Some NYIT professors, like Ernst VanBergeijk (pictured, bottom), have a heightened sense of reality. On May 5, he plummeted 8,500 feet from the sky-a feat determined by his students, who walked 46 million steps for a fitness challenge meant to teach them about healthy living.

"Life is meant to be lived and sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone," he said after safely touching down. 

VanBergeijk serves as associate dean and executive director of NYIT's Vocational Independence Program, which helps students with learning disabilities by teaching skills and strategies as well as providing support necessary for successful and independent lives.   

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Summer 2011 Table of Contents