Ashford Connections : issue 05

Inside This Issue

ASHFORD CONNECTIONS

AU Alumni Magazine

04/ TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING Ashford is letting the world know what we stand for.

10/ 17/

MY COMMENCEMENT DAY

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SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER

A 2012 graduate shares her experience.

ASHFORD GIVES BACK Students and alumni participate in Make a Difference Day. A Facebook photo submission proves “The World is Your Campus.”

ISSUE 05 / Fall 2012

DREAM JOBS 05/ 2012 GREAT Award winner

Debra Stewart is among the many Ashford students and alumni using their education to achieve their career dreams.

12/ Ashford’s Career Services Helping make dream jobs a reality for many Ashford alumni.

14/ Campus News An athletics season recap and the scoop on Optional Practical Training.

16/ Faculty Spotlight Recent accomplishments of Ashford faculty members.

CONTENTS / AU Alumni Magazine

ISSUE

05

BELOW LEFT: Current Ashford student Marquitta Tracy attended April’s commencement to support her husband Gary Tracy, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, Education concentration, 2012.

BELOW RIGHT: Graduate Beverly Bynum, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration, 2010 and Master of Arts in Organizational Management, Health Care Administration specialization, 2011, is an entrepreneur and children’s book author.

Fall 2012

CONTENTS

ACHIEVEMENT

BELONGS

LETTER 03/ WELCOME

by Andrew Shean

TO ALL OF US

12/ ASHFORD’S

CAREER SERVICES

Alumni are making use of Ashford’s Career Services to land their dream jobs, while employers utilize the Hire A Champ program to attract qualified Ashford alumni.

04/ TECHNOLOGY

CHANGES EVERYTHING

Ashford University has embarked on its first-ever national advertising campaign, letting the world know who we are and what we stand for.

14/ STUDENT ATHLETES COLLECT ACADEMIC HARDWARE

05/ WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?

by Chris Shaw 2011-12 was another ground-shaking year for the Ashford University Athletic Department, not only outside of the classroom, but inside as well.

No matter what your current job may be, it’s important to stay focused on your passions and goals. Here’s how!

06/ DREAM JOBS /

THE ENTREPRENEURS

FAR WILL YOU GO? 15/ HOW

by Mandy Aldridge

At Ashford’s Iowa campus, Optional Practical Training gives some international students the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience.

Debra Stewart started Picture Yourself Stronger, Yolanda Grant opened Y Grant Consultants, and Wayne Shems helped launch M2 Renewables.

SHOP FOR APPAREL • ALUMNI ACCESSORIES • SALE ITEMS

08/ DREAM JOBS /

THE POLITICIANS

ASHFORD.EDU/GEAR-SHOP

Jeffrey Lehart and Denise Bacon are hot on the campaign trail in an effort to make a real difference in their communities.

12AUAL1295 • AC-0255 • PRINTED 8/12

09/ DREAM JOBS /

ASHFORD CONNECTIONS IS PUBLISHED SEMI-ANNUALLY BY ALUMNI RELATIONS.

Editor: Lorelei Meetze 2AUAL1295 AU Connections Gear Shop AdPlotczyk Issue 5 Fall 2012.indd 1

7/31/12 9:57 AM

Art Director: David Dickey Contributors: Andrew Shean, Doug Downing, Michael Mussman, Ian Foster, Ron Gaschler, Larry Libberton, Lizzie Wann, Leonard Pollard, Kelly Cisek, Sarah Bilyeu, Tamara Small, Vanessa Schoenherr, Joseph Allen, Mandy Aldridge, Jay “Jaybird” Conner, Chris Shaw, Maria Jackeline Pena-Cavallini Designers: Brent Field, Jesse Caverly Print & Mail Production: Jason Mandell

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SPOTLIGHT 16/ FACULTY A recap of just a few of the many

accomplishments and awards recently bestowed to Ashford faculty members.

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THE CREATIVES

Singer songwriter Josh Damigo releases his sophomore album while Aaron Powell pens a novel.

MY COMMENCEMENT DAY

by Vanessa Schoenherr Ashford University’s first Make a Difference Day. Plus: Operation Care Package.

18/ CLASS NOTES /

SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER

by Maria Jackeline Pena-Cavallini One graduate reflects on the Ashford experience in her own words. Plus: A gallery of images from the event.

Learn what recent graduates are up to, and check out this month’s featured Facebook photo submission from active Army student John Hrachovina.

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ASHFORD COMMUNITY GIVES BACK

PROGRAM LIST

Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

/ WELCOME LETTER

ANDREW SHEAN Executive Dean of the College of Education Welcome Letter: Andrew Shean

Dear Ashford students and alumni, Welcome to this issue of Ashford Connections!

It is a true honor to serve as Executive Dean for our College of Education. In this position, I am responsible for academic, curricular, and cocurricular policies, as well as the academic programs, within all of Ashford’s online degree programs in Education.

You may have recently seen Ashford’s new advertising campaign to bring greater awareness about who we are and what we do. (Check out one example when you turn this page.) One of the mantras is “Technology Changes Everything.” It really does!

I saw this firsthand when, before joining Ashford, I served as the leader of online learning at Poway Unified School District in Poway, CA. We developed an online program aimed at helping students who had dropped out of high school return to school.

Many of these students came from disadvantaged homes and had to work full-time jobs to support their families. By combining the power of technology with some creative thinking, we brought education to them. Since then, the school district’s dropout rate decreased to 1.9% – a phenomenal achievement.

However, this new model of schooling did not come without challenges. There were a lot of hurdles to overcome in order for people to understand how this new medium could help many students realize their dreams.

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

I continue to pursue this disruptive innovation in my role at Ashford; I am committed to creating opportunities for people to pursue higher education.

Technology enables us to provide rich and robust educational experiences for traditional students as well as adult learners. We, at Ashford University, are leading the way in online learning. The future is limitless. We have the potential to transform lives and prove that knowledge truly is everywhere, for everyone. That is why we remain dedicated to our mission – to define the modern college experience and make dreams a reality for those who want to seize it.

And we can, because technology changes everything.

Sincerely,

Andrew Shean Executive Dean of the College of Education Ashford University

Technology enables us to provide rich and robust educational experiences for traditional students as well as adult learners.

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TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING / AU Alumni Magazine

NATIONAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN DEBUTS ASHFORD UNIVERSITY HAS embarked on its first-ever national advertising campaign, to the delight of members of our community everywhere who have noticed the television commercials and print ads.

We are letting the world know who we are and what we stand for. Our message is simple: technology changes everything.

