AMERICAN SENTINEL UNIVERSITY HOLDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Added: (Mon Jun 29 2009)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
June 23, 2009
AMERICAN SENTINEL UNIVERSITY HOLDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
--Dr. Colleen Conway-Welch Delivers Commencement Address--
Aurora, CO - American Sentinel University, an accredited online college offering degree programs and certification courses, held its commencement ceremony on Friday, June 12, at the Lawrence C. Phipps Conference Center in Denver, Colorado.
In the past year, American Sentinel has presented degrees to students of 14 different degree programs representing 15 countries around the world, including: Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, China, Germany, Hungary, and the United States.
Some of the most popular degree programs include:
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Computer Science
Dr. Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., R.N., Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and member of the American Sentinel University Board of Trustees was this year’s commencement ceremony speaker. Dr. Conway-Welch opened her presentation with statements regarding the value of a university level degree for each of American Sentinel University’s graduates.
"Each of you is profoundly different, profoundly empowered because of your education here at American Sentinel," Conway-Welch said. "As a nurse, I can't help but reflect more specifically on the important role advanced degree nurses will have on the future of our healthcare system, now poised for great change. Advanced practice nurses are cost-effective providers who treat the whole patient - not just the disease. Fortunately, nurses pursuing advanced degrees are the fastest growing segment of American Sentinel enrollments. However, healthcare reform needs the persistence and skills from everyone here today." She closed her statements by encouraging students to do three things: embrace conflict rather than fear it, respect the mission of their employers, and never stop learning.
Conway-Welch has served as dean and a professor at Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing since 1984. She was recently selected by Secretary of Health and Human Service Tommy Thompson to serve as a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Secretary's Council on Public Health Preparedness. She is also a member of the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Science.
American Sentinel University granted the Joe B. Wyatt Award for Leadership to Daniel Randall for demonstrating outstanding effort, energy and leadership for student life. Randall graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science.
The Outstanding Graduating Veteran award, which is presented each year to a veteran who displays exceptional diligence and persistence in completing his studies, was presented to Richard J. Nero Jr. After suffering from traumatic brain injury when his plane was shot down in Iraq in 2004, Nero graduated this week with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. Having been told by army doctors that he would be mentally incapacitated forever, Nero proved them wrong by accepting this award, as well as his hard-earned degree, with great pride and character.
Awards were also presented to Michael Stover, James Atherholt, Max Wright, Jason Pate and Terri Durel-Darby, each of whom received the Richard W. Oliver Merit award for originality of thought and thoroughness of study within their Master's degree programs. Sheila Bezak received the Mary Adams President's Award for her perseverance despite numerous obstacles. Bezak had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after having been bedridden from surgery which caused her to be unemployed for over a month, but she persevered through this trauma, completing her degree program in the face of tremendous adversity.
American Sentinel University is incredibly proud of all of our graduates and sincerely wishes each and every one of them the best of luck in future endeavors.
About American Sentinel University
Founded as a Vanderbilt University Technology Company, American Sentinel University offers the competitive advantages of unique online education programs in high growth industries. The university is accredited by the U.S. Secretary of Education-the recognized Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. American Sentinel’s nursing programs are in the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation process with a site visit conducted in March, 2009. For more information, visit www.americansentinel.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Fulton
(615) 254-0575
American Sentinel University
2260 South Xanadu Way, Suite 310
Aurora, CO 80014
lfulton@americansentinel.edu