ASHFORD CONNECTIONS
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Inside This Issue
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CHECK OUT OUR PAWS
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ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
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ALUMNI EVENTS BACK PAGE
Promoting Awareness and Wellness Initiative.
Ashford University plays a huge role in the economy of Clinton, IA.
Check out the latest happenings.
ISSUE 01 FALL 2010
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New Athletic Facilities & Campus Upgrades Unveiled If you haven’t seen the Ashford University campus lately, you haven’t seen Ashford.
06 Academic
Scholarships Awarded Welcome to all the new students of a huge incoming class!
09 New Developments New sports for fall and a new residence hall.
10 Graduation Commencement ceremonies in May saw our largest-ever graduation!
CONTENTS
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
ISSUE 01 FALL 2010
Quentin Brackenridge hams it up for the camera.
Contents
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NEW ATHLETIC FACILITIES
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WHAT’S NEW AT ASHFORD
10 Be True to Your School in New Saints Gear! Sweatshirts T-Shirts Hats Accessories
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Academic Scholarships bring record number of students to campus. Plus, there are new sports and a new residence hall.
GRADUATION
More than 1,300 graduates from 47 states and five countries flocked to Ashford’s Clinton, Iowa campus to participate.
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ECONOMIC REPORT
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SARAH MARTZ
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SUZE ORMAN SEMINAR & ALISHA MARSHALL
This 2006 graduate of Ashford University helps create memorable experiences for visitors at Disney World.
CHECK OUT OUR PAWS
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DENEAL ERICKSON
Ashford is Promoting Awareness and Wellness.
In June 2010 she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ashford University.
Ashford University had an estimated economic impact of $40.9 million in business output to the state of Iowa in 2009.
MSC alum takes her vows as a Clinton Franciscan.
Nine Ashford University students attended a special luncheon with popular finance guru Suze Orman. Alisha Marshall had the best Mother’s Day ever.
MEET JOSH MORGAN
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Including Alumni and Athletic Merchandise
Ashford.edu/gear-shop
New athletic facilities and campus upgrades unveiled.
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PHOTO GALLERY
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THE BACK PAGE
ASHFORD PROGRAMS
A list of all degree programs Ashford offers, both online and on campus in Clinton, Iowa.
Save the date! Ashford University Alumni networking events may be coming to a city near you.
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CAMPUS UPGRADES
Student athletes gather to inaugurate new athletic facilities.
New Athletic Facilities and Campus Upgrades Unveiled If you haven’t seen the Ashford University campus lately, you haven’t seen Ashford. Campus Event: August 29, 2010
Since 2005, there has been more than $15 million invested in the campus.
This summer, the Ashford campus was abuzz with new construction and improvement projects designed to meet the needs of the school’s growing population. “Since 2005, there has been more than $15 million invested in the campus,” Dr. Jane McAuliffe, President of Ashford University, said. “We’re welcoming our biggest on-campus class ever with new ‘best in class’ facilities.”
Construction of the soccer field was completed just in time for the first official game on August 31. Rubberized surfacing was applied the following week to complete the nine-lane track. Plans for the remaining acreage from the Clinton Country Club acquisition have not yet been announced.
The former 129-acre Clinton Country Club, purchased in December 2009, is now the location of Ashford’s new Athletic Complex, which includes a new soccer field as well as an outdoor track.
In May, Ashford acquired the Clinton YMCA’s Tennis Center. Designed to meet United States Tennis Association specifications, the showcase facility came at an ideal time for the University since Ashford introduced men’s and women’s tennis programs for the fall semester. The center is also being made available for community use.
“Our new soccer field is awe-inspiring with NFL-quality artificial green turf. There is a magnificent midfield Ashford University logo, a super-sized digital score board, and dramatic stadium lighting,” said John Ballheim, Ashford University Vice President and Campus Director. “It’s Clinton’s own ‘Field of Dreams.’”
In addition to athletic facilities, the Ashford campus received a revamp. There has been extensive remodeling and renovation, including the kitchen and dining hall, the East Conference Room, St. Clare Hall restrooms, the library and Flavian Center. A new fire suppression system has also been installed in Durham Hall.
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Ashford Connections | issue one
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CAMPUS UPGRADES
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
New Athletic Facilities continued
Top: Ashford executives celebrate with the women’s soccer team. Right: Vedran Ilic, Daniel Sowell, Gerfaldo Garza, Bart Boguszewski, Samuel Etim, Mike Handley Lower left: Cara Harmon Lower right: Ashford’s mascot Champ
With the biggest incoming class in Ashford’s 92year history came the need for more student housing. With the biggest incoming class in Ashford’s 92-year history came the need for more student housing. Ashford leased a block of rooms at Clinton’s Best Western Frontier Inn and equipped them for residence hall living. The off-site student housing center operates like a traditional dormitory with accommodations for 160 students. Shuttle buses run continuously for up to 18 hours a day transporting students to and from the university. “There’s renewed excitement here,” Ballheim said. “Students, faculty, administrators, and the entire Clinton community have embraced our new programs, upgraded facilities, progress, and positive energy.”
