Get on BoardDo you want to become more involved in the Alumni Association? Have you considered nominating yourself for a seat on the Alumni Advisory Board? To learn more about the role of a board member and the self-nomination process, watch this archived Web chat. Nominations are due December 31. Resolve: Make 2012 Your "Career Year" ChatIf you're resolved to set a new and improved career direction in the New Year, then you won’t want to miss this engaging and interactive Web chat on Dec. 21 from 8-9 p.m. EST. You'll learn strategies that you can put to work immediately to advance your career, inside or outside of your current organization. Register today. Orlando Alumni—Check Your MailboxesThe Office of Alumni Affairs is heading south this winter and we want you to join us! Look for your invitation to the Orlando Alumni Event in your mailbox this month and register today. Share Your ExpertiseThe Office of Alumni Affairs is looking for volunteers for the 2012 Alumni Speaker Series. Are you an expert on a topic that might be of interest to other Excelsior alumni or students? Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so send us your idea today! Ambassador Spotlight: Dr. Doug Perry, BS ’78
If ever there were a life-long learner, it’s Doug Perry, your Alumni Ambassador from Indiana. In the 1970s, with an associate’s degree under his belt, Doug began his teaching career in the field of life sciences and informatics. Soon after, he discovered Excelsior College and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. It was this achievement that he says opened a multitude of doors for him within academia. Doug went on to earn a master’s degree from the City University of New York and later, a PhD from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. As the vice president for academic affairs at Indiana Tech, Doug celebrates a distinguished 37-year career in higher education. Stand Up and Be RecognizedEach year at Commencement, the College bestows three awards to deserving alumni. If you’d like to be considered for your achievements, nominate yourself by January 31, 2012. For more information about the self-nomination process, watch this archived Web chat. Center for Professional Development Announces More Short Course Offerings Looking for a fun, fast, and highly affordable way to update your professional skills? Check out the new short courses offered by Excelsior’s Center for Professional Development. These six-week, highly interactive online courses are all led by an industry expert, ensuring a high quality experience. Choose from more than 400 courses today! Fast Track to an MBAA new dual track business program allows students to simultaneously complete their Bachelor of Science degree while getting a head start on their MBA. The program is expected to lower costs and decrease the time it would normally take to separately complete both programs. Visit course listings for more information. Hudson Whitman/ Excelsior College Press
Looking for the perfect gift for the online learner in your life? Consider Courageous Learning: Finding a New Path through Higher Education by Excelsior College President John Ebersole, with editor William Patrick. A comprehensive overview of online learning in America, the book features profiles of schools similar to Excelsior; profiles of successful graduates; insightful interviews with leaders in higher education; and a special section geared toward adults considering online education. | 
