ashford connections : issue 04

08/ ASHFORD IN ATHENS AND ROMEGuest writer April Olsen reflects on her Travel Studies course.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTRoxanne Mourant and Vincent Davis.

MEN’S BASKETBALLThe Saints make a victorious visit to San Diego.

ALUMNI HALL OF FAMEKum & Go Executive Franci Phelan becomes the latest inductee.

Inside This Issue

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ISSUE 04 / Spring 2012

Ashford has students and alumni all over the world, bringing a global perspective to our entire community.

ASHFORD AROUND THE WORLD 06/

Networking Coast to CoastConnecting with Ashford’s community in New York and San Diego.

04/ Commencement CeremoniesHighlights from the October and December 2011 ceremonies.

10/ Military SpotlightAshford alumnus and US Air Force First Sergeant Deric M. Walker shares his story.

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16/ASHFORDCONNECTIONS AU Alumni Magazine

2 / Ashford University / ashford.edu

CONTENTS / AU Alumni Magazine

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CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT AND CAMPUS DIRECTORby John Ballheim

NETWORKING COAST TO COAST: NEW YORK & CALIFORNIAMany of Ashford’s students, alumni, and faculty members took the opportunity to connect at one of two Ashford Networking Events held on opposite coasts.

ASHFORD AROUND THE WORLDAshford’s campus boasts students from 24 countries, while our online format enables students to transcend physical locations. In this issue, we’re taking a look at students and alumni who approach their education with a global perspective.

ASHFORD’S TRAVEL STUDIES: ATHENS AND ROMEby April OlsenAshford student April Olsen shares favorite memories with classmates and professors from the TVL 313 Literary & Historical Explorations of Classical Greco-Roman Culture excursion to Athens and Rome.

ASHFORD ADVOCATES HEAD FOR THE HILLOn December 6, 2011, nine students and alumni traveled to Washington, DC for a “Hill Day” trip as part of the newly named group Ashford Advocates.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIESThe October 2011 ceremony for online students was held at the new athletic complex near the Clinton, IA campus, while the smaller December 2011 ceremony for campus students was held in Kehl Arena.

MILITARY SPOTLIGHTAshford student Joshua Denby, who is active duty Army, shares the writings that helped him cope after being deployed to Iraq and became part of a final project. Plus: Alumnus and Air Force First Sergeant Deric Walker is profiled.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTRoxanne Mourant is now the Alaska State Educational Technology Coordinator, and Vincent Davis nabbed a job as a college football Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

SAINTS IN SAN DIEGOby Chris ShawAshford University’s Sports Information Director shares highlights from the men’s basketball team’s trip to San Diego, where they defeated both local colleges they played while also making time to take in the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.

ALUMNI HALL OF FAMEFranci Phelan, Senior Vice President of “Grow People” at convenience store pioneer Kum & Go, L.C., is latest inductee.

CLASS NOTES / FACEBOOK FEEDLearn what the Ashford online community has been saying and what your fellow alumni are up to!

PROGRAM LIST

ASHFORD CONNECTIONS IS PUBLISHED SEMI-ANNUALLY BY ALUMNI RELATIONS.

Editor: Lorelei Meetze Art Director: David DickeyContributors: John Ballheim, April Olsen, Ryan Maxson, Jamie Waters, Joshua Denby, Doug Downing, Ian Foster, Ron Gaschler, Larry Libberton, Lizzie Wann, Chris Shaw, Jay “Jaybird” ConnerDesigners: Jesse Caverly, Brent Field

BELOW LEFT: Istvan Lorincz of Romania (with commencement speaker Steve Perry at far left) is using his Ashford degree as a stepping stone toward the American dream. Read more on page 6. BELOW RIGHT: Attendees of an Ashford Student and Alumni Networking event take in a professional development presentation. Read more about these events on page 4.

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/3Ashford Connections / Issue Four

/ WELCOME LETTERAU Alumni Magazine

You are a valued member of our University community, and you will forever be a member of our alumni family.

Dear Ashford Alumni,

As Vice President and Campus Director of Ashford

University, I welcome you to this issue of Ashford

Connections. We are enjoying a successful 2012 so far

and hope you are as well.

One of the best ways to determine the future success

of an organization is to look at its most recent past. In

that regard, your University has built a foundation for

future success that will serve you well. In 2004, our

school went from a small higher education institution

last known as Franciscan University of the Prairies to

Ashford University as we know it today. The campus

tradition was enhanced with the addition of online

programs that could be accessed from anywhere in

the world – with 63,096 students enrolled at last count

(IPEDS, Fall 2010).

Online alumni, thank you for bringing us your diverse

and rich backgrounds. You have come to us from

many walks of life, from every state in the union, and

from several foreign countries as well. Many of you

have, or are currently, serving in our Armed Forces

and keeping us safe. Many of you are parents. Your

children and spouses must be beaming with pride

over what you have achieved. Because of geographical

location, work, or family circumstances – or simply

for convenience – you chose an online modality to

accomplish your educational goals. You found us, and

we are happy you did.

Campus alumni, thank you for bringing us your

special personalities, your values, your energy,

and your many contributions to campus life as you

pursued your academic studies. All of these factors

energized and invigorated us, your faculty and staff

members – and, yes, sometimes you also exhausted us

as we attempted to keep up with you. You have helped

make our campus and University the extraordinary

place that it is.

To all our alumni, you are a valued member of our

University community, and you will forever be a

member of our alumni family. As Ashford’s Campus

Director, I want to remind you that our campus is your

campus. Please stop by for a visit! I hope you enjoy this

issue of Ashford Connections, and that it’s just one of

the many ways in which you’ll continue to remain

connected to Ashford.

Sincerely,

John Ballheim

Vice President and Campus Director

Ashford University

Welcome Letter: John Ballheim

JOHN BALLHEIMVice President and Campus Director


NETWORKING EVENTS / AU Alumni Magazine

Ashford’s Student and Alumni Networking events, held in cities around the country from Boston to Honolulu, have been steadily growing in popularity as the Ashford community grows larger and larger every month. These events take some of the “work” out of networking – those who attend can expect to meet and socialize with other Ashford students, alumni, and faculty members in a casual atmosphere. In addition, a fun and brief professional development presentation is usually delivered by Ashford’s Professional Development Directors, Melissa Goodwin and Tamara Carrillo, who share insight on topics including the hidden job market and perfecting one’s “elevator pitch.”

Brooklyn, NYA New York event was held on November 1, 2011 at Water Street Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. Located along the cobblestone streets of DUMBO’s historic waterfront district and surrounded by the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, the location served as a great atmosphere for the more than 70 attendees.

Among them were Ashford alumnus Clara Nieuwkerk, Master of Arts in Organizational Management, 2010, and her sister, Evelyn Carrion-Clara, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, 2012. “I am so glad we came!” enthused Clara, reflecting on the moment earlier in the evening when the event organizers asked for volunteers who would like to share their success story for the group. “I noticed that the entire room froze, and I jumped up and volunteered. I am proud of what I have accomplished.” Clara shared that she was raised in the sunny Dominican Republic but surrounded by drugs and violence, which she overcame to get to where she is today – pursuing her Doctor of Psychology, Mental Health Administration specialization, online at University of the Rockies. “After that ice-breaking moment, many others came up to share their own stories. It was a wonderful and unforgettable time!”

