ASHFORD CONNECTIONS
AU ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Inside This Issue
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Through the Years
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April 2011 Commencement
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Alumni Spotlights
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Academic Research SpotlighT
Guest Writer Theresa Judge reflects on her 35 years with the University.
1,038 individuals crossed the stage in Clinton, Iowa on April 30, 2011.
Samantha Green, David Laughrey, and Priscilla Hartung.
Dr. Rob Engelson takes a sabbatical to research the Clinton Symphony Orchestra.
ISSUE 03
FALL 2011
Across the Generations Mary Ellen Adkins graduated from the same university as her mother, Wynne Ehrhart, but Wynne’s 1950s experience was drastically different than her daughter’s 2009 online program. 06
08 Ashford Students Explore England
Ashford Alumnus Mark McHugh tells the story of his Travel Studies trip to England.
12 Ashford
Families Mary Thompson-Appiah and her son, George Appiah, at the April 2011 commencement ceremony.
17 Ashford Saints
Storm Nationals Three Ashford teams won their respective MCC championships and earned places in the NAIA national tournament in the 2010-2011 season.
CONTENTS
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Travel Studies reunion! From left to right: Ashford University Library Director Flora Lowe, Mark McHugh, College of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Curt Lowe, Machele Harris, Amanda New, Jody Faust, and Ashford University Co-Founder and Accreditation Specialist Wayne Clugston. See story on page 8.
ISSUE 03 FALL 2011
Contents
Be True to Your School in New Saints Gear! Sweatshirts T-Shirts Hats Accessories
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Through the Years
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Across the Generations
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Ashford Students Explore England
April 2011 Commencement Ashford’s South Campus Athletic Field was filled with happy graduates and their families, and four of those graduates were in attendance because of Ashford’s first-ever Commencement Scholarships.
Ashford Connections is published semi-annually by Alumni Relations. Editor: Mary Stewart Art Director: David Dickey Contributors: Wayne Clugston, Doug Downing, Ian Foster, Ron Gaschler, Sr. Theresa Judge, Larry Libberton, Mark McHugh, Lorelei Meetze, Ben Schlesselman, Lizzie Wann, Rebecca Wardlow Designers: Jesse Caverly, Unice G.Arce
Mary Ellen Adkins and her mother, Wynne Ehrhart, share their stories of adult and distance learning, and demonstrate the impact parents have on their children’s desire for an education.
Guest writer and Ashford alumnus Mark McHugh travelled to England with his classmates and professors as part of ENG 388 Literature and Historical Developments in 19th Century England.
Including Alumni and Athletic Merchandise
Ashford.edu/gear-shop
Sr. Theresa Judge has watched Mount St. Clare College transform into Ashford University during her three decades with the school.
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Ashford Families
Two mother-son duos, Jackie Mckennie & James Grady and Mary Appiah & George Thompson-Appiah, travelled to Clinton to receive their diplomas in April 2011.
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Alumni Spotlights
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Academic Research Spotlight
Samantha Green joined the Peace Corps, David Laughrey endured five deployments while earning his degree, and Priscilla Hartung overcame a visual impairment to earn her degree online.
Ashford University music instructor and choir director Dr. Rob Engelson has devoted the last year to researching the Clinton Symphony Orchestra.
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Ashford Saints Storm Nationals Men’s basketball and women’s golf joined the women’s soccer team as 2010-2011 MCC champions and NAIA national tournament participants.
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Facebook Flashback & Class Notes Learn what the Ashford community has been saying online, and what your fellow alumni are up to!
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Program List
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Student & Alumni Networking Events
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Letter From The Provost
Rebecca Wardlow, EdD Letters: Rebecca Wardlow
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Dear Ashford Alumni,
Our network of alumni, faculty, and current students reaches across the globe as we support and encourage each other.
Ashford Connections | Issue Three
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My name is Rebecca Wardlow, and I am delighted to write to you as the new Provost for Ashford University. As Provost, I am honored to lead the amazing group of people who make up Academic Affairs. I oversee all of the academic programs, courses, faculty, Deans, and activities for both campus and online programs within the Colleges. I previously served as the Executive Dean of the College of Education where I had the opportunity to develop many new programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. I have also taught courses in the College of Education for the past three years; I enjoy interacting with students in the classroom and maintaining relationships past commencement as they continue to share their successes in their chosen professions. As an Ashford Alumnus, you will always be a huge part of our success as a University. Congratulations once again on your academic accomplishments, and welcome to the alumni community at Ashford University. We have begun to reach out to our many
graduates around the country and look forward to doing more in the coming months. We love to hear your stories and to learn how your academic accomplishments have supported you in meeting your goals. Our network of alumni, faculty, and current students reaches across the globe as we support and encourage each other. I am always amazed at what a small world it is when I read about a job offer for an Ashford graduate, meet a proud Ashford parent, or run into a student of ours at an unexpected location. Thanks for staying connected! Best to you always,
Rebecca Wardlow, EdD Provost Ashford University
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GUEST WRITER
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In my experience, the transition to Ashford University was one of the best things that could have happened to Mt. Saint Clare College. Guest Writer: Sister Theresa Judge
Through the Years Sister Theresa Judge reflects on her 35 years with the University.
Having just completed 35 years at Mount St. Clare College/Ashford University, I look back on those years with a deep sense of gratitude for all the wonderful things that were, all the exciting things that are taking place now, and all of the unknown anticipated things to come in our future. Ashford is truly an exciting place to work! I began my career here because the former Dean of Students asked if I would like to move from my assignment in Chicago to one in Clinton, where I would be the “House Mother� at Durham Hall. When I arrived in Clinton, I found I was to be the Dean of Students, the Resident Director, and the Athletic Director! (I love to tell people that it now takes 30+ people to do what I did.) After 15 years as the resident director and after the death of my beloved mother, I began graduate school in English at Western Illinois University, which had a satellite campus at Augustana in Rock Island, Illinois (about an hour from Clinton). For three years, including summers, I drove back and forth to night classes and gradually transitioned out of administrative duties and into full-time faculty status. In 1993, I officially became a full-time professor in the English department.