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Ashford University | ashford.edu
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Above: The audience at the new soccer field inauguration.
Ashford Connections | issue one
CAMPUS UPGRADES
Students, faculty, administrators, and the entire Clinton community have embraced our new programs, upgraded facilities, progress, and positive energy.
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WHAT’S NEW
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Ashford students on campus
Academic Scholarships for 2010-2011 Academic Achievers Announced Ashford’s enrollment surge is attributed in large part to the unprecedented Academic Scholarship program.
There’s no doubt that this is a historic time for Ashford University. John Ballheim, Ashford University’s Vice President and Campus Director, reports that the Fall 2010 incoming class is the largest in Ashford’s history. With over 400 new students, this year’s enrollment more than doubles the previous record of 189 students. To put Ashford’s student population increase in context, consider that in 2005 total enrollment was approximately 300; this fall, we are housing over 400 students in the residence halls alone. That means both campus residence halls are fully occupied with students for the first time since they were built in the
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Ashford University | ashford.edu
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
WHAT’S NEW
Right: (Back Row) Ashley Schuerr, Markus Hall, Yasmeen Powell, AJ Smith, Quentin Brackenridge, Joe Snyder (Front Row) Monce Medina, Marissa Thede, Laura Minertz, Ashli Foster, Brittany Rice
Nearly half of incoming students received the President’s Scholarship. 1960s. Additionally, Ashford has leased more than 160 bed spaces from Clinton’s Best Western Frontier Inn. The Best Western is near South Campus, which is the former Clinton Country Club. Viewed from another angle, the increased enrollment means our incoming class is larger than our total enrollment just five years ago! The enrollment surge is attributed in large part to the unprecedented Academic Scholarship program. The program rewards academic achievers with grade point averages above 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Ballheim reports nearly 70 percent of incoming students received one of the three available Academic Scholarships: the President’s Scholarship, the Provost’s Scholarship, and the Dean’s Scholarship. The President’s Scholarship is a full tuition annual academic scholarship, and is offered to students with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 and above. Nearly half of incoming students
received the President’s Scholarship. Additionally, more than 175 recipients of the scholarship (125 new and 50 returning) also received the Room and Board Scholarship, which covers the full cost of room and board on campus. As Ashford University President Dr. McAuliffe points out, “Part of Ashford’s mission is to provide affordable education — you can’t get much more affordable than a 100 percent tuition scholarship! We are truly realizing our mission.” Students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.49 are eligible for the Provost’s Scholarship, which contributes $12,500 toward annual tuition. About 16 percent of new students received Provost’s Scholarships. The Dean’s Scholarship requires a GPA between 3.00 and 3.24 and contributes $10,000 toward annual tuition. Dean’s Scholarship recipients represent about 8 percent of new students. All three scholarships are good for up to four years of full-time academic study, under the condition that the student maintains the required grade point average. The scholarships will also be available to new
students who enroll in the fall 2011 semester, as well as to continuing students who achieve the minimum accumulated GPA, and to returning students. According to McAuliffe, “Of approximately 300 returning students, 68 percent will receive one of the new scholarships.” In addition to affecting enrollment numbers, the new scholarships have increased the quality of the incoming students. According to Ballheim, “The average grade point average is now approximately 3.4.” This compares to the average 2.72 GPA of last year’s incoming class. But the real success of these scholarships, and all of the benefits they have brought, is that they provide opportunities to commendable students. As Ballheim explains, “These new scholarships reward academic achievers who have worked hard to qualify for a higher education. They bring economic relief to deserving students and their families as well as optimism to our community.” McAuliffe echoes Ballheim’s sentiments: “We’re rewarding the best and brightest students who have demonstrated
We are truly realizing our mission.
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Ashford Connections | issue one
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WHAT’S NEW
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Right: St. Claire
Academic Scholarships continued
their capability and commitment to learning. It’s an honor to support these future leaders, especially in today’s economic environment.”
This is about as good as it gets.
Nathan Billany, one of the men’s soccer team captains, is an excellent example of those bright students rewarded by the scholarship program. He returns to Ashford for his senior year on a full-tuition Academic Scholarship and a new NFL-quality field to play on. “This is about as good as it gets,” he says. “Grades are the most important thing to me. Little did I know how much I’d be rewarded with 100 percent paid tuition in my senior year.” Another admirable example of the students who benefit from these scholarship programs is Anthony Motroni. A Clinton High School graduate, Anthony was unsure about whether his financial situation would permit him to attend college. When he heard about the Academic Scholarships, he started studying. With his whole senior year ahead of him to do well in the classroom, Anthony worked hard and kept his sights on Ashford, earning a 3.06 GPA. This achievement placed him in the bracket for the Dean’s Scholarship; without the scholarship, he may not have had the opportunity to pursue his education.