Rhea Thomas, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with Education specialization, 2010, also arrived with her sister. Now back at Ashford earning her Master of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Education specialization, Rhea calls graduating from Ashford one of the happiest days of her life. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she works as an elective teacher at a private school in Brooklyn, at Battalion Christian Academy, and “enjoys every minute of it!” Later in the evening, she said, “Tonight was lovely. We got to hear some awesome testimonials, and I made some connections with several teachers at the Board of Education.” Rhea has since let us know that they have all stayed in touch, keeping each other posted with what’s going on in their field. Additionally, her sister Natasha has decided to enroll at Ashford.

San Diego, CAA few months later, all the way on the opposite coast in San Diego, CA, the first event of 2012 was held on January 25 at Dave and Buster’s, a popular restaurant, bar, and arcade nestled under its own typical Southern California structure – a freeway overpass. Inside, more than 100 people were in attendance to network and mingle.

Networking Events: Ashford’s Student and Alumni Networking events

NETWORKING COAST TO COAST: NEW YORK & CALIFORNIA

Among them was Karen Stevens, Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice, 2011. For her, the location meant it was a family affair – while she chatted with her husband and fellow alumni, her 13-year-old son stopped by to get more change for the arcade games. With a baby at home and another on the way, she thanks Ashford for giving her “the confidence I never had.” She shared with her tablemates that during commencement she and her family were at McChord Air Force Base in Lewis McChord, WA, where her husband was deployed, but an Ashford representative there coordinated a special commencement ceremony. “There were about four of us graduating from Ashford, along with grads from several other colleges,” she shared. “It was an awesome experience.” Now, she’s pursuing her Master’s degree with the goal of becoming a juvenile probation officer.

Ashford’s Student and Alumni Networking events allow our diverse community of students, alumni, and faculty members – who truly defy categorization – to meet, share stories, and create opportunities.


/ NETWORKING EVENTSAU Alumni Magazine

ONLINE INSTRUCTORS: PUTTING A FACE TO A NAME

THE PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOS OF THE 13

faculty members in attendance at the San Diego

event were both diverse and impressive. After

gathering for a group photo, they mingled and

compared teaching notes with one another.

Dr. Dwight Reimer, an instructor in the College

of Business and Professional Studies, has served as

both the Dean and President of Central Christian

College in Kansas, and is now writing a book

about organizational behavior. Dr. Mark Zecca,

also an instructor in the College of Business and

Professional Studies, is Vice President and Chief

Information Officer of NuVasive, a medical device

company that develops products and procedures

for the spine. And Patrick Norris, who teaches

Social and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

Administration, is a Police Sergeant with the San

Diego Police Department. The networking event

served as a rare opportunity for them to meet one

another as well as connect with former students

in person.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY OF THESE ONLINE

instructors or those pictured above? Let us know!

Email [email protected].

Clockwise, from left to right: Mounier Zaki, Mark Young, Kerri Dopart, Kristen Akerele, Dr. Elena Lattarulo, Patrick Norris, Dr. Mark Zecca, Dr. Dwight Reimer, Georginne Parisi, Jodi Feikema, Dovie Dawson, and Vanessa Schoenherr.

Fellow alumnus Tereseé Henney, Master of Business Administration, Health Care Administration specialization, 2011, loved Karen’s commencement story, and followed up with her own. She shared that she’d had both hips replaced shortly before graduating from Ashford, which she summed up with a sense of humor: “I said, ‘Hip, hip, degree!’” A Navy veteran with a versatile résumé in health care, public relations, and journalism, Tereseé shared that, over the course of her studies at Ashford, she’d had “about 30 or 40 of those ‘aha’ moments.” She aims to apply that insight to continue working in the health care industry, in logistics and operations management.

Meanwhile, Monica Rose Jahn, currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies program, mingled nearby with her guest, a good friend from church. They’d driven over 100 miles from Seal Beach, CA to attend the event, and Monica was glad they did – she happily reported that she’d just made a connection with an Ashford alumnus in attendance who works in the environmental field, and she was excited to follow up soon about professional opportunities.

Upcoming EventsAshford’s Student and Alumni Networking events allow our diverse community of students, alumni, and faculty members – who truly defy categorization – to meet, share stories, and create opportunities. To make sure you don’t miss an upcoming event in your area, see the back cover of this issue for dates from May through October 2012, and RSVP at ashford.edu/networkevents. //

mailto:[email protected]

http://ashford.edu/networkevents


ASHFORD AROUND THE WORLD / AU Alumni Magazine

Staying Connected OverseasAcross the Atlantic, Stephanie McHugh earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting

online in 2011 while living in Zurich, Switzerland and raising a brand new baby.

Though originally from Virginia, her husband is Swiss and his job brought them

to his home country. “At first, it was hard to manage my time, but with each new

class I felt that I gained better time management skills. Also, although there’s a

9-hour time difference between Switzerland and US’s west coast, I was always

able to get in touch with faculty by email.”

Stephanie says that she encountered many other Americans living abroad in

her online classes, including military members stationed overseas, and they

provided perspectives of their own experiences. Her friends and family also

encouraged her along the way. “They thought it was great that I chose to study

online at Ashford from Switzerland, and were all so proud of my determination

to complete my degree.”

Upon doing so, Stephanie traveled to Clinton for the October 2011 commencement

ceremony, where she was excited to meet fellow classmates and instructors before

returning to Zurich. “Currently, I’m a stay-at-home mom to the most energetic,

fun-loving toddler you could ever meet. I’d like to work in an accounting

department for a non-profit organization and ultimately do something to protect

human rights.” Regardless of what direction she goes in, Stephanie relishes being

an Ashford alumni. “It empowers me, because the possibilities are endless. It’s a

great feeling.”

ASHFORD AROUND THE WORLD

Ashford Around the World: Students and alumni with a global perspective

Students here are from all different walks of life.

One of the many benefits of Ashford’s online format is its ability to transcend

physical locations. As a result, many of Ashford’s online students connect with

their professors and fellow students thousands of miles away from each other,

whether they’re residents of foreign countries or Americans who are deployed,

traveling, or living abroad. Other students are new to the US and study online

while working to achieve the American dream. Ashford’s campus in Clinton, IA

boasts students from all over the world as well, who experience a quaint, idyllic

part of the US while earning a degree.

In this issue, we’re taking a look at several students and alumni who fit into one

of the above scenarios – yet, much like Ashford’s community as a whole, they

defy categorization.

A Sunny OutlookMost Americans think of the US Virgin Islands as a sunny and exotic vacation

destination, but for Okeisha James-Huertas and Sirdrina Isaac-Joseph

(pictured above right), it’s home. These best friends met while earning their

Associate’s degrees at a small community college on their island of St. Croix, but

bemoaned how long the program took. After discovering Ashford’s accelerated

online schedule, they both enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood

Education program and completed it together in 2011.

Meanwhile, further north, Tamika Wade-Trott earned her Bachelor of Arts in

Organizational Management, Human Resources Management specialization

in 2011 from the beautiful island of Bermuda. This subtropical locale currently

boasts Tamika as its lone Ashford graduate, but she hopes that will soon change.

“I got a lot of questions in Bermuda about where I was getting my degree. A lot of

folks there don’t know about Ashford, so I am promoting it 24/7!” she exclaims.

“I’m just really, really happy with having chosen Ashford, and I believe that the

opportunity is there for Bermudians who cannot actually study on campus to get

their degrees online at Ashford.”