AS YOU YOURSELF MAY have experienced at Ashford, we are harnessing technologies to deliver engaging curricula in a progressive way. We have developed proprietary learning platforms that connect our students to a vibrant learning community, but most importantly, to a place where they can feel they belong.

NOT ONLY DOES ASHFORD provide online courses, we keep evolving new tools for our students like Constellation and the mobile applications.

And we will continue to evolve so that our current and future students can connect to their studies and to each other.

TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING. TM

DOWNLOAD THE JUNAIO™

APP AND SCAN

EACH FACE TO SEE HOW.

TECHNOLOGY HAS ALREADY transformed so many areas of your life as an Ashford student or alumnus. How has earning or pursuing your degree changed you? Let us know at connections@ashford.edu. //

I T ’ S C H A N G E D T H E WAY W E R E A D B O O K S , L E A R N S PA N I S H , F I N D LOV E .

W H AT I F T E C H N O LO GY C O U L D C H A N G E T H E WAY YO U E A R N YO U R C O L L E G E D E G R E E ?

W H AT I F YO U C O U L D F I N D A WAY TO AC C E S S K N OW L E D G E , G R OW T H A N D S U C C E S S ?

T H AT WO U L D C H A N G E E V E R Y T H I N G .

T H AT WO U L D C H A N G E YO U .

A S H F O R D. E D U / B E LO N G

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COPYRIGHT © 2012 ASHFORD UNIVERSITY 4 0 0 N O R T H B L U F F B LV D. C L I N TO N , I A 5 2 7 3 2 AC - 0 2 5 5

Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

/ DREAM JOBS

We all want to leave a lasting mark, invent something new, shape our industry, or leave a legacy. Here’s how!

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB? Unless you’re a multi-billionaire, chances are you probably daydream about your ideal career path.

But dream jobs don’t usually happen overnight. It typically takes a long time and a lot of work to build a great career. If you are committed to finding the job of your dreams, it helps to define what a perfect job looks like – not only in dreams, but in reality. You can start by identifying the specifics of your most satisfying and rewarding career.

Maybe you want to work with people you respect and who challenge you to do your best. Don’t expect to encounter them suddenly in your first interview!

Instead, you have to build those close relationships over time. Partnership and collaboration can make almost any job rewarding and fun.

Perhaps you’re the artistic type, like The Creatives on page 9. Maybe a cool work environment would help unleash that side of you. Do you fantasize about a foosball table in the break room? What color would you paint your office walls? If your company won’t let you to decorate the office to your taste, try beginning with your cubicle or desk. If you have some extra space, see if you can persuade upper management to let you designate a “chill room” that you and your team can decorate freely.

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

For some people, the ideal career is one that includes a lot of travel. If your current job keeps you planted in one place, consider searching for conferences, seminars, and networking events that are relevant to your industry. A three-day industry convention can give you a perfect reason to get out of town, experience another city, and learn valuable lessons to take back to the office. Of course, the opposite may be true for you, especially if you seek a healthy balance between life and work. You could explore opportunities closer to home by working or volunteering in your own neighborhood. The Politicians on page 8 are a good example of people making a difference in their communities.

For some people, the goal is to earn more money. But those same people often undervalue themselves, or they are afraid to request the kind of compensation they deserve. If you’re relatively new to the workforce, or if you’ve never negotiated your salary, there are resources available to you. Do some research and find out how much people in your field typically earn.

Find a professional coach or a mentor. Most of all, remember that your income does not represent how many degrees you hold or how long you’ve worked.

It should be a reflection of the value you provide to your workplace. A generous salary can be yours, if you know what your work is worth.

Others want a big-sounding job title. Who wouldn’t love to have their title begin with “Chief” and end with “Officer”? If this is your goal, keep in mind that positions like these will give you the power to make decisions and influence the world around you. You must have the desire and the drive to make your work matter. It’s true that titles like these usually come with a generous salary, but remember that when you truly love what you do, the title and salary hardly matter. The Entrepreneurs on page 6 have managed to find a way to make money doing what they love.

To sum up, a big salary, lots of travel, and cool coworkers – all of these make work more enjoyable.

But what really makes your job the job of your dreams is the sense of accomplishment and having done something valuable that contributes to others.

We all want to leave a lasting mark, invent something new, shape our industry, or leave a legacy. No matter what your current job may be, these lasting accomplishments are available to you.

Turn the page for inspiring stories of how some of your fellow Ashford alumni are following their passions right now!

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DREAM JOBS / AU Alumni Magazine

THE ENTREPRENEURS Ashford alumni start companies in green technology, grantwriting consulting, and elderly health services.

DEBRA STEWART

Owner, Picture Yourself Stronger

On March 7, 2012, the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) awarded its highest graduate achievement honor to Debra: the Graduate Recognition for Excellence, Achievement, and Talent (GREAT) Award. This honor is given annually to several graduates who have excelled academically, shown extraordinary talent in their field, and overcome odds to achieve their personal dreams. Debra was a clear choice.

To receive her award, she traveled to Washington, DC (pictured below) for the ceremony event on Capitol Hill, where she met members of Congress and their staff. “I feel very honored and very blessed, and yet very motivated to continue my path,” she said, “not so much for reward basis, but hopefully to motivate others.”

With Debra’s seemingly endless supply of ambition and talent, it is safe to say that she will continue to do so. Upon handing her the GREAT Award, Ashford’s Director of Student Affairs Joseph Allen put it well when he said, “We all have only 24 hours in a day, and to see somebody utilize those hours the way she has is phenomenal.” //

Master of Business Administration, 2007 Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, 2009

Going back to school to finish a Bachelor’s degree is no small accomplishment for anyone, especially for someone in her 50s. But for Debra Stewart, of Laura OH, it was only the beginning.

Debra, 56, went on to earn two Master’s degrees from Ashford University – a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology – and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Psychology program online at University of the Rockies, once again doubling up with Educational Leadership and Health and Wellness Psychology specializations.

With more than 15 years experience in the health care industry, Debra’s Ashford degrees prompted a promotion to Director of Wellness at her workplace, a senior living community called St. Leonard. She then facilitated the organization as the first Vital Life Community in the nation, and also wrote a book, “Learning Styles Inventory Tool,” to help caregivers communicate with individuals who have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Debra also teaches for Sinclair Community College and serves on the advisory boards of Mental Health Technology and Vital Nation. On top of this, she is a Master Instructor of Tae Kwon Do, a Tai Chi instructor for seniors, and a yoga instructor.

Think we’re done? Not quite. Debra has somehow found the time to flex her entrepreneurial muscles by starting her own company, called Picture Yourself Stronger, providing education for seniors concerning quality of life and personal wellness. The service helps seniors strategically plan their lifelong wellness by designing individual tools for self-assessment, self-coaching, and motivation.

