SPRING 2019 COMMENCEMENT Commencement SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2019 Viejas Arena, San Diego CA THE HISTORY OF ASHFORD UNIVERSITY FOUNDING The history of Ashford University begins in 1891, when Father John Murray invited the Sisters of St. Francis to help him teach students in Clinton, Iowa. By 1893, the Sisters were able to purchase some land in Clinton, on which they established their mother house and the Mount St. Clare Academy, a prep school for girls. The Academy and mother house quickly outgrew their old building. In 1910, the mother house and the academy moved into the newly constructed Mount St. Clare building. Seeing a need for teachers in Clinton County and the surrounding area, the Sisters founded Mount St. Clare College, the predecessor to Ashford University, in 1918. At that time, the Mount St. Clare Academy, College, and Convent were all housed in the same building. EXPANSION BECOMING A UNIVERSITY In 1950, the North Central In 2002, Mount St. Clare College Association of Colleges and began to offer a Master’s Schools first accredited Mount program over the internet. In St. Clare College. Following conjunction with the expanded the accreditation, the school course offerings, the school quickly began to expand. The changed its name to The sisters moved into an adjoining Franciscan University, and the convent building in 1956. A new name of the athletic teams were library and gym were opened a changed from “The Mounties” to few years later. During the ‘60s, “The Saints.” In September 2004, the Science Hall was opened. the school modified its name And in 1967, the college became to The Franciscan University of coeducational. the Prairies, in order to avoid confusion with similarly named For the 1979-1980 school year, schools. PRESIDENTS the college received approval Mother Mary Paul Carrico, OSF, 1918-1921 for its first four-year degree, a In March 2005, the University Mother Mary Fidelis Ruddy, OSF, 1921-1924 Bachelor’s program in was purchased by Bridgepoint Mother Mary Paul Carrico, OSF, 1924-1936 business administration. The Education, Inc. After the Mother Mary John McKeever, OSF, 1936-1948 following year, the Mount St. completion of the sale, the Mother Mary Regis Cleary, OSF, 1948-1958 Clare Academy merged with St. institution’s name was changed Sister Mary Cortona Phelan, PhD, OSF, 1958-1968 Mary’s High School in Clinton, to Ashford University. The school Sister Mary Cecile Devereux, OSF, 1968-1971 forming Mater Dei High School also dropped its affiliation with Sister Eileen Smith, OSF, 1972-1976 (now known as Prince of Peace the Roman Catholic Church and Dr. Dan C. Johnson, 1976-1985 Academy). With the space freed became a for-profit institution. Rev. Charles E. Lang, PhD, 1986-1991 by the academy’s merger, the Dr. James J. Ross, 1991-2000 school began to offer additional Sheila Smith, 2001-2002 four year programs. Dr. Michael E. Kaelke, 2002-2005 James Chitwood, MBA, 2005-2007 In 1997, the sisters moved off Dr. Jane McAuliffe, 2007-2011 campus into their new mother Dr. Elizabeth Tice, 2011-2012 house, The Canticle. In 1998, the Dr. Richard Pattenaude, 2012-2016 Durgin Educational Center was Dr. Craig Swenson, 2016-present opened, which included new athletic facilities, including Kehl Arena. For more details, see the Ashford Timeline on page 59. 6 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER OZ SANCHEZ While growing up in the Los Angeles area, Oz’s early life was crippled with abuse and family dysfunction. His late teens were riddled with drugs, misdirection and the all too common street life for a youth in the city. In 1996, he opted for a different life and joined the Marine Corps. After six years of service and following two deployments to the Middle East, Oz decided to make a career of military service. He also decided to transfer branches into the Navy, to serve as a Navy Seal. In 2001, during the period of his transfer, Oz’s life took a tragic turn when he became the subject of a hit-and-run accident while riding his motorcycle. He suffered a spinal cord injury that left him with near complete paralysis of the lower extremities. Following the accident, Oz fell into deep depression and had seemingly lost all hope for any version of a fulfilling life. He spent the better part of the next five years in a state of deep depression, simply going through the motions of day-to-day life, and he held little faith in being happy again…but the mind is a resilient entity. Following some soul searching, Oz made a choice to redefine himself and began to move forward in life. He enrolled in school, devoted himself to his studies, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Communications from San Diego State University. He also actively pursued sports and is now a three-time Paralympian, winning a combined total of six medals in the past three games! A 7-time world champion, Kona Ironman finisher, and now motivational speaker, Oz takes great pride in his role as a mentor for the wounded warrior community and being a source of inspiration for anyone suffering from depression or struggling with life’s many challenges. He is of the