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Throughout my time at Ashford, I’ve also been involved with the annual Spring Break Trip. The program was already in place when I arrived, but I began using local travel agencies to assist in the planning. My involvement was a direct result of being the Dean of Students in charge of student activities. For the past twenty years, we have been traveling to London over Spring Break. One of my favorite activities is to go to the theater — my personal record is thirteen plays in eight days! Students have also had the opportunity to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, tour Westminster Abbey, or take daytrips to Stonehenge and Stratford-UponAvon. The trip has proven so popular that we are already scheduled for London on March 3-10, 2012. We are also in the process of planning a trip to Italy for June 2012! The growth of the Ashford Spring Break Trip is just one example of the transformations that have occurred in the last three decades. In my experience, the transition to Ashford University was one of the best things that could have happened to Mount St. Clare College. Although it was a painful time for some of our constituencies, we were sustained by our faith that this was the next step in God’s plan for our beloved college. The six years that have passed have only strengthened that belief.
Ashford University has also had a huge impact on the town of Clinton, Iowa. Rodger Holm, the mayor of Clinton, was quoted in the Des Moines Register (June 5, 2011) as saying that Ashford “has spent millions of dollars on building projects and added more than 700 jobs in Clinton.” Mayor Holm continued, “Everything Ashford does, they do it first class.” This is a great testimonial to the relationship between “town and gown.” It is amazing to me to see the impact across the globe of one small college in Iowa! In my years here at the University, I have formed fast friendships with many international students from the Bahamas, Thailand, Japan, Croatia, and Spain, to name a few. This fall it is projected that Ashford University will have campus students from Serbia, Brazil, El Salvador, England, Malaysia, Haiti, Sudan, France, Ghana, Canada, Guatemala, Uganda, Nigeria, Scotland, Venezuela, Iceland, Ecuador, Portugal, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, Peru, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon, China, Colombia, and Jamaica. You can just imagine what impact that has on the atmosphere at Ashford University!
Judge taught in several places, including Sacred Heart in Clinton, before returning to MSC College. She started both the men’s and women’s tennis teams and coached both teams for 10 years. For all of her years with the institution, she has served as the official scorer for the men’s and women’s basketball teams, never missing a game. Sister Theresa was inducted into the MSC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997 and received the Founder’s Award for distinguished service to the College in 2000. She now serves as Chair of the English department.
Ashford Connections | Issue Three
Ashford University circa 1970.
All in all, it has been an exciting 35 years and I look forward to the future with anticipation!
About the Author Theresa Judge, OSF, was born in Clinton and entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1962. A graduate of Elvira High School, she earned her Associate of Arts at Mount St. Clare (MSC) College, her Bachelor of Arts in English from Marycrest College, Davenport, Iowa, and her Master of Arts in English from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois.
GUEST WRITER
Judge is a tireless volunteer in the Clinton community and a former member of the YWCA Board. She has also served on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Committee since its inception, as well as such committees as the Youth for a Safe, Nonviolent Summer Program, the Board of the Mount St. Clare Speech and Hearing Center, the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, and the Clinton Human Rights Commission. Her commitment to education, to youth, and especially to disadvantaged persons also led her to serve with The Arch of Clinton, the local branch of L’Arche International, which is dedicated to providing welcoming homes for special needs adults and their companions. In 2010, the YWCA officially recognized Judge by awarding her the prestigious Religious Woman of Achievement award. In awarding this prize, the citation praised Judge for “her energy for bettering our community, one student at a time, and one project after another.”
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In 2010, the YWCA officially recognized Judge by awarding her the prestigious Religious Woman of Achievement award.
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Alumni Feature
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Across the Generations Wynne Ehrhart, Associate of Arts in Elementary Education (1954), and her daughter, Mary Ellen Adkins, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Social Science (2009), both earned their Bachelor’s degrees as adult and distance learners, but in very different ways. Alumni Feature: Wynne Ehrhart and her daughter, Mary Ellen Adkins
One of the most common answers adult learners give when asked why they returned to school is: “I did it for my children.” Working parents want to provide a better life for their kids, and they want to set an example. Wynne Ehrhart and her daughter, Mary Ellen Adkins, offer a perfect portrait of how influential education can be.
Wynne Ehrhart
Wynne, 76, was born and raised in Clinton, IA. In 1952, she graduated from high school and enrolled in the local twoyear college, Mount St. Clare College. After she graduated with her Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, she found work as a teacher. “As time went on, I got married and got pregnant. In my day, they didn’t have maternity leave, so you had to quit. I wanted to go back to teaching, but I couldn’t do it until a few years later and after a couple more kids.” By ‘a couple more kids,’ Wynne means six – five daughters and one son. Today, she has eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Eventually, Wynne did go back to teaching. She found a travelling job in Clinton that required her to visit two or three schools each day, teaching math and reading to students in special education programs. Despite thoroughly enjoying her job, Wynne was constantly reminded of an old dream — earning her Bachelor’s degree — so she made the decision to take action. “I worked on correspondence courses at night, and eventually finished my third year of college that way.”
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Unfortunately, the correspondence courses did not offer a way to finish the full Bachelor’s degree, so Wynne was left with the option of driving to campus. In 1972, Wynne began attending the closest four-year college, which was in Davenport, about 40 miles away. “I drove to Davenport once a week for 13 years, and at the end I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. It was an honor to get that far.” Clearly, her children noticed Wynne’s weekly trip to Davenport for over a decade, and they could not help but be affected by their mother’s determination to earn an education. One daughter in particular followed a path surprisingly similar to her mother’s: Mary Ellen earned her Bachelor’s degree when she was 40 years old. “My mother is my greatest inspiration. She had six children, was a teacher during the day, and drove an hour one-way in the dark on the old river road to attend classes. She worked hard to have something that made her a more educated individual; because of that, I was inspired to want more for myself. I am grateful for her example.” Like her mother, Mary Ellen held the goal of earning her college education for a long time before she was able to complete her degree. Mary Ellen’s primary challenge was her husband’s job, which requires them to move every couple of years — this meant she has never lived in one place long enough to complete a degree. “We always moved out of state, which made the tuition costs increase. I knew I wanted better for myself, but I never had the opportunity. Then I started seeing commercials for online schooling.”