Motivation is certainly something Debra has no lack of, perhaps as a result of the obstacles she has overcome throughout her life. Born an orphan on a Native American reservation, her education took a backseat to raising children after she married and started a family of her own. Then, with her children grown, she was finally ready to go back to school when her husband developed heart problems and dementia. Despite becoming his caregiver, she enrolled at Ashford and managed to fit in, and excel at, her online courses. Her husband passed away in March 2011, but Debra’s goals have not waivered.

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Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

YOLANDA GRANT CEO, Y Grant Consultants

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, 2011 Master of Business Administration, Public Administration specialization

/ DREAM JOBS

Yolanda Grant, 48, always wanted to be involved in helping people. Noticing a growing need amongst businesses in her community, she dreamed of one day consulting and assisting them in writing grants. But, forced to go on what she thought was permanent disability for health reasons, she thought she’d never work again. And although she loved writing, she admits, “I never thought I was capable of earning more than a C in any of my English or writing courses.”

Despite that fear, this Tarboro, NC native enrolled in Ashford University’s Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program in 2009. There, all it took was one instructor’s encouraging attitude. “The only thing holding me back before that was my writing skills.” In 2010, “thanks to Ashford and all my other marketing, finance, and business classes,” she achieved her dream of opening a grant-writing business.

As CEO of Y Grant Consultants, along with her staff of two, Yolanda helps nonprofit and faith-based businesses and organizations in the community figure out what resources are available to them. They offer a full range of services and conduct seminars. “My business became successful overnight when the local newspaper wrote a front-page article about my business. I owe it all to Ashford and their wonderful, passionate instructors.”

Yolanda is now pursuing her Master of Business Administration with a Public Administration specialization. She plans to open more offices to cover a larger area of Eastern North Carolina. “I am now off of disability and making more money than I ever dreamed of.” //

WAYNE SHEMS

Project Manager & Senior Technician, M2 Renewables Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, 2012

“I’m 61 years old, and this is a great day for me!” says Wayne Shems at Ashford’s April 2012 commencement ceremony, after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management. He admits to previously “just kind of flowing with life in many ways.” But Ashford changed that. “It’s given me a lot more confidence in light of this economy. I feel a lot more secure in the fact that I can move in the job market.”

With this newfound focus, Wayne has helped launch a private equity-funded green technology company called M2 Renewables, where he serves as Project Manager and Senior Technician of the company’s MicroScreen Demonstration System.

“We convert waste into energy, and I demonstrate that technology to prospective clients, both industrial and municipal companies,” he explains proudly. “I believe my degree will come into play as we continue to progress and evolve,” he says, noting that his courses have greatly enhanced his verbal and written communication skills.

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

Photo by Dan Videtich

With a passion for everything green, he pointed out that online learning is ecofriendly, since there is no commuting to class or shipping of physical books, which saves fuel, CO2 emissions, and trees!

Technology is another aspect that Wayne enjoyed about Ashford, because he is usually on the road traveling with business. “I did my coursework in hotels and airports and job sites,” he says. “I use technology constantly. I’ve embraced it, and it’s very key to our company’s growth and success. All of our communications, conference calls, reports, email, chats, cell phones, exchanging photos, movies, the Internet… you have the whole world at your fingertips at any moment.” //

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DREAM JOBS / AU Alumni Magazine

THE POLITICIANS

Photo by A & G Photography

Two current Ashford students are completing their online coursework from the campaign trail.

DENISE BACON

City Council Member & Aspiring County Commissioner Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government

Ashford student Denise Bacon, 44, ran for the Newberg, OR city council to help others in her town actively express their concerns. But after winning a seat, she realized a Bachelor’s degree would give her a greater understanding of various issues and better serve her community. She just didn’t know how university classes could fit in with her busy schedule. Thankfully, she found Ashford. “The way that the program is set up, the use of all the great technology that we have today, and the ability I have to work around my schedule are the only reasons that I was able to even think about going back to school.”

She took right to Ashford’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government online degree program, even adding minors in Social and Criminal Justice and Public Administration. These were exactly the focuses she was looking for. And attending Ashford had an almost immediate benefit. “The biggest payoff was when our local newspaper endorsed me over another qualified member because my current course of study would be helpful in my service to the community.”

The newspaper’s announcement was an example of how people in the community appreciate her education. Best of all, she knows that it meant they felt safe trusting her leadership. “The degree helps people to feel comfortable with me and to know that I have the knowledge and expertise needed to move the county forward.”

Denise, who plans to graduate from Ashford in March 2013, is now looking forward to even bigger opportunities to help her community, as she is now running for Yamhill County Commissioner. Follow her progress at denisebacon.com. //

JEFFREY LEHART

Automotive Parts Quality Specialist & Aspiring State Representative Master of Business Administration, Organizational Leadership specialization

Jeffrey Lehart, 44, of Galion, OH, has a mind for the future. A dedicated father of two girls and lifelong factory worker, he believes education is the way to inspire his family and improve his skills.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree, he decided he wanted to run for State Representative of District 87 in Ohio to work with leaders to stimulate the local economy, and also to start on the path to becoming a college professor. He knew a Master of Business Administration would help make it all possible, but with a heavy workload and busy family schedule, Jeffrey needed a non-traditional option. After checking out more than 30 colleges, he decided on Ashford, naming its accelerated program, quality, and affordability as reasons for his decision.

Even with his tight schedule, Jeffrey has found that Ashford’s online platform works perfectly for him. He can bring questions to his professors’ attention at any time, and they have been happy to provide careful answers. “When I have questions, they are quick to answer them accurately and explain things in great detail.” And due to pursuing his Master’s degree, he went from being Project Supervisor at his previous company to Parts Quality Specialist for Cardington Yutaka Technology, where he handles all purchased automobile parts for several suppliers in various countries.

Jeffrey, who plans to graduate from Ashford in January 2013, is now realizing his goal of running for State Representative with the help of his wife, Angela (pictured above with the couple’s two daughters). He is also looking forward to teaching one day, “Personally, pursuing my MBA gives me a great deal of satisfaction, and I believe professionally it will open a lot more doors for bigger opportunities and better pay. I feel that my life is in transition, and once I attain the MBA it will change for the better.” Follow Jeffrey’s campaign at jeffreylehart.com. //

Photo by Carolyn Wells-Kramer/CWK Photography

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Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

THE CREATIVES

/ DREAM JOBS

Photo by Daniel Chin

A recording artist and a published author prove that an Ashford education can help make creative dreams a reality.