All three women traveled to Iowa for the October 2011 commencement ceremony.

Despite the adjustment from island weather to that of Iowa in the fall, they found

the campus beautiful and its people welcoming. Back on their respective islands,

they have experienced professional success as a result of earning their Ashford

degrees: Tamika was promoted only two weeks later, and Okeisha and Sirdrina

are each in the process of advancing from teacher’s assistants to teachers.

Additionally, the former two women are both now enrolled in Ashford’s Master of

Arts in Education program, Okeisha is adding a Reading Literacy specialization

and Sirdrina is adding a Special Education specialization, and they are once

again providing support for one another.

Best friends Okeisha James-Huertas (left) and Sirdrina Isaac-Joseph (right) earned their Bachelor’s degrees at Ashford online from the US Virgin Islands.

A look at Ashford’s global community


/ ASHFORD AROUND THE WORLDAU Alumni Magazine

Embracing Opportunity in the USIstvan “Steven” Lorincz is from Transylvania,

Romania, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree

before completing an internship program in the

US. He decided he could better flourish in America,

so Steven settled in Los Angeles, CA and began

working in the hospitality industry full time while

earning his Master of Business Administration,

Global Management specialization from Ashford’s

online program.

“Admittedly, it was a bit challenging and frightening

at the start trying not only to get used to an American

style of education, but also the online format.”

Nevertheless, Steven thrived in his new environment

and enjoyed interacting with his classmates – and

with one instructor in particular who had picked

up basic Hungarian while on sabbatical and would

comment on Steven’s papers in the language.

However, Steven’s most significant guidance was

in his Global Management Strategies class. “The

instructor led us to thoroughly understand that

our world has become so globally integrated that

neglecting global thinking would be a definite

failure for a manager. The course was invaluable for

me,” says Steven, who graduated in January 2011.

Also from Eastern Europe, Sylwia Stetz (pictured

on cover) moved to the US from Poland, where

she had worked hard to earn a degree herself – but

unfortunately, it didn’t translate in America. So

she started over with her education, earning an

Associate’s degree in New York before relocating to

Texas and then San Diego, where her husband is now

stationed in the Navy. She began working at a hotel

and was promoted from Guest Service Agent to Pre-

Arrivals Coordinator after she enrolled in Ashford’s

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management

program, and now that she has completed her

degree, she takes pride in being an Ashford alumnus

and has positively influenced her family, friends,

and other military spouses in her community. “I

feel fulfilled, accomplished, and more confident,”

says Sylwia. “Nobody can tell me that I am only

another immigrant without basic knowledge.” Her

professional goal is to earn a management position.

Steven, now a hotel manager himself, is also proud to

be an Ashford alumnus. “Beyond the fact I possess a

Master’s degree from Ashford, I feel that I am part of

the Ashford family.”

Send in pictures of you wearing Ashford gear during your own travels around the world to be potentially included in a future issue of Ashford Connections. Visit ashford.edu/gear-shop before you pack!

A Cultured CampusNate Billany (pictured below) hails from a village called Cottingham in East Yorkshire, England, and moved

halfway across the world to attend Ashford on campus in Iowa. When he first arrived, he was pleased to find

that he was not the only international student, commenting, “Students here are from all different walks of life

. . . each semester seemed to bring with it another nationality!” Indeed, in 2011, Ashford’s campus saw a rise in

its international student population, growing from 43 students in 2010 to 57 students from 24 countries in 2011.

Nate thrived at Ashford’s campus. Not only was he an award-winning team captain for the men’s soccer

team, which he led to a conference championship and even a National Championship appearance, but he

founded the Ashford University Pre-Law Society and served as its president and was vice president of the

Student Government Association – all while double majoring in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and

the Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice programs! A recipient of the James L. Mooney Social

Science award at commencement, Nate won’t be leaving Iowa just yet – he has been hired for a one-year

position assisting veterans in returning to post-secondary education as a Tuition Assistance Specialist at

Ashford. Nate’s goal is to eventually work as a lawyer in the United States.

Ashford’s diverse students and alumni bring a global perspective to our entire community. If you’d like to

share your own story of how Ashford has broadened your worldview, contact [email protected]. //

Recent campus graduate Nathan Billany is an Englishman who hopes to begin a law career here in the United States.

http://ashford.edu/gear-shop



TRAVEL STUDIES / AU Alumni Magazine

ASHFORD’S TRAVEL STUDY: ATHENS AND ROMETravel Studies: By April Olsen, Master of Arts in Organizational Management

April Olsen is a Senior Manager of Sales

Operations for AT&T and is set to earn her

Master of Arts in Organizational Management

from Ashford in 2013. She plans on continuing

to take every opportunity to travel the world.

About the Author

World travel has been a desire of mine since I was

a little girl. I would sit in my bedroom with a globe,

spin it, stop it with my finger, and then look up the

place it landed on in the encyclopedia and imagine

myself there. In May 2010, my childhood fantasies

came to life with the chance to travel abroad and

study in England, thanks to Ashford University’s

phenomenal Travel Studies program which

corresponds with certain Ashford courses. In spring

2011, I participated in the program once again,

this time with the TVL 313 Literary & Historical

Explorations of Classical Greco-Roman Culture

excursion to Athens and Rome.

The course consisted of five weeks of study, including

a ten-day study tour visiting and exploring historical

sites. We explored significant historical developments

and selected literary works in the classical Greco-

Roman era and assessed their influence on social,

religious, economic, and aesthetic trends in

contemporary culture. After beginning each morning

with a hearty discussion session and course lecture,

we visited archeological sites and soaked up the

culture of the cities as applicable to that morning’s

class. In the evenings we had downtime to study

for the next day or explore the city on our own. Our

professors led us in lively discussions and tested our

critical thinking skills throughout the trip. Professor

Wayne Clugston inspired us and challenged us to

think differently. Professor Kurt Lowe and Ashford’s

Library Director Flora Lowe were a wealth of

knowledge every step of the way.

The trip began in Athens. After a 10-hour flight from

Newark, NJ, we rested and then had a welcome dinner

and course agenda overview. While in Greece, we

discovered the Acropolis and Parthenon, the Temple

of Olympian Zeus, and, of course, baklava! We visited

the Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Saronic Gulf

on the most southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion,

and walked along the rocky promontory of Sounion

watching the flag of Greece, in its glorious blue

and white, waving in the wind. We also traveled

to Delphi, which once was considered the center of

the universe. When our time in Athens was over,

we were sad to leave but excited for the next set of

adventures in Rome.

The flight from Athens to Rome was wonderful

– even though a few of us had to run to the gate!

Upon arriving, we rested up and ate a fabulous

Italian dinner, after which a few of us took a sunset

stroll to the Colosseum. Of course, we got lost, but

between our GPS navigator and my basic Italian, we

eventually found our way. While in Italy, we took a

guided tour of Ancient Rome and discovered that

the Colosseum wasn’t quite what we all saw in the

movie “Gladiator.” The arena floor is long gone and

the remains of the dungeons where the beasts and

gladiators were once kept is exposed. We also enjoyed

a phenomenal guided tour of Vatican City, where we

visited the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel,

Visit www.ashford.edu/travel for details on upcoming trips!

A group of the spring 2011 TVL 313 students gather for an impromptu photo shoot in the Aegean Sea. The author is second from left.