We’re rewarding the best and brightest students.
Right: Nathan Billany
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AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
New Sports at Ashford: Bowling and Tennis Clinton, Iowa, Ashford campus
The fall 2010 athletics season at Ashford opened strong with the addition of men’s and women’s tennis (with Head Coach Brian Swanson), and men’s and women’s bowling (with Head Coach Chad Fenwick). Ashford University Director of Athletics Meg Schebler explains that “we had tennis when we were Mount St. Clare, and it was fairly successful — especially women’s tennis.” Lack of participation caused the program to end in 2002, but today, in large part as a result of the newly acquired Ashford University Community Tennis Center, there is renewed interest in the sport. “The new center is a great recruiting tool that has provided a good opportunity to revive the sport and capitalize on the local talent,” says Schebler. The decision to add bowling arose from an increased interest in the sport on the high school level. Schebler explains, “all of the surrounding states have high school bowling, and they also have state championships. This has made students want to play in college.” In fact, bowling is now the fastest growing sport in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Combined, tennis and bowling have brought approximately 40 new students to the Ashford campus. Bowling season runs from October to March, and tennis has a split season, so it occurs in both the fall and the spring. Both seasons are currently underway and the teams are off to a great start. For more information about who is on the teams, when they play, and how they are doing, please visit www.ashfordathletics.com.
WHAT’S NEW
About Ashford University Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www. ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240, ext. 2513.
Best Western Clinton, Iowa, Best Western Residence Hall
Approximately 160 Ashford students moved into the Clinton Best Western this August. Ashford had signed a nine-month lease for three wings of the hotel to accommodate the increased student population, and news has come that we’re going to stay! Though the official news release regarding the acquisition is pending, Associate Director of Student Success Lettie Connolly reports that the entire building will be full of students by fall 2011. She also stated that, while discussions for how the space will be used are still ongoing, the location includes a kitchen, an atrium, and a pool, as well as several options for open spaces and community rooms. Already, the existence of the new residence hall has had an impact on the overall culture at Ashford. Residence Hall Director Scott Mitchell explains that, “Because the Best Western is 3.5 miles from campus, we worked with the city of Clinton to create the AU Loop — a shuttle service that stops in two places in town and goes between South Campus, Best Western, and Main Campus.” The free shuttle is available to all faculty, staff, and students with a valid Ashford ID, and the ID will permit a free ride on any Clinton bus, as well! This has had a major impact on life in Clinton, Connolly explains, “Previously, if you lived on campus and you did not have a vehicle, you were very limited and reliant on getting rides with friends.” Furthermore, because the students who live at the Best Western are now taking the shuttle to the campus, they are hanging out on campus during the day, which has made campus much more lively.
This has had a major impact on life in Clinton.
The Best Western has already made a great impact on the Ashford community, and we are excited to see what fall 2011 will bring! Ashford Connections | issue one
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GRADUATION
Above Left: Ashford online students Center: Dr. Curt Lowe Right: Alex Telford
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Ashford Celebrates Largest Graduation Weekend in School’s History For many members of the Class of 2010, the graduation ceremonies marked the first time they had visited Ashford’s campus. CLINTON, IOWA (MAY 8-9, 2010)
It took five ceremonies over the course of two days for Ashford University to graduate 2,871 students during spring commencement exercises. More than 1,300 graduates from 47 states and five countries flocked to Ashford’s Clinton, Iowa campus to participate in graduation ceremonies on May 8 and 9. This weekend marked the largest graduation in Ashford’s history.
Ashford conferred 107 Associate’s degrees, 2,134 Bachelor’s degrees, and 630 Master’s degrees.
For many members of the Class of 2010, the graduation ceremonies marked the first time they had visited Ashford’s campus. More than 99 percent of the graduates had earned their degrees online.
In his commencement addresses, Walton spoke about his own experiences in growing from a student athlete to finding professional success in life. He encouraged the graduates to seize the opportunities that their education would present.
“While almost all of our students earn their degrees online, there’s a connection to the University community at our traditional campus,” said Jane McAuliffe, Chief Executive Officer and President of Ashford University. “Graduation ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity for graduates to come together to celebrate their higher education experience at Ashford University.” The graduation weekend featured three ceremonies on Saturday and two more on Sunday to accommodate the large number of graduates who elected to receive their diplomas in person, plus thousands of friends and family members. Over the two days,
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A highlight of all five graduation ceremonies was Bill Walton’s keynote address. Walton is a basketball legend who won NBA championships with the Portland Trailblazers and the Boston Celtics, as well as NCAA championships with the UCLA Bruins. After retiring from basketball, Walton launched a career as a television personality, winning an Emmy for his sports commentary.