JOSH DAMIGO

Singer/Songwriter & Recording Artist Master of Arts in Organizational Management, 2010

For independent singer/songwriter Josh Damigo, going back to school was a no-brainer. “I knew that if I wanted to stand a chance in this crazy music industry, I would need to know as much as the record label executives knew.” But because of his hectic touring schedule, Josh quickly realized that studying in a traditional classroom setting would prove to be a challenge. “I needed a school that could use the same technology I was using on the road,” he explains.

Ashford University provided the perfect combination of advanced technology and flexibility necessary for the busy singer to pursue his Master of Arts in Organizational Management degree online.

“I can’t tell you how great it was to finish a gig, sell a few albums, then turn in a 10-page paper on Business Law.”

Josh says he was empowered by his teachers at Ashford, who encouraged him to write about his passion for music and his current career. “When people learn that you’re a musician, they often look down on you, but nobody did that at Ashford,” he shares. “My goals were as important as any of my other classmates, and being taken seriously as an artist in the online classrooms was the first step to being taken seriously as an artist in the outside world.”

The faculty and staff members at Ashford definitely took him seriously as an artist, giving Josh the honor of singing the National Anthem in front of more than 2,000 of his fellow students and their families at the Clinton, IA graduation ceremony in 2010. Since then, Josh has had the opportunity to open for famous acts

including Jason Mraz, the Zac Brown Band, Shawn Colvin, and Shawn Mullins.

The 28-year-old singer credits his Master’s program for taking his career to the next level. “In the music business, there is no HR department, so the tools I learned in Organizational Management [have helped me] protect myself from bad [business deals]. I see every opportunity through the eyes of an executive, rather than an over-ambitious amateur musician…

I’d say that Ashford is responsible for making me a rock star!”

Josh released his sophomore album, Hope, in July 2012. Find upcoming tour dates and listen to his music online at joshdamigo.com. //

AARON B. POWELL Novelist

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, 2011

Although Aaron tried to write a few pages of a novel while deployed to Iraq with the Marine Corps, he cites his experience at Ashford as truly preparing him for his new life as a book author. “The online experience I had with Ashford was wonderful. It was writing-intensive, and I think that really sparked my love of writing. As a result, my critical thinking and writing abilities have been greatly strengthened.”

Photo by Brandi Lacey

Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps when he decided to return to college, 33-year-old Aaron B. Powell knew he needed an online institution with a solid reputation if he was to commit to going back to school. “I’m something of a lifelong student,” says Aaron, who lists an Associate of Science, a BA in Criminal Justice and a BA in Business Administration (from Ashford University) among his educational accolades.

Aaron, pictured at left with his wife and son, notes that there are more similarities than differences between his new career path and being a full-time student.

“You really need to be self-motivated, set a goal, and just follow through with it.

It’s the same with online education and writing a novel – when you start it seems overwhelming. But before you know it, you’ve completed a few classes or a few pages, and finally you have a degree or a novel. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing.”

Doomsday Diaries and Powell’s second novel, C-Town, are both available for purchase through amazon.com. //

And as of June 2012, Aaron can add “published author” to his list of accomplishments. Doomsday Diaries, his first book in a five-part fiction series, follows a young boy named Luke – named after Powell’s own son – on his journey through a post-apocalyptic world. “I literally just woke up one morning and my brain was oozing with this story.”

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

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COMMENCEMENT /

AU Alumni Magazine

MY COMMENCEMENT DAY Commencement: By Maria Jackeline Pena-Cavallini, Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, 2012

Every one of the estimated 1,600 graduates who attended Ashford’s spring 2012 commencement ceremony has their own unique journey that got them to their graduation day. Below is the perspective of Maria “Jackie” Jackeline Pena-Cavallini.

I am 34 years old, originally from Lima, Peru, and have been residing in New Jersey since 1994. One of the main reasons my family chose to venture from Peru to New Jersey was for my brother and I to pursue our education, regardless of our financial difficulties.

With the little English learned in my two high school years, I earned a degree in communications at my local community college and began to work as a preschool’s bilingual family worker. This experience gave me the opportunity to give back, the same way someone had helped me when I entered high school.

From that day on, I told myself I would go back to school to study education. Life is full of challenges and I had my share of excuses, but one day I finally decided to start looking for schools that accommodated my schedule. Since I worked full-time, I needed a different kind of school – not the typical classroom setting. I searched and compared courses, tuition, and student reviews, and Ashford came out on top.

My first online course (ten years after my last college course!) was a little scary, but my advisors went above and beyond helping me with any questions I had. The instructors offered challenging classes and positive and constructive criticism, and the discussions felt like a forum where colleagues were speaking.

My graduation day soon arrived, and I flew to Iowa for the April ceremony with my father. My whole family in Peru and my friends in New Jersey watched the ceremony streaming online. I graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda and the Golden Key International Honour Society. It was an experience I will never forget. A severe storm cancelled the previous day’s planned events, but even the weather couldn’t stop my happiness. My mom said she saw me on the computer nine times and my 4-year-old goddaughter was excited to see her “Titi Jackie.” They were both crying and answering all the calls from my boyfriend, my father watching from the bleachers, and my family in Peru.

Leonella Lomeli (left) and Jackie Pena-Cavallini (right) met at Ashford’s April 2012 commencement ceremony and have maintained their friendship on Facebook.

I met Leonella, who is in this photo with me, while waiting before the procession. I asked her to take a picture, and then we realized we were both Hispanics and had an instant connection. We sat together during the ceremony and met each other’s families before leaving.

Graduating from Ashford has already been opening employment opportunities; I can apply for jobs I previously did not qualify for, and I am already taking exams for some positions. It is very exciting.

The education I received at Ashford has given me educational and professional confidence. I am able to converse with others utilizing what I learned, and I have the educational backup to validate my expertise.

And now, when I help my friends and family with their children, I no longer have just personal opinions, but professional ones.

Now I know with certainty that one has to prioritize education even through all of life’s challenges. While going to school, I had several medical emergencies, but gathered all the strength I had to continue. Other challenges came when friends and family members did not understand when I could not attend a party or reunion because I needed to write an assignment. But even when it meant not sleeping, it all has proven to be worth the sacrifices.

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I am happy to say that others are now following in my footsteps by looking to attend schools online and achieve their own educational goals. It makes me very proud to be an inspiration as others were for me in the past. Now it is time to rest, but not for long; I am looking forward to starting my Master’s program soon. Who knows – maybe one day I will be the first in my family to have a “Dr.” before my last name.