Author April Olsen snapped this photo of the Colosseum during the Rome study tour portion of the course.

http://www.ashford.edu/travel


/ TRAVEL STUDIESAU Alumni Magazine

St. Peter’s Square, and St. Peter’s Basilica. And perhaps my favorite memory of

Rome was when a small group of us snuck into a lesser-known church on the tail

of a Japanese tour group’s private visit in order to see a Bernini sculpture. We

Americans stuck out like sore thumbs, but no one minded. We were all there to

experience and appreciate the beautiful art of Bernini.

The final day consisted of a guided walking tour of monumental Rome, including

the Trevi Fountain. We all threw a coin and made a wish, of course, but between

soaking up the culture and reliving the history of our ancestors, it was safe to say

that my childhood wish had already come true. //

Ashford Advocates Head for the HillON DECEMBER 6, 2011, NINE STUDENTS AND

alumni traveled to Washington, DC for a “Hill

Day” trip as part of the newly named Ashford

Advocates, a group that engages elected federal

government leaders on issues impacting higher

education. “We’re giving Ashford students a

voice in the effort to preserve opportunities in

higher education,” said Ryan Maxson, Ashford’s

Grassroots Coordinator.

Accompanied by Ashford’s Government Affairs

Representative, Jamie Waters, the students

spent two days touring the city and the Capitol

building, meeting with a slew of Senate and

House members: Senator Charles Grassley

(IA), Congressman Leonard Boswell (IA-3),

Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-1), Congressman

Dave Loebsack (IA-2), Congressman Steve King

(IA-5), and staff members of Congressman Tom

Latham (IA-4).

“The students were great and brilliantly

represented the University,” said Waters. “During

the meetings with the members of Congress,

students were able to share why they chose to

pursue higher education at Ashford University.

Their stories of balancing careers, families, and

educational pursuits were truly inspirational.”

Among them was participating student Teresa

Pope. She reported that although it rained

throughout most of the trip, the students’ spirits

were not dampened in any way. “The opportunity

was an honor,” she said. “I was thrilled to visit

our nation’s capitol and make my voice heard.

One person can make a difference. Without the

accessibility of schools like Ashford, I would not

have been able to return to school after more

years than I care to admit. I hope I’ll be able to

earn additional degrees.”

Along with these annual trips to our nation’s

capitol, Ashford Advocates recently met with

Congressman Alcee Hastings (FL-23) in Ft.

Lauderdale, FL and Congresswoman Virginia

Foxx (NC-5) in Clemmons, NC at their

respective district offices. Visits to several state

capitol buildings are also in the works.

Interested students and alumni should keep

an eye out for emails announcing upcoming

advocacy opportunities. // A guided tour of Vatican City was one of the trip’s highlights.

Our professors led us in lively discussions and tested our critical thinking skills throughout the trip.

Ashford University / ashford.edu10 /

COMMENCEMENT / AU Alumni Magazine

Online Commencement: October 2011

Who needs a runway? Take off from where you are!

“You have permission to engage,” shouted a woman

wearing a military flight suit, addressing a crowd of

thousands before her. “You are cleared hot, Ashford!”

Though it may sound like the scene of a large

military operation, this woman was actually in the

small town of Clinton, IA to deliver the keynote

address at Ashford University’s October 24, 2011

commencement ceremony for online students.

Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, the country’s first African

American female combat pilot for the US Marine

Corps, is a television personality and entrepreneur

with a highly commanding presence and a lust for

life. Her speech was peppered with military lingo,

conveying to the Ashford graduates her trademark

message to “live a breakthrough life.” Her energy

and enthusiasm served to pump up the already-

excited crowd even further on this unseasonably

mild fall day.

The 810 graduates who traveled to Clinton to take

part in this momentous day represented the 6,019

students that Ashford had graduated since the

previous ceremony in April 2011. According to

the Clinton Convention and Visitors Bureau, an

estimated 3,200 of the graduates’ friends and family

members were also in attendance. For many of the

graduates there, it was a day to reward themselves

for the dedication it took to juggle online classes

with a multitude of other personal and professional

commitments in order to earn their degrees.

Cathy Zagar, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational

Management, 2011, traveled to Clinton from San

Diego with her mom, sister, and 4-year-old daughter

in tow, and shared how much it meant to her to have

them there. “They have traveled with me along this

journey to get my degree and provided support,

motivation, and strength when I didn’t think I

could get through another class.” A Purchasing and

Subcontract Administrator at an offshore survey

services company and a native Southern Californian,

Cathy enjoyed the quaint town of Clinton, including

its people and its food – “especially the Italian

restaurant downtown, Rastrelli’s! And the school

was not at all what I expected. It was so pretty nestled

in the hills with the old historic buildings. It’s not

just an online college, it’s a real school.”

Describing the moment when she walked across the

stage in her cap and gown, Cathy says, “It felt great.

I’ll never forget them calling my name and handing

me my diploma. You can even tell by the picture, as I

was grinning from ear to ear. Then I heard my family

cheering from the crowd, and I knew that they were

proud of me and of what I have accomplished.”

Activities surrounding the ceremony included

campus tours, a student and faculty meet-and-greet

event, and recognition ceremonies for members of

the honor societies SALUTE, Golden Key, and Alpha

Sigma Lambda, along with a social.

Michelle Dahlum, Bachelor of Arts in Health Care

Studies, 2011, an aspiring domestic abuse advocate

and a member of Golden Key and Alpha Sigma

Lambda, took the opportunity to attend their events.

“Everybody was so kind and warm,” she says. “One

especially great moment was meeting University

Provost Dr. Wardlow at all three honor society events

I attended. She told me, ‘You are an inspiration!’

Wow, I couldn’t speak for a second.”

As the weekend’s events wrapped up, Ashford’s Lead

Graduation Coordinator, Ian Foster, reflected, “Year

after year it amazes me to see the number of students

and guests that travel from around the world to

attend their commencement ceremony. Ashford

University strives to produce an event worthy

of the students’ hard work and dedication. The

commencement ceremonies are the culmination of

their achievements, and we will continue to produce

events that they can be proud of.”

Whether they’d earned an Associate’s, Bachelor’s,

or Master’s degree, to the graduates gathered on the

south campus field that day, anything seemed possible

as they prepared to embark on the rest of their lives as

newly minted graduates of Ashford University.

“Who needs a runway?” Vernice “FlyGirl” encouraged

them in closing. “Take off from where you are!” //

ONLINE GRADUATES AT HOME IN CLINTON

Energetic commencement speaker Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour gets the crowd on their feet.


/ COMMENCEMENTAU Alumni Magazine

CAMPUS GRADUATES ENJOY AN INTIMATE CEREMONYCampus Commencement: December 2011

I could not have asked for a better way to end my college career.

In contrast to the larger event for online students, a

modest 37 students and around 300 of their guests

attended the Ashford commencement ceremony

and reception in Kehl Arena on December 20,

2011. Most were graduating from Ashford’s campus

modality, and several were some of the last graduates

of Ashford’s former ASPIRE program, which offered

night classes for working adults.

The ceremony was an especially meaningful one

for Lindsey Jordan, who not only served as the

Graduation Coordinator, but participated in the

ceremony herself on this day, earning her Master of

Arts in Education. “The ceremony had a very intimate

feel,” she reported. “This was done on a much smaller

scale than our spring and fall ceremonies, but we

wanted it to be just as special.” Luckily, as she added,

the weather cooperated. “It was a cold day, but a vast

improvement from previous years where there have

been snow storms and freezing rain!”