He then quoted educator Henry Steele Commager, who said, “Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change.”
“Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change.”
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GRADUATION Below Left: Bill Walton addresses the graduates. Below: Bill Walton with Daniel Joiner.
It took five ceremonies over the course of two days for Ashford University to graduate 2,871 students during spring commencement exercises.
Ashford Connections | issue one
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ALUMNUS PROFILE
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Josh Morgan outside the Haunted Mansion at Disney World.
Meet Josh Morgan If Josh Morgan can’t answer his phone, Mickey Mouse asks the caller to leave a message. He signs his emails, “Have a Magical Day.” He gets to wear fun costumes to work every day. Alumni Profile: Josh Morgan
Mickey, magic, and fun are a big part of Josh’s life as a “Cast Member” at Walt Disney World in Florida as this 2006 graduate of Ashford University helps create memorable experiences for the theme park’s visitors. “How many other people can go home and say they got to watch a parade or fireworks every day or that they spent their day not only operating themed rides, but got to ride them, too? I love that I get to visit my favorite “haunted house,” the Haunted Mansion, any time I like and enjoy its thrills,” Josh said. “It’s also great knowing that I can work in a place where I can not only have fun all day but also get to make that fun a part of the Guests’ visit. By working different themed attractions I can one day be a pirate saying, ‘Ahoy matey!” or I could be at the Haunted Mansion telling foolish mortals that, ‘We’ve been just “dying” to meet you!’”
“Ashford helped me also come out of my shell and be the person I am today.” 12
A longtime Disney fan, Josh went to the Magic Kingdom in 2003 to work in the Walt Disney World College Program, where college students can experience real world work while earning college credit from Disney. He continued his education at Ashford, returning to Disney World in the summers of 2004 and 2005 as a Cast Member. “I knew when I started on my first Disney College internship that I was going to return and finish my education (at Ashford),” Josh said. “I had a manager who strongly urged me to stay and go right into a management internship, but I stuck with my education. I now use the leadership skills I used in Ashford clubs such as Fine Arts Club and Student Government Association every day to lead the way for my Cast.” Following graduation from Ashford in May 2006, Josh again headed to Florida and began climbing the Disney corporate ladder. While working at the theme parks attractions, he operated various rides. “That consisted of explaining to Guests what the ride consisted of and if they were able to meet the requirements to experience the attraction. I would also in some cases ‘press the blinking green button’ when it was ready to send a loaded vehicle into the attraction,” he said. At the Jungle Cruise, he was a “Skipper” who drove a boatload of 30 Guests through a jungle river atmosphere, telling witty jokes along the way. He was also a trainer for several attractions, teaching job
skills to new hires who came to work for the Disney Company. Josh then became a “Coordinator,” an assistant manager, for the attractions. “As a Coordinator I oversaw the operation and made sure the Cast Members were doing their jobs and maintaining the operation. Now I’m a Guest Service Manager for my area and am on a team with nine other managers. I’m in charge of eight attractions and the coordinators. It’s an amazing job and I now take care of both Guest and my Cast situations.” While working at many special events and holidays at Disney World, Josh has met many celebrities and important people. Though he can’t release their names because of privacy guidelines, Josh said, “Some of my idols have visited the attractions I was working at and I was able to help them experience the rides.” Josh fondly remembers his time on Ashford’s Clinton, Iowa campus. “I enjoyed my years at Ashford and talk about my years of college all the time. I actually miss college life. “I strongly believe that my peers at Ashford brought out the leader I wanted to be and led me to where I am today,” he said. “Seven years ago when I first started at Disney I never thought I would be where I am today, as I was a very shy, not very outgoing person. Starting at Disney helped change that and returning to Ashford helped me also come out of my shell and be the person I am today.” Ashford University | ashford.edu
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PAWS
Check out Our PAWs! Monthly articles that celebrate diversity and offer insight into different aspects of American culture PAWs: Promoting Awareness and Wellness
In October 2009, Ashford University hosted a Campus Diversity Week to raise awareness about the unique individuals who form the Ashford community. The success of the week piqued its organizers’ interests in finding more far-reaching ways to recognize and celebrate diversity. Amber Eckert, Director of Student Affairs, explains, “We wanted to promote awareness of diversity issues to a broad audience. As our world shrinks, it’s important that our students, staff, and faculty understand the diversity around us. It falls under the penumbra of good global citizenship.”
PAWs: Promoting Awareness and Wellness Eckert, together with Dr. Amy Kahn and the Ashford Student Affairs Department, formed a work group and began brainstorming. The result was the Promoting Awareness and Wellness (PAWs) Initiative. The group then met with the Marketing team who created the PAWs page at www.ashford.edu/ paws. This permanent webpage features monthly articles written by staff members on topics that reflect the values of the University and are designed to educate and inspire by exploring diversity and promoting wellness. The intent, according to Eckert, is to “stir interest in further research or introspection by the reader.”