Ashford has given me the chance to reach for all my dreams and goals. Ashford made it possible for an immigrant from Peru to have graduated Summa Cum Laude and make all her family’s sacrifices worth it to fulfill the American Dream. But my story continues. It is just the beginning!

Update: Just before this issue went to press, Jackie contacted us with some good news. “I wanted to share with you that because of my Bachelor’s degree, I have now landed a job with the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce. I am very happy about it and I start working tomorrow! It is great to see this promotion came to reality because of my degree at Ashford.”

Congratulations, Jackie! //

Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

/ COMMENCEMENT

PHOTO GALLERY The Pringles Active military Kenleen Pringle (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 2012) and Peter Pringle (Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, 2012) attended the ceremony with all six of their children, ranging in ages from six to 13! “With being in the military and all the things that we have going on,” said Peter, “being able to take these classes and use the technology at hand has certainly helped us.” The Pringles, from left to right: Peter Jr., Kenneth, Kenleen, Miya, Matthew, Justin, Josiah, and Peter Sr.

Sekou Andrews The commencement speech was given by awardwinning poetic voice Sekou Andrews. When asked how he feels technology is impacting us all, he replied, “Technology is changing the world around us probably faster than I can answer this question!” Visit Ashford’s YouTube channel to watch an inspiring video called Ashford University: Find Your Voice! Spring 2012 Commencement featuring footage of the ceremony set to his motivating words.

The Infamous Five Current and former Ashford students Cynthia Tomei, Paulisa Laughlin, Holly Schwieger-Hoak, Janet Redmond, and Tina Leonard met during a travel studies course to Joplin, MO and have been inseparable ever since! They all attended the ceremony to support Holly, Bachelor of Arts in English, 2012. Paulisa explained, “Holly, the first to graduate, will pen a note and date of graduation in the inside of the cap and gown, then send it to the next grad, and so on. Sisterhood of the traveling cap and gown!”

Monica Lukas Spanish teacher Monica Lukas, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, Education concentration, 2009 and Master of Arts in Education, English Language Leaners specialization, 2012 sang the National Anthem in front of thousands at the ceremony after winning a contest on Ashford’s Facebook page. She was thrilled to be earning her graduate degree, explaining, “Right now it’s even harder to get teaching positions unless you are holding a Master’s degree.”

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

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CAREER SERVICES SPOTLIGHT /

AU Alumni Magazine

ASHFORD’S CAREER SERVICES Spotlight: Ashford’s Career Services

How do you make your dream job a reality? Finishing a degree program will get you the knowledge that sets you apart. But while the dream job becomes visible with a degree, a reliable support group can make it real.

Enter Ashford University’s Career Services team. They provide assistance to students and alumni with webinars, mock interviews, networking tips, and more.

Ashford alum Carol Everett, Bachelor of Arts in Psycholog y, 2010 and Master of Arts in Organizational Management, Supply Chain Management specialization, 2012, saw clearly where she wanted to be. With her Ashford degrees, she was prepared to transform her printing background into a new position, ideally one close to her home. She was looking forward to the perfect work-life balance, and it just so happened that there was an opening for Lead Project Coordinator at a FedEx Office only a mile from her home. The position had everything she was looking for, but she wasn’t sure if her resume would capture her skills.

It was the perfect moment to turn to her alma mater’s Career Services for assistance. “I had been looking for ways to improve my extensive resume when I received an invitation from Ashford to attend a free-to-alumni webinar on ‘How to Create the Perfect Resume.’ Perfect timing!” After watching the webinar, the changes her resume needed became clear.

When Career Services staff reached out to see which of the other services they could provide her, the news they received back was very exciting.

The webinar alone had provided just the right information to make edits to her resume and give her confidence at the interview, and she had already applied for and been offered the job at Fed Ex. She reported back,

“Thanks to Ashford’s Resume Seminar, I have finally landed my dream job. Ashford rocks!”

Career and Alumni Services Specialist Carol Vaughan and Ashford’s St. Bernard mascot Champ welcome Ashford students and alumni to a recent networking event.

Other feedback recently received by the team includes an alum who scheduled a last-minute mock interview in preparation for a real one, who also landed the job, and a recent Nav y retiree who used feedback from the team to revise a resume that previously hadn’t needed updating in 20 years. He is now able to apply for jobs with confidence.

If you need that extra push to get your resume updated, to practice your interviewing skills, or to find assistance is your job search, be sure to visit ashford.edu/careerservices. You might be our next success story! //

“As a result of the revisions I already made, thanks to Ashford’s Resume Seminar, I have finally landed my dream job. Ashford rocks!”

Another recent success story includes Katrina Hart, currently earning her Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration, who contacted Career Services in preparation for an interview to be a pharmacy technician.

Despite five years of experience, she was concerned her young age would be an issue. After an Ashford Career Specialist reviewed her resume and provided detailed feedback, Katrina rewrote it and shined during a grueling five-hour interview – and she got the job!

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Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

/ CAREER SERVICES SPOTLIGHT

HIRING ASHFORD ALUMNI Spotlight: Ashford’s “Hire a Champ” program

While Carol and Katrina were assisted by Career Services to make their dream jobs real, Ashford also has a program designed specifically for employers called Hire a Champ (named after Ashford’s loveable St. Bernard mascot).

In this program, employers around the United States are introduced to Ashford University’s diverse talent pool of experienced graduates.

Employers can post career and internship opportunities online for Ashford students and graduates, and they can also set up networking events, including career fairs, to attract them.

“I was very happy with the assistance provided through Hire A Champ,” says Stephanie Williams of the security services company ADT. “We had solid candidates to interview and were able to make offers to solid hires from our Career

Fair utilizing Ashford University Students and Alumni. The students have proven to be highly successful within our company.”

Perhaps the most inspiring result of the Hire a Champ program is that Ashford alumni are reaching out to inform their own employers’ HR departments of this ser vice. They do so because, as Ashford alumni, they know first hand that the work ethic, determination, and diversit y of non-traditional adult learners are often sought-after qualities for employers.

They have seen what can be accomplished with an Ashford degree, and now they want to help make other’s dreams real as well. Hire a Champ makes it possible.

Whether you’re a potential employer or employee, visit hireachamp.com to get involved! //

Ashford’s Career Services include: • Job Search and Resume Builder Tool • Career-related webinars (interviewing, resume writing, and more) • Assistance with writing resumes • Advice on searching for careers • Interview preparation and coaching • Career and major exploration • Online personality assessments • Regional student and alumni networking events

To get started, visit ashford.edu/careerservices.

HIRE A

CHAMP Support fellow AU alum by referring your company’s HR department to hireachamp.com.

