Sen. DeFrancisco to speak to SU engineering students on the importance, versatility of an engineering education

Sen. DeFrancisco to speak to SU engineering students on the importance, versatility of an engineering educationApril 15, 2004Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

Editor’s note: Members of the media are welcome to cover DeFrancisco’s presentation.

New York State Sen. John DeFrancisco is a well-known lawmaker and attorney. What may not be as well known is that he holds a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).

While engineering and public service may not seem to be an obvious fit, Sen. DeFrancisco is one example of the thousands of students who have earned degrees from ECS and gone on to careers in a wide range of fields including law, business and health care.

DeFrancisco will share his experiences with a class of ECS undergraduate students, April 23 at 11:45 a.m., in the Shaffer Art Building’s Shemin Auditorium. He will speak on how his engineering degree has helped him be effective in his practice of law and in his role as a state senator.

“Sen. DeFrancisco is a distinguished graduate of our college, and is proof positive that an engineering and computer science education is ideal for entree into a wide range of professions that require critical thinking, problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt to a changing environment” says ECS’ Douglas D. Danforth Dean, Eric F. Spina. “I am thrilled that he will spend time with some of our outstanding students, and am confident that they will benefit from this interaction.”

DeFrancisco, who represents New York’s 50th District, is in his sixth term on the State Senate. A native of Syracuse, he graduated cum laude from ECS in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. While at SU, he was president of SU’s chapter of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers and captain of the varsity baseball team.

He received a J.D. from Duke University in 1971 and was admitted to practice law in New York in 1972. He has worked for a law firm in New York City, served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force and been an assistant district attorney in Onondaga County. He has been in private practice since 1977 and practices with the DeFrancisco Law Firm. DeFrancisco was an adjunct professor in SU’s College of Law from 1978-90.

DeFrancisco’s Senate Standing Committee assignments given in 2004 include Judiciary (chair); Banks; Codes; Energy and Telecommunications; Health; Investigations and Government Operations; Local Government; Racing, Gaming and Wagering; and Tourism, Recreation and Sports Development.