The keynote speaker was Ken Stock, a teacher, coach,

principal, husband, parent, author, and the subject

of the movie “The Final Season.” The film details the

1991 season of Iowa’s small but storied Norway High

School baseball team, which Ken coached to their

Brittany Singroy, Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice, and Matthew Lindstrom, Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, are two of the 37 students who graduated at the December 2011 ceremony for campus students.

20th state title. His speech inspired the graduates

to find their passion, take chances, and seek out

mentors – as well as be a mentor to others.

Sarah Francisco, who earned her Bachelor of Arts in

Sociology at the ceremony and is a recipient of the

President’s Scholarship, is proud to have become

the first person in her immediate family to have

graduated from college. “My parents, grandparents,

aunt, and uncle attended the ceremony, and since

it was small, I was able to find them immediately in

the audience. Being able to see them helped calm my

nerves and made me feel more at ease. It made me

realize that everything I have been working for was

finally coming true.” Additionally, Sarah’s relatives

in Oregon were able to view the ceremony streaming

live online. “I was extremely happy that they were

all able to share in this important milestone in my

life,” said Sarah, adding, “I could not have asked for a

better way to end my college career.”

Graduation videos of online and campus ceremonies

are archived under the “Student Services” tab at

ashford.edu. //

http://ashford.edu

1 2 / Ashford University / ashford.edu

MILITARY SPOTLIGHT / AU Alumni Magazine

WaitingA shadow stalked the North Gate, seizing my attention. Creeping from one

pillar to the next, hesitating behind each, closing the distance between

us. Reaching the last pillar it hesitated again, longer this time. Did it

disappear? Like a cat, its dark outline thrust from behind the pillar. The

launcher tip ref lected ambient light; its one red eye stared right at me.

“Thump…thump, thump…thump, thump, thump…” a Chinook’s blades

slicing through the cool night air reeled me back to reality.

My eyes, adjusting from the daydream, were drawn like moths to the lights

of a single car entering the rotary. The knocking of its poorly maintained

engine and loose muff ler muzzled the sound of the passing helos; back

firing as it limped along, making its lonesome way through the gate. The

helos banked right and we were left with nothing but silence. Deafening

silence. My breath hung in the cool air like fog over a lake bed, the only

thing keeping me company.

“Michael Myers,” someone shouted from the fighting position on the far

corner of the roof.

Erupting in the silence, the voice startled me. Several seconds passed as I

shook the haze loose.

“Michael Vick,” a second voice echoed from the position behind me.

“Val Kilmer,” I replied, keeping the game alive. Finally something to pass

the time.

The crackle and static of the radio stopped our game short. “Bring it down,”

the voice commanded. Slothfully I moved into action, stuffing my night

vision goggles back into their pouch, wondering where we were going. Still

half-asleep from the long shift, my muscles strained under the weight of

my machine gun.

Incoming!Taking the last drag from my cigarette, I looked up at the sky. The stars are

so brilliant here. Large and bright they dominate the night sky, so close I

felt like I could touch them. As the smoke rolled off my lips, a small sound

could be heard over the generators that litter our area. Looking down from

the heavens I saw the rocket.

ON PATROL

Military Spotlight: By Joshua B. Denby, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

My breath hung in the cool air like fog over a lake bed, the only thing keeping me company.

About the AuthorRaised in Ohio, Joshua B. Denby, 27, enlisted in the US Army shortly after graduating from high school and has been stationed in Germany, Japan, and Missouri, and has deployed to Iraq twice. After his second deployment, he talked to a professor about the difficulty he was having coping with his experiences in Iraq, and upon the professor’s advice began writing. “On Patrol” became his final project (two of the six sections are included here). Joshua is set to graduate from Ashford in 2013 with his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and hopes to continue expanding and publishing his writing portfolio.

It screamed across the sky, barreling right at us. I rolled out of my chair

and fell face first onto the dusty, hard concrete roof. “Incoming!” I shouted.

Lying there, I watched each of my friends follow suit and dive chest first

on the rooftop, falling like dominoes.

Hopeless, we lay there, knowing if the rocket hit our building we probably

wouldn’t survive. Seconds passed, but it felt like days, moving in slow

motion. A rush of wind and heat braised my back as the sound of the rocket

pierced my ears. I looked up and saw the tail of the rocket skimming four

feet above the roof, its cherry red f lame lighting the night sky like a beacon

of destruction. It disappeared momentarily behind the last building in

our row. In an instant the field behind that building was engulfed in a fire

ball. The f lames spread wildly over the gravel-covered field. The stones

sounded like marbles as they bounced and rolled away from the blast.

Finally able to gain my balance and composure, I stood and ran to my

friends lying face down, meticulously checking each one for injury. After

seeing me, they followed and checked other soldiers on the roof. Once

each one was checked out, we sent them to the stairwell. They would be

safer inside. Escorting the last group of soldiers to the stairs I looked back

to make sure no one was left behind. Scanning the rooftop, the familiar

sound screeched above the generators again. I jumped in the door,

clearing the first f light of stairs. Landing on my feet, I rolled to my right

and shouted, “Incoming!” //

A Series of Sketches from Tours in Iraq (An Excerpt)


/ MILITARY SPOTLIGHTAU Alumni Magazine

What does going to college look like for a typical

Ashford student? For some, it might be posting

in a discussion board while simultaneously

soothing a crying baby at 2:00 am. You might see

others using a mobile device to work on a paper

during a morning commute on the train.

For Deric Walker, 35, a First Sergeant in the

United States Air Force, who was deployed

for six months while enrolled at Ashford, the

conditions he worked under were even more

strenuous. “I took classes while I was doing

combat skills training and preparation for my

deployment to Iraq,” he shares. “I took classes

while I was in Naples, Italy getting training with

NATO, and also in Baghdad, Iraq, f lying into a

war zone. I was in the back of a C-130 working

on papers.”

DERIC M. WALKERMilitary Alumni Spotlight: Deric M. Walker, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, 2011

I was in the back of a C-130 [flying into a warzone] working on papers.

This married father of two felt his Bachelor of Arts

in Social Science degree was worth continuing

under these conditions for its immediate

professional benefits. “My job is to improve the

quality of life of the 240 personnel in my unit

and their families. I believe my degree adds to

my competency level in that it helps my unit

members feel at ease with my moral, ethical, and

legal decision making in support of them, and it

helps validate my position within the unit.”

Having earned two Associate’s degrees

traditionally prior to enrolling at Ashford,

Deric prefers the online format. “I liked being

able to work at my own pace and incorporate

my educational goals into my daily schedule.

Ashford has allowed me to take my classroom

with me literally any where in the world.” In

addition to Iraq and Italy, Deric also completed

classes while in Washington State, Wyoming,

Texas, and Alabama.

Thankfully, the extensive traveling and Air

Force demands didn’t prevent Deric from

succeeding at Ashford. “As far as surprises I

encountered while studying at Ashford, I think I

was surprised at how smart I am! I worked hard

on all of my assignments, and the instructors

evidently recognized that. I ended up graduating

Magna Cum Laude.”

United States Air Force First Sergeant Deric Walker stopped at nothing to earn his Bachelor’s degree.

