Ray Sgambati
Name: Ray Sgambati
Hometown: West Islip, N.Y.
Year in School: Senior
Major: Marine Science
On an early weekend morning, Ray Sgambati found himself on Waties Island. The sun was shining. The water was flat. The mood peaceful. Allowing the gorgeous scene to surround him, Ray considers the special moment as one of his favorites at Coastal.
Not that he doesn’t have a lot to choose from. The senior marine science student from West Islip, N.Y., is heavily involved in several diverse activities at CCU. He is president of the Coastal Elasmobranch Society (shark club), a student-worker for the Outdoor Recreation Program and a member of the CCU Club Lacrosse team. When Ray made the decision to attend Coastal, he didn’t expect how involved he would become.
“If you told me I would be the president of an academic club, hold an on-campus job working with bikes and be on the lacrosse team, I wouldn’t believe it,” Ray admits.
Perhaps most impressive is Ray’s academic progress. He is expected to graduate this academic year after only five semesters at Coastal. Attributing his advantageous academic position to taking advanced placement courses in high school, he brought plenty of credits to the table when he became a Chanticleer. But don’t think he doesn’t hold CCU in high esteem for helping him succeed.
“Coastal has helped me to grow, do more as a person, and do what I can to be active in the community,” Ray says.
Describing himself as “thoughtful,” Ray has definitely thought a lot about his future. He wants to earn a doctorate degree in biological oceanography and put his talents to use in the professional world. Ray’s time at CCU will have been short once he graduates, but there is no denying that it has also been sweet.
Q&A with Ray
How did you hear about Coastal?: A family friend had a daughter go here.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I decided to come to Coastal because it has an excellent marine science program and because it was affordable.
Favorite professor: George Boneillo, Ph.D.
Favorite class: MSCI301, Physical Oceanography
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: The amount of opportunities available to students.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: Beautiful sunsets and great Southern food!
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?:
- CCU Club Lacrosse - Third year as a player
- Involved in a yearlong honors thesis project
- Coastal Elasmobranch Society (shark club) – Club President
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I work for the Outdoor Recreation Program as a bike technician (I repair the bikes).
Plans after graduation?: I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in biological oceanography.
What are your hobbies?: Working out, reading, cooking, following the NBA.
Do you have any hidden talents?: I can completely renovate a basement (I know carpentry).
Bonus Info: I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree at 20 years old after only five semesters at Coastal.
