PHOENIX FOCUS · Finally, the alumni association has a wonderful new opportunity for uOPX alumni—the Forever a Phoenix scholarship sm . alumni can continue their education with

PHOENIX FOCUSYOUR alUmni COnnECTiOn | JANUARY 2011

WEB alumni.phoenix.edu EMAIL [email protected]

Featured alumnus

Seven summits, one goalBrian dickinson, mBa ’03snoqualmie, Washington

FOCus On OPtImIsm

Reasons to be hopeful Keep your

career resolutionsThe price of

pessimism

Kathleen Fern

lee jonssonlee Jonsson

Julie Wilson

amanda Flatten

Bridget Gutierrez

Jenifer Kingalanna VitucciKathleen Fern

HAPPY NEWYEAR

from the staff ofPhoenix Focus

let ter from the executive direc tor

PHOENIX FOCUS is produced monthly by university of Phoenix alumni association.Visit us at phxfocus.com.

VP, Alumni & Faculty RelationsKathleen Fern, mBa ’99

Executive Directoralanna Vitucci, mBa/Gm ’01

Editorial DirectorJenifer King

Senior Editoramanda Flatten

Features Editorlee Jonsson

Editorial AssistantBridget Gutierrez

Contributing WriterJulie Wilson

Design P.s. studios

University of Phoenix Alumni Association4025 s. riverpoint ParkwayPhoenix, aZ 85040

Contact us at [email protected] 800.795.2586 F 602.643.0552

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© 2011 university of Phoenix, Inc. all rights reserved.

A s I read the articles for this issue of Phoenix Focus, I was inspired by the hope and optimism that radiated from each of my fellow alumni. and they have motivated me to set just

one new Year’s resolution: this year, I am going to assume positive intent in my interactions with everyone! according to the article “the Price of Pessimism” (page 12), this might even improve my health and my outlook.

this month’s alumni profiles are beyond uplifting; they are truly inspiring. Brian Dickinson, MBA/TM ’03 (page 30), is the essence of optimism, whether he is hiking one of the world’s highest peaks or taking toys to orphans. at 71, Sharon Maloney, EdD ’10 (page 34), earned her doctorate degree and was crowned ms. senior michigan, proving that with the right attitude, you can do anything. and Lloyd Benson II, MBA/MKT ’99 (page 36), is using his degree and passion to influence young lives through his davidPaul learning Center.

also in this issue, discover reasons americans should be optimistic in 2011. On page 6, you will find examples of advancement and perseverance, from innovative cancer research and programs that impact education in low-income areas, to leading technological breakthroughs and environmental initiatives.

In these difficult economic times, many find themselves feeling anxious. “staying optimistic after a job loss” (page 18) features tips for dealing with negative emotions and ways to become excited about the future. Finally, the alumni association has a wonderful new opportunity for uOPX alumni—the Forever a Phoenix scholarshipsm. alumni can continue their education with a full-tuition scholarship toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree. apply online at www.phoenix.edu/foreverphoenix from Jan. 1, 2011 to Feb. 28, 2011.

may the stories in this issue inspire you to achieve more in 2011!

alanna Vitucci, mBa/Gm ’01executive director, alumni relationsuniversity of [email protected]

alanna Vitucciexecutive director, alumni relations

I love new beginnings and fresh starts, which is probably why January is my favorite month of the year.

alumni.phoenix.edu PaGe 3

contents / January 2011

FEATURES6 Reasons to be hopeful during difficult times, it’s easy to see america as a train veering off

track in a dark tunnel. However, this train is simply taking us for a wild ride and the light ahead has a filament lit by patience. america will succeed because america has always succeeded. Optimism makes sense.

12 The price of pessimism Pessimism is about more than just seeing the proverbial glass as

half empty. not only can a gloomy outlook impact your career and personal life, but it also takes a toll on your health. By contrast, an optimistic attitude can positively change your mental and physical health.

30 Seven summits, one goal Featured alumnus: Brian Dickinson

Brian dickinson, a systems engineer with Cisco systems, has married his adventurous spirit with his desire to help and inspire others across the globe and in his own back yard.

630

Phoenix Focus January 2011PaGe 4

IN THIS ISSUE Your Career

staying optimistic after a job loss 18

tips for making a resolution you’ll actually keep 24

How to self-promote without being obnoxious 26

Alumni Profiles Dr. Sharon Maloney 34 the fun side of life

Lloyd Benson II 36 Venturing on hope

Gina Gehm 38 taking on mt. adams

The Buzz

alumni announcements 40

Facebook poll 42

scholarship recipients 43

University News teaming for technology 44

university of Phoenix recognized 44 for quality program

nursing program to launch in Virginia 45

new certificate programs unveiled 45

university celebrates Veteran’s day with amVets scholarship 45

Our Community Campus news 46

Community relations 48

events 50

12


“I believe there is reason to hope,” says Jim Kenney, author of the 2010 book, Thriving in the Crosscurrent: Clarity and Hope in a Time of Cultural Sea Change. Kenney is a man who gets up every morning, looks at the day’s news and decides there’s no reason to go back to bed. Our culture is evolving toward peace and justice, he says, because human beings are hard-wired to recognize what works and what doesn’t. slavery doesn’t work. devaluing women doesn’t work. Believing the earth is fragile and needs tending does work. “We’re rapidly engaging with ideas of social and economic justice,” Kenney says. “there’s no doubt our values are changing.”

robert Wright, who explored advantages of the non-zero-sum game in the 2000 book Non Zero: The Logic of Human Destiny,

likewise believes in cultural evolution and the idea that humans are predisposed to goodness—if we’re careful. the traditional zero-sum game, in which a participant’s victory depends on an opponent’s failure, is outmoded, he says: We can all be winners. “Of course,” Wright warns, “we could screw it up … [we] could blow up the world with nuclear power.” But as an outgrowth of globalization, citizens of the world have expanded their moral circle, he says, accepting more people regardless of race, creed or color. the more we trade with other countries and explore other cultures, the more we accept them. life is simply getting better. a look at five specific areas of american society illustrates how.

Why Americans should feel optimistic now

Reasons to be

hopefulduring difficult times, it’s easy to see america as a train veering off track in a dark tunnel. However, this

train is simply taking us for a wild ride and the light ahead has a filament lit by patience. america will succeed because america has always succeeded. Optimism makes sense.


“We continue to have an incredibly skilled entrepreneurial sector—in computers and biotechnology—that drives prosperity the world over.”

—david autor, associate chair of the department of economics at the massachusetts Institute of technology

From its founding, america’s destiny has been financial success, says david Galenson, a university of Chicago professor of economics who studies creativity. america’s first settlers claimed vast amounts of land but realized real wealth lay in a large workforce. With laborers being a scarce and valuable commodity, the colonies became an egalitarian society. “that’s why immigrants came here,” Galenson says. In succeeding years, u.s. creativity expanded. Its universities attracted the world’s best minds. students came to study and stayed to work.

david autor, associate chair of the department of economics at the massachusetts Institute of technology, calls himself not optimistic but “realistic.” He believes things will get better because that’s in america’s dna. despite the recession, america remains productive. “Productivity drives prosperity,” autor says. “We continue to have an incredibly skilled entrepreneurial sector—in computers and biotechnology—that drives prosperity the world over.”

On some days, newspaper headlines spotlight intolerance of new immigrant

groups. But america is still a melting pot, autor says. that bodes well for financial health. the strongest economies have large immigrant populations. When foreigners are able to assimilate, more of them come with their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

If times look tough, it’s because we’re used to so much, autor says. “Our standard of living has been reduced, but we (still) have a high standard of living. If we live within our means, we’ll be fine.”

continued on page 8


Reasons to be hopeful

news of medical breakthroughs has been awe-inspiring. last september, an Oklahoma chiropractor received a double hand transplant at Jewish Hospital & st. mary’s HealthCare in louisville, Kentucky, replacing his severely burned hands with those of a donor.

at mIt, graduate student ming-Zher Poh is developing a device to monitor a person’s vital signs by using tiny cameras such as those in a laptop computer. the non-invasive monitor could be used for vulnerable patients such as newborns or burn victims.

mike mcKenna, a patient at the mayo Clinic in scottsdale, arizona, has a device implanted in his brain to control his epileptic seizures—small storms numbering more than 1,500 a day. at one time, mcKenna had seizures so severe they caused fractures. today, mcKenna no longer breaks bones and now is a full-time student studying social work at arizona state university.

Over the past 25 years, heart disease has dropped by 40 percent. the Human Genome Project has unlocked some of the

mysteries of our genetic code and led to more precise therapies. medicines have been developed using embryonic and adult stem cells.

dr. Glen Weiss, director of thoracic oncology at translational Genomics Clinical research services and associate investigator in tGen’s Cancer and Cell Biology division, cites great advances in breast cancer research. a mutation of two human genes has been linked to breast and ovarian cancer. now women with the mutations can elect to undergo preventative mastectomies to reduce their risk.