Along with relishing his good grades, Deric

enjoyed interacting with classmates from all

walks of life. “Some students were from other

countries, and they provided some great insight

during our discussions,” he recalls. “I don’t

think you can get that type of perspective in a

traditional classroom environment.”

Currently stationed at Dyess Air Force Base

just outside of Abilene, TX, Deric cherishes

the ability to show his children the value and

importance of education. “It took me nearly

16 years to get my Bachelor’s degree due to the

military commitment and other obligations,” he

admits. “It certainly had it challenges, but finally

getting it done is valuable beyond any measure.”

To continue the momentum, Deric now plans to

return to Ashford for a Master’s degree.

Ashford University is incredibly proud of the

accomplishments of service members like First

Sergeant Deric Walker, and we are honored

to have each and every one of them in our

community of students and alumni. //


ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT / AU Alumni Magazine

Master of Arts in Education, 2007Alaska State Educational Technology Coordinator

ROXANNE MOURANT

ASHFORD’S

community of

alumni is made up of

extraordinary people

from all walks of life,

and their stories never

cease to amaze and

inspire. The following

profiles are just a few

of the many examples

demonstrating the

dedication and talent

they show on their

way to realizing

greater personal and

professional success.

For more alumni

profiles, including

future updates on

Roxanne and Vincent,

visit ashford.edu/stories.

Alumnae Spotlight: Roxanne Mourant

Roxanne Mourant (better known as Roxy) is

a diehard third-generation Alaskan who was

born in Juneau and has lived in Fairbanks,

Anchorage, and several other Alaskan towns.

Back in her hometown today, Roxy is putting her

Ashford degree to work, having landed her dream

job as Alaska State Educational Technology

Coordinator. In this role, she oversees programs

and grants that help students in all of Alaska’s 53

school districts use technology for education –

something she has long been passionate about. In

addition, Roxy is a winner of the Denali Award for

showing innovation in education.

So how did she get here? For almost a decade,

Roxy taught grades 6-12 throughout the state. She

had her Bachelor’s degree, but needed to finish

her Master’s degree in order to continue as a

teacher. “Ashford was one of the best universities

I found that allowed me to continue teaching

while working on my Master’s degree, applying

the lessons I learned in the program directly into

my classroom.”

Despite her passion for the field and her success,

Roxy left teaching to return to Juneau last fall to

help care for her ailing mother. But soon enough,

the position for State Educational Technology

Coordinator opened up. Despite all of her past

experience and accolades, Roxy would not have

been eligible for the position without her Master’s

degree, and the opportunity would have passed

her by. Instead, Roxy was selected for the job.

“My favorite aspect of my job is the relationships

that are built and the wonderful people I get to

work with, as well as having the ability to help lead

education towards fun, cool, relevant projects

that help students throughout the state.” One of

those projects is providing distance education

for various Native Alaskan communities, many

of whom live in remote and isolated areas with no

road access for much of the year.

Roxy is as enthusiastic about her state and its people as she is her job, and

encourages people to keep Alaska beautiful by supporting environmentally

friendly modes of transportation and development of natural resources.

Ashford University is proud to have this dynamic educational trailblazer in our

growing family of highly successful alumni, and the admiration is mutual. “I

think Ashford has a rigor that is valuable for online learning. I am grateful that

Ashford had the vision to realize how online coursework could benefit someone

like me who worked full-time and needed to finish a degree in order to continue

as a teacher. The online program at Ashford helped me learn how to effectively

interact with my colleagues in an online environment that prepared me for what

I would use daily in my professional career.

“My passion,” continues Roxy, “will always be finding ways to help students

succeed.” Ashford University is right behind her in that mission. //

The online program at Ashford...prepared me for what I would use daily in my professional career.

http://ashford.edu/stories


/ ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTAU Alumni Magazine

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, 2009Master of Arts in Organizational Management, Organizational Leadership specializationCollege Football Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator

VINCENT DAVIS

Alumnus Spotlight: Vincent Davis

Vincent Davis, 49, has tried many different lines

of work throughout his long and varied career.

Starting from the tender age of just 17, he’s served

as owner of several small businesses, having started

a D.J. service, recording studios and record labels,

and even group homes for foster children. He’s no

stranger to the corporate world, either, having been

a manager at Arizona Beverage Company.

Throughout much of that time, Vinny had also been

involved in coaching high school football, while

dreaming of one day coaching at the college level. He

had played college football himself, but had dropped

out before graduating – and so his lack of a degree

was holding him back from achieving that goal.

One day, when Vincent was coaching football at a

Tampa, FL high school in 2004, a college coach came

to visit one of his players. To Vincent’s surprise, it

was his own former college football assistant coach,

who he hadn’t seen for 22 years! “It was very inspiring

to see what he had accomplished over the years,

from being an assistant coach at a small college to

coaching for a large Division I university – and he

has since been hired by the NFL. He is the reason I

went back to college at the age of 46.”

Vinny decided on Ashford University for its

convenient online format. “There was no other way

to go – plus, it was very affordable, and the professors

were understanding and down to earth.” The

Organizational Management degree program was

his choice because of its broad reach over a vast array

of professional fields. “I wanted a degree that would

take me through the rest of my life,” continues Vinny.

“And I really learned a lot at Ashford. My professors

and classmates opened my eyes to a new beginning

and a brighter future.”

Vinny’s enthusiasm must have rubbed off on his

wife, as she is now enrolled at Ashford as well! Along

with inspiring his wife and children, Vinny relishes

the opportunity to inspire the lives of the young men

he coaches every day at a job he loves.

“It only took me 30 days from the time I graduated to

land my first college coaching job, and I have been

on the move since! I coached at Tiffin University in

Ohio for one year, and then I was hired at Waldorf

College in Iowa, where I am currently in my second

year. My degree is paying for itself.”

Now that Vinny has gotten a taste of how amazing

it feels to reap the rewards of an education, he’s

enrolled at Ashford again for his Master of Arts

in Organizational Management, Organizational

Leadership specialization in the hopes of eventually

landing a Division I position or a head coaching

job. Who knows, maybe we’ll see Vinny on the NFL

sidelines one day! “The sky’s the limit. No matter

what life throws at you, follow your dreams and don’t

let anyone change your mind.

“I’ve had a blessed life,” continues Vinny, “but it felt

like I was missing something from my past, and that

was a college degree – which I now have after 24 years

of putting it off. I am very glad that the Lord gave me

a vision to find Ashford University. Thanks, Ashford;

without you I wouldn’t be where I am today.” //

It only took me 30 days from the time I graduated to land my first college coaching job, and I have been on the move since!


CAMPUS NEWS / AU Alumni Magazine

The Saints enjoyed their tour of Bridgepoint Education, Ashford’s corporate headquarters in San Diego.

Two days later, another large following fueled the

Saints to halt a late San Diego Christian College rally

to hang on for a two-point victory, 60-58. Tanzillo

paced the Ashford team with 17 points as the squad

picked up its seventh consecutive victory.

In between game days, the team found also time

to experience some of the sights of San Diego. They

attended the 2011 Bridgepoint Education Holiday

Bowl, an annual college football bowl sponsored by

the company, and enjoyed the matchup between the

victorious University of Texas and the University of

California, Berkeley.

“Head Coach Oliver Drake joked with us before the

game about where our seats were,” laughed Tanzillo.

