Five-Minute Feature: Darryl Dangerfield, Winter 2025 Graduate

Get to know the Empire State University community through these special-edition Five-Minute Features celebrating our Winter 2025 graduates. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The diverse stories, achievements, and dreams of the students crossing the stage. Five minutes—starting now! 

Meet graduate Darryl Dangerfield, who is receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.  

How has your experience at Empire State University shaped who you are?   

My experience at Empire State University has played a major role in shaping who I am today. As a veteran returning to school, Empire gave me the flexibility and support I needed to balance my education with my responsibilities at home. Through my sociology coursework, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the social systems that influence people’s lives, including my own. The program helped me find my voice, sharpen my analytical skills, and regain confidence in my academic abilities. Overall, Empire has strengthened me as a learner, a leader, and a father, and it has prepared me for the next steps in my career and education. 

Can you tell me how your experiences with the Military and Veteran Opportunity Program have impacted you as a student?  

My experiences have had a meaningful impact on my time as a student. As a veteran, having a dedicated space and staff who understand military life made me feel supported and connected from the start. It provided guidance, resources, and a sense of community that helped me navigate both academic and personal challenges. It strengthened my confidence, kept me motivated, and made my student experience feel more grounded and supported. 

What are your future plans?   

My future plans are to continue my education as a graduate student and earn my master’s degree in criminology. I aim to build on the foundation I established in my undergraduate studies and deepen my understanding of the criminal justice system, enabling me to make a meaningful impact in the field. 

What’s something SUNY Empire gave you that you couldn’t get anywhere else?  

True flexibility paired with genuine support. As a veteran, parent, and working adult, I needed a school that understood my life demands without compromising academic expectations. SUNY Empire gave me the space to grow at my own pace, the encouragement to challenge myself, and the confidence to pursue graduate studies. That combination of independence and real, personal support is something I haven’t experienced anywhere else. 

What is your favorite moment from your time here?  

My favorite moment from my time at SUNY Empire was the feeling of accomplishment when I realized how far I had come, academically, personally, and professionally. There wasn’t just one event, but a moment during my coursework when everything clicked, and I recognized that I was truly growing and preparing for the next chapter of my life. That sense of progress and confidence is something I’ll never forget.