In coming years, genetics will also be used to refine treatments for conditions such as heart disease and lung cancer, Weiss says. targeted treatments for lung cancer have produced success rates as high as 70 percent. dna sequencing on individuals might one day be routine. “It’s clearly a big movement in cancer,” Weiss says.

Paul Krugman (Economics) Professor of economics at the Woodrow Wilson school of Public and International affairs at Princeton university.

Robert Shiller (Economics) ranked among the 100 most influential economists in the world, shiller in 2003 first hinted that a bursting of the housing market bubble might be ahead.

Doris Taylor, Ph.D. (Medicine) a medical researcher and pioneer in the building of matrices for biomedical hearts and other organs.

Dr. Marwan Sabbagh (Medicine) a neurologist and director of clinical research at the Banner sun Health research Institute in sun City, arizona.

Wendy Kopp (Education) CeO of teach for america, which recruits superior college grads to teach in urban schools.

Robert P. Moses (Education) a civil rights activist, math educator and founder of the algebra Project.

Robina Suwol (Environment) Founder and executive director of California safe schools.

Ally Maize (Environment) Founder of Green Youth movement.

Steve Jobs (Technology) Co-founder and CeO of personal computer giant apple.

Bill Gates (Technology) Chairman and co-founder of microsoft. He and his wife created the Bill & melinda Gates Foundation, which brings health care and education to developing countries.

10 americans who have made a contribution


although charter schools are not perfect, many are “spectacular,” Koehler says. “there are enough doing well to make it worthwhile.”

He also applauds teach for america for having a marked impact on schools in low-income communities. the program recruits outstanding college graduates from diverse majors to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools.

Wendy Kopp, teach for america’s CeO who proposed the concept 20 years ago at Princeton university, wrote last fall in the Wall Street Journal that her ideas convinced educators that socioeconomic circumstances do not determine educational success. “every day, teachers across the country demonstrate that with high expectations and extra support, economically disadvantaged students can succeed on an absolute scale,” Kopp wrote.

although america is faltering in an area where it once excelled (education), even there we can find good news. Paul Koehler, senior program director of the Policy Center at Wested, a nonprofit educational research, development and services agency, says great schools can be found across the country and share several factors.

they have stable leadership at the district level with supervisors who don’t try to reform overnight. schools look good and operate efficiently. they have exemplary principals. teachers are highly skilled and motivated. Poor teachers are weeded out. the schools know their students, test them and pay attention to achievement data. students who fall behind are not promoted until they catch up. the culture assumes children will go on to college or other post-high school training.

a tV reality series that debuted on nBC last October showed that something as simple as renovating schools can inspire students. the late denise Cramsey, executive producer of School Pride, says the makeover team discovered that when children learn in attractive surroundings and believe someone cares, test scores rise. Cramsey was impressed by the dedication of many “amazing teachers” as well as the “acuity and intelligence” of students who nominated their schools. she predicts the series will motivate people in other schools to take action: “People will speak up, mobilize and demand change.”

continued on page 10

“every day, teachers across the country demonstrate that with high expectations and extra support, economically disadvantaged students

can succeed on an absolute scale.” —Wendy Kopp, CeO, teach for america


“We want smart citizens of the future. It builds an eco-literate culture.”—merrilee Harrigan, vice president for education at the alliance to save energy

as we all try to give mother earth a break, the White House will be installing solar panels in hopes of encouraging americans to use alternative energy sources and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. even the u.s. military announced last year it would expand its use of renewable energy. avital Binshtock, editor of the Green life blog at the sierra Club and lifestyle editor for Sierra magazine, notes, “When the u.s. military does it, they go big.”

Going green is cool, Binshtock says. In its annual survey of colleges and universities, the sierra Club finds more students favoring schools that promote sustainability. “It’s a new measure of prestige,” she says. students are choosing majors and pursuing careers in energy conservation, and corporations seeking to reduce their carbon footprint are hiring energy managers and sustainability experts.

Consumers are recycling, purchasing recycled products and composting. electric and hybrid cars are more common, where once the term was “futuristic,” Binshtock says.

much of the work is easy, says Brad Penney, director of government relations at the alliance to save energy. the fastest, cleanest and cheapest source of new energy is conservation. While we wait for climate legislation, energy efficiency is where the greatest growth will come, he says.

In some communities, consumers can borrow money for energy-saving upgrades and pay it back on their monthly utility bills. Old buildings are retrofitted to improve performance.

Cities are adding bike paths and expanding mass transportation. Companies reward employees for telecommuting.

In schools, children are being groomed to be energy stewards, says merrilee Harrigan, vice president for education at the alliance to save energy. armed with an understanding of energy, they educate their families. “We want smart citizens of the future,” she says. “It builds an eco-literate culture.”

strides are being made with rescuing rain forests and reforestation, says dan lambe, vice president of programs for the arbor day Foundation. trees are more valuable growing than cut down. they help clean air and water supplies, filter storm water and prevent runoff, he says. and a market is being created for fruits and nuts that makes an industry of saving trees. “there is recognition that smart management of our green infrastructure is as important as our gray infrastructure (roads and sewers),” lambe says.

Reasons to be hopeful


technology often seems the stuff of science fiction. Its dangers loom large. But Cameron evans, national and chief technology officer for microsoft, sees only exciting prospects as technology connects what he calls the “shards” of our lives and creates machines that know us and serve our needs. “the walls of our lives are being broken down,” evans says.

mobile devices that now seem so clever will evolve into hand-held shopping centers. directed advertising will give us information we want and filter out the irrelevant. today, search engines are used to navigate the Web, but they will increasingly be used to complete tasks, such as microsoft’s Bing. search for a travel destination, for instance, and your search will link your airline frequent flier number with loyalty programs at hotels.

Health records will be online. With secure connections, a patient can carry a device that monitors activity, then alerts his or her doctor. adult children will be able to monitor the health needs of elderly parents.

Computers will become easier and safer. log on to your screen with the swipe of your finger or using a face-recognition program. the more we use the computer, the more it will learn.

the virtual world is expanding. meeting rooms will become “smart,” using sensors to read signals from those in the room, collect notes and schedule follow-ups. leave it all up to the room.

even tV sets, which have become complex machines, return to simplicity.

Pick up the remote, press a button, and it knows what channels you want.

For now, all perceptions are outside the body. Imagine devices becoming internal. Your hand doesn’t hold your phone; it is your phone. We will become enhanced human beings, evans says. Be amazed.

When experts are optimistic about the future, how can the rest of us be anything but? every era has setbacks—intolerance, prejudice, resistance to new ideas. Jim Kenney calls these setbacks “eddies,” little swirls in the stream of life. “no eddy ever reversed the flow of the stream,” he promises. “I’m so hopeful.”

Barbara Yost is a freelance journalist in Phoenix, Arizona.

“the walls of our lives are being broken down.” —Cameron evans, national and chief technology officer for microsoft


the price of pessimism


How an optimistic attitude can improve your mental and physical health

P essimism is about more than just seeing the proverbial glass

as half empty. not only can a gloomy outlook impact your career and personal life, but it also takes a toll on your health. In fact, a recent study linked pessimism with an increased risk of a host of illnesses—and even a shorter life span.

Just what is pessimism? merriam-Webster defines it this way: an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome.

But according to dr. lynn Hall, dean of the College of social sciences at university of Phoenix, pessimism also can be associated with a sense of helplessness and a lack of control. “It’s the belief that ‘nothing I do matters,’” she says, adding that renowned psychologist and clinical researcher martin seligman says it’s really a mild form of depression.



The consequencesa 2005 Women’s Health Initiative study by university of Pittsburgh medical Center internist Hilary a. tindle, md, mPH, revealed a direct link between pessimism and declining health. the largest of its kind, this study followed nearly 100,000 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79 with no cancer or heart disease. at the beginning of the study, the women were evaluated to determine if they had a pessimistic or optimistic outlook on life. after eight years, the women who were deemed pessimistic, with a high degree of hostility and cynicism, were 16 percent more likely to die than those who scored lowest for hostility and cynicism. Pessimists also were more likely than optimists to have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and depression. In addition, this group was more liable to be overweight, smoke and shun exercise.

The silver liningConversely, women who scored highest for optimism were healthier, with a 9 percent lower risk for developing heart disease and a 14 percent lower risk of dying from all causes than their pessimistic counterparts. “People need to understand the mind-body connection,” says Beth Patton, associate dean for the College of natural sciences at university of Phoenix. “the mind alters your body’s response to stress and illness, which can have a big impact on your health.”

