Editor's note: This is one in a series of stories highlighting Concordia's May 2019 graduates.
To say that Rakesh “Rocky” Kaluth Veerasingh Naik took the fast track to earn his MBA would be an understatement.
The 26 year-old native of Bangalore, India will join the 1,237 other Concordia University Wisconsin graduation candidates Friday, May 17 during graduate commencement exercises in the R. John Buuck Field House. Naik, who transferred to CUW’s Green Bay accelerated learning center two years ago after earning his associate degree at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, will earn a double concentration in sustainability management & analytics (STEM) and management.
Naik completed a remarkable 49 credits during the 2017-18 academic year to earn his Bachelor of Arts in business management last May. After being accepted into Concordia’s graduate program late last summer, he took an accelerated track to earn his MBA in one year by completing 45 credits, accumulating a 3.58 GPA in the process.
“Rakesh has worked diligently to pursue his goals and follow his dreams,” said Christine Wiegert, regional student success advisor for both the Appleton and Green Bay Centers. “He is motivated, goal-oriented and not afraid to take on a challenge.” Located at 1150 Springhurst Drive, the Green Bay Center is one of nine in Wisconsin.
Naik came to the United States from Melbourne, Australia, where he studied computer science for nearly a year.
Naik has applied for his Optional Practical Training with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and plans to look for a job immediately following graduation. The former would allow him to work for a year on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement his education.
“My Concordia experience has been amazing,” said Naik. “I’ve met some wonderful people along the way. I have to credit most of my academic success to Christine, without whose help and guidance I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have today.”
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