"It's funny how we work together," says Russell. "One day I would take the notes and the next day he would. We communicate really well. Each group of twins is different. Some are best friends; some are no closer than other siblings. We happen to be very close."

The Starrs graduated from Syosset High School in 1997 and enrolled that fall in Nassau Community College. They studied liberal arts and played on the soccer team. On the way to winning two national championships, both Matthew and Russell were named All Americans. In the fall of 1999, they were recruited to play soccer for C.W. Post, a choice that proved fortuitous.

"It ended up being a wonderful choice," says their mother, Susan Starr, a member of C.W. Post's class of 1975, "because C.W. Post has a wonderful graphic design program. They couldn't have asked for better."

Matthew and Russell decided to study Digital Arts & Design. "Our teachers were professionals in the field and they know what it's like in the real world," says Russell. "They really prepare you for the real world at Post. I don't know what it's like in other programs, but in our art department, it's pretty intense."

Patrick Aievoli, a professor in the Media Arts department, has taught Matthew and Russell for two years. "They are always supportive of the current project and bring a great "no problem" attitude to class," says Aievoli of the duo. "They are very keen on honing their career skills sets and take great pride in a job well done. I know that the whole department expects great things from them both."

The twins say they feel well prepared for professional print and web design work and will soon be seeking work in the New York City area - together. "We want to work together because we think on the same level, the same page, all the time," says Russell. "Being together is like always having a best friend next to you."

Matthew and Russell will join 1,500 graduates at C.W. Post's 44th annual commencement exercises on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12, 2002. C.W. Post is one of six campuses of Long Island University, the eighth largest private university in the United States.