“ People are not doomed to be pessimistic. If on some level we move from helplessness to hopefulness, we begin to take responsibility for our health, as well as other aspects of our lives, such as our relationships, our habits and our dreams.”

— dr. lynn Hall, dean of the College of social sciences at university of Phoenix


the good news is that optimism can be an acquired trait. martin seligman has written about his research on the subject in a number of books and journals. “He writes that optimism can be learned and that one can, in fact, be trained to be optimistic,” says dr. Hall. “People are not doomed to be pessimistic. If on some level we move from helplessness to hopefulness, we begin to take responsibility for our health, as well as other aspects of our lives, such as our relationships, our habits and our dreams.”

Here are some simple ways anyone can brighten his or her outlook and general well-being.

Assess yourselfdr. ruby Wesley-shadow, university of Phoenix faculty member and associate chief of nursing, education and research at the Va medical Center in Washington, d.C., stresses the importance of introspection. “If you are feeling pessimistic right now, take a look at where you are in your life,” she says. “are you happy with your choices? this is the perfect time to regroup, assess where you are and set goals for your future.” doing so can give you a more positive outlook for the future.

dr. Hall cautions that while everyone has bad days, pessimism that is pervasive should not go unchecked. “If you’re so pessimistic that you can’t function, that causes concern,” she says. “When pessimism reaches a level of depression, it is time to seek professional intervention.” at this point, it’s time to see your doctor.

Take control of your life“adopt a sense of control over your life so that things aren’t happening to you,” says dr. Wesley-shadow. “You have to be on top of what you have going on and where you want to go.” If you are feeling restricted by life’s non-negotiable responsibilities—think work and family—then take back some control by making some decision on your own. “It may be as simple as getting out to play tennis because you used to enjoy it,” says dr. Hall. “take one small step and do something different.” even a seemingly insignificant experience can improve your point of view on life.


“ If you are feeling pessimistic right now, take a look at where you are in your life ... and set goals for your future.”

— dr. ruby Wesley-shadow, university of Phoenix faculty member and associate chief of nursing, education and research at the Va medical Center in Washington, d.C.


“ People need to understand the mind-body connection. the mind alters your body’s response to stress and illness, which can have a big impact on your health.”

— Beth Patton, associate dean for the College of natural sciences at university of Phoenix

Exercise and eat rightIt’s no surprise that good old diet and exercise play an important role in maintaining a rosy outlook. eating a diet of healthful foods and staying active prepare you to be at your best, both physically and mentally, so it is in your interest to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Patton explains that that a vitamin deficiency and other medical conditions can contribute to a negative mindset. “We need to look at what we eat,” she says. dr. Wesley-shadow agrees. “many americans have a vitamin d deficiency,” she says. “We don’t get enough in the foods we eat and are not outside enough to get it from exposure to the sun.” the bottom line? If you’re feeling sluggish despite your best efforts to eat right and exercise, it’s time to pay your doctor a visit to rule out any physical causes.

Find a support systemsurround yourself with positive influences, and watch it rub off on you. “It’s really important for people to reach out to other folks,” says dr. Wesley-shadow. “Find groups of mission-driven, positive thinkers, and see what you can do for society and others. Having that kind of mindset makes a big difference.” and don’t forget your family. “their support keeps you more optimistic,” she adds.

Patton also suggests connecting with an individual whose attitude you admire. “Find someone who is positive and try to emulate them,” she advises. “It really becomes a good self-motivation component in your life.”

Avoid negative peopleWhile a positive support system can play a critical role in helping you maintain an optimistic attitude, the reverse also is true. “negative people can bring you down,” affirms dr. Wesley-shadow. Patton agrees. “It’s almost contagious,” she says. “If one person is constantly negative, it affects those around them.” avoiding these downers is an easy way to boost your positive thinking.


Get nostalgicdo you remember what it felt like to be young and starry-eyed, with a world of opportunity open before you? that hopefulness is at the essence of optimism. “a big piece of this is going back to your original dreams and what you wanted to accomplish in life,” says dr. Hall. “What do you want to be remembered for? then figure out how you can start getting there, step by step.”

“It is important to understand that all of us have pessimistic thoughts and times in our lives when we don’t see the world as a friendly place. that’s normal,” stresses dr. Hall. But she—and a host of experts—believes that people can choose to be optimistic, for themselves and their loved ones. “One of my professors used to say that it may be our families’ fault that we are who we are, but it is our fault that we stay that way.”


your career |

Staying optimistic after a job loss

“When one door

closes, another opens.”

—Alexander Graham Bell


O ver time, a prolonged period of unemployment can cause a host of problems including a loss of identity, loss of self-confidence and loss of financial security.

unfortunately, this is becoming an all-too-common plight for many americans.

according to the Pew research Center, “an estimated 26 percent (or 36 million) of the 139 million currently employed workers in the united states suffered at least one spell of unemployment during the Great recession that began in december 2007.” Given the current economic situation, not only is the number of people who have had to deal with unemployment on the rise, but the length of time out of work is also increasing.

the Bureau of labor statistics reports that the percentage of unemployed people out of work for more than 27 weeks has nearly doubled from 21.3 percent in January of 2008 to 41.8 percent in October 2010. It is no wonder then why some people just give up. according to the Pew research Center: “In October 2010 there were 1.2 million ‘discouraged workers’ not currently looking for work because they believed no jobs were available for them.” not wanting to buy into that mindset, Phoenix Focus went searching for better solutions.

edward Foxworth III, an entrepreneur, speaker and author of 6 Routines of Self Discovery, became frustrated with his own protracted unemployment until he fulfilled his personal journey and became an entrepreneur. “I had to get busy to stay sane, pay the bills and discover who I was and what I was good at,” he says. today Foxworth teaches others how to discover their personal potential.


there are few life events more stressful than losing a job. the shock, anxiety, embarrassment, sadness and anger are difficult emotions to deal with. the financial impact only compounds the emotional toll.


your career |

If there is a silver lining to a job loss, it is that it gives you an opportunity to explore who you are and what you want to do. “If [your work] is not your passion, it’s a distraction,” Foxworth says. “You’re not going to make a change without a reason.” although it is painful, losing a job gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you’re doing with your life. through your search, you might even find a more personally and professionally rewarding career. “Change takes place when you lose something of value,” Foxworth says. “It is in the quiet time that you begin the process of exploring within.”

regardless of how long you’ve been unemployed, the following steps might help you clarify your goals and take concrete steps toward achieving them.

Find your confidencemake a list of your skills, your best personality traits, accomplishments and successes. “define what you are good at and believe it. really believe it! If you don’t, you can’t expect others to,” Foxworth says.

Turn your skills into cash Whether you are a good communicator, a great chef or a sports fanatic, think of ways you could make money doing what you do well.

use the Internet to share your expertise.start a blog, create a webinar and use social media sites to inform, inspire or solve a problem. Foxworth contends that by putting yourself out in the world physically and virtually—self-proclaiming your knowledge, talents and abilities—you don’t have to wait for someone else to validate you.

Make time for self-discoveryFoxworth suggests turning off the television, radio and phone and giving yourself the time and space to figure out what you want out of life. “assess yourself through others, he says. “Who are your closest confidants? ask three of your closest friends what you are good at, what you are not good at and what areas need improvement.” Go into this process confidently. “Give your friends permission to be honest and then make sure you have a thick skin,” Foxworth adds. If you’ve chosen the right people, they care about you and will tell you what you need to hear. If you are open to what they say, you can learn from it.

Develop an action planspend one hour every day planning how you are going to reach your goals. make it part of the journey. Foxworth suggests asking yourself: “What is my dream job? Why am I not in it? What is my dream house? Why am I not in it?” Once you explore the answers to these questions, you can develop your list of tasks.


“remember the promises you made to yourself and resolve to regain control over your life.”

— edward Foxworth III, entrepreneur, speaker and autor of 6 Routines

of Self Discovery


Percentage of unemployed people out of work 27 weeks or more

Jan. ’08

Jan. ’09

Oct. ’09

Oct. ’10

21.3%

33.4%

36%

41.8%


spend the time you would be at work doing what is on your list. set priorities and create a list of manageable tasks. then, at the end the day, you can be proud of yourself.

Turn your contacts into contractsdo you know someone who might have an opportunity for someone with your knowledge, skills and abilities? Or maybe you know someone who knows someone. If the average person knows 250 people and those people can put you in contact with 10 people who might be able to help you, you have increased your network to 2,500 people. It’s vital you tap into your best resource for finding a job.

Be and be seenalthough being out of work might make you feel as though you want to crawl into a cave, talking to others about what you want can be one of the best ways to actually get it. It doesn’t mean being aggressive or pushy, it simply means getting the word out. most people get their next job from their networkof friends and contacts.

even while you are busy networking, don’t turn down part-time or temporary work. “Create multiple streams of income,” Foxworth says. these jobs can provide career experience, social support and networking opportunities you would not have otherwise had.