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

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CAMPUS NEWS /

AU Alumni Magazine

STUDENT ATHLETES COLLECT ACADEMIC HARDWARE Campus News: By Chris Shaw, Sports Information Director

Not to be outdone, six individuals from the AU men’s basketball team landed on the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) Honors Court following the 2011-12 academic year. Seniors Peter Tanzillo, Devin Ehrich, Javier Valdez, and Mitch Jankowski, along with juniors Vesteinn Sveinsson and Joseph Lightfoot III, were listed among the association’s register made up of student athletes from the NAIA and all three divisions of NCAA men’s basketball.

Head Coach Chad Fenwick and the AU men’s and women’s tennis teams, along with six individuals, also made their appearance on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Teams and Scholar-Athletes award lists.

The AU men’s team was one of 17 programs to garner ITA All-Academic Team accolades, while the women’s team joined 20 other teams from around the NAIA on the association’s list. In addition, men’s tennis student athletes Jake Dunn and Moises Hernandez joined women’s tennis players Anastasia Dabiza, Andreina Guedez, Theresa Stumpf, and Sara Vach as ITA Scholar-Athletes for the 2011-12 academic season.

Ashford’s 2011-12 Women’s Golf team had the highest team GPA. Pictured counterclockwise from left are Head Coach Josh Heiple, Katelyn Gille, Haley Knutti, Felicia Scott, Graduate Assistant Coach Jordan Davis, Megan Wagner, Brittany Boon, Alanna Harris, and Courtney Gieseman.

The 2011-12 academic year was once again another ground-shaking one for the Ashford University Athletic Department, not only outside of the classroom, but inside as well.

In July, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) awarded all 15 eligible AU teams with the NAIA Scholar-Team Award, tying for the secondmost programs honored by one school. Every Ashford sport except bowling, not an NAIA championship sport, landed on the list. In order for a team to be considered for the NAIA Scholar-Team Award, it must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the institution and must include all varsity student-athletes certified as eligible. Women’s soccer had the top team grade point average while women’s golf and men’s basketball rounded out the top three.

Prior to the NAIA announcement, the Saints grabbed 136 nominations for the Midwest Collegiate Conference All-Academic Team when the league announced the award in June. Ashford student athletes totaled just over 15% (136 of the 890 total of the honorees on the list) and set a new school record, besting the 95 members it put on the award list during the 2010-11 school year.

Continuing the academic trend, four Ashford University athletic teams were honored by their respective coaching and governing organizations during the summer months as well, including both basketball and tennis teams.

Ashford compiled a total of 21 recipients of the Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete Award, which is given on three separate occasions throughout the athletic year.

In order to be nominated, a student athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status to qualify for this honor. The AU 2011-12 recipients are listed below.

Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete Award Winners FALL 2011 Ray Rivera (Men’s Cross Country), Stephanie Spencer (Women’s Soccer), Mackenzie Mueller (Women’s Soccer), Michelle Safatle (Women’s Soccer) Nick De Backer (Men’s Soccer), Rafael Machado (Men’s Soccer), Michael Handley (Men’s Soccer), and Willy Kappie (Men’s Soccer)

WINTER 2012 Javier Valdez (Men’s Basketball), Devin Ehrich (Men’s Basketball) and Kathryn Voss (Women’s Basketball)

SPRING 2012 Megan Wagner (Women’s Golf), Nicole Woodard (Softball), Ashley Schuerr (Softball), Tim Elias (Baseball), Rafael Ordaz (Baseball), Joe Dashek (Baseball), Michael Bruns (Baseball), Christian Awah (Men’s Track and Field), Justin Ludwikowski (Men’s Track and Field) and Heather Ketcham (Women’s Track and Field).

Congratulations to the Saints on another fantastic season in athletics and academics! //

The Ashford University women’s basketball team made its return to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll for the first time since the 2004-05 season. Head Coach Amy Eagan and her Saints compiled a grade point average (GPA) of 3.417, ranking the team 15th nationally among all NAIA institutions.

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Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

/ CAMPUS NEWS

HOW FAR WILL YOU GO? Optional Practical Training Campus News: By Mandy Aldridge, Registrar Advisor and Designated School Official

Anyone recently on the second f loor of St. Clare Hall at Ashford University’s campus in Clinton, IA has been sure to notice a colorful bulletin board that highlights the thriving population of international students on campus. Along with an increased cultural diversity, these students bring a multi-cultural perspective to the Ashford campus.

Ashford’s campus is approved by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to host full-time students from around the globe who choose to study on an F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant study visa for full-time academic students. As it is not an employment-based visa, the ability to work and earn money under it is very limited and highly regulated. Therefore, many international students look forward to utilizing a benefit known as Optional Practical Training, often referred to as OPT. OPT gives international students who have maintained F-1 visa status for a full academic year the opportunity to be employed for wages

and gain valuable professional experience in a field directly related to their area of study for a period of one year. After a lengthy application process, interested students must wait for several months to find out if they have been approved.

Ashford’s history with the OPT process began in 2007, when an Ashford Designated School Official first recommended a student for the benefit, and has continued since then.

Current student Ross Milne, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, came 3,806 miles from Scotland to study at Ashford and says that he is looking forward to beginning OPT after graduation, explaining, “A year of work experience in the US will benefit my future plans.”

Recent graduate Marin Backo, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, 2012, came 4,896 miles in the fall of 2010 from Croatia to Ashford and is now a graduate living in Chicago searching for a job after being approved for OPT. He confirms the sentiments of many other

students when asked about his OPT experience, stating that “OPT is a great way to gain muchneeded work experience and be introduced into US corporate culture.”

Fellow newly-minted alumnus Rafael Ordaz, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, 2012, came 2,760 miles from Venezuela to Ashford in fall 2010, graduated in April 2012, and was later approved for OPT. He was hired and began working at Ashford’s Iowa Online Center in July 2012, and is pleased with his decision.

Rafael says, “In my personal experience, I think the OPT program is an excellent tool for international students to apply all we have learned in our four years of higher education. It is truly a great benefit for us to experience a real job in a real company after having heard about that so much within the classroom.”

These and many other F-1 international students have come far in the attempt to acquire an Ashford University degree, and the OPT experience allows them to transition their American academic journey to a professional one. Says Rafael, “Overall, I think the OPT program is a win-win situation for both graduate students and companies. It has given me the chance to prove my skills and be part of a great organization.” //

Ashford University students Damil Reyes of Caracas, Venezuela; Julius Oteng of Kumasi, Ghana; Craig Butcher of Liverpool, England; and Rafael Simmons of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil point out their homelands on the bulletin board in St. Clare Hall.