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In 2005, Mary Ellen found Ashford University. “I decided I should go ahead and enroll right then, or else I never would. After I bit the bullet, I started asking more questions about the school. It turns out that Ashford University used to be called Mount St. Clare. When I enrolled at Ashford, I didn’t quite understand how symbolic and meaningful it was going to be to graduate from this school.” In the spring of 2009, Mary Ellen completed her Bachelor of Arts, with a double major in Psychology and Social Science. She returned to Clinton and walked across the stage while her mother applauded in the audience. After commencement, Mary Ellen began looking for graduate programs and enrolled at Ashford’s sister school, University of the Rockies. Today, she is well on her way to completing her Master of Arts in Psychology, Mediation and Conflict Resolution specialization. Both Wynne and Mary Ellen earned their degrees as adult and distance learners, and they faced similar struggles with balancing work, school, and family. But there is a huge difference in the way they attended classes, and that difference resulted in Wynne’s degree taking 13 years to complete, while Mary Ellen’s took four. “It’s marvelous that today’s kids can do it that way,” says Wynne. “They have a big advantage with the computer and all that. It’s unbelievable, really.” Because she still lives in Clinton, Wynne has had a front-row seat to watch the twoyear college, Mount St. Clare, transform into the four-year university with an extensive online program that is now Ashford University. “It’s amazing. When I was a student, we went to school in one building. That building is still there, but now there are so many buildings all over town. Ashford is a terrific boom to our town — it gives more kids the opportunity to stay in Clinton.” When asked how she feels about the difference in the way she and Mary Ellen earned their degrees, Wynne laughs. “I’m about 50 years too late, that’s all. But I made it and that’s the main thing. Mary Ellen had a goal, too, and she accomplished her goal. I am so very proud of her.”
ALUMNI FEATURE
I drove to Davenport once a week for 13 years, and at the end I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. It was an honor to get that far.
Mary Ellen Adkins (left) and Wynne Ehrhart (right) on the Clinton, IA campus in June of 2011, standing together in front of St. Clare Hall.
Ashford Connections | Issue Three
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TRAVEL STUDIES
Above Left: The home of William Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Above Right: Flora and Curt Lowe pose in front of Haworth Church, in Haworth.
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Ashford Students Explore England By Mark McHugh, contributing writer Travel Studies: England
Ashford University’s first overseas Travel Studies course, ENG 388 Literature and Historical Developments in 19th Century England, took place in the fall of 2009. Seventeen Ashford University students, whose studies were focused on another place and time, embarked on an educational journey. The place was England. The time was the Victorian Era. These students took the chance to visit the United Kingdom and see the places and scenery referenced in the curriculum. The words of such writers as Wordsworth and Tennyson are a legacy that we enjoy today, and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those inspired individuals is “an unforgettable experience that really brings their words to life,” said Dr. Wayne Clugston, Bridgepoint Education’s co-founder and the literary professor teaching the course. History professor Dr. Curt Lowe, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, also accompanied the group with his wife, Flora, who is the Ashford University Library Director. The two professors offered a dual approach to the course material, demonstrating how the history and literature of the Victorian Era intertwined.
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On their much anticipated departure date, the students arrived at Manchester Airport and boarded a chartered bus that took them on their ten-day trek southward to London, with stops associated with famous Victorian writers: Wordsworth’s early home and school, the Brontë Parsonage, and Thomas Hardy’s homestead. Other stops not directly related to 19th century life included Shakespeare’s birthplace and home in Stratford-UponAvon, Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Buckingham Palace. Both professors taught classroom sessions in the hotels most mornings. The trip’s cost included round-trip airfare between Newark and England, the bus tour, hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinner, a 3-day London Tube and Bus Pass, and admission to the tour sites that the group visited. The ten days flew by quickly, with much packed into a tight schedule. Everyone had a truly memorable experience soaking in the British countryside and enjoying the rain-free weather. Seeing it all in the context of studying the country’s history and literature made this trip much more than an overseas vacation — it was not just visiting moors, it was visiting the moors that inspired the novels
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of Thomas Hardy and Charlotte Brontë, and seeing the beauty of the Lake District that inspired Wordsworth and Tennyson. As Cherrie Carnegie, the class’s designated Den Mother, explains, “It brought history and literature alive for me. There is so little opportunity today for students (of all ages) to actually touch history.”
TRAVEL STUDIES
Where We’ve Been England: Fall 2009 & Spring 2010 Mexico: Summer 2010
For this trip to England, several faculty and staff participated. Kelly Urch, a Teaching Assistant for Ashford University, summed up her experience, “Nicolas Bouvier once said, ‘You think you are making a trip, but soon it is making you - or unmaking you.’ I never actually grasped what he meant until after our trip. The experiences and friendships will forever be a piece of me.”
Athens, Greece & Rome, Italy: Spring 2011
As Kelly points out, the Travel Studies trips foster strong friendships. Many of the ENG 388 participants still stay in touch and have met repeatedly. The April 2011 commencement ceremonies served as one opportunity for an ENG 388 mini-reunion. Several of the classmates traveled to Clinton to cross the stage, visit with each other, and reminisce.
South Africa: Spring 2012
Since this trip in 2009, there have been five Travel Studies courses and more are planned. For information about Ashford University Travel Studies please visit www.ashford.edu/travel. This page will be updated as additional opportunities become available.
Hannibal, MO: Summer 2011 Boston, MA: Fall 2011
Where We’re Going Italy: Summer 2012 Hannibal, MO: Fall 2012 Spain: Fall 2012 Costa Rica: TBD Visit www.ashford.edu/travel for all the details!
The ENG 388 Travel Studies group in front of Windsor Castle. This was the final stop of the bus tour.
Ashford Connections | Issue Three
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Commencement
Above: Proud soon-to-be-graduates of the College of Liberal Arts led by Quentin Brackenridge, who sang a stirring rendition of the national anthem at the ceremony. Opposite page: Commencement speaker Ron Clark, known as “America’s Educator,” inspired the audience.