Volunteering is another great way to gain experience, social support and increase your networking opportunities. apart from the pleasure you feel in helping others, you will also gain a great sense of purpose from your work.

Create your own destinydon’t wait for someone else to make something happen that you can do yourself. You can create your own webinar and host it, start your online retail business or write the book you’ve always wanted to. there is nothing stopping you from achieving what you want except the fear of leaving your comfort zone.

the most important thing you have to do is look at this difficult time as an opportunity for growth. “remember the promises you made to yourself and resolve to regain control over your life,” Foxworth says. “It’s not going to be easy. It’s a lonely journey, and you’re not always going to have someone cheering you on, but you have to keep doing it anyway, day after day. don’t be discouraged.” In his final words of encouragement, mr. Foxworth says you must: “stop waiting, start living and be relentless at it.”

“ define what you are good at and believe it. If you don’t, you can’t expect others to.”

— edward Foxworth III, entrepreneur, speaker and author of 6 Routines of Self Discovery


You need additional education, skills or training

Your industry is changing

You can’t find jobs in your area

You feel isolated

You are losing motivation and becoming discouraged

Your job loss has created a financial burden

Your job loss is affecting your mental or physical health or relationships

Tips for dealing with a job loss

•Enrollinclasses,workshopsorseminarstogetthetrainingyouneed.•Readbooksandperiodicalsthatkeepyoucurrentinyourindustry.

•Assesswhateducationorexperienceyouneedtochangewithit.•Assesswhetheryourskillsetcouldbebetterutilizedina

different industry.

•Considermovingtoanareawheretherearemorejobsinyourfield.•Considerhowyourskillsetcouldbeadaptedtoadifferenttypeofjob

in a different industry.

•Findopportunitiestonetwork,volunteeranddopart-timework.•Signupforamentorprogram(signupfortheUOPXAlumni

association mentorship program at alumni.phoenix.edu).•Reachouttofamilyandtrustedfriends.

•Keeparegularroutine.Getupeverydayandpreparetogotowork.•Getplentyofrest.Exerciseandeathealthytolookandfeelyourbest.•Assesswhetherachangeinyourappearancecouldhelpyour

confidence, e.g., a new suit, shoe shine, haircut or teeth whitening.

•Cutexpenseswherepossible.•Createabudgetthatallowstimeforyourjobhunt.•Findouthowtomaintainyourhealthcarecoverageandreviewwhat

benefits are necessary.•Applyforunemploymentbenefitsasnecessary.

•Seekprofessionalhelp.

if then

“It is in the quiet time that you begin the process of exploring within.” —edward Foxworth III, entrepreneur, speaker and author of 6 Routines of Self Discovery


your career |


A ccording to recent research, nearly half of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year. And—you guessed it—more than half of those individuals forgo their resolutions within the first six months. If you’re looking to improve your career situation in 2011, making a resolution is critical. People who do so

are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t, but the type of resolution you make and the way you go about achieving it are important factors in how successful you’ll be this year. Here are six suggestions to get you moving in the right direction.

1 make a plan the problem with most new Year’s resolutions is that you make them on a whim and then, once the moment has passed, quickly lose your excitement and motivation. Instead, consider your resolution carefully over a period of days and weeks and then write down the answers to these questions: What are you going to do? What steps will you take throughout the year? How will accomplishing this resolution make your career better in 2011 than it was in 2010?

2 set micro goalsthere are lots of theories on how to set goals, but I advocate the smart approach of identifying goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For instance, instead of setting an empty goal such as “change my career,” which sounds lofty and overwhelming, how about devising something more concrete and manageable, such as “conduct 10 informational interviews in the marketing field by June.” Break large goals down into shorter-term micro goals so that you aren’t taking on too much at once or spreading your attention too thin.

3 Create a to-do listWhen we’re busy and frazzled and it’s all we can do to keep up with our daily work responsibilities, career development goals are the priorities we typically give up first. ensure that you don’t allow this to happen by creating a goal to-do list every week. even if a goal isn’t achieved in its original time frame, keep putting its action items on your list until you complete them.

4reward yourselfat the moment that we achieve a micro goal or a major goal, the tendency is to already have our heads in the next big thing. remember, however, that your career is a marathon, and in order to keep up momentum, you have to acknowledge and celebrate the little successes along the way. Go out for drinks with friends or treat yourself to basketball tickets or a spa appointment. Build in these rewards to your to-do lists so that they serve to push you toward the finish line.

5make certain that you broadcast your career resolution, and the goals associated with it, to the world. tell your loved ones that you want them to remind you of how badly you want to achieve your resolution, and to speak up if they see you starting to slide. talk about your goals on your social media sites so that your virtual contacts can cheer you on, too. It helps your cause to know that a network of people is supporting you and expects you to follow through on your commitment.

6 When your motivation flags, look back and remember why you made the resolution in the first place. How will you feel if you reach december 2011 and you’ve made no more progress on your career aspirations? Will your life be negatively impacted? every time you’re tempted to put off your goal for another month, think about all of the wonderful developments that are sure to result from your persistence.

“ People who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t.”

— alexandra levit, columnist for the Wall Street Journal and the author of New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career

enlist friends and family

Consider the consequences

Alexandra Levit is a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and the author of the new book New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career. If you’re struggling with what to do with your career in the New Year, visit www.newjobnewyou.com for free guidance and resources.


your career |

How to self-promote without being obnoxious



W hen it comes to self-promotion, we’ve all known people who love to broadcast their accomplishments: “did you hear? I just won employee of the Year! I mean it’s not like

I’m shocked, I did close some huge deals last month.” at the other end of the spectrum are those who avoid any recognition at all and humbly go through life taking precautions to remain unnoticed.

It is a challenge to find the line between bolstering your professional image, or that of your business, and coming across as self-absorbed and narcissistic. Yet experts say achieving that middle ground is possible and—if done the right way—promoting yourself is one of the best ways to advance your career.

“the basic concept of self-promotion is that even if you’re uncomfortable blowing your own horn, you must at least let people know that you have one,” says steve Balzac, president of 7 steps ahead, a career coaching company, and author of The 36-hour Course in Organizational Development.

DO focus on results“For a job seeker, the key to self-promotion is to focus on situations and results, with very little on the details of what he or she actually did,” Balzac says. employers care about results more than anything else. skills are merely a method of convincing someone that you can produce the results they need. “Job seekers, therefore, should make a point of asking not just what the employer wants to accomplish, but why. What is the specific situation? they should then briefly describe a similar situation and talk about the results they obtained,” Balzac says.

the same principles apply to your résumé. replace your job duties with your job accomplishments. “Cut the fluff—stuff that anyone in your position would have had to do to make it to payday,” says nancy ancowitz, a business communication coach and author of Self-Promotion for Introverts. “We know if you’re an accountant you’re probably good with numbers. Instead, talk specifics about the home runs you’ve hit, like how you’ve helped save your clients 25 percent off their energy bill while boosting morale at their organization.”

DO sing the praises of othersOK, this one might be a little sneaky, but by talking up a co-worker’s role in your accomplishments, you can simultaneously remind the higher-ups of a success you’ve had.

For example: “tell sally’s boss and your boss how helpful sally was to you in accomplishing some major project. this reminds everyone of your contribution without it coming off as bragging,” Balzac says.


your career |

Besides subtly promoting yourself, you’ll also build your reputation as a team player by genuinely complimenting a co-worker. “sally will probably be quite flattered and will respond by telling everyone what a great job you did,” Balzac says.

DON’T monopolize conversations by talking about yourselfGoing on and on about yourself is a terrible self-promotion tactic. think about it: nothing is more boring than listening to someone ramble on about themselves during a conversation. not only do you zone out after about five minutes, but you’ll probably go out of your way to avoid talking to that person in the future.

“Pay attention to your talking-to-listening ratio. do you typically dominate conversations and start most sentences with ‘I?’ When you’re chatting with someone, do you frequently change the topic to yourself? Or do you more often engage people and add information about yourself when it’s timely and relevant?” ancowitz asks.

“talking all about you and all about your great accomplishments and your great new method of solving sales problems or motivating workers or whatever is going to turn people off,” Balzac says.

DO get others on board“For small-business owners, there are two excellent means of self-promotion. One is to get testimonials from your clients and have them up on your website, in your portfolio, etc.,” Balzac says. “the other is to provide free expert advice through publishing articles and giving interviews. show people how good you are. Give them something they can take home and try. Put the information up on your website. these tactics are particularly useful if you don’t like to promote yourself or don’t want to feel sleazy. You are helping others. If you are genuine in that intent, you will help promote yourself as well.”

ancowitz agrees. “everybody loves a freebie. raffle off a taste of your product or service to entice your audience so they’ll buzz about it. also ask your fans for testimonials you can use for your marketing materials.”