“We were so surprised to be that close to a nationally

televised game. It was a great experience and we

were honored to be guests of Bridgepoint.”

SAINTS IN SAN DIEGOCampus News: By Chris Shaw, Ashford University Sports Information Director

The Bridgepoint and Ashford employees gave us all of the support in the world, and that was really nice to see.

The Ashford University men’s basketball team took a

5-day trip to San Diego during the 2011 winter break

for a pair of victorious road games against two Golden

State Athletic Conference opponents. Even though

the Saints were 1,600 miles from home, they found a

home away from home in southern California.

While in “America’s Finest City,” the squad made

visits to the corporate headquarters of Ashford

University, Bridgepoint Education, where they toured

each building and interacted with employees. They

also had the opportunity to visit CEO Andrew Clark’s

office – where they took turns being photographed

while seated at Mr. Clark’s desk.

“The support we received from the Bridgepoint and

Ashford University employees was awesome,” said

senior forward Peter Tanzillo, who was a freshman

when he last made the trip to San Diego in the 2008-

2009 season. “The support we had at the games was

phenomenal, and the employees made us feel very

welcome and treated us like we were ‘their’ team.”

“It was incredible to see the growth the organization

has gone through since I visited as a freshman,”

added senior forward Matthias Burns.

Even though the Saints were so far away from their

Iowa home court in Kehl Arena, the Ashford faithful

were out in full force at both ballgames. “We were on

a first name basis with everyone we spoke with,” said

Burns. “Everyone knew who we were, and that was

really cool.”

Senior guard Jason Landry (who was in the Elite 8

of the College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships

this year) landed on the front page of the San Diego

Union Tribune sports section after he put back an

offensive rebound with 11 seconds remaining to lift

the Saints over Point Loma Nazarene University, with

a score of 65-64. “The crowd gave us the momentum

to get that one more stop after Jason’s shot,” shared

Tanzillo. “We really felt like the home team in the

PLNU game.”

For Ashford’s senior-laden ballclub, it was a great

way to close out the careers of several student-

athletes who have helped the program gain so

much success – not only on the conference and

regional level, but on the national level as well.

Entering the 2011 Midwest Collegiate Conference

Men’s Basketball Tournament as the third seed

last March, the Saints ran the table and locked

up their invitation to the 2011 NAIA Division II

National Men’s Basketball Tournament with an

84-81 win over top-seeded Iowa Wesleyan College.

It was the team’s first visit to the tournament since

the 2001-2002 season.

“We had a great following in San Diego,” enthused

senior guard Jonathan Wyatt, the third returning

member of the 2008-2009 squad. “The Bridgepoint

and Ashford employees gave us all of the support

in the world, and that was really nice to see.” //


/ CAMPUS NEWSAU Alumni Magazine

Franci Phelan, left, and fellow “Mountie” Waunita Sullivan pose with Franci’s commemorative plaque.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS

AND ALUMNI OF MSCC / ASHFORD WHO HOPE TO

ACHIEVE THEIR OWN PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS

AS A SENIOR EXECUTIVE OR OTHERWISE?

I’ve often said that the book I’ll write one day will be

titled ‘To Boldly Go.’ I believe success is defined by

yourself and what you choose to do as an individual

and contributing member of society, so be bold!

Very early on, I made a promise to myself that I

would not live a life of regret. This simple promise

has challenged me to work to contribute when

and wherever I can – oftentimes putting me in

situations that I couldn’t have dreamed of but value

nonetheless. I’ve had great fun experiencing all I can

personally and professionally. As a young adult and

every day since, my parents have reminded me that

‘you only go around this world once,’ so don’t wait for

retirement to do what you feel you are called to do for

yourself and others.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE

YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?

A great bonus in attending the Mount was the many

friends and colleagues I found that I continue to

stay in touch with; one in particular is my husband,

Randal Peters. We met at MSCC and have been best

friends ever since. We continue to spend time with

the Sisters of St. Francis in Clinton each year. They,

among others, were our teachers, counselors, and

friends. They have been such wonderful role models

in how to live a balanced life that is both humble and

fulfilling. Again, a sincere thank you for presenting

me with the Hall of Fame Alumni Award. I continue

to be humbled by it! //

DID YOU LIVE ON CAMPUS?

Yes, I lived in Durham Hall for two years and was

a resident assistant my second year there. Great

fun and camaraderie there! It provided a perfect

environment for many of us to grow and mature.

There was a great mix of young adults from rural

locations, larger cities like Chicago, and metro

areas; as well as international students. The phrase

‘all are welcome’ seemed to rule the day at MSCC in

Durham Hall.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE

LIKE AS A STUDENT?

Upon reflection, I credit my time at the Mount

as helping me grow and mature as a student and

individual. I was provided so many opportunities

to explore: taking trips, digging into ideas and

challenging topics, participating in several student

activities and fundraisers, and getting to know a

diverse group of students and professors. MSCC was

a fantastic experience for me and I’ve continued to

be an avid supporter since my time as a student. My

time at the Mount further provided a good runway for

education and experiences I would have thereafter.

WHEN YOU LEARNED THAT MOUNT ST. CLARE

COLLEGE IS NOW ASHFORD UNIVERSITY, WITH

A LARGE ONLINE STUDENT BODY, DID IT

SURPRISE YOU?

I don’t think of MSCC and Ashford in terms of size; I

see both as quality institutions with the same goal in

mind: preparing students for a variety of professional

experiences. In this effort, there are many similarities.

I think the handoff from the Mount to Ashford was

handled masterfully! As a former Mount graduate,

I’ve been made to feel as welcome by Ashford’s team

as I was with the Mount. There are several Mounties

working and presently connected to the college, like

Waunita Sullivan, Director of Student Success. That

said, I am happy and a touch envious of the growth in

course offerings (and the fantastic athletic facilities!)

that are now available through Ashford. Students

have to be proud of the institution’s growth while

also preserving the reputation of education that has

defined the College for years.

ALUMNI HALL OF FAME

Campus News: Alumni Hall of Fame

I credit my time at the Mount as helping me grow and mature as a student and individual.

Successful executive Franci Phelan earned her

Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Mount St.

Clare College (MSCC), now Ashford University, in

1983. She was inducted into the Ashford University

Alumni Hall of Fame on November 19, 2011 as part

of a homecoming dinner and dance celebration.

A resident of Maxwell, IA, Franci also holds a

Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and

a Master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University,

and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree from

George Washington University. She is highly active

in her community, serving on the board of directors

for several organizations. Franci joined Kum & Go

with an extensive resume of senior level positions,

one of which was Chief Human Resources Officer of

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She took some

time to speak with Ashford Connections about her

time at MSCC and to offer advice to fellow career-

minded Ashford alumni.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER MOUNT ST. CLARE

COLLEGE, AND WHAT FACTORS MADE YOU

DECIDE TO ENROLL THERE FOR YOUR

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE?

MSCC has been connected to the Phelan family

for as long as I can remember. My aunts, Sr. Anne

Martin Phelan and Sr. MaryAnn Phelan, went there

as wstudents when it was called Mount St. Clare

Academy, and Sr. MaryAnn worked there as the

Director of Development. My brother, Dan Phelan,

and older sister, Laurie Phelan, were graduates

from the college as well, and I was able to see how

it impacted them. I also appreciated the fact that

I could participate in a number of activities, such

as basketball, chorus, and student senate, while

also receiving a quality education from a reputable

higher education institution.