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Ashford University Commencement Ceremony, April 2011 Ashford awards first-ever commencement scholarships to assist graduates in attending the ceremony in Clinton, IA. Commencement: April 2011
A stage was constructed on the Ashford University South Campus Athletic Complex so that 1,038 individuals could walk across and receive their diplomas on April 30, 2011. In the audience, over 4,500 guests cheered for the graduates. All told, Ashford conferred 19 Associate’s degrees, 703 Bachelor’s degrees, and 316 Master’s degrees, and hosted 5,556 people for the commencement. Forty-eight states and eight countries were represented. The vast majority of the graduates completed their coursework online, so most were traveling to Clinton from other parts of the country. Many arrived in Clinton a day early to attend the Meet & Greet events, where they had the opportunity to meet instructors and fellow distance-learning students. These graduates were also able to participate in campus tours led by campus students. On commencement day, chairs lined the athletic field in rows facing the stage. Graduates gathered at the registration tent to collect their name cards and those who had been inducted into one of Ashford’s honor societies received Golden Key medallions or Alpha Sigma Lambda stoles. When the time came, the group progressed to their seats to listen to the administration’s welcome and to fellow graduate Quentin Brackenridge’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
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The commencement speaker, Ron Clark, was a particular highlight of the day. Known for his work with disadvantaged elementary school students in North Carolina and New York City, Mr. Clark has been dubbed, “America’s Educator.” He is also the founder of the Ron Clark Academy, a private school and educator training facility in Atlanta, Georgia, and the subject of the 2006 film, The Ron Clark Story. A major theme in Mr. Clark’s teaching philosophy is inspiring learning by being excited about the subject matter, and his speech at the commencement exuded this excitement. His upbeat and animated southern accent evoked both chuckles and serious reflection as he charged the graduates to bring a high-level of passion into their daily lives. And it was not just graduates who heard his message — Ashford alumna Priscilla Hartung reports that her daughter and granddaughter were so inspired by Mr. Clark that they immediately rented the film upon returning home to Texas.
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Like Priscilla, the majority of the graduates and their families travelled quite a distance to be present at the commencement ceremony. Four of those students were relieved of the financial burden by the first-ever Ashford University Commencement Scholarship, which pays for the student’s travel and lodging, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and car rental. To apply, students with at least a 3.85 grade point average submitted a 2-3 minute video application in which they answered questions about their educational goals and professional aspirations. Over 100 applicants posted their videos on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter, and then submitted the video URL and a PDF application to the scholarship committee. The Commencement Scholarship Committee, which included representatives from the Registrar’s Office, Student Affairs, Student Access and Wellness, and New Media, viewed and evaluated the submissions. “The committee members rated each applicant based on a rubric that considered the quality of responses to each question, and offered bonus points for creativity,” explains Lead Graduation Coordinator Ian Foster. “The points were totaled, and the highest score from each college received the scholarship.”
Commencement The winners were: Ron Bacong, Rancho Bernardo, California (College of Business and Professional Studies); Mary ThompsonAppiah, Hillcrest Heights, Maryland (College of Education); Kristi Cantor, Kodak, Tennessee (College of Health, Human Services, and Science); and Keri Elmstedt, Murrieta, California (College of Liberal Arts). To say these four individuals were grateful for the scholarship is an understatement. Keri explains, “I was only able to attend the ceremony because I was one of the winners of the video contest. I have never won anything of this magnitude before! That special weekend will never be forgotten.” Mary echoes Keri’s sentiments as she describes the moment she learned she had won the scholarship: “I screamed, hollered, cried, and praised God, and all of this in the ear of the man on the telephone!” From Ron Clark’s inspiring words, to each graduate’s happy feeling of accomplishment, to the pride that emanated from the families, it was impossible not to be inspired by the talented men and women who crossed the stage on the South Campus Athletic Field in Clinton, Iowa on April 30.
Alumni Spotlight
Kristi Cantor, Commencement Scholarship Recipient
Ashford Connections | Issue Three
When Kristi Cantor submitted her last paper and officially completed her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with an Education concentration, she felt an indescribable sense of pride. “I had done it! I felt like I could reach for the stars and bring them home. I knew that I had to walk the stage.”
and grinned and had a great time making the video. I think my enjoyment showed; for the first time all day, I was having fun! I saved the file and submitted it before I could change my mind and convince myself that I was too grown up to submit a funny hat video.”
Unfortunately, like so many distance learners, Kristi was faced with the financial reality of traveling from Tennessee to Iowa. Then one of her classmates suggested she apply for the Commencement Scholarship. “After multiple attempts to make the video application, I was about to give up. I went into my office to put away my computer, and then I saw one of my many hats (I’m an avid hat collector). I thought forlornly of my cap and gown, and then I thought of the iPhone commercial that says, ‘I have an app for that.’ I sighed and said, ‘That’s sad because I had a hat for that.’ An idea was born.” Kristi rebooted her computer and started pulling out some of her most unusual hats. “I giggled
A few weeks later, while Kristi was substituting for the seventh grade, her phone rang. “I immediately recognized the area code as Ashford’s so, regardless of school policy, I took the call. It was Ian Foster, telling me I had won. I screamed, I cried, and most importantly, I shared the news with my students. We celebrated together. After school, I called my husband and told him that we would be making the trip to Iowa.”
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ASHFORD FAMILIES It is not uncommon for children to attend their parents’ alma maters, and in many instances, entire families will attend a single university. Ashford University is no different, and because of Ashford’s online programs, it is not unusual for multiple generations to attend simultaneously. One great example is Grover Heard, 66, who earned his Associate of Arts in Business from Ashford University in 2010. His wife, two daughters, and two sons-in-law also earned degrees from Ashford. We also frequently see spouses attending Ashford together, such as Pedro and Maritz Nieto, or Cathy and Bryan Purdie. Then there are the parent-child pairs who earn their degrees together, like Jackie Mckennie and her son, James Grady, or Mary ThompsonAppiah and her son, George Appiah. These duos demonstrate how common goals can unite generations, and prove the benefits of education, regardless of age.