The PAWs work group also selected the monthly topics for 2010. They researched United States cultural celebrations and compiled a list, which they then narrowed down to the twelve topics that were most in line with Ashford’s mission. They presented their list of selected topics to the Ashford University President’s Cabinet for approval. Eckert heads up the implementation of the initiative each month, using a volunteer system to select staff authors. Kahn explains that the PAWs articles are meant to “offer education about different aspects of our society.” She describes the initiative as “a way to demonstrate that we respect that our students come to us from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and bring with them an array of experiences that are important. By offering information about diversity through our website, we hope to demonstrate our commitment to our students and the many dimensions of diversity that each of them brings to our university.” The initiative thus strives not only to uphold Ashford’s purpose “to foster intellectual and personal growth, sensitivity to diversity and human dignity,” but also to create a unique arena of support for our community of learners — especially those of you who have graduated — by bringing engaging social issues to your attention and providing resources for additional research. As Eckert eloquently states, “It is human nature to want to be involved or connected to an entity that demonstrates the same values that you hold, and I believe that PAWs broadens the understanding of the values that AU promotes.”
We wanted to promote awareness of diversity issues to a broad audience. Kahn echoes these sentiments, saying, “I hope that students will feel more included as a result of seeing these messages. With a student population that is from such a broad background, alumni, students, and faculty can benefit from gaining insight into different aspects of American culture.” Topics in 2010 include: Mentoring (January), Women’s History (March), and Remembering 9/11 (September). Please visit www.ashford.edu/paws to read this month’s article, and be sure to search the archives for other compelling topics!
Please visit www.ashford.edu/paws to read this month’s article. Ashford Connections | issue one
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ALUMNUS PROFILE
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
DeNeal Erickson Bachelor of Arts in Social Science w/ Education concentration Spotlight: DeNeal Ericksen
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” For DeNeal Ericksen, 53, of Racine, Wisconsin, the answer to that question was always, “I want to be a teacher.” However, after high school graduation, DeNeal opted for a more practical career, and pursued a degree in computer science. “At that time the computer industry was the new, hot trend, which offered the best jobs. And it worked: I was a programmer, eventually becoming the supervisor of the entire operation.” When her company sold the division in which she worked, DeNeal decided to pursue new opportunities, and landed a job with the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Corrections. Each of her duties in this new position contained elements of teaching, and DeNeal found herself returning to her childhood dream. “In 2000, I took a position teaching microcomputer courses to incarcerated young adult men and eventually transferred to my current position of teaching Computer Software to incarcerated adult women. During these years, I also worked as an adjunct instructor at the local technical college, where the head of the department kept encouraging me to obtain my teaching license so that I could be a full-time faculty member.” Though it took some time, DeNeal listened to the department head, gathered her courage, and began researching universities. “I did not know anything about Ashford University, but everything I read about was positive, and Ashford was on Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction’s list of approved colleges for obtaining a teaching license.” Like most adult learners, one of DeNeal’s greatest challenges while pursuing her degree was balancing her school, her work, her family, and her involvement in her community. Family is of particular importance to DeNeal — she has five children and eleven grandchildren, with a twelfth on the way! DeNeal explains that her trick in achieving balance was prioritizing. For example, she allowed her hobbies of reading and quilting to take the back burner to the hobbies she could also enjoy with her husband: watching football (she likes the Packers and he likes the Cowboys) and riding motorcycles (which they bought together after the last child left the house). 14
I want to be a teacher.
Anytime you learn something new, your life will change. DeNeal’s perseverance proved worthwhile, and in June 2010 she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with an Education concentration. “I now have the opportunity to teach HSED (High School Equivalency Degree) courses in the Department of Corrections, or I can obtain my Wisconsin’s teaching license and teach in public schools.” For the moment, DeNeal will continue working with incarcerated persons. “I truly believe education makes a difference in offenders’ lives, and I know I have inspired many of the women I have worked with to continue their education upon release. Just last summer I attended a former student’s college graduation.” DeNeal’s experiences before, after, and during her time with Ashford have left her with one very strong understanding: “Anytime you learn something new, your life will change.”
Ashford University | ashford.edu
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ECONOMIC IMPACT
Ashford Announces Results of Economic Impact Study Ashford University had an estimated economic impact of $40.9 million in business output to the state of Iowa in 2009. Clinton, Iowa (August 31, 2010)
Ashford University had an estimated economic impact of $40.9 million in business output to the state of Iowa in 2009, according to an independent study released by the Clinton Regional Development Corporation and the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. The study says that the 2009 total impact in business output from Ashford University to the state of Iowa was 728 jobs, $12.6 million in employee earnings, and $18.6 million in total value added to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. “Ashford University is among Clinton’s largest employers,” Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce President Julie Allesee said. “Beyond its phenomenal economic impact, Ashford University has put higher education within reach for hundreds of deserving, academically qualified students. Plus, there are hundreds of new students who are attending the University on full-tuition scholarships. The 2010-2011 school year really is a milestone in Clinton’s history.” Ashford University encourages its staff and students to volunteer in efforts to support worthwhile causes. In 2009, a total of $56,824 was donated to various area organizations.