DON’T use clichés or name-drop“describing yourself as a sought-after speaker, internationally-acclaimed guru or, worse, a thought leader is in poor taste,” says ancowitz. “Of course, [it’s] no problem if someone else says these things about you. research backs this up.”

“Watch the name-dropping. If you were fortunate enough to go to Harvard, don’t drop ‘the H-bomb’ within the first few minutes of meeting someone,” she adds.

DO use social networks“Position yourself on social media sites as a go-to person in your areas of expertise by asking and answering questions online,” ancowitz advises. “Your followers will appreciate it when you generously share useful information and news they can use. When it comes time for them to hire or recommend a candidate from your area of expertise, your name will be top-of-mind.”

“ It’s important to take credit for your own accomplishments, and it’s at least as important to share that credit when others contributed to your wins. If you’re not generous with your colleagues, that small-mindedness can come back to bite you.”

— nancy ancowitz, business communication coach and author of Self-Promotion for Introverts


DO promote yourself by providing value to others“Promote yourself in the spirit of sharing and helping. that spirit is often contagious,” ancowitz says. “let’s say you click with someone you meet at a social occasion. ask how you can help spread the word about her services or her job search. assuming you show sincere interest in helping her, if she’s clued in, she’ll probably ask what she can do to help you. If not, it didn’t hurt to try.”

Besides showing off your skills, you can also use networks like linkedIn as a way to showcase client and co-worker testimonials by getting your peers to add recommendations to your profile. “ask your fans—clients, colleagues, former bosses—to post recommendations about your work on linkedIn to showcase your talents,” ancowitz says. “Of course, do the same for people you’ve enjoyed working with.”

DON’T force the topicthere’s nothing that says “bragging” like the sharp turn of a conversation toward your achievements, for example:

Person A: “I’m thinking of going to the baseball game on tuesday.”

Person B: “Oh really? I’m giving the keynote speech at my Big Industry Convention on tuesday!”

“allow [the topic] to come up naturally and address it in a relaxed and authentic manner,” ancowitz says. “start by putting the spotlight on your conversation partner. show genuine interest in [him or her], ask compelling questions and find common ground—like interests you share and people you both know.”

DON’T inflate your achievementsthere is a line between useful sharing and self-aggrandizing, ancowitz says. “Bragging entails inflating yourself and your accomplishments, putting other people down and even name-dropping,” she says.

make sure that when you do talk about your own accomplishments, you do so objectively, and only give the facts. If someone finds out you are talking up your achievements, you’ll develop a reputation as someone who exaggerates his own worth, and people might not believe you next time you bring up an accomplishment.

ancowitz says that although “it’s important to take credit for your own accomplishments, it’s at least as important to share that credit when others contributed to your wins. If you’re not generous with your colleagues, that small-mindedness can come back to bite you.”

“ there are two excellent means of self-promotion. One is to get testimonials from your clients ... . the other is to provide free expert advice through publishing articles and giving interviews.”

— steve Balzac, president, 7 steps ahead

Kaitlin Madden is a writer for CareerBuilder. CareerBuilder has a partnership with University of Phoenix.


featured alumni | Brian Dickinson

Seven summits,one goal

Brian dickinson, mBa/tm ‘03, systems engineer Cisco systems


“I ’ve always been a big goal setter,” says dickinson, a former u.s. navy aviation rescue diver and current university of Phoenix instructor (teaching mGt/216, Organizational ethics and social responsibility). In true form, dickinson is on a quest to climb the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and give back along the way. “so far I’ve climbed denali in alaska, mt. Kilimanjaro

in africa and mt. elbrus in russia,” he says. He is using the attention he gets for his expeditions to raise awareness and funds for the aIds research alliance. “aIds is a global issue that needs more focus,” he says. “I wanted to do more.”


W hether he’s perched victoriously at the summit of mt. Kilimanjaro, bringing toys to orphans halfway around the world or leading church members on outdoor adventures to build their confidence, one thing is sure: Brian Dickinson, Master of

Business Administration with a Concentration in Technology Management (MBA/TM) ’03, is busy changing lives for the better. this systems engineer with Cisco systems has married his adventurous spirit with his desire to inspire others, across the globe and in his own back yard.


7 summitsBrian dickinson’s goal is to climb the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. He has already climbed mt. denali in north america, mt. Kilimanjaro in africa and mt. elbrus in russia.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Africa

5,895m

Mt. Elbrus Europe 5,642m

Toys for orphansas dickinson planned for his first hikes, he considered more than just getting the right gear and supplies. “I thought, ‘Why not use this platform to help others?’” he says. For his mt. Kilimanjaro climb, he gathered hundreds of toys and took them to an orphanage in africa. “It was just amazing,” he remembers. “You give the children the toys, and they are trying to smile because they realize that someone out there cares about them.” although dickinson knows he is unlikely to ever see these kids again, he hopes he has made a lasting impact. “they may not remember me, but maybe this will be a pivotal moment in their lives, one that gives them hope.”

For dickinson’s mt. elbrus climb, he and his wife brought more than 1,000 toys and gifts to share with orphans in st. Petersburg. “It was really cool for her to be a part of it,” he says. dickinson procures these donations through his local church and school communities. His kids—ages 4 and 6—are even in on the act. “I definitely involve them in what I am doing,” he says. “I paint the picture for them about how fortunate they are and how important it is to help kids who don’t have anything.”

Local outreach In addition to his international charity work, dickinson also is making his mark locally. He runs extreme adventures, an outreach program at his church that provides individuals with leadership and confidence through extreme sports. “We hold monthly, free outdoor events,” he says. “We do everything from climbing to rappelling to mountain biking—anything outdoors.”

While initially dickinson was targeting youth through extreme adventures, he found his outings were attracting more adults than kids. “It’s amazing when you get someone who is afraid of heights to go rappelling,” he says. “When they gain that confidence, it’s life changing.”

For dickinson, getting his mBa has helped him serve others and been beneficial in the workplace. “It has helped me look at things differently and leave no stone unturned,” he says. “I look at every problem from every angle.”

“ It was just amazing. You give the children the toys, and they are trying to smile because they realize that someone out there cares about them.”

—Brian dickinson, mBa/tm ’03

Brian dickinson visits an orphanage in arusha, tanzania. He takes toys to the less fortunate during his climbing trips.


On the horizonthis all-encompassing perspective will guide him on his future adventures. next up? mt. everest in the Himalayas. It will take him two months to complete the expedition—two months away from his family. InX, a Cisco systems service partner, has agreed to sponsor some of dickinson’s hike. “I am level-headed and only take calculated risks,” assures dickinson. “no event is worth dying for.”

after everest, dickinson plans to conquer aconcagua in south america, Vinson massif in antarctica and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania, with toys in hand for orphans in each locale.

While one might expect dickinson to be overwhelmed by his commitments, he takes it all in stride. “I don’t let things impact my family and my core values,” he says. “I can go through my life and not do any of this, but when I see the difference it makes to just one individual, it becomes clear that it is worth the effort.”

Denali North America

6,194m

Mt. Aconcagua South America

6,962m

Mt. Everest Asia

8,850m

Mt. Vinson Antarctica

4,897m

Carstensz Pyramid Oceania4,884m

“ It’s amazing when you get someone who is afraid of heights to go rappelling. When they gain that confidence, it’s life changing.” —Brian dickinson, mBa/tm ’03


alumni profiles | Dr. Sharon Maloney

A t age 71, Sharon Maloney, Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD) ’10,

keeps a schedule that would exhaust most people half her age. In 2010 alone, she earned her doctorate, taught weekly dance lessons at a local senior center, met dr. Condoleezza rice and was crowned ms. senior michigan. “If you really want to get busy,” she says with a laugh, “try retiring.” this mother of four and grandmother of eight handles it all with the grace and good humor of a woman who has laughed her way through life, troubles and all.

The fun side of lifesharon maloney, edd ’10, ms. senior michigan

“It’s hard for me to be really serious,” she admits. “things just strike me as funny.” this easy sense of humor has proved to be a windfall for dr. maloney, who for decades worked in one of the most stressful careers around. “I was a medical technologist,” she explains. “that’s the person who performs all the lab tests and maintains and troubleshoots the machines.” dr. maloney retired from the prestigious Henry Ford Hospital where she served as director of emergency preparedness. there, she oversaw the running of fire drills, building evacuation procedures, emergency training and more.

Dancing through lifeWhen dr. maloney retired, she decided to pursue another life-long passion: dancing. she signed up for line dancing at a local senior center, and she ended up teaching the class. “For the first two years, those women would put knots in my head,” she laughs, “but I won them over.” during this same period, maloney decided the


time was finally right to return to school to pursue her doctorate. “I needed to put [doctor] on my gravestone, but I didn’t think it would be this close,” she jokes. When she had to choose a topic for her dissertation, there was no need to look any further than her dance class roster. she entitled her dissertation “a Phenomenological study of senior Citizens and Coping skills.” “I interviewed 35 of the most amazing women to find their secrets of successful aging,” she says.