Franci Phelan, Senior Vice President of “Grow People” at convenience store pioneer Kum & Go, L.C., is latest inductee.


KEEP IN TOUCH / AU Alumni Magazine

Khalid Jabr earned his Master of

Business Administration, Information

Systems specialization, in 2011, and

is thrilled with how it has impacted

his job in the IT industry. “I am now

viewed as a subject matter expert and

am the go-to person at my workplace.

My priority and time-management

skills have also been enhanced tremendously.” Despite

working full time and raising twins with his wife while

earning his degree, Khalid maintained a 4.0 GPA and was

invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society.

He sees having his MBA as a valuable asset on his résumé.

“Having a degree from an accredited institution increases

your opportunity, especially during tough times.”

Many years ago, Sheila Woodard,

who earned her Bachelor of Arts

in Business Administration

in 2010, left the college degree

she’d started after high school

incomplete when she moved to

the Caribbean. Now a resident of

El Paso, TX, she has achieved a

goal two decades in the making. “I have been in the

hospitality industry for 20 years and have wanted to

move on to a general manager position, but had not

been given the opportunity.” After finally enrolling at

Ashford and completing her degree, Sheila reports, “I

am now a General Manager of an all-suite property

and loving it! I will be studying this year to obtain my

professional certification (CHA).”

Due to earn her Bachelor of Arts

in Public Relations, Marketing

specialization later this year,

Linda Anders reports she has

already been promoted to

Advertising Director at The Facts,

the Brazoria County, TX newspaper

where she works. “I attribute a lot

of that to my success at Ashford University,” she says.

Her accomplishments include an impressive 3.97 GPA.

Though already reaping the professional rewards of

working toward her degree, Linda is looking forward

to the icing on the cake. “I am absolutely going to

participate in the commencement ceremony in Iowa!

After almost three years of burning the candle at both

ends, I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

As a partner and vice president at

a land surveying and engineering

firm he has been with for over

25 years, Don Woolley recently

used the management concepts

he learned while earning his

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational

Management at Ashford into

action. “During my classes, I was involved in starting

up a new department at my firm. This has been a huge

challenge during these difficult economic times, but

what I was learning directly related to what I was

trying to accomplish and helped me build a successful

department.” Don earned his degree to improve his

written communication skills, better utilize rapidly

changing technologies, and to finally transform

the credits he’d collected at several schools over the

course of 37 years.

Kenya Baker, who started at

Ashford as an aspiring special

education teacher, is happy to

report he has landed the very

job he was turned down for prior

to earning his Bachelor of Arts

in Social Science, Education

specialization, in 2011. “My

Ashford degree has proven to be a big boost for my

career plans, and it was a big factor in being able to get a

job as a Special Education Instructional Assistant. I got

a lot out of my Ashford education, and find that many

doors have opened for me as a result of it.” Kenya is

now pursuing a Master’s degree and a Mild/Moderate

Special Education Teaching Credential.

Upon earning her Master of

Business Administration, Business

Economics specialization last year,

Victoria Baird was promoted to

Market Research Analyst at Brandes

Investment Partners, LLC, where

she has worked for the past few years

in San Diego, CA. “I truly learned

so much valuable information [at Ashford] that I apply

to my career. I was amazed by the quality of the faculty

members and the work experience of my professors.

Plus, my classmates all had versatile backgrounds and

we learned a lot from each other.” In her new position,

Victoria monitors global financial markets, analyzes

economic trends and market conditions, and conducts

ongoing research projects.

HAVE YOU CONNECTED OFFLINE WITH ANYONE FROM YOUR ONLINE COURSES?

Cynthia Hendricks Murphy: I have met a lot of people

through Ashford whom I consider very good friends. My

best friend from Ashford lives in Wyoming and has already

graduated, but we talk all the time through email and have

exchanged pictures of our families.

Alicia Curione: I made a ton of friends in one of my Ashford

classes. It has now been 3 years and we all still keep in contact!

Stephen McCabe: I took a fellow student and her

husband on a tour of NYC a couple of months ago when

they came up from North Carolina for a visit.

CLASS NOTES

FACEBOOK FEED

Keep in Touch: Class Notes

Keep in Touch: Facebook Feed

Discover Ashford’s social media

communities at ashford.edu/social

Tameka Mccray: I have formed good friendships. I love these ladies. Just having

something in common with someone that you would have never interacted with had

it not been for Ashford is amazing!

Corin Miller-Words: I’ve graduated, and I still keep in contact with classmates and

professors. It would be to your advantage to speak to as many people as you can, and

network often. I connected with one student and for my last few courses we took classes

together. It was a huge motivator to buddy up with someone because we pushed each

other along.

Jessica Foote: I met a very nice lady in my first class, and we have become good

friends. We live in different states, so we haven’t met in person, but hopefully we

will get the pleasure when we both attend graduation! :)

http://ashford.edu/social


/ KEEP IN TOUCHAU Alumni Magazine

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS EDITION OF ASHFORD CONNECTIONS! WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK — PLEASE SEND ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS TO: [email protected].

College of Business and Professional Studies Associate of Arts

Business

Organizational Management

Bachelor of ArtsAccounting*

Professional Accounting Program**

Business Administration*

Business Economics

Business Information Systems*

Business Leadership*

Computer Graphic Design**

Consumer & Family Financial Services

eMarketing

Entrepreneurship

Finance*

Human Resources Management

International Business

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 DegreesMaster of Arts in Organizational Management

Master of Business Administration

Master of Public Administration

College of EducationAssociate of Arts

Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of ArtsBusiness Education**

Child Development

Cognitive Studies

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Administration

Education & Public Policy

Education Studies

Elementary Education (grades K-8)**

English Language Learner Studies

Instructional Design

Library Science & Media

Physical Education**

Graduate DegreesMaster of Arts in Education

Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology

College of Health, Human Services, and ScienceBachelor of Arts

Adult Development

Applied Behavioral Science

Complementary & Alternative Health

Gerontology

Health & Human Services

Health & Wellness

Health Care Administration*

Health Care Studies

Health Education

Health Informatics

Health Marketing & Communication

Natural Science**

Psychology*

Bachelor of ScienceBiology**

Computer Science and Mathematics**

Health Science Administration**

Natural Science**

Graduate DegreesMaster of Arts in Health Care Administration

College of Liberal ArtsAssociate of Arts

Military Studies

Bachelor of ArtsApplied Linguistics

Communication Studies

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**

*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.

Email [email protected] and let us know how your Ashford degree is helping you reach your personal or professional goals.

SHARE YOUR MILESTONES!


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MAY 201222 / Brooklyn, NY

23 / Albany, NY

JUNE 201228 /Atlanta, GA

29 / Jacksonville, FL

JULY 201218 / Seattle, WA

19 / San Jose, CA

AUGUST 201222 / Colorado Springs, CO

25 / Carlsbad/Oceanside, CA

SEPTEMBER 201219 / Philadelphia, PA

20 / Washington, DC

20 / Denver, CO

OCTOBER 201210 / Austin, TX

11 / Dallas, TX

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. Also, please visit ashford.edu/alumni and update your contact information so you can receive information on all alumni events and benefits.

SAVE THE DATE!

http://ashford.edu/networkevents

http://ashford.edu/alumni

ashford connections : issue 04

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