Local Mercy Valedictorian Imparts Wisdom With Age

Matthew Jones isn't graduating from college at 22. He didn't spend his days in the library or nights drinking with friends.

Instead, the Dobbs Ferry resident and father of two, earned a BS in accounting while working six days a week as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service, while simultaneously taking a full course load at at night.

"My son is 16 and going to college soon," Jones said. "I wanted to set an example for my children. Besides, I like accounting and the postal service isn't stable anymore."

Jones is the first member of his family to earn a four-year college degree. "My brother is a chef who graduated from culinary school, but otherwise, I'm the first one," he said. 

Jones has taken five courses nearly every semester. He was also elected president of the college Accounting Society, which brings in speakers, holds meetings and finds recruiters from firms to come to the college.

"I was surprised and flattered when a group of younger people elected me," he said. "I've loved serving as the leader of the group." 

Jones learned that he was valedictorian of his graduating class of more than 1,300 students about two weeks ago.

"I feel like it's a great honor and a boost to my confidence," he said. "It feels great to know that all my hard work paid off—well, that will really come with my first job as a CPA."

Jones actually completed his undergraduate credits in December. He's now one semester into completing his Masters Degree.

"I felt like everyone in my classes—especially because they were night classes and most people were older—were really engaged in the subject matter," he said. "That made Mercy a great fit."

For his Valedictory address, Jones hopes to deliver a motivational speech—something to give the other graduates a vision for the future.

"We've been in a financial crisis for our four years in college," he said. "Now it's our time to pick up the ball and run. We're prepared and can totally succeed."

Jones says that he's enjoyed "learning the language of accounting."

"It's like a science," he said. "I equate it to taking apart a clock and seeing how all the pieces fit together."

Ideally, he'd like to work for one of the "big four" accounting firms or in government service.

"As a postal worker, I've worked for the government for 18 years," he said. "I believe those are important jobs."

Jones said that when he was younger he "made lots of excuses for not going to college. But it's the imaginary barriers that we set for ourselves that are hardest to break down. Anyone can surmount the tangible obstacles, but it's those limitations that we set for ourselves that hold us back."

Now, having graduated from college 30 years after graduating from High School, he says he appreciates his degree more. 

"I don't think it would have meant as much when I was in my 20's and didn't have a family," he said.

Jones lives with his wife Karen and two children—Frederick, 16, a student and Sarah, who goes to .

"They're both honors students."

Jones is grateful to Mercy College because if its proximity to home and the quality education he received.

"I think Mercy College is a great part of the community," he said. "I wish more people realized that it makes Dobbs Ferry a better place."

The Commencement Ceremony will take place Wednesday morning at the Westchester County center in White Plains.

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