ACC Alumni Spotlight: Nick Accardi

This edition of ACC Alumni Spotlight features Nick Accardi. Nick graduated from Arapahoe Community College (ACC) 40 years ago and is currently the owner / operator of the Morningstar Resource Center school in Penang, Malaysia.

While Nick’s background in science and laboratory technology is vast, he has since found a calling to help international students develop valuable life skills for successful college careers and beyond.

Getting to Know Nick

My hometown would have to be Denver. Most of my life was spent there, although I’ve been out of the country many years, and I spent six years studying and working in Wisconsin. My entire family is in the Denver area where I like to return for a visit every two years.

I’m currently living in the city of Gelugor in the state of Penang, Malaysia, going on 17 years. I love CrossFit and long-distance running.

I have a son, Tyler (38), from my first wife. He lives with his wife in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and works as a lead marketer for a health training supply group. My wife, Joyce, is a nurse and a native of Penang, Malaysia. We have one daughter, Sarah (28), who graduated from my school in Penang, and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology (in Colorado). She is now a captain in the U.S. Marines.

Nick’s Academic Career

After graduating from Hinkley High School (Aurora, Colo.) in 1976, I took some prerequisite courses at a small Denver community college. I was then accepted into the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program at ACC in 1982. I graduated from ACC with my Associate of Applied Science degree in May of 1984.

I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree for teaching high school science at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in May of 1990. Soon after that, I left for Saudi Arabia. While working there, I also studied and worked under a doctor of hematology. This gave me the opportunity to test through my four-year medical technology degree with Doctor Quereshi as my proctor.

I went on to do some graduate work at UW-Madison, but did not pursue a degree.

When did you open Morningstar...and why?

When I first arrived in Penang in 2007, I worked as an English teacher at a local university. After 2 years, I was ready and willing to risk opening my own school after noticing many kids in need of an alternative educational system for grades 1-12.

Morningstar, an Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) school, was created initially because I felt called to do so by our Lord. This was a big expense, and as a foreigner in this country, it was a risky career move. However, I felt extremely calm and fearless firing up this little school.

Aside from my daughter, I had no students except for the young girl of an interested neighbor. Now, 15 years later, my student maximum remains at 14. This enables me to provide local and foreign students a western-style education that is more affordable than international schools, as well as the opportunity for our students to continue their studies overseas.

There have been several graduates from Morningstar who attended private colleges in Malaysia, the USA, and Australia. We like this curriculum because it promotes independence where students can take charge of their studies and be more prepared to face challenges in college.

What was your career path prior to Morningstar?

Prior to opening Morningstar, I worked in the medical technology field in some clinics and hospitals both in Denver and Milwaukee. While studying at the University in Milwaukee, I worked in a microbiology research lab. From there, I taught in a Milwaukee public school as a science teacher then took my first overseas job in Saudi Arabia (1991) as a laboratory instructor.

Four years later, I took my next post as the science instructor at an international school in Beijing, China. Two years later, I returned home and worked myself into the computer software industry. My job was at Quark Desktop Publishing for almost 5 years until they sent all our jobs to India. I then took a position at a Denver geophysical science lab before going on to become an instructor for a geophysical science lab testing center.

In 2007, my wife, daughter and I decided to relocate to Malaysia where I eventually opened Morningstar.

Nick’s other professional interests

I can always think and dream of other professions I’d like to delve into. Recently, I took an online master’s class in herpetology. I have a real interest in this area. We keep some reptiles in school for kids to learn about and understand them (rather than fearing them). Eventually, I would like to work at a foundation to help preserve and protect the reptile and amphibian wildlife in the United States.

How do you hope to make a difference in people’s lives with your career?

By now, I hope I’ve already made a difference. All my years of study and working abroad in other countries landed me here in this ministry influencing the character of many students. Running this little Christian school in Malaysia has been an amazing opportunity and privilege.

You recently donated to the ACC Foundation in support of student scholarships. What compelled you to give back to ACC?

ACC is where I received my first college degree, and I’ve always felt compelled to stay in touch. ACC gave me my big start in life and lit the fire inside me to explore other options for education. When I think back to my time at ACC, I still don’t know where the money came from, but I got through the entire program. Since ACC is where I got my first boost, I wanted to give back to allow others the same opportunity.

Are you an alum who has Moved Mountains because of the education and opportunities you enjoyed at ACC? Contact the ACC Foundation to learn more about how your generosity can benefit our students and programs.