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Jackie Mckennie & James Grady “We both graduated together in April 2011, both with Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, and both with honors.” Ashford Families: Jackie Mckennie & James Grady
Jackie Mckennie, 58, made the decision to pursue her college education years ago, when she was first starting her career in the military. However, with children to raise and a demanding military job, she found attending class to be a challenge, to say the least. “Once online courses became a possibility, I again looked into earning my degree.” Last April, Jackie became the proud recipient of her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Ashford University. Jackie came to Ashford because of her son, James Grady, 39. The pair attended an informational session and both were impressed. As Jackie describes it, “The presentation made Ashford seem like it was the next best thing since grits.” James echoes his mother’s sentiments (though he said it was the next best thing since running water), adding, “They weren’t lying one bit!”
himself with a 200-pound bomb less than 100 yards away from me. It is hard to think about a paper when you’ve come that close to being hurt, but I made it through.” After finishing her program, Jackie retired from the military, but then her position as a Mobilization Planning and Administration Specialist was announced as a civilian position. “I went ahead and applied along with approximately 60 other individuals, and went through the interview process,” Jackie explains. Not surprisingly, she more than proved her skill and experience, and was rehired for the position. “I will continue working for the US Army and I will be able to retire ‘again’ in three years. After that, I plan to travel to places I have not been before.” James is currently following in his mother’s professional footsteps and attending the Sergeant Major Academy while also working as an Operations and Training NCO. He plans to enroll in a Master of Arts in Education program, with the end goal of teaching special education in an elementary school after he retires from the military.
James enrolled and was soon telling Jackie all about it. “My mother joined Ashford after I described my experience to her. At the time, she was an active duty army Sergeant Major and I was an active duty First Sergeant. We both graduated together in April 2011, both with Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, and both with honors.” Jackie and James say their most difficult challenges while pursuing their degrees was staying focused on schoolwork while maintaining their roles in the military. Jackie explains, “It was difficult to concentrate on my studies when I was constantly sending soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan, especially when James was overseas.” But Jackie remained determined and focused, and soon found that the people who she worried about were also her motivation. “I wanted to show my children, and the soldiers I supervised, that it is never too late.” For James, being both a full-time student and a deployed soldier came with a unique set of challenges. “I was in Kabul, Afghanistan while completing my degree. I remember once I was doing my homework and a suicide bomber killed
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ASHFORD FAMILIES
Mary Thompson-Appiah & George Appiah George earned his graduate degree in 2009, but chose to delay attending the commencement ceremony so he could celebrate with his mother when she graduated with her Master’s in 2011.
Now that he’s done with school, George says his ‘confidence has increased tenfold.’
Ashford Families: Mary Thompson-Appiah & George Appiah
Mary Thompson-Appiah, 52, and her son, George Appiah, 28, share a commitment to education, a knack for working with young children, and an entrepreneurial sprit. Mary has spent 22 years as a licensed childcare provider, and currently owns and operates a family childcare facility. “My aspiration is to give early learners the foundation to achieve academic success,” she says, “ and I love every minute of it.” George is an Integrated Business Solutions Manager with NAPA Auto Parts, and he opened his own business, Sting & Skye Designs, in 2002. He also participates in clothing drives and coaches soccer for the Boys & Girls Club. “I hope to inspire children of all ages to strive to be better and to never give up on anything, despite the challenges and adversity they will undoubtedly encounter,” he explains.
Ashford Connections | Issue Three
George often tells the kids to “never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” and he’s applied the same philosophy to his life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Howard University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Ashford University. “My main motivation for completing my undergraduate studies was to prove the people who said I would never graduate wrong. Graduate school was more personal — it was to prove to myself that I could do it.” George completed his graduate program in 2009, but as Mary explains, “he chose to delay his commencement and wait for me so that we could celebrate together.” Mary’s educational journey began because she wanted to set an example for her three sons. She earned her Associate of Arts from Prince George’s Community College in 2007, and her Bachelor’s degree from Ashford University in 2009. When she completed the Bachelor’s with a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), Mary decided she
wasn’t ready to be done with school. She reenrolled, this time pursuing her Master of Arts in Education. Despite health issues, and in addition to owning her own business, Mary maintained her 4.0 GPA in her Master’s program. In April 2011, with five degrees between them, Mary and George headed to Clinton, Iowa to attend Ashford’s commencement ceremony. As George describes it, “the setting, scale, and overall ambience at commencement was breathtaking.” Now that he’s done with school, George says his “confidence has increased tenfold.” He will continue to volunteer in his community and run Sting & Skye Designs, and he also hopes to find a position in a government agency. Mary will continue to build and improve her childcare facility, and she’s also working to convince her other sons, Kofi and Kwame, that it’s time to pursue their college degrees.
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Alumni Spotlights
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Priscilla Hartung Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, 2011 Master of Business Administration (MBA) Alumni Spotlights: Priscilla Hartung
The individuals who comprise the Ashford alumni population are inspiring for many reasons, and their stories create the diversity that bolsters our academic community. Because of our online programs, we have students like David Laughrey attending courses from across the globe, and these distance learners bring a unique perspective to the classroom. Students in the online environment also bring distinct viewpoints that have nothing to do with distance — students like 65-year-old Priscilla Hartung, who struggles with a visual impairment. And it is not just our online students who foster diversity; our campus students also represent several different cultural backgrounds. Learning in this environment has an excellent effect, as represented by Samantha Green, who has now joined the Peace Corps. All of these individuals with their diverse life experiences contribute to making Ashford a unique academic experience, where higher education and a broadened worldview are synonymous. 14
Priscilla Hartung, of Dallas, Texas, graduated from high school in the 1960s and attended a year of college before getting married and moving to San Francisco. “At the age of 19, I worked as a Spanish-English translator while my husband prepared for Vietnam.” When they started a family two years later, Priscilla decided to stay home with the children. Unfortunately, as Priscilla puts it, “Life has a habit of getting in the way. I found myself divorced with two school-aged children to support, and wishing I had completed my college degree years ago.”