Ashford University is among Clinton’s largest employers.
Ashford Connections | issue one
“Having Ashford University in our region makes us much more marketable. They are a great partner in making this a better place to live and work,” said Clinton Regional Development Corporation President and CEO Steven Ames. “Their positive impact is broad-reaching and confirmed by this study.” Findings from the study were announced at the Ashford University Community Celebration, a day-long event recognizing Ashford’s biggest on-campus enrollment in its 92-year history, Academic Scholarships for high academic achievers and the new Athletic Complex, including the showcase soccer field.
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ALUMNUS PROFILE Top to bottom Liz Tice, Sister William, Dr. Hope Gardina, and Dr. Jane McAuliffe Sister William and Sarah Martz Sister William with Jane McAuliffe
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Sarah Martz Sarah Martz professed her First Vows as a Clinton Franciscan on the same day Sister William celebrated her 60-year anniversary as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis.
Spotlight: Sarah Martz
Sister William McCue has taught countless students during her nearly 45-year tenure as an instructor at Ashford University and its predecessor, Mount St. Clare College. On Saturday, July 24, 2010, she and one of her former students, Sarah Martz, MSC alum now of Chicago, shared a very special moment. Sister William celebrated her 60-year anniversary as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, founders of the University, by renewing her vows, and Sarah became a member by professing her First Vows as a Clinton Franciscan. Janice Cebula OSF, president of the Clinton Franciscan, officiated at the renewal and profession at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Church, Clinton. They were celebrated at a Eucharistic Liturgy with the Most Reverend Martin Amos, Bishop of Davenport, presiding. Joining the Clinton Franciscan Sisters and Associates in witnessing the vows ceremonies were families, friends and special guests of each sister, including Dr. Jane McAuliffe, CEO and President of Ashford University, Dr. Liz Tice, Provost, Dr. Hope Gardina, retired Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. W. Curt Lowe, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and Flora Lowe, University Librarian. Sister William is originally from Sterling, Ill., where she attended parochial schools, graduating from Newman High School. Her sister, Jean, who still lives in Sterling, was present to see her sister renew her vows. Sister William holds an AA degree from MSC College; a BA in philosophy from Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.; and an MA in theology from Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind. She has done post graduate work in Franciscan studies at St. Bonaventure University, N.Y. and in Assisi and Rome. Her initial teaching assignments were in parochial schools staffed by her congregation in Rochelle and Chicago, Ill., and Chino, Calif. She has been on the University faculty since 1964. Sarah Martz earned her BA in art at MSC College in 2003. She was raised in the Iowa City area, graduating from Regina High School, as did her three sisters. Her sisters, their husbands and children, and Sarah’s mother, Kathryn Brenneman of Riverside, Ia., filled the front pews at the church to hear Sarah speak her vows and sign the 144 year old vow book containing the names of all the women who have joined the congregation since its founding in Kentucky in 1966. 16
Sarah said she came to MSC College because it was a small, Catholic school and she wanted to major in theology. “It wasn’t until I was meeting with an advisor that I learned that theology was not offered as a major,” she noted. She fell back on her other love, art. “I was able to incorporate the classes I took in philosophy and religious studies into my art with no problem,” recalled Sarah, who hosted an exhibit of her most recent work at The Canticle, home of the Clinton Franciscans, during the week preceding her vows ceremony. Since finishing at MSC, Sarah has worked in youth ministry at St. Mary and St. Patrick parishes and Regina schools in Iowa City, and as a mentor for atrisk students at Washington Middle School, Clinton. She is currently part of the ministry team at The Port Ministries, Chicago, where she works with pre-school through high school aged children. “The goal of The Port is to provide service to families and children in economic need and to assist with food, education, clothing, healthcare, and other support,” Sarah explained. “I love my work,” she said, beaming. As a brand new Sister, she participates in on-going formation programs including studies at the Chicago Catholic Scripture School. She will be eligible to take permanent vows in three years. She lives with two other sisters at The Franciscan Dwelling Place, a home on Chicago’s south west side that the Clinton congregation maintains as a place of hospitality. Her days are full, she confesses, but fulfilling. “I’ve been thinking about becoming a sister since I was 10. At the prompting of several of the sisters I met while a student at MSC, I looked into many different communities, but I never felt as ‘at home’ as I always have with the Clinton Franciscans, and now I am one!”
I’ve been thinking about becoming a sister since I was 10.