What dr. maloney learned was no surprise to a woman who has approached life with optimism and good humor. “You listen to their stories and hear about all they have been through, and yet they still smile and tell jokes,” she says. “they all had the ability to think positively and find the humor in things.”

dr. maloney also found that despite their advanced age, this remarkable group of elderly women made it a priority to socialize and get out of the house. “One woman had hip replacement surgery and was back at dance class after three weeks,” she says. another told her that they come to the senior center to put their troubles on the back burner. dr. maloney also learned that instead of dwelling on every ache and pain, these vivacious women focus on doing good for others. One octogenarian’s advice, “Get off yourself and go help somebody else.”

A beautiful new pastime an encounter with one of her dance students led dr. maloney to undertake a new endeavor: beauty pageants. “One of the girls was a nun, and she was in the ms. senior michigan pageant,” she says. this piqued dr. maloney’s interest, and she decided to compete in 2003. “I scrambled to get in at the last minute, but I didn’t win,” she explains.

In 2010, she had another opportunity to participate in the pageant, and this time she was crowned queen and won the title of ms. senior michigan. now she is spending her days representing her state and making appearances at parades, teas and the senior Olympics. dr. maloney even competed for the title of ms. senior america in October. although she didn’t place, maloney says it was a great experience.

When her reign as ms. senior michigan ends in the summer of 2011, dr. maloney will return to her list of usual hobbies: silversmithing, jewelry design, participating in juried art fairs, sewing and taking vocal lessons, to name just a few. she also plans to write a book. “It will have to be funny,” she says. “I want to write a book about the incidents in my life that crack me up.”

dr. maloney truly has laughed her way through life. “When things get really bad, God sends me something funny,” she says. the result? “I am a cockeyed optimist. In the worst of times, I think something good is going to happen. I can’t tell you why. maybe it’s because I just don’t have enough sense to be pessimistic.”

“ I am a cockeyed optimist. In the worst of times, I think something

good is going to happen. maybe it’s because I just don’t have enough sense to be pessimistic.”

—sharon maloney, edd ’10 Crowned! the age of elegance In 1971, dr. al mott founded senior america, Inc., an organization that honors men and women who have reached the “age of elegance.” mott coined this term to describe americans over age 60 and to celebrate their experience and wisdom.

the ms. senior america Pageant seeks to identify the senior woman who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior americans.

learn more at senioramerica.org.


alumni profiles | Lloyd Benson II

For Lloyd Benson II, Master of Business Administration with

a Concentration in Marketing (MBA/MKT) ’09, a pivotal moment with one of his instructors changed his life forever. during a critical thinking class at university of Phoenix, Benson’s instructor challenged him to reconsider his plans to launch a clothing line. He told Benson, “You can sell clothes to individuals who can afford it, or you can go into your community to make a difference.” Benson chose the latter, and today he is providing hope and opportunities to underserved kids through his davidPaul learning Center (dPlC) in Baton rouge, louisiana.

Risky businessWhen Benson founded dPlC six years ago, he took a gamble and funded the organization with a home equity loan against his new house. “I said to myself, ‘I am going to put my money into the community, and hopefully we’ll get a great end result.’” dPlC is located in

the heart of east Baton rouge Parish, a neighborhood with a history of violence and drug-related crimes. today, Benson serves up to 40 children at any given time, providing them with positive influences that he hopes the children will return to their communities one day to help future generations.

named for biblical figures david and Paul, dPlC strives to be the resource these kids need to overcome the difficulties in their young lives and find their destiny and purpose. “I think if anyone gets an opportunity and comes into contact with the right mentor, then they can turn their lives around and affect their communities in a positive way,” Benson affirms.

Venturing on hope lloyd Benson II, mBa/mKt ’09, founder of davidPaul learning Center


Changing young livesChildren attend dPlC after school and all day during the summer during what Benson calls the “dark hours” when parents are at work and the children would otherwise be unsupervised. “a lot of parents in this community work long hours to keep a roof over their children’s heads,” he says. “When I see these kids, I recruit them. they like knowing where they are going to go after school and what they are going to do.”

Programs at dPlC range from Bible study and community-focused guest speakers to classes on banking and saving money. “We try to provide anything and everything they would need to build a successful life,” explains Benson. a typical summer day at dPlC includes lunch, character development exercises, nondenominational spiritual discussion and reading and math enrichment. “We always do a team building exercise, too,” he says, “because we are a team, and that rings throughout davidPaul all day.”

Benson prefers to focus on quality of programming over quantity of children. “It is not my objective to round up a lot of young people and not make any difference in their lives,” he says. He designs the small groups at dPlC after the university of Phoenix model he experienced during his studies. “a lot of things I do here come from the university of Phoenix model,” he says. “Our small

groups create the right environment for critical thinking.” Benson also strives to keep learning exciting and fresh. “Our motto is to have fun while you’re learning.”

Beyond a paycheck Benson accomplishes all this with a staff of five certified teachers from diverse backgrounds who have one thing in common: “they are all passionate about what they do,” he says. “they are not seeking paychecks. they are seeking to make a difference.” the kids feel this passion, too, and it keeps them coming back. “my hope is that every child who comes through the door is positively affected and will become an asset to society,” he says.

Benson already is seeing results from his labor of love. “In our six years, we have seen an incredible amount of success stories,” he says. “a lot of kids come to

“ I think if anyone gets an opportunity and comes into contact with the right mentor, then they can turn their lives around and affect their communities in a positive way.”

—lloyd Benson II, mBa/mKt ’09

us and didn’t know their potential. after being here for six months they realize, ‘Hey, I can do this.’”

Breaking new groundBenson hopes to reach even more kids in the future by starting a K-12 charter school in a building adjacent to the current dPlC location. He is planning to build a multi-plex facility with a full-court gym and classrooms. “Initially we’ll start with a daycare, and then we’ll open kindergarten through third grade,” he says. “and by 2015, we will have everything up and running.”

His new school will give him even greater opportunity to share his optimism about the future of young people in his community. “I was asked a question once: ‘If you left, would the world even know that you came?’” he remembers. “I want these kids and the world to know that if anything ever happened to them, that they made a positive footprint on society.”

Paying It Forward™ opens doors For lloyd Benson II, the serendipitous timing of a Paying It Forward scholarship from university of Phoenix renewed his will to keep his davidPaul learning Center alive for underprivileged children in his community. One particularly challenging day, Benson returned home to learn he was awarded a Paying It Forward scholarship that would allow him to pursue his mBa. “that day gave me the strength to make it—even now,” he says. “It showed me that hard work does not go overlooked.”


alumni profiles | Gina Gehm

F or self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie Gina Gehm, Master of Arts

in Organizational Management (MAOM) ’05, what better way to take on breast cancer than to go toe-to-toe with a 12,000-foot-plus peak? For her, the battle was personal. Gehm has seen first-hand the impact breast cancer has had on her mother, aunt, great aunt and a dear friend. In 2009, she decided to do something about it. Inspired by a friend who climbed mt. Baker to raise funds for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer research Center (FHCrC) in honor of her own mother, Gehm signed on for the 2010 hike up mt. adams in Washington.

“everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer,” she says. “It is just way too prevalent.” Gehm, who by day works for her local housing authority to bring affordable housing to economically disadvantaged families, saw the opportunity to make a difference while indulging her love of the outdoors. though this Cincinnati, Ohio native is an adventure enthusiast—with sky dives and sCuBa trips under her belt—her commitment to hike mt. adams was her first foray into true mountain climbing.

Training days Her hiking team, the Klickitat Krew, included three other women, three men and three guides. together, they raised more than $30,000 for FHCrC, an

Taking on Mt. Adams

Gina Gehm, maOm ’05, hiked mt. adams to raise money for breast cancer research


organization founded in honor of former Cincinnati reds player and manager Fred Hutchinson. FHCrC works with world-renowned scientists—including three nobel laureates—and humanitarians to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/aIds and other diseases, a cause that inspires Gehm to push herself beyond her personal limits.

to prepare for the monumental hike, Gehm began training last december. “I eased into it with a half hour of cardio four days a week,” she says. “Before I left for the hike, I was doing one hour of cardio six days a week, plus weight training.”

