Alumni Spotlight: Lee Patrizzi

Photo: (L-R) Concetta Duren, Kim McKinnon and Lee Patrizzi smiling at the 2018 Dream Gala.

Name: Lee Patrizzi

Title and company: Business office supervisor at Seminole State College of Florida

Degrees pursued at Seminole State: Associate in Science degree in Administrative Office Management with certificates in Office Software Applications, Accounting Specialist and Office Management received from 2006 – 2008.

What factors played into you deciding to attend Seminole State College? What has been your Seminole State journey? 

I was employed at Seminole State and knew it was important to earn a degree to continue to grow in my position. I started working here in 2001 when we were Seminole Community College and our dean was Suzanne Tesinsky. Suzanne always walked around campus to talk to you and see how you were doing. She was amazing to work under/with. I worked in the Oviedo business office part-time until 2006 when I was hired full-time. I worked on my degree part-time as I worked full-time and graduated with honors in 2009 at the age of 53. First generation! I became the Oviedo business office supervisor in 2018. I feel I have bonded with quite a few of our students and their parents and made a difference in a few lives. Some of the students and parents come back to visit well after graduation. I also feel the College has made a difference in my life. I am so very appreciative to have worked here for the 19 years I have been at Seminole State.

Who or what class was your greatest influence at Seminole State College? 

My professors were fantastic: Rachel Braaten for humanities and Laura Dickinson for speech. I so appreciate those two professors and classes the most. Many other Seminole State professors and employees have influenced my life as well. I have been on three amazing study abroad trips because of the knowledge and friendship of Deb Socci. I have volunteered for at least 10 Dream Galas, black history events, breast cancer awareness events and at least five Heartwalks, Relay for Life and so many others. I have served on the Seminole State Association of Florida Colleges board for over 12 years. I have also earned over 200 hours of professional development through Seminole State.

Professionally and/or academically, of what are you most proud? 

Most proud of the way I have become involved in my causes. I write letters, e-mails, texts on a constant basis to fight for our land and water rights in Florida and elsewhere, as well as to stop animal abuse. I march and I protest where I see fit. I am also an Adopt-A-Road volunteer for the past nine years.

What advice do you have for current or prospective Seminole State students? 

Get involved! Get involved in student government along with another club. Let your voice be heard! Make a difference! And study! You will only pass this way once.

What do you like to do for fun?

 I love to travel. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and out west in the USA. I would like to see every national park in the USA. I hike in the woods with my friends and our dogs and even sometimes my grandchildren will come out.

What are you doing to help get you through this pandemic? Any thing you would like to share specifically about how you’re feeling during this time? 

As far as working remotely: I love it. I live on five acres so I can work on my front porch with my dog and watch the deer, hawks, gopher tortoises, wood-peckers and occasionally a cow will come by to visit.

Anything else you would like to add? 

On a personal note, I have been married for 37 years, have a wonderful son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and, at this time, have one dog and two cats. I am a member of the League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, Florida Conservation Voters and quite a few others.