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SUZE ORMAN / ALUMNUS PROFILE
Suze Orman Seminar Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel (May 26, 2010)
Nine Ashford University students received a little extracurricular financial education on May 26 as they were invited to a special luncheon with popular finance guru Suze Orman. The nine students are all San Diego residents who have earned spots on Ashford’s Dean’s List. As a reward for their exceptional academic success, the selected students were asked to be Ashford’s guests at Suze Orman’s “Women & Money” seminar at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. The nine Ashford students who attended the “Women & Money” event were Sulye Hypolite, Tracy Weathers, Katheryn Hale-Perez, Leia Villeza, Harper Wells, Kristen Coleman, Kelly Enriquez, Elizabeth Steinke and Louvina Sheffield. They all made it through a comprehensive selection process that included an interview phase where they were asked to explain how they planned to use their knowledge to give back to their communities.
The luncheon gave the students an opportunity to meet face-to-face with other Ashford online students. They also had a chance to learn more about Ashford as they were joined at their table by Ashford University Provost Liz Tice. The event turned out to be a great networking opportunity as the room was filled with 1,000 local women, including top community leaders in areas such as government, the media, and philanthropy. The highlight of the afternoon was the keynote presentation given by Suze Orman. She is a nationally recognized author and television personality who has gained renown for her message of financial empowerment. At the “Women & Money” seminar, Orman spoke about the particular needs for women to take charge of their own finances.
The theme of empowerment for women was especially poignant since the “Women & Money” event served as a fundraiser for the Jenna Druck Foundation. Based in San Diego, the Jenna Druck Foundation is an organization devoted to transforming local girls into the leaders of the future. The foundation runs programs such as the Young Women’s Leadership Program, the Annual Spirit of Leadership High School Conference, and Quarterly Young Women’s Leadership Workshops. Bridgepoint Education is the official sponsor for all of the Jenna Druck Foundation’s Young Women’s Leadership Programs for 2010. For more information about the Jenna Druck Foundation, visit www.jennadruck.org.
Alisha Marshall Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice Spotlight: Alisha Marshall
She began asking around and soon found Ashford University. “A Navy co-worker told me that she was enrolled at Ashford and that she was very excited to be wrapping up her degree. I was happy to discover that I would be able to continue my education without sitting in a classroom — my husband travels constantly and it would have been impossible to attend a traditional classroom with a young child and no evening childcare. A few weeks after our discussion, I enrolled.”
Four-year-old Camryn Marshall proudly sat between her parents, Alisha and Gary Marshall, at the graduation ceremony in Clinton, Iowa on May 9, 2010. Both of her parents graduated with their Bachelor’s degrees from Ashford University that day. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, of Fort Worth, Texas, are active duty Navy; Alisha is a Yeoman Chief Petty Officer and Gary is an Aviation Warfare First Class Petty Officer. Alisha received her Associate’s degree in 2005, but with Navy retirement on the horizon, she realized that she needed a Bachelor’s degree to enhance her chances of finding a good job outside the military.
Ashford Connections | issue one
But Alisha was not just looking out for her own interests when she made the decision to earn her degree. She was also determined to become an inspiration to those around her. “First and foremost, I hope to inspire my daughter to accomplish high academic goals. Additionally, my junior Sailors are impressionable and I want to set a good example for them — their futures in the Navy are predicated on superior performance and taking on extra challenges; hopefully, achieving my degree has inspired them to take the next step and seek a quality education.”
In the same spirit, Alisha spoke with her husband, Gary. “He took my advice when I said that Ashford would be his quickest and best way to a Bachelor’s degree. He worked diligently at his studies — he persevered through several month-long deployments to places like Japan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Italy while maintaining his 4.0 GPA. Many times, he had to paste his discussion forum questions into a Word document, then work on responses offline while flying for 24 hours straight. “He wanted to finish as quickly as he could so that he could include his degree completion in his package for promotion. We are currently waiting to find out whether he made Chief or not. I am very proud of his accomplishments!” Now, Alisha looks forward to a well-deserved break. “I worked hard for my degree, and it was difficult to balance the wife, mother, supervisor, and student roles, but the challenge was worthwhile — my life has been enriched by the Ashford experience.” She may consider pursuing a Master’s degree in the future, but for the moment she is happy to have some time to focus on her family.
