Jeri Hallberg Harmon of El Paso, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2000. She shares, “I was eligible for graduate school, received increased pay, and completed my master’s program. This allowed me to enter the University Teacher Alternative Certification program. I taught Medical Assisting students and was in charge of all nonclinical basic college classes, enabling medical assisting students to obtain their Allied Health degrees. From 2013 to 2016, I served on the Texas State Advisory Board for the Training and Certification of Community Health Workers, representing Health Regions 9 and 10 in far west Texas. I created after-school programs focused on STEM, Aerospace, and Aviation for children at Krupp and Sandoval public housing units. As the community liaison for at-risk youth in El Paso, Texas, I implemented the Sebring Aviation and Life Skills program, which ensured students’ reading and math levels increased by one to three grade levels within eight weeks. An additional one-year mentorship and guidance program for school success followed the initial eight weeks. Comparative baseline and program finish Texas Assessment of Basic Education (TABE) results proved skill levels increased as predicted. Additionally, I implemented and completed the MCEC and Texas Education Agency Purple STAR school designation for Harmony School of Innovation. Thanks, Excelsior! God bless all our military.”

Michael Stevens of Arlington, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2015. He shares, “Dear Excelsior University, I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the pivotal role your institution played in helping me achieve one of the most significant milestones in my life – the completion of my bachelor’s degree. As a student who grew up in a small town in western Montana, the path to higher education was not readily available to me after high school. Following my graduation, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1983, where I served for 33 1/2 years. In 2012, I made the decision to pursue my college degree as a means to lead by example and show my fellow sailors that it is never too late to chase after one’s dreams. This decision was fueled by a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and the desire to inspire those around me to reach for their goals. In 2015, thanks to the unwavering support and excellent academic guidance provided by Excelsior University, I proudly graduated with my bachelor’s degree. The knowledge, skills, and perspective I gained during my time at Excelsior not only enriched my personal growth but also equipped me with the tools needed to excel in my professional endeavors. Although I had already been selected as the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, I firmly believed that completing my education was something I must do. If not for me, for those around me. The sense of fulfillment and accomplishment I experienced upon earning my degree was amazing, and I am sincerely grateful for the exceptional faculty and staff at Excelsior University who played a vital role in this journey. I am eternally thankful for the opportunities and support provided by Excelsior University, which have profoundly influenced my life and career after my service. Your institution’s commitment to academic excellence and dedication to empowering students to strive for their best selves have left an indelible mark on me, and I am proud to call myself an alumnus of Excelsior. Thank you once again for your unwavering support, belief in my potential, and for being an integral part of my educational journey.”

Marilyn Hau of Avon Park, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1989. She shares, “I had to work as a diploma RN to pay for my BSN from Regents – although not accredited yet, it was the only option that long ago. Thank you for what turned out to be the best decision of my life. I moved into occupational health nursing, then got my master’s in Environmental Health and Safety Management from the University of Findlay, Ohio. After independent consulting and a corporate safety manager position, I was appointed the EHS director at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a six-figure salary. I retired from that position with an excellent retirement annuity income. I am now a millionaire, and it all started with that rare and precious opportunity to obtain my BS degree through the Regents College Degree Program. AND I learned a lot through those courses! Thank you!”

Lourdes Velez of Ponce, Puerto Rico, earned a BS in Spanish/Literature in 1995. She shares, “I live in Puerto Rico now, but while living in New York, I used my degree to teach Spanish. I recently graduated from NOVA University with a doctorate degree. I thank Excelsior for allowing me to transfer my credits from another university to get my degree.”

Smith Washington of Lake Charles, Louisiana, earned an Associate of Science in 1978. Washington shares with the Excelsior community that he is retired.

Linda Morrell of Port Orange, Florida, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1994. She shares, “I have long since retired in 2004 and moved to Florida in 2010. It is hard to believe it has been that long. After advancing my degree I was able to transition into managerial positions at Albany Medical College, with the Department of Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis. I never regretted taking the time to return to college while working full time and raising a family. Set your goals and they are there for the taking.”

Roosevelt Thomas of Hampton, Virginia, earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree in 2014. He shares, “I am an administrative officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I process and advise on personnel actions and procurement.”

Joe Pennington of Grand Prairie, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Applied Science in 2001. He shares, “It is with great pleasure that I share my notes on the great success that an Excelsior University degree has afforded me. I am currently an academic department chair at Grand Prairie Independent School District in Grand Prairie, Texas. I am also a Doctor of Education. There is great value in any degree earned at Excelsior University.”

Trudy Avery of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, earned a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993. Trudy graduated with a BA in Liberal Arts in 1993 while raising four sons under the age of 9 at the time. She recently accepted a position as the senior director of development for The Kennedy Forum, a national nonprofit that focuses on mental health and substance use parity. Previously she was the chief development officer for Pavillon, a nonprofit substance use program located in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

John Wetsch of Raleigh, North Carolina, earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1984. He shares, “After finishing my degree at Excelsior I followed up in the next year by completing a concentration in Physics. My degree opened my career path and allowed me to continue my graduate education to complete a PhD in information systems. This led to a successful career in information technology, where I was recognized as a Northrop Grumman Technical Fellow and was a recipient of ComputerWorld’s 100 Top IT Leaders. Excelsior also provides a strong sense of wanting to give back. I was able to serve on the Regents College Alumni Association and was its last President. I was then elected as the 1st President of Excelsior’s Alumni Board and was a recipient of Excelsior’s Founders Award. As a trustee emeritus, my tenure with Excelsior included serving over a decade on the Board of Trustees with one year as vice chair. It was a great honor to be able to represent the University and its students in education and industry on the value of an Excelsior education.”

Dr. Marc D’Andrea of Atlanta earned his Bachelor of Science in 2010. He shares, “I wanted to acquire my bachelor’s degree. I had been to chiropractic school, and I went to pre-med education for three years. I could finish all my prerequisites in that time. After I graduated some of the states required a bachelor’s degree to obtain a license. Excelsior was the perfect fit. They accepted many of the science credits I acquired in chiropractic school and created a course plan to allow me to get my BS. I thank them for this program.”