Staying powerthough Gehm was ready for the big day last July, “It was the most physically challenging thing I have done,” she admits. “endurance was the biggest part of it.” the first day, Gehm and her teammates hiked to the base camp to acclimate to the high altitude. the second, they went to school to learn how to safely scale the glaciers of mt. adams. the third day, they awoke at midnight to ascend the glacier while it was still firmly frozen in the cooler night air. “We reached the peak at 9:30 in the morning,” remembers Gehm. By 6:30 p.m.,

“everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer.” —Gina Gehm, maOm ’05

“I am optimistic about the future of breast cancer [research]. It is very near and dear to my heart, and I think human potential is limitless.” —Gina Gehm, maOm ’05

they had reached the bottom once again. “It was a long day,” she laughs.

the skills Gehm learned in her maOm program helped her to understand the flow of the Klickitat Krew. “It helped me to see team dynamics at play that I wouldn’t have otherwise noticed,” she says.

Beyond the physical challenges, Gehm found the hike to be an emotional experience. “It was very overwhelming in every way,” she explains. “For so much of the hike you can’t talk, and you spend that time in your own head.” she found encouragement in remembering her parents telling her she can do anything she sets her mind to.

Gehm struggled with fundraising for the hike during the down economy, but in the end she also persevered in that area because of her passion for the cause and her first-hand experience with advances in cancer detection and treatment. “all of that came from research,” she stresses. “How can you not make an investment in it?” The next summitGehm has committed to participate in another hike for FHCrC in 2012 so she can continue to support the quest for a cure. “I am optimistic about the future of breast cancer [research],” she says. “It is very near and dear to my heart, and I think human potential is limitless.”

100 flags of hopeWhen Gina Gehm and the rest of the Klickitat Krew reached the summit of mt. adams in Washington state, they left behind more than just footprints. the group flew 100 tibetan prayer flags at the mountain peak to honor loved ones whose lives were affected by cancer. each flag contains a tibetan prayer of healing, and the flags will remain at the mountaintop until they disintegrate in the wind.

learn more at www.fhcrc.org/about/ne/events/climb


Published by alumniThe Dark Arts of Business: ElicitationBy Wayne taylor

Wayne Taylor, Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security (MS/AJS) ’09, wrote The Dark Arts of Business: Elicitation after realizing there was a demand for businesses to assist employees with elicitation.

In his first book, taylor teaches the reader how to develop a conversational map that will provide the reader a systematic process to acquire information from clients or competition. “elicitation isn’t just about acquiring information that you may want in business; it allows us to build rapport with another individual naturally,” taylor says.

taylor says he hopes readers can benefit from his unique lessons learned from a career in human intelligence. Once he retires from the military, where he currently holds the rank of chief warrant officer three, taylor plans to transition into corporate america.

to learn more, go to www.waynentaylor.com.

Publicity and Marketing for Mere MortalsBy Jeannie Ferrara

Jeannie Ferrara, Associate of Arts in Business (AAB) ’09, explores the age of “citizen journalism” in Publicity and Marketing for Mere Mortals. the book provides tips and tactics for in-house publicity and marketing for small businesses, nonprofits and educational organizations.

With the decline of newspaper publishing houses, more people have to find other ways to get their message heard. Ferrara hopes her book will provide guidance to those individuals.

Ferrara is a mother of three and has spent eight years in public relations. she is also a longtime advocate for music programs in the public schools.

to learn more, go to www.publishamerica.net/ product92231.html.

We want to celebrate you in our alumni announcements. share your story and be part of “the Buzz.” email us at [email protected]


“[I hope my research will] open the hearts of those who will encounter questionable leadership activity in the future to respond and curtail such events.” —reginald Gardner, dm ’08

Norristown, PATerrence Rollins, Master of Business Administration (MBA) ’10, was recently recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for his dedication, leadership and excellence in division management. rollins is a facility manager for the united states General services administration and oversees government properties and facilities.

Murrieta, CAClifford Alls, Bachelor of Science in Business with a Concentration in Management (BSB/M) ’05, was selected into Cambridge Who’s Who for his dedication, leadership and excellence in financial services. alls is a senior partner at new World Financial. He also served in the u.s. navy for 20 years.

Gilbert, AZPaul Corens, Master of Business Administration (MBA) ’02, was recently nominated for membership to the preeminent Council on Foreign relations, a global nonpartisan think tank on global relations and foreign policy. He is also an active member with the Pacific Council on International Policy and the Phoenix Committee on Foreign relations.

Kimberly Millier, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) ’10, John Bryan, DBA ’09, and Nellie Deutsch, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction (EdD/CI) ’10, were awarded $1,000 each from the school of advanced studies. the new research Presentation awards program is available to doctoral learners, alumni and faculty. the award program provides funds toward participation at conferences as well as extensive academic and research support from sas faculty in preparation for these events.

RecognitionCorporate Leadership SelectionBy dr. reginald Gardner

Reginald Gardner, Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership (DM) ’08, wrote Corporate Leadership Selection as an extension of his doctoral research dissertation.

the book is an account of numerous business scenarios that dr. Gardner has either researched or experienced and reflects upon leadership selection decisions and the consequences—both positive and negative—of those decisions. dr. Gardner hopes his research will “open the hearts of those who will encounter questionable leadership activity in the future to respond and curtail such events,” he says.

dr. Gardner is a senior business executive and has served in a leadership capacity in Fortune 500 Companies in the insurance, oil and retail industries.

Dr. Kimberly Millier Dr. John Bryan Dr. Nellie Deutsch


Phoenix, AZWanda Taylor, Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership (DM) ’03, opened and operates a nonprofit organization, mentoring all americans for leadership (maaFl), Inc. Her mission is to provide a career development leadership program for at-risk youth, homeless and domestic violence victims, and individuals who are in transition. she is also a professor at south mountain Community College.

Elizabethtown, KYDaniel Nightengale, Master of Information Systems (MIS) ’08, recently accepted a position with software engineering services. He will be working as a network systems/information assurance analyst at Fort Knox. nightengale recently retired from the u.s. army where he served for 20 years.

Redford, MIJohn Krajny, Associate of Arts with a concentration in Foundations of Business (AAFB) ’10, was recently promoted from a retail sales representative to assistant store manager. Krajny recently earned his associate degree and is currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program. He says his education helped him earn his promotion.

Giving back New jobs

YES 90%

NO 10% * results of those who responded

Facebook poll

“ I’m optimistic that the master’s degree I completed last week is going to help me achieve a higher quality of life and career than I could have before.”

“ after I was laid off from a new home construction company, I was able to open up my own business, and we will be opening our new office on January 1! If I had taken a negative perspective on the overall situation, I would have been knee deep in my own little pity party right now.”

“ I try not to be pessimistic. I was just laid off from my job, but I am finding that losing my job may have been a good thing. now I can pursue an actual career not a 9-5 job.”

“ I am optimistic that I will finally use my Phoenix BsIt degree to launch my personal and successful business—2011 is the year for me. I can feel it.”

Are you optimistic?

do you use social media for professional networking? Go to www.facebook.com/uopxalumni to participate in next month’s poll.


Promote your company in our upcoming February 2011 Connections issue.

email your listing to [email protected]

Deadline: January 15, 2011

Get noticed.Paying It Forward™

scholarshipsEleanor Crawley, Master of Arts in Organizational Management (MAOM) ’05, is giving her husband the gift of a lifetime. eleanor serves as vice president of a board working to prevent domestic violence. she says her husband is the one person who always believed in her, so she nominated him for the Paying It Forward scholarship. James is now pursuing his Bachelor of science in Human services/management.

Greg Neufeld, Master of Management-International (MM-I) ’06, was stationed in the military when he began his master’s degree program. He was drawn to the online resources and diverse student body of university of Phoenix. Greg believes that assisting someone in need is vital to those who have already reached their educational goals. He nominated sreytock (morakot) nhim for the Paying It Forward scholarship. sreytock is a Cambodian citizen who spent most of her childhood in a refugee camp. she wants to continue the education she started in the refugee camp and show her children and fellow Cambodians that education is possible with hard work and persistence. she is now pursuing a Bachelor of science in Business with a Concentration in Human resource management.

Gwyn Gardner, Master of Business Administration (MBA) ’08, knows what it is like to work hard to complete a degree program. she enrolled in university of Phoenix while serving in the military. Gwyn is paying forward her education to her niece, shontae anderson, who is now is pursuing her Bachelor of science in Psychology. Her manager told her she had great promise to move up to management but such a move was impossible without an advanced degree. this scholarship will give shontae the resources to complete her degree and stand beside her aunt as a college graduate.

learn more at alumni.phoenix.edu/get-involved/ scholarships.aspx.


university news

Teaming for technologyuniversity of Phoenix Institute President dr. tracey Wilen-daugenti will serve as a stanford university visiting scholar as part of a two-year partnership with stanford’s media X program to conduct research on the impact of information and technology on society. dr. Wilen-daugenti joins colleagues from companies such as Cisco systems, Intel and Konica minolta in a collaborative program that brings together stanford’s research with companies committed to technical advancement and innovation.

through the partnership, apollo Group, the parent company of university of Phoenix, and dr. Wilen-daugenti will work with stanford university faculty and researchers studying the design and use of modern technologies and their impact on today’s learner. apollo Group will also participate with stanford faculty members and graduate students to explore the role technology and distance learning can play in higher education organizations.