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PHOTO GALLERY
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Clockwise from top: Abbye Garcia, Alyssa Giancana Jerika Castillo, Hollie Babut, Alyssa Giancana, Jordan Pisesky The band busting out a tune. Jessica Henrichs Megan Wagner and Marissa Thede at the ice cream social for students who are receiving academic scholarships during the 2010-11 year. Ashford’s mascot, Champ Anne Roskens and Kris Schmidt
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Ashford University | ashford.edu
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Traditional Campus Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of ARTS (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
❑❑ Accounting
❑❑ Biology
❑❑ Professional Accounting Program
❑❑ Computer Science and Mathematics
(BA/Accounting and BA/Administration) (154 credits, CPA track)
❑❑ Business Administration ❑❑ Finance Track ❑❑ Marketing Track
❑❑ Business Education with an endorsement in: ❑❑ Business-All (5-12)
❑❑ Business Information Systems ❑❑ Business leadership ❑❑ Computer Graphic Design ❑❑ Animation Track ❑❑ Print Media Track ❑❑ Web Design Track
❑❑ Education (non-licensure) ❑❑ Elementary Education (grades K-8) ❑❑ English and Communication ❑❑ Communications Track ❑❑ Literature Track ❑❑ Education Track/Endorsement 5-12
❑❑ Environmental Studies ❑❑ Finance ❑❑ Health Care Administration ❑❑ History ❑❑ Liberal Arts ❑❑ Natural Science with endorsements in: ❑❑ Biology (5-12) ❑❑ Chemistry (5-12) ❑❑ General Science (5-12)
❑❑ Physical Education with an endorsement in: ❑❑ Physical Education (K-8 or 5-12)
❑❑ Psychology ❑❑ Public Relations and Marketing ❑❑ Corporate Communications Track ❑❑ Marketing Track
❑❑ Social and Criminal Justice ❑❑ Social Science ❑❑ Health and Human Services Management Track ❑❑ History Track ❑❑ Human Services Track ❑❑ political science track ❑❑ Psychology Track ❑❑ Sociology Track ❑❑ Education Track/Endorsement 5-12
❑❑ Sociology ❑❑ Sports and Recreation Management ❑❑ Visual Art
❑❑ Computer Science Track ❑❑ Mathematics Track ❑❑ Education Track/Endorsement 5-12
❑❑ Health Science Administration ❑❑ Natural Science
Teaching Endorsements Elementary (grades K-8) education teaching endorsements for the state of Iowa ❑❑ Coaching K-12 (Authorization or Endorsement) ❑❑ English as a Second Language K-8 ❑❑ English/Language Arts K-8 ❑❑ History K-8 ❑❑ Instructional Strategist I (Special Education) K-8 ❑❑ Mathematics K-8 ❑❑ Middle School 5-8 ❑❑ preKindergarten, Kindergarten ❑❑ Reading K-8 ❑❑ Science-Basic K-8 ❑❑ Social Studies K-8 ❑❑ Teacher Elementary Classroom K-6
Secondary (grades 5-12) education teaching endorsements for the state of Iowa ❑❑ American History 5-12 ❑❑ Biology 5-12 ❑❑ Business-all 5-12 ❑❑ Chemistry 5-12 ❑❑ Coaching K-12 (Authorization or Endorsement)
❑❑ English as a Second Language 5-12 ❑❑ English/Language Arts 5-12 ❑❑ General Science 5-12 ❑❑ Instructional Strategist I (Special Education) 5-12
❑❑ Mathematics 5-12 ❑❑ Middle School 5-8 ❑❑ Psychology 5-12 ❑❑ Sociology 5-12 ❑❑ World History 5-12
AROUND THE CAMPUS
Ashford Online Degrees Ashford University continues to expand its degree offerings. If you have a friend, family member, or coworker interested in accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality education, we would love to hear from them. Associate’s q Business q Early Childhood Education q Military Studies q Organizational Management
Bachelor’s q Accounting q Applied Behavioral Science
q International Business q Journalism and Mass Communication q Law Enforcement Administration q Liberal Arts q Operations Management and Analysis q Organizational Management
q Business Administration
q Political Science and Government
q Business Economics
q Project Management
q Business Information Systems
q Psychology
q Child Development q Communication Studies
q Public Relations and Marketing
q Early Childhood Education
q Service Management
q Early Childhood Education Administration
q Social and Criminal Justice
q Education and Public Policy
q Social Science with Education concentration (BASS/Ed.)
q English q English Language Learner Studies q Entrepreneurship q Environmental Studies q Finance q Health and Human Services q Health Care Administration q Health Care Studies q History q Homeland Security and Emergency Management q Human Resources Management q Instructional Design
q Public Administration
q Social Science q Sociology q Sports and Recreation Management q Supply Chain Management
Master’s q Education q Health Care Administration q Organizational Management q Teaching and Learning with Technology q Business Administration q Public Administration
Please visit www.ashford.edu for a complete, updated list of all Ashford degree programs and specializations.
Ashford Connections | issue one
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November 2010
December 2010
09 Jacksonville, FL
02 Dallas, TX
04 Los Angeles, CA
11 San Diego, CA
04 Las Vegas, NV
06 Atlanta, GA
13 El Paso, TX
07 Columbia, SC
08 San Antonio, TX
February 2011
March 2011
January 2011
April 2011
01 Houston, TX
22 Chicago, IL
05 Philadelphia, PA
03 Charlotte, NC
24 Fayetteville, NC
07 Brooklyn, NY 09 Greenville, NC