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT /

AU Alumni Magazine

ASHFORD FACULTY MEMBERS MAKE WAVES Faculty Spotlight: Honors and achievements of online and campus instructors.

Dr. William Woods has been a full-time assistant professor in the College of Business and Professional Studies at the Ashford campus since 2005. As an educator, he feels a duty to advance learning while also helping the community around him. To accomplish this, he often incorporates a community service activity into his students’ coursework.

One particular accomplishment was in 2012, when his class collected more than 2,200 toys for the Victory Center and Benevolent Society and saw firsthand that their education can go toward making the world a better place. For his continued service to higher education and the community, Dr. Woods received the Human Rights Commission Award from the Clinton Human Rights Commission on May 21, 2012.

Angela Vos McCormick believes in the power of education. Working as an adjunct instructor in the College of Business and Professional Studies, she also dedicates herself to volunteering at her children’s school and getting involved to help them succeed in every way. In appreciation of all her work, Angela was welcomed to Parenting Magazine’s Mom Congress as a representative for Missouri. This year, the theme was “Teach Me Something New,” which focused on how to encourage better relationships between parents and their children’s teachers. For Angela, the event was transformative: “I can say, without reservation, that I learned a great deal from this experience. As a parent, as a mom, I am not alone in this endeavor to advocate for the best education for not only my children, but for children within my state and across the country.”

For over 30 years, Dr. Stephen Halfaker has dedicated himself to education, taking on many of the roles available to an educator, from teacher to CEO. However, he has outdone himself over the last seven years.

Working for the Lakeside Union School District as Superintendent, he has connected schools with the surrounding community and to the future. Dr. Halfaker tirelessly campaigned for the passage of Proposition V, which provides the classrooms in Lakeside, CA with current computer technolog y. For all his effort in Lakeside, he was awarded the 2011 Citizen of the Year award. Now, Dr. Halfaker is bringing his lifetime of experience and passion for education to a full-time online faculty position in Ashford’s College of Education.

Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan is a full-time online Ashford faculty member in the College of Education who also details the AsianAmerican experience to younger generations as a published author of children’s books.

“While teaching elementary school, I realized that there was a need for more realistic stories about the Asian-American experience. I wanted to expose my students to multiple perspectives.” She began writing in 2004, and two years later she published The Jade Dragon, a book for second to fifth graders, which was inspired by her real-life friendship with an adopted Chinese girl.

Dr. Loh-Hagan has also written a series of non-fiction publications. She is currently awaiting the spring 2013 publication by Sleeping Bear Press of he newest book, Paper Son, co-written by Helen Foster James and gorgeously illustrated by Wilson Ong. For this story, she traveled to and conducted extensive research on Angel Island, where hundreds of thousands of mostly Chinese immigrants were processed from 1910 to 1940.

All Ashford instructors are encouraged to email connections@ashford.edu with news of your own recent accomplishments!

For more on Ashford faculty members, visit ashford.edu/faculty.

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Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

/ ASHFORD COMMUNITY GIVES BACK

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Ghandi Ashford Community Gives Back: By Vanessa Schoenherr, Lead Student Development Specialist Make a Difference Day participants in San Diego, CA helped beautify a local canyon.

Saturday, April 14, 2012 marked Ashford University’s first global volunteer day, named “Make a Difference Day.” On this day, Ashford students and alumni all around the world were encouraged to volunteer in their communities while their peers and University staff volunteered across the globe. Everyone was asked to share their experiences on Ashford social media outlets.

Operation Care Package

Campus staff members in Clinton, IA beautified the Clinton community by cleaning up the Bluff and South Campus, collecting eight big bags full of trash. And despite a delay due to inclement weather, more than 200 San Diego-based staff of Ashford and their corporate headquarters, Bridgepoint Education, assisted in a cleanup of Ruffin Canyon a few weeks later. Beautification included debris removal, trash pick-up, mulching, pulling ice plants, and rock painting.

Meanwhile, in an effort set forth by the Denver Public Schools Foundation, about 60 Ashford employees in the city and their families spent the day fixing up South High School and Grant Beacon Middle School. Tasks included pulling weeds, landscaping, repainting some exterior walls, classroom work, and adding a weight room.

Below is just a sample of the feedback received on Facebook, Twitter, and via email from participants of Make a Difference Day and those who regularly give back to their communities: • Rita Mason, Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health: “I volunteer with Hospice of Amador and Calaveras and Snowline Hospice as a Family Support volunteer, visiting and engaging with patients at their end of life.”

• Mariah Morton, Bachelor of Arts in English: “Tomorrow, I am starting my orientation for anti-human trafficking advocacy. I will likely be doing the researching and writing for an organization.”

• Casey Garcia, Associate of Arts in Business, 2012 and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: “I’m volunteering at my son’s school tomorrow for family movie night and then I’m chaperoning a field trip.

I can’t wait to go!”

• Patty Stefaniak, Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, 2012: “I am helping with my son’s Destination Imagination state competition.”

• Robert Borka, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management: “I volunteer about 1,000 hours per year with the Young Marines program. It is a 501(c)3 program whose primary focus is to keep kids off drugs.”

Ashford University thanks everyone who participated in Make a Difference Day and for sharing the many ways you give back to your communities on a regular basis.

W hat is happen ing nex t? Nea r t he end of 2012, in conju nct ion w it h t he nu merous w inter holidays and the spirit of giving, Ashford Universit y will be supporting a global food drive. Be on the lookout for more information! //

HUNDREDS OF ASHFORD UNIVERSITY students who are deployed overseas recently received a token of appreciation from participants of “Operation Care Package,” a special event put on by Ashford during the Department of Defense (DOD) Worldwide Education Symposium, held July 23-27, 2012 in Las Vegas. Participants filled boxes with items donated by Ashford, including snacks, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and Ashford memorabilia so students could show their school spirit. Each package also included a letter from Ashford President Dr. Elizabeth Tice expressing her gratitude to all members of the United States Armed Forces. A Polaroid picture was taken of each participant holding their box and the picture was included in the package. Participants were also asked to write a brief message of inspiration and encouragement to the students on a note card bearing the recipient’s name, branch of service, and degree.

“THIS WAS MY FAVORITE PIECE OF THE package,” said Milton Littlejohn, Ashford Military Relations Manager and retired military. “I know that when someone receives a package, especially from a person who is not a family member, it makes them feel so appreciated for what they are doing for our country.”

IF YOU ARE A DEPLOYED ASHFORD STUDENT who received a care package, please let us know!