With the help of Ashford’s Student Access and Wellness team and her own determination, Priscilla finished her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and was able to maintain a 4.0 grade point average. “At the age of 65, I walked across the stage in Clinton, Iowa, with my granddaughter in the audience. She told me that she was inspired by everything she saw on campus and heard at the commencement ceremony. She added that she is proud of her grandmother and now, more than ever, wants to finish college.”
Determined and persistent, Priscilla found work in telecommunications. “High tech (or so we thought at the time) ‘skinny wire’ telephone systems were new to everyone, and the owner of the company decided to take a chance on an inexperienced housewife. That day marked the beginning of what became a very successful twenty-year career.”
Barely two months after she had graduated, Priscilla made the decision to pursue her Master of Business Administration — her goal is to teach college in the online environment. “I fell in love with online learning,” Priscilla explains. “Technological advancements have not only created spring boards for educational opportunities for students of all ages, but they have also provided special assistance for students with disabilities who, like me, might not graduate without enhanced visual aids. My life now has a purpose that is greater than I had ever imagined.”
When her children were grown and her granddaughter was in high school, Priscilla began to think about her goal of earning a college education. “But at the age of 63, I felt somewhat intimidated by the thought of attending classes on campus with students close to my granddaughter’s age.” Priscilla began looking at other options and found Ashford University. Once enrolled, Priscilla faced a new set of challenges — her eyesight, which had always been a struggle, was making it almost impossible to complete her coursework. “I feared I would not be able to finish my degree. In the least, I felt my 4.0 grade point average would no longer be obtainable.” When Priscilla shared this information with her professor, he referred her to the Office of Student Access and Wellness. A wellness representative gave Priscilla access to a special portal for visually impaired students. “The portal allows us to read our textbooks as e-readers. We can enlarge the print and use colored backgrounds to improve our reading ability. If necessary, we can apply the audio enhancement. I used the audio assistance when my vision became so blurry that I could no longer read the enlarged print.”
At the age of 65, I walked across the stage in Clinton, Iowa, with my granddaughter in the audience.
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Samantha Green Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2010 Alumni Spotlights: Samantha Green
A native of Clinton, Iowa and an Ashford University alumna, Samantha Green, 23, has joined the Peace Corps. Her extracurricular activities while at Ashford certainly demonstrate that she is a woman with drive and intelligence — she was President of the Hall Council, Treasurer of the Student Government Association, Vice President of the Mu Sigma Eta honor society, a Resident Assistant, and a valuable member of the women’s soccer team.
Alumni Spotlights
After commencement in May 2010, Samantha turned her efforts to a new goal — joining the Peace Corps. “The application process was a lot of hard work and very time consuming, and I had almost given up the thought of making it when I received a phone call congratulating me. I was immediately excited and scared. It’s a long time to be away from my family and friends, but I feel this is something I really need to do.” On June 1, 2011, Samantha headed to Cameroon. The first three months were filled with training, which included intense language training in French. Next, she was assigned to a village where she will stay for two years. During that time, she will be a high school science teacher. “Teaching students whose education has been vastly different from mine is exciting; I love being able to pass on what fascinated me. I also know that this experience will open many doors and will teach me things I might never have otherwise learned.” Once Samantha returns to the States in August 2013, she plans to pursue her Master’s and PhD in Microbiology. Her dream job is to work for the Centers for Disease Control.
David Laughrey Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, 2011 Alumni Spotlights: David Laughrey
David Laughrey, 44, is an incredible example of what determined people are able to accomplish. A Technical Sergeant in the Air Force Reserves at the 911th ARS in Pittsburgh, PA, David was deployed five times while earning his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management — to Virginia, Mississippi, Honduras, Puerto Rico, and Iraq. “I had to juggle my time between my home life with my wife and son, my VFW responsibilities as a post commander, and my Air Force Reserve commitments that took me all over the globe, and sometimes to not-so-pleasant areas with spotty Internet access.”
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In the spring of 2011, David’s hard work paid off, and he completed his degree. “I felt I deserved to attend the ceremony after accomplishing this monumental hurdle, especially given the obstacles thrown at me from the military,” David explains, so he made plans to travel to Clinton, IA. “I was proud of myself for being the first in generations to graduate from college. I was also happy that my 19-year-old son was able to come and see his father achieve a goal, and to understand that this was not some pipe dream.”
For David, earning his degree not only contributed to his professional acumen, but also changed his selfperception. “Up to the point of commencement, I always measured myself and looked at my life as a member of the Air Force family. I have since realized that I am also a valued member of the Ashford Alumni family. I cherish my experience, which will forever add to my self-evaluation.”
Just three months after graduation, David was hired as a Logistics Coordinator for Pittsburgh Logistics Services. “My degree got me the interview and my experience got me the job,” he happily explains. “Ashford deserves a huge salute for their role in the achievement of this goal!”
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Campus News
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Academic Research Spotlight Dr. Rob Engelson takes a sabbatical to research the Clinton Symphony Orchestra. Campus News: Academic Research Spotlight
Ashford University is proud of our online community and the diversity that such a geographically disparate group brings. We are also impressed with our campus students, who are continually stretching beyond Clinton. One worthy example is Ashford Athletics — our sports teams increasingly travel to competitions in different states, and in the 2010-2011 academic year, three teams earned places in national tournaments. We are equally privileged to have talented faculty members, like Dr. Rob Engelson, pictured above, who reach toward exciting academic and intellectual pursuits.
It is truly a regional orchestra that draws its musicians from a 50-mile radius and performs in three towns across Iowa and Illinois.