belief that with passion and purpose, there is no obstacle that can stop us. His message: Know No Limits… 9 Commencement Ceremony PROCESSIONAL ......................................Dr. William Woods, Mace Bearer, Faculty Senator ALUMNI ADDRESS .................................Dr. William Woods, Faculty Senator Graduates, All Colleges COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS ...............Mr. Oz Sanchez , Paralympian Handcyclist, Dr. Craig Swenson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Triathlete & Motivator on Overcoming Obstacles Master of Ceremonies PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES ..........Dr. Adam Selhorst, Executive Dean, Dr. Laura Palmer-Noone, Chief Academic Officer & College of Liberal Arts Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Tony Farrell, Executive Dean, College of Education Dr. Gregory Geoffroy, Board of Trustee, Chairperson Dr. Laura Sliwinski, Executive Dean, Dr. Peter Negroni, Board of Trustee, College of Health, Human Services, and Science Chair for Academic Affairs Committee Mr. Robert Daugherty, Executive Dean, Dr. Donald Bird, Board of Trustee Forbes School of Business & Technology™ Dr. Carol Kasworm, Board of Trustee Dr. Gail Hoskyns-Long, Program Chair, Mr. Earl Caleb, Board of Trustee Forbes School of Business & Technology™ Mr. Oz Sanchez, Commencement Speaker Dr. Mingzhen Bao, Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts Dr. Charlie Minnick, Clinton Campus President Dr. Newton Miller, Associate Dean, College of Education Dr. Adam Selhorst, Executive Dean, College of Liberal Arts Dr. Tami Beaty, Associate Dean, College of Health, Human Services, and Science Dr. Tony Farrell, Executive Dean, College of Education Dr. Laura Sliwinski, Executive Dean, CONFERRING OF DEGREES .................Dr. Laura Palmer-Noone, Chief Academic Officer & SVP, College of Health, Human Services, and Science Academic Affairs Mr. Robert Daugherty, Executive Dean, FAREWELL................................................. Dr. Craig Swenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Forbes School of Business & Technology™ Master of Ceremonies Dr. Justin Harrison, Executive Dean, Division of General Education RECESSIONAL Dr. Eric Klein, Dean, Honors College BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Iris Lafferty, Interim Executive Dean, ——————— Dr. Gregory L. Geoffroy College of Doctoral Studies Dr. Craig Linebaugh Mrs. Sheri Jones, Senior Vice President, Ms. Mary Jo Maydew Strategic Planning & University Services Dr. Geri Malandra Mr. Jim Smith, Senior Vice President, Finance Dr. Carol Kasworm Dr. Gail Hoskyns-Long, Program Chair, Forbes School of Business & Technology™ Dr. Meredyth Leahy Dr. Mingzhen Bao, Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts Colonel Paul Aguirre Dr. Newton Miller, Associate Dean, College of Education Dr. Merle Harris Dr. Tami Beaty, Associate Dean, College of Health, Ms. Cheryl Oldham Human Services, and Science Dr. Peter Negroni Dr. Jennifer Vogel, Associate Dean, Dr. Paula Kelly Division of General Education Dr. Leila Gonzalez Sullivan Dr. Grey Edwards Jr. PRESENTATION OF COLORS Mr. Gordon Wishon NATIONAL ANTHEM Dr. Donald Bird WELCOME ..................................................Dr. Craig Swenson, President Colonel Earl Caleb and Chief Executive Officer, Master of Ceremonies Mr. Tyrone Smith WELCOME FROM THE ............................Dr. Gregory Geoffroy, Board of Trustee, Chairperson BOARD OF TRUSTEES Cords worn with academic apparel indicate recognition of membership in an honor society. Stoles worn with academic apparel indicate recognition of honors. Students who are participating in commencement before their official graduation date are eligible to wear honor regalia, based on their current grades and standing with the University. Actual earned honors are indicated on official University transcripts. 10 11 COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Corleta Maria Carroll, A.A. Jisela Rosales-Carr, A.A. Tascani B.Toomer, A.A. CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREES Y’Keia NaShun Morgan, A.A. Destiny S. Rosemond, A.A. Kenisha L. Tramble, A.A. Deondra M. Moss, A.A. Courtney Therese Rowan, A.A. Maria De Los Angeles Trujillo, A.A. Danielle Delores Anders, A.A. Yolanda Lynn Constant, A.A. Ashley Nicole Hutchinson, A.A. Zaneta Mossberg, A.A. Charlyn Onnee’ Russell, A.A. Devin L. Turner, A.A. Derrica Shavonta Anderson, A.A. Shayla L. Cook, A.A. Tamara Monique James, A.A. Shannon Bianca Moten, A.A. Kendra Ladonna Sanders, A.A. Gregory Lamont Upshaw, A.A. Ashley Renee Aragon-Ojeda, A.A. Emily Louise Cook, A.A. Veronica Demetria James, A.A. Jacy Royce Moyer, A.A. Shantronota Sanders, A.A. Kendra N. Upshaw, A.A. Ashley Granger Ardoin, A.A. Ashtyn Weaver Cooksey, A.A. Autumn R. Johnson, A.A. Sally Anne Murphy, A.A. Tiona Sansculotte, A.A. Caroline Valdez, A.A. Pamela Christine Armstrong, A.A. Lakiesha Lenette Corbin, A.A. Mechelle Nicole Johnson, A.A. Edwina La’Toya Murray, A.A. Anna Sarrubbo, A.A. Celeste Valenzuela, A.A. Susan Lynn Ashe-Pollock, A.A. Lucy M. Coronado, A.A. Danielle Marissa Jones, A.A. Stacey-Ann Murray, A.A.