Email connections@ashford.edu. //

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

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KEEP IN TOUCH / AU Alumni Magazine

CLASS NOTES After graduating with her Master of Business Adminstration, Leslie Lance ’12 of Waterford Township, MI was invited by the International Scholarship Laureate Program (ISLP) to be part of a business delegation to China.

“It was an amazing experience.

I encourage anyone and everyone who receives an invitation to join the ISLP on a tour of a foreign country to jump at the opportunity.” Leslie, 56, also graduated as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. A 29-year veteran of the newspaper USA Today, she is now looking forward to starting a second career with her Ashford degree.

Prior to being recruited by the Ashford Saints on a basketball scholarship, Devin Ehrich ’12 of Thompson, IL found himself working a dead-end job after two years of community college.

“I decided to pursue my degree at Ashford’s campus to create better opportunities for myself.” Now that he’s earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management, the 24-year old has landed a coveted graduate assistant job at Ashford, where he is currently earning his Master of Arts in Organizational Management degree. “My life has changed dramatically. I have met so many people, I matured a lot, and my grades got better and better over the years.”

Cynthia Jones ’12, 60, who goes

by Cindy, has raised 7 children with her husband of 42 years. She decided to attend Ashford after all their children were grown. “I have had a wonderful experience with Ashford,” she said. “The professors know how to push you to your limits and make you improve and grow.” With 22 grandchildren (the most recent born the morning of commencement!) to keep her busy on top of a fulltime job, Cindy isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She is soon starting a Master’s program in professional counseling to work with returned veterans. “Life is too short to idle in one spot. My Ashford experience has helped me accomplish my dreams and goals.”

Sharon Johnson ’12 of Roanoke, VA attended April’s commencement with her daughter and several friends to earn her Master of Arts in Organizational Management degree. She told us she is already experiencing increased job responsibility, due to her Ashford education, at the national bank where she has worked as a Business Training Consultant for over 23 years. “Since I earned my MA, I was given more responsibilities such as facilitating virtual classrooms and am learning how to design curricula.” She credits Ashford’s knowledgeable professors and the caring staff at the Office of Access and Wellness for making her journey successful and giving her the “confidence and self-esteem to be more marketable as job opportunities arise.”

After starting out as a Kitchen Aide at a Georgia Migrant Head Start center, Lisa Marie Baker ’11 gradually rose in the ranks, going from Kitchen Aide to Teacher Assistant to Preschool Teacher.

But she didn’t stop there. “Due to obtaining my Bachelor’s degree, I received a promotion as State Education Coordinator,” shares Lisa proudly. In this role, she oversees the education department of three Migrant Head Start centers for the state of Georgia.Lisa, 28 and of Hinesville, GA, is now pursuing her Master of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Education specialization at Ashford and is due to graduate in November 2012. She looks forward to continuing to grow in her role as educator by focusing in on family services. “I would like to be that special person that makes a difference in someone’s life through education.” Look for Lisa in a video featured on Ashford’s YouTube channel called A Day in the Life of Ashford Student Lisa Baker.

SHARE YOUR MILESTONES! Email alumni@ashford.edu or visit ashford.edu/alumni and let us know how your Ashford degree is helping you reach your personal or professional goals.

SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER Discover Ashford’s social media communities at ashford.edu/social

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When Associate of Arts in Military Studies student and active Army member Jonathan Hrachovina noticed a call for photos on Ashford’s Facebook page in a post called “The World is Your Campus,” he submitted a photo of himself doing coursework at Camp Marmal in Afghanistan, where he is stationed.

“This photo is of me in my office where I work nights, when it is not too loud, so I can concentrate,” explains Jonathan, 25. “I study in between missions, and sometimes I will skip midnight chow to get a little more time to concentrate on what I am reading or writing.” He says he relishes the opportunity to put every spare minute to good use while in Afghanistan.

“I am bettering my life and preparing for my future – and my family’s future.”

Ashford University / ashford.edu

AU Alumni Magazine

College of Business and Professional Studies Bachelor of Arts Accounting*

/ KEEP IN TOUCH

College of Education

College of Liberal Arts

Associate of Arts

Associate of Arts

Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Arts

Military Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Professional Accounting Program**

Business Education**

Applied Linguistics

Business Administration*

Child Development

Communication Studies

Business Economics

Cognitive Studies

Cultural Anthropology

Business Information Systems*

Early Childhood Education

English

Business Leadership*

Early Childhood Education Administration

English and Communication**

Computer Graphic Design**

Education & Public Policy

Environmental Studies*

Consumer & Family Financial Services

Education Studies

History*

eMarketing

Elementary Education (grades K-8)**

Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Entrepreneurship

English Language Learner Studies

Journalism & Mass Communication

Finance*

Instructional Design

Law Enforcement Administration

Human Resources Management

Library Science & Media

Liberal Arts*

International Business

Physical Education**

Military Studies

Operations Management & Analysis Organizational Management Project Management Public Administration Public Relations & Marketing* Real Estate Studies Service Management Sports & Recreation Management* Supply Chain Management Sustainable Enterprise Management

Graduate Degrees Master of Arts in Organizational Management Master of Business Administration Master of Public Administration

Graduate Degrees Master of Arts in Education Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology

College of Health, Human Services, and Science Bachelor of Arts Adult Development Applied Behavioral Science Complementary & Alternative Health Gerontology

Political Science & Government Social & Criminal Justice* Social Science* Sociology* Visual Art** *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.

Health & Human Services Health & Wellness Health Care Administration* Health Care Studies Health Education Health Informatics Health Marketing & Communication Natural Science** Psychology*

Bachelor of Science Biology** Computer Science and Mathematics** Health Science Administration**

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS EDITION OF ASHFORD CONNECTIONS! WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK — PLEASE SEND ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS TO: CONNECTIONS@ASHFORD.EDU.

Natural Science**

Graduate Degrees Master of Arts in Health Care Administration

Ashford Connections / Issue Five

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

400 North Bluff Blvd.

Clinton, IA 52732

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ESCONDIDO, CA PERMIT No. 475

SAVE THE DATE! Ashford University Student and Alumni Networking Events may be coming to a city near you. Be sure to visit ashford.edu/networkevents for specific locations 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 2012 14 / Chicago, IL

DECEMBER 2012 None scheduled

15 / Detroit, MI

JANUARY 2013 16 / Costa Mesa, CA 17 / Pasadena, CA

29 / Sacramento, CA

FEBRUARY 2013

MARCH 2013

APRIL 2013

20 / Charlotte, NC

13 / San Antonio, TX

09 / Stamford, CT

21 / Orlando, FL

14 / Houston, TX

10 / Hackensack, NJ 11 / Baltimore, MD 1 2 A UA L1 2 8 0 • A C -0 2 5 5