Dr. Rob Engelson’s mother was a church choir singer and his father was a barbershop chorus member; when he decided to make music his career, no one was surprised. “I’ve wanted to be a choir conductor since high school,” Engelson explains. “Choral singing and conducting has always been a passion for me because of its personal nature — it’s an instrument we carry with us at all times, and I enjoy the challenge of being able to manipulate our muscles and brains to create sounds with correct pitch, volume, and expression.” After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and German, Engelson pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Choral Conducting, and then a Doctor of Musical Arts. He has been directing college choirs since 1972, and has been a full-time music professor, choir director, and department chair since 1981, joining Ashford University (then called Mount St. Clare College) in 1995. Last spring, Engelson took his first break from teaching since 1989, and went on sabbatical. His research goal is to write a history of the Clinton Symphony Orchestra (CSO), which has been in existence since April 1954. “In my 16 years in Clinton, I’ve come to learn about the history of the CSO and its important role in the cultural life of Clinton and the surrounding area: it is truly a regional orchestra that draws its musicians from a 50-mile radius and performs in three towns across Iowa and Illinois.”
Engelson sifted through microfilm copies of the Clinton Herald to ensure he had every article pertaining to the Symphony’s activities. He also compiled an exhaustive list of current and former musicians, board members, and members of the Symphony Auxiliary (a women’s organization that supported the orchestra through fundraising and other activities). He then interviewed these individuals “to collect their stories, insights, and reflections about their involvement with the CSO.” Once the research and interviews are complete, Engelson will compile the information into a book, and hopes to have it published by the spring of 2014, which will be the sixtieth anniversary of the CSO. Students and faculty happily welcomed Engelson back to his teaching and conducting duties this fall, and he was just as ready to return. “There have been very few days in the past 16 years that I didn’t look forward to going to work. I’m happy to be back on campus working with my respected colleagues and friends as we carry out the mission of educating and preparing our students for the world that awaits them.”
Clinton Symphony Orchestra concert in Sterling, IL, with Brian Dollinger as Music Director and Conductor.
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Campus News
Ashford Saints Storm Nationals Men’s basketball and women’s golf joined the women’s soccer team as champions of their respective MCC tournaments and NAIA national tournament contenders. Campus News: Ashford Saints Storm Nationals
Following the women’s soccer team’s victory in November 2010, Ashford University’s men’s basketball and women’s golf teams championed the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) Tournaments and earned places at the NAIA National Championships at the end of the 2010-2011 season.
Ashford’s Pete Tanzillo reaches great heights during 2010-2011 national championship play.
In the MCC Tournament Championship for men’s basketball, the third-seeded Saints claimed victory over the top-seeded Wesleyan College Tigers, securing the program’s second-ever automatic bid into the NAIA National Championship. “Our guys did a great job of doing all the right things on and off the court to make it happen,” Head Coach Oliver Drake explains. “Their ability to accept change is what allowed us to achieve our goal of going to nationals.” In March, the Saints traveled to Point Lookout, MO to play against the Bellevue University Bruins (Nebraska, ranked number four in the tournament). The Saints’ season came to an end after facing the Bruins, giving the Saints a school-record of 23 wins and only 11 losses. With an incredible season behind them, the team is now prepped for an even more promising 2011-2012 season, with all five starters returning. In fact, the team is only losing one player — Dustin Barker proudly joined the Ashford Alumni community last April with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Dustin played with the Saints for two years, and was a senior shooting guard last season. “It was really enjoyable to see the hard work of the players and the coaches pay off,” Dustin says, reflecting on his senior year. “I am really good friends with my teammates, and I’m excited to watch them play in a highly anticipated season next year.” The women’s golf team’s 2010-2011 season tells a similar story. After claiming early victories at the Iowa Wesleyan and Viterbo University Invitationals, they made their way to the Midwest Collegiate Conference tournament in April. Battling against the
Ashford Connections | Issue Three
rainy, windy, and snowy conditions of Eastern Iowa, the women showed tremendous determination, ultimately winning the crown and earning a place in the NAIA National Championship in Greeneville, TN for the first time in the team’s history. “I think we were the only ones who truly believed we could accomplish that goal,” said Jordan Davis, the team’s only graduating senior. “To actually conquer that goal as a team was a feeling I will never forget.” At the national tournament in May, the women proved their skill once again, finishing 20th overall. Their cumulative score (338) was only six strokes behind the school record. Jordan claimed the highest individual finish, tying for 61st overall. “It was definitely a bittersweet moment,” says Jordan. “When I came off that last green, it hit me that I was done competing in my college career.” Jordan graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing. And she wasn’t the only one saying goodbye — it was also Head Coach Josh Davis’ last tournament. “I love coaching this team,” Coach Davis says, but he found his schedule was simply too busy. “Golf season really takes up each weekend in the fall and spring, and I am also a father, a teacher, and a varsity basketball coach at Camanche High School. I felt that I had to give something up.” The current men’s golf head coach, Josh Heiple, will take his place. Coach Heiple played golf at the University of Northern Iowa, and has played in several professional tours. His plan for next year is to “build on the experiences that were gained at the National Tournament so that we can complete at an even higher level.” It’s clear that we can expect great things from the Saints in future years, and we’re just as excited to see where life takes our newest alumni, Dustin and Jordan.
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Keep in Touch
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Send Us Your Stories It is always exciting to hear what your fellow alumni are up to! Let’s hear your story! There are several different avenues for you to keep in touch: • Visit: www.ashford.edu/info/alumni/keepintouch.php, and submit your updates through an electronic form; • Attend one of our Alumni Networking events (register at ashford.edu/networkevents); • Email Ashford Connections directly at connections@ashford.edu; • Email Alumni Relations at alumnirelations@ashford.edu; or • Post on our Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity.
Class Notes Keep in Touch: Class News
Amanda Warren earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2009) and her Master of Public Administration (2011) from Ashford University, which prepared her for her next undertaking — she’s now pursing her Doctor of Public Administration at Capella University. “Ashford allowed me the opportunity to be a confident student and better person because of all the encouragement from my Academic Advisors, and has allowed so many doors to open in my career.” Kristina Heise, who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in 2010, has been awarded a 2011 Fund for Theological Education (FTE) Congressional Fellowship. Kristina is a Master of Divinity student at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. The fellowship provides a $1,000 - $5,000 award for tuition and living expenses, which will match the support from her nominating congregation. The Divinity Lutheran Church in Parma Heights, OH nominated Kristina, and she has received the full $5,000 award.