University of Phoenix recognized for quality program For the second straight year, university of Phoenix has received an award from arizona’s Baldrige-based program, arizona Quality alliance.

the Online Faculty Certification Process application was honored with the 2010 showcase in excellence award. the certification takes applicants through a three- to five-month process that

emulates the way students go to class and culminates in a mentorship with an experienced faculty member. the process certifies faculty for classroom readiness to effectively use the university’s teaching and learning model, as well as all learning assets and tools.

the arizona Quality alliance will present the award to university of Phoenix at a ceremony in February.


New certificate programs unveilednew certificates are available for university of Phoenix students. the a+ program is designed to help students become competent in the areas of computer hardware installation, configuration, maintenance, networking, file management, security and troubleshooting.

Course # Course Name CIs 280 Computer Hardware

FundamentalsCIs 282 Computer software

Fundamentals

the net+ program is designed to help students become competent in the areas of managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure. the program covers local area networks (lan), wireless networking systems (W-lan) and wide area networks (Wan).

Course # Course Name ntC/240 Intro to lan technologiesntC/241 Intro to W-lan technologiesntC/242 Intro to Wan technologies

“ The AMVETS Scholarship program enables University of Phoenix to reach out to service members, veterans and their families in a meaningful way. We are able to give back to them for the sacrifices they’ve made through education.” —tammie Yong, director of scholarships

Nursing program to launch in Virginiauniversity of Phoenix is helping to meet the ever-growing demand for competent nurses. In early 2011, the northern Virginia Campus will offer registered nurses the opportunity to complete their education with a Bachelor of science in nursing. the northern Virginia Campus, based in reston, is the first campus in the northeast to offer the two-year completion program in the classroom as well as online.

university of Phoenix’s registered nurse to Bachelor of science in nursing is designed to further develop the professional knowledge and skills of registered nurses. the rigorous curriculum builds on a foundation of biological, physical and social sciences that contribute to the science of nursing. liberal arts courses also enhance the development of the intellectual, social and cultural aspects of the professional nurse.

University celebrates Veteran’s Day with AMVETS Scholarshipsthe Center for scholarship excellence was proud to award 50 amVets scholarships in honor of Veteran’s day. recipients, active-duty service members, veterans and eligible family members received $7,000 scholarships to be used toward tuition and fees.

scholarship recipients can put their award toward an undergraduate or master’s degree program of their choice. they also have the option of attending class online or at a local campus.

“the amVets scholarship program enables university of Phoenix to reach out to service members, veterans and their families in a meaningful way. We are able to give back to them for the sacrifices they’ve made through education,” says tammie Yong, director of scholarships.

For more information about university of Phoenix scholarships, visit www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/scholarships.html.


campus news

Serving meals at shelter

a dozen volunteers from the Indianapolis Campus served lunch at the Wheeler mission, a local homeless shelter. the campus also collected 10 large boxes of food and supplies for the shelter.

Collecting coats for families

the Kansas City Campus showed its support for the Grandview assistance Program by holding a coat donation drive. the campus partnered with the midwest success Center to collect more than 60 coats, as well as several jackets and sweaters. the Grandview assistance Program helps families in need in Grandview, missouri.

Des Moines Campus dedicated to reading

the des moines Campus donated $2,500 to everybody Wins! ten staff members from the campus also volunteered to become readers for the 2010-2011 school year. everybody Wins! is a national children’s literacy and mentoring nonprofit organization that is dedicated to building the skills and love of reading among low-income elementary students.

employees from the Kansas City Campus deliver supplies to Va Hospital.

Dedicated to veteransthe Kansas City Campus collected a number of supplies as part of its Veteran’s day donation drive. the supplies were donated to the Va Hospital in Kansas City, missouri.

Indianapolis Campus volunteers are all smiles as they serve food at a local shelter.

Kansas City Campus collects coats for local families.

des moines Campus presents check to everybody Wins!


Southern California supports Boys and Girls Clubemployees from the southern California Campus volunteered their time at the lancaster Boys and Girls Club. Volunteers were able to play games with the children and assist them with their homework.

Volunteering for Thanksgiving twenty-five employees from the Idaho Campus helped kick off the holiday season by volunteering for the thanksgiving Food Box Program through the society of st. Vincent de Paul. the team spent three hours handing out turkeys to those in need.

Top-notch nursing centerthe new nursing Center is now open and ready to view at the modesto learning Center-salida. the center includes a state-of-the-art hi-fidelity lVn to Bsn nursing simulation lab. the ribbon-cutting included a tour and guest speakers who discussed the future of nursing in san Joaquin Valley, California.

modesto learning Center is proud to cut ribbon on new nursing Center.

the Puerto rico Campus participated in the 2010 susan G. Komen race for the Cure in Puerto rico. the campus raised and donated $915 for the cause.

the south Carolina Campus participated in the 2010 Palmetto Walk for life in Columbia. the campus donated $6,593 to the Palmetto Health Breast Center.

the raleigh Campus participated in the 2010 making strides against Breast Cancer Walk. the Campus donated more than $22,000 to making strides against Breast Cancer.

the Charlotte Campus participated in the 2010 making strides against Breast Cancer Walk. the campus donated more than $28,000 to making strides against Breast Cancer.

Idaho Campus volunteers serve food for thanksgiving.

Campuses make strides against cancer


community relations

Volunteers log hundreds of hours for make a difference day.

Taking service on the roaduniversity of Phoenix partners at Points of light Institute and HandsOn network are committed to training and activating leaders in the volunteerism community. every year thousands of volunteer leaders convene for the national Conference on Volunteering and service.

as national Conference transitions from new York in 2010 to new Orleans in 2011, it is taking its mission on the road and hosting large-scale service projects in cities across the country along the road to the Gulf to engage community leaders and address local needs. uOPX is the road to the Gulf sponsor in all 10 cities along the map. uOPX is hosting signature service projects in four cities around the country and culminating its efforts with a final project in new Orleans at the national Conference in June.

1,200 hours of serviceuniversity of Phoenix’s second annual national day of service was a huge success. more than 40 campuses brought their staff, students, alumni, faculty and friends together for a volunteer project to celebrate make a difference day. more than 350 volunteers impacted more than 40 organizations, logging more than 1,200 hours of service.

Making the holidays brighteruniversity of Phoenix employees in Phoenix helped make the holidays brighter for others by taking part in the Christmas angel Program. the program was founded to provide gifts for children and seniors in the community who may not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season.


Forever A Phoenix ScholarshipsSM give you an opportunity to continue your education with a full-tuition scholarship toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree program of your choice. Five scholarships will be awarded to University of Phoenix alumni and recipients will be announced in May 2011.

Act fast! Only the first 300 eligible applications will be considered.

From January 1, 2011 to February 28, 2011, apply online at www.phoenix.edu/foreveraphoenix

© 2011 University of Phoenix, Inc. All rights reserved.

Free your dreamswith a scholarship exclusively for University of Phoenix alumni.

alumni.phoenix.edu PAGE 49

eventsJanuary20 Southern California Campus Monthly Mixer6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.dave & Buster’s 400 s. Baldwin avenue arcadia, Ca

Southern California CampusMonthly Mixer6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.dave & Buster’s71 Fortune drive Irvine, Ca Southern California CampusMonthly Mixer6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.dave & Buster’s4821 mills Circle Ontario, Ca

Southern California CampusMonthly Mixer6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.BJ’s restaurant and Brewhouse1325 rancho Vista Blvd.Palmdale, Ca

24 Austin CampusVolunteer Corps and Networking Event6 p.m. to 7 p.m.10801-2 n. mo-Pac expressway suite 300austin, tX


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EnvironmentHow does your career help the planet?

HealthHow are you helping others livehealthier lives?

Global TrendsHow are you and your company making a global impact?

Entrepreneurship Have you started a new business that has thrived despite the economy?

Share your story.Email us at [email protected]

Everyone has a story to tell.

We want to hear yours.You could be in an upcoming issue of Phoenix Focus.

Brandon Koppel, MBA ’10Director of NY Operations, ConsiglieriPhoenix Focus December 2010


University of Phoenix Alumni Association4025 s. riverpoint ParkwayPhoenix, aZ 85040

Become a mentor

share your professional experiences and help guide a current university of Phoenix student by participating in the alumni association mentoring Program.

Find more information at alumni.phoenix.edu


Documents

PHOENIX FOCUS · Finally, the alumni association has a wonderful new opportunity for uOPX alumni—the Forever a Phoenix scholarship sm . alumni can continue their education with