Alumni Profile - Robert DiFulgo '71
March 2014
Each year, our country takes a moment to thank those who have served as members of the nation’s armed services. Currently, there are more than 100 veterans taking classes on our campuses across Delaware and Chester Counties. As Veterans Day is celebrated across the nation, we would like to take a moment to share the story of Dr. J. Robert DiFulgo ‘71, a Vietnam veteran who is also an accomplished author and former classroom educator.
Robert graduated from Ridley High School (Pennsylvania) and entered the U.S. Navy, where he did two tours of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam. Upon his return, he graduated from the college before receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts in Education and a Doctorate of Arts in Community College Education. His writing theme is “turning tragic historical events into mystery novels,” If you would like to learn more, visit his website at www.jrobertdifulgo.com.
What year did you graduate from Delaware County Community College and with what degree?
"I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1971. I hope to be able to return to campus one day and see how it has all changed since those early days.”
Did you pursue further academic goals?
"I was encouraged by the faculty at the College to continue academic goals and went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Long Beach in 1972. I then followed with a degree in Applied Science in Interior Design from Northern Virginia Community College. Later in my professional life I received a Master of Arts in Education from Virginia Polytechnic University and finally a Doctorate of Arts in Community College Education from George Mason University in 2005."
What are you doing now?
"I am recently retired after over 30 years teaching in Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools and am now pursuing a career as an author of historical novels."
What are your future plans?
"I am not working on any more degrees, but rather I am consolidating and developing the skills learned at the College. That is the path to my dream as an accomplished author. I have two novels that have been published and I am currently working on my third which deals with the Titanic disaster.”
What advice would you give to current students and Alumni to make the most of the education they received from the College?
"As Confucius said, 'Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may remember, but directly involve me and I'll make it my own.' That is precisely how Delaware County Community College equipped and encouraged me and helped my intrinsic motivation which was soon ignited."
Dr. DiFulgo has two books available for purchase and a third in the works. You can get the most up to date information on his website at www.jrobertdifulgo.com. If you would like to submit your story for a future alumni profile, please contact the Alumni Office for further details.