When John Stone received his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Ashford in 2009, he was offered a Vice President position at his company. In April 2011, he became an Ashford graduate again with his Master of Business Administration. “My MBA is opening many new doors. I’ve received numerous phone calls from companies and headhunters asking me to move to a new position in their firms. As of now, I’m sticking with what I know best, but if the right opportunity comes around, I may start a new career. It feels good to have the upper hand in the business world — now I get to decide where I work.” Adele Williams loves her job as a technical writer/publications coordinator, but was unable to move up in her company without a degree. Now that she’s completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies (2011) at Ashford University, the future looks bright. “So much has changed now that I have my degree — it substantiates my position at work, and will be a determining factor in my salary increase on my annual review. I feel that I have accomplished one of the big milestones of my life.”
Facebook Flashback Keep in Touch: Facebook Flashback
In addition to hearing your stories and celebrating your triumphs, Ashford University is working hard to create an online community for you to not only engage in, but also learn from. To this end, we post questions on our Facebook wall so you can respond. Read on to find what some of your colleagues in the Ashford community have to say. Join the Conversation! www.facebook.com/ ashforduniversity.
Who is your support system and how do they help you?
How will you celebrate becoming a college graduate?
Alan: “I have to say that my biggest support system is my family. They keep me motivated even when I truly feel like I just want to give up.”
Michael: “We will enjoy a nice dinner out and I will toast all of my graduating classmates on our individual accomplishments.”
Cathy: “For the most part it’s me and my own self-gratification that drives me to accomplish my educational goals. However, before my dad passed several years ago, his concern for me on his deathbed was for me to ‘do something with my education.’ During that time I hadn’t completed an undergraduate degree. Now I’m considering a doctoral program.” Cursenda: “My husband. He encourages me and pushes me when I feel like giving up. Then I look at my daughters and think a better education for me means a better life for them.”
Gloria: “I will be celebrating by attending my upcoming ceremony in October 2011. My kids will see their mom walk down the aisle as she receives her Master’s degree in Health Care Administration! Congrats to all of the class of 2011!” Denise: “I’ll celebrate my achievement by traveling to Jamaica in September and Miami in November. I’m beginning grad school in August and working with Dept of Homeland Security! Loving my life at the moment!” What do you do to get your creative juices flowing?
What’s your favorite way to relieve stress?
Karen: “I work on puzzles, anything that makes me have to use concentration and focus.”
Ashley: “It is good to be able to get some me time when I can. I like listening to music and I love to write as well. That is how I relieve stress.”
Sandra: “I play my guitar!”
Pamela: “I have several ways I relieve stress. Sometimes I just take some time to breathe. Other times I watch a funny show, play with my boys, or meditate for ten minutes. Then it’s back to work.”
Gwen: “I go and talk with the most creative people I know; that sets my mind in the right direction.” Charlene: “I have to read something related to the topic. Once I do that, I can pretty much get my groove back!”
Kayla: “I like to meditate if I’m really stressed. I also find walking my dogs helps. I get some fresh air, exercise, and great energy from my pups.” 18
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College of Business and Professional Studies Associate of Arts Business
College of Education Associate of Arts Early Childhood Education
Organizational Management
College of Health, Human Services, and Science Bachelor of Arts Adult Development Applied Behavioral Science
Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Arts
PROGRAMS
Complementary & Alternative Health
Business Education**
Gerontology
Accounting*
Child Development
Health & Human Services
Professional Accounting Program**
Cognitive Studies
Health & Wellness
Business Administration*
Early Childhood Education
Health Care Administration*
Business Economics
Early Childhood Education Administration
Health Care Studies
Business Information Systems*
Education & Public Policy
Health Education
Business Leadership*
Education Studies
Health Informatics
Computer Graphic Design**
Elementary Education (grades K-8)**
Health Marketing & Communication
Consumer & Family Financial Services
English Language Learner Studies
Natural Science**
eMarketing
Instructional Design
Psychology*
Entrepreneurship
Library Science & Media
Finance*
Physical Education**
Human Resources Management International Business
Graduate Degrees
Bachelor of Science Biology** Computer Science and Mathematics**
Operations Management & Analysis
Master of Arts in Education
Health Science Administration**
Organizational Management
Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology
Natural Science**
Project Management Public Administration
Graduate Degrees
Real Estate Studies
College of Liberal Arts
Service Management
Associate of Arts
Public Relations & Marketing*
Sports & Recreation Management*
Military Studies
Supply Chain Management Sustainable Enterprise Management Graduate Degrees Master of Arts in Organizational Management Master of Business Administration Master of Public Administration
Bachelor of Arts Applied Linguistics Communication Studies
Master of Arts in Health Care Administration *Offered on campus and online. **Offered on campus only. All other listed programs are offered online. For more information about on-time completion rates, the median loan debt of students who completed each program, and other important information, please visit ashford.edu/pd.
Cultural Anthropology English English and Communication** Environmental Studies* History* Homeland Security & Emergency Management Journalism & Mass Communication Law Enforcement Administration Liberal Arts* Military Studies Political Science & Government Social & Criminal Justice* Social Science* Sociology* Visual Art**
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We hope you enjoyed this edition of Ashford Connections! We welcome your feedback — please send any comments or suggestions to: connections@ashford.edu. 19
AROUND THE CAMPUS
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Save the Date! Ashford University Student & Alumni Networking Events may be coming to a city near you. Be sure to visit ashford.edu/networkevents for specific dates and to RSVP. Please also visit ashford.edu/alumni and update your contact information so you can receive information on all alumni events and benefits.
November 2011
December 2011
1 Brooklyn, NY
None scheduled
2 Boston, MA
January 2012 25 San Diego, CA 28 San Antonio, TX
11 Denver, CO
February 2012
March 2012
April 2012
17 Houston, TX
28 Columbus, OH
13 Norfolk, VA
18 Dallas, TX
30 Indianapolis, IN
18 St. Louis, MO
31 Chicago, IL 1 1 a UAL0 6 7 2 • AC -0 2 5 5
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