Systems Technology at Laurel Ridge Community College for over 20 years. I taught and conducted research at Capella University for 11 years, chairing dissertation committees, mentoring and conducting research in quite exciting technology areas with mentees, and teaching a myriad of doctoral and master level courses in the Information Systems and Computer Sciences arenas. I truly enjoy teaching and believe it is the best career decision I could have made.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
John Hunsinger, Delores Ann “Hi-Dee” Roader DVM, John S. Gee (’85), Ed Sydel ’84 & ‘86, JJ Graña, John Toohey, Lcda. Lizzie Rice, Janet Perales, Blaise Vitale, MD, Lance Fortnow, PhD, and many others from the Puerto Rican and Hispanic community of friends. There are so many more – too long a list to mention everyone! One thing is true: friends at Cornell are forever and international.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
I have so many! If I had to choose one, it would be climbing up several times all of the 161 steps at McGraw Tower and having my eardrums blasted up there.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found the most useful?
“Acting l” with Professor Jimmy Smitts… Who would have known then that my call to fame is having studied with a future Hollywood star?
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell this year?
Bring an umbrella, parka, and snow boots – you will need them. Learn how to drink coffee, real tea, or Coke (none of this decaf junk will work for late nights). Get used to cold pizza at wee hours in the morning. Join a club, don't be shy to make friends. And leave all your problems and school drama behind – this is a new chapter in your life.
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I would avoid Sienko’s freshman Chemistry class, changing majors three times, and I would “stop to smell the roses” to appreciate the honor of being a Cornellian (for life).
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was the most meaningful?
Joining many societies and groups! Kappa Delta Rho (KDP) fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega (AΦΏ) service fraternity, Big Red Band, Cornell Catholic Community, and riding a bike around Lake Cayuga (yes, 90+ miles) with my frat brother Dan Magazu (’85)! It took us about 8-10 hours while it was Ithacating quite hard and it got cold.
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
I learned the value of knowledge, discipline, humor, making life-long friends, and never stopping being a Cornell graduate and showing your colors (and making sure everyone knows that I went to Cornell) wherever I go. When anyone asks which University is my Alma Mater, it is Cornell. My master's and doctoral Colleges, although purely excellent, don't hold a candle to Cornell.
What random or surprising encounters with Cornell or Cornellians have you experienced since you left?
Random and surprising: fun short-last-minute-ones: mini fraternity-reunions (AΦΏ and KDP), welcomed visits from Cornell friends when I truly needed and appreciated them, finding Cornell acquaintances, brothers, and sisters at weddings an other gatherings (for example, a Capella University graduation)!
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
At the risk of being corny: "more than you can imagine." Everything. From having pride in an excellent education, having life-long friendships around the world, always having a home in Ithaca, learning what should be the most essential things in your life, and learning how to survive a real winter. I am currently serving as part of the alumni leadership of the Class of ’84 as the Alumni Class Correspondent and Website Manager (2019 – 2024).
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
Par-tay! No, really. Seeing many of my dear friends, walking around campus once again (noticing the changes in the campus – way too many), visiting my fraternity house, eating real New York bagels, seeing the scenery (Cayuga, the Straight), and shopping at the Cornell Store for “stuff.”