Jeffrey Gilfor, BS ’82, of Tampa, FL, completed his degree with Regents College while in the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Program. He then moved into the Pre-Health Specialized Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania, took the Medical College Admission Test in 1992 and was accepted into Jefferson Medical College. He earned his medical degree in 1998 and completed his residency in anesthesiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is now an anesthesia director for a large ambulatory surgical center in Tampa and says if it wasn’t for the Regents program, he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this.
Looking Toward a Successful Future
Brooklin Gilbert benefits from what Excelsior has to offer
When Brooklin Gilbert received the Entrepreneur: Business and Technology Scholarship from Excelsior College in May 2019, she was shocked. As a previous graduate of Excelsior with an associate degree, Gilbert had decided to re-enroll to pursue a bachelor’s degree. However, with working full-time and money being tight, she struggled. Receiving the scholarship helped with educational finances and enabled her to continue her education. She earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in September 2020.
The bachelor’s degree sets Gilbert, of Capon Bridge, West Virginia, on a new career path. Her first dream was to be a physician’s assistant, probably because as a young girl, she used to tag along with her father, an EMT, on ambulance calls. When she got older, she pursued a degree in biology and earned an Associate in Science from Excelsior in 2017. Gilbert realized the medical world was not for her, though. From her experiences as teenager working at a country store with her mother, she learned the importance of being financially stable. So, she didn’t wait long before deciding to return to school to pursue a different career and secure her future. Gilbert tried majoring in accounting for a semester but quickly realized it wasn’t for her. She decided to pursue general business management and professional studies. “Pursuing a business degree was important because I wanted to be very diversified in a degree field,” says Gilbert, adding that with a general degree, she would have the background and be prepared to enter any career field.
The business program suits Gilbert, who has been working for a private financial institution since 2016. She helps customers to set up accounts and spends much of each day interacting with customers on the phone. Although the job can be stressful, she finds it gratifying because she enjoys helping people and making a difference in their lives. Helping them obtain the finances they need is rewarding. “I enjoy the financial world so much that I have even thought about becoming a personal finance manager to assist and help others with finance management in the future,” she says.
Gilbert’s options are open thanks to earning her degrees from Excelsior. A civilian Department of Defense worker recommended Excelsior College to Gilbert and she decided to take the plunge. She says at first it was hard to return to school, especially for her bachelor’s, but luckily her father and friend were there to continuously support and encourage her. “Sometimes we don’t really know our own potential until someone gives us a nudge in the right direction,” she says, referring to her father’s words of encouragement. She says she is happy she listened to her father and now feels better about herself and her future than ever before.
While doing her studies, Gilbert put a lot on the backburner. She prioritized school over her personal life and hanging out with friends, for instance. She knew she had to push through and that her hard work would pay off. This mentality was difficult to maintain, however. “A lot of times I always felt I had to choose between something I wanted versus something I was forcing myself to do.” Earning the Entrepreneur: Business and Technology Scholarship reinforced Gilbert’s belief that she was working hard for a reason: to better herself and her future.
Gilbert has worked hard to get where she is today. She says she thinks her degrees will help her obtain other employment and even open her own business. “I believe that my degrees from Excelsior will help me stand out against my competitors and make me the better candidate,” she says. Explore all of our Bachelor’s Degrees in Business.
Excelsior College Hires Vice President for Enrollment Management
Albany, NY – Following a national search, Excelsior College announces the addition of Breanne Simkin as associate vice president for enrollment management. This is a new role in the Provost’s Office.
A goal-driven and data-informed leader, Simkin was most recently the associate vice president for enrollment management at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., where she worked closely with campus faculty, staff, and administration to develop long-term enrollment strategies, improvements in student service, and a shared vision that ensures long-term enrollment success.
Simkin implemented a need-based institutional aid model to coordinate better financial access for students to the institution. With a focus on student engagement and holistic admissions, Simkin managed multiple areas to grow enrollment and net tuition revenue while improving the student experience. Serving as a member of the provost’s team, she will provide leadership in the development, implementation, and assessment of strategies to support the College’s enrollment goals. Primary areas of oversight include Admissions, Student Financial Services, and the Records Office. In collaboration with the provost and the other members of the provost’s team, Simkin will be responsible for the development of data-driven strategies to increase student enrollment, while working collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure positive enrollment growth.
Simkin has presented at multiple national conferences, including most recently at the Ruffalo Noel Levitz National Conference 2019 on Developing a One-Stop-Shop, Combining Multiple Divisions to Serve Students. She is also a member of the National Association for Financial Aid Administrators and National Association for College Admissions Counseling. Simkin earned a Master of Science in pharmacy research and regulation from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
“I was drawn to Excelsior because of the mission of creating affordable and equitable access to education. Higher education is at an important crossroads, and Excelsior is well-positioned to be a leader in defining how the educational needs of the adult learner can be met. I look forward to bringing my enrollment expertise to work on important initiatives, for both the students and the institution, and continuing upon the successes at Excelsior College,” Simkin said.
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About Excelsior College
Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The College contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.
Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs
Email: ajacobs@excelsior.edu
Phone: (518) 410-4624
Breaking Down Different Career Paths Within the Cannabis Industry
Jobs in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry has many different options when it comes to choosing your career path, allowing you ample opportunities to get into the industry from just about any angle. To help you figure out which path you’d like to take, we’ve broken down some common jobs you will find, and what those positions entail.
Risk Management for Cannabis
Risk management is the practice of identifying and evaluating potential risks and strategizing how to reduce them as well as to control them should they happen. Since cannabis is federally illegal, operating in the cannabis industry poses many potential risks. Businesses of all types— from dispensaries and grow operations to ancillary companies—face risks, and they do not have access to the same risk management that other industries do, such as bankruptcy law protection or credit cards. An individual in this position is responsible for mitigating risks that are considered a liability to the company, such as faulty security measures, defective product packaging, expired licenses, and more. As a result, a position in risk management in the cannabis industry is a firm choice, as it is one of the most important departments a cannabis business can have.
Cannabis Compliance
Compliance professionals ensure their businesses are following all ethical and legal requirements, and they stay up to date on regulations and laws in an effort to minimize the risk of violating them and potentially losing licenses. Compliance risks can include violating regulations related to cannabis-growing, product packaging, and security requirements, as well as making false claims and failing to disclose required information. As regulations and laws are constantly changing for cannabis, and are different for every state, keeping up with them and ensuring the company adheres to their nuances is extremely important in keeping cannabis businesses from being shut down. Just like risk management, this is a vital role in any business, and being a compliance manager will make you an invaluable asset.
Marketing for Cannabis
If the legal side doesn’t spark your interest, then perhaps a more creative role such as marketing will. As a saturated and crowded market, cannabis companies are looking for new and different ways to break through the noise and get their product or services noticed. This can include email marketing, blogging, social media marketing, search engine optimization, advertising, market research, and more. This is an area in which you can expect to work closely with compliance, ensuring all content aligns with current laws and regulations so the company isn’t at risk of getting into legal trouble.
Cannabis Accountant
A staple in any business, accountants can help keep track of payroll, manage taxes, budgets, and more. This remains the same for accountants in the cannabis industry, but just like any of the careers mentioned above, accountants in the cannabis industry also have the added weight of making sure things remain compliant. Records must be clear, concise, and in accordance with state and local regulations to prevent the company from incurring fines or being shut down, and to keep investors happy.
Lab Testing Cannabis
Working as a chemist or lab technician is a great career path if you’re looking to work hands-on with the plant. CBD companies and dispensaries regularly test their hemp and cannabis plants for a variety of things, such as terpene profiles, cannabinoid profiles, heavy metals, and more. Testing the plants ensures product quality and provides transparency for consumers, an important value for any cannabis company. If you enjoy science and want to work directly with the plant, then this is a great career path to take.
These are just a few of the career paths when it comes to opportunities in the cannabis industry. Our Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control program provides the proper education to prepare you for any of these career paths.
Summer 2020 Issue
To read the Summer 2020 issue of the Excelsior College Magazine online, follow the links below. To view the print version click the buttons.
Featured
Servant Leader
Believing that his role as president is to serve the employees and students of Excelsior College, James N. Baldwin leaves a legacy of providing educational opportunity and ensuring long-term stability.
Mind Over Matter
The practice of mindfulness helps keep thoughts focused on the here and now —producing benefits that truly last.
President’s Perspective
A Stronger, More Responsive Excelsior
New & Noteworthy
Adult Higher Education Advocate David Schejbal Becomes Excelsior’s Fourth President
Excelsior College Welcomes New Members to the Alumni Leadership Council
New Certificate Program Prepares Students for Careers in the Cannabis Industry
Excelsior Broadens Opportunities for Degree Completion Through New Partnerships
National Cyber League Competition Offers Real-World Experience to Cybersecurity Students
Excelsior College Responds to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Giving Back to Health Care Workers
Lifelong Learning
Interview Q&A
Profiles
Lyndon Porter Knows How to Adapt
Donna Tytko Explores Various Perspectives as an Author
Alison Noone Credits the Excelsior MBA for Her Career Advancement
Aaron Alexander Uses His MBA to Succeed in His Civilian Career
Archives
More Past Issues
Social Justice at Excelsior College
Excelsior College will establish a center for social justice in 2021. In some ways, the center will be a new direction for the College, but in others, it is a continuation of our mission and values. After all, Excelsior College was founded on the belief that access to higher education — particularly for those who have been historically underrepresented — is important to individual and societal progress.
Social justice is a central component of our economic, moral, political, and environmental ecosystem. Components of social justice include racial justice; gender justice; economic justice; environmental justice; equity; housing, water, and food security; fair employment practices; and fundamental human rights and respect. How these issues are addressed determines whether people are treated fairly and justly. When one or more are missing, discrimination, oppression, and unfair treatment of people throughout the world increases.
Our focus on social justice is all the more important in light of the polarization in our society and the inaccurate portrayals of social justice as little more than disagreements between special interest groups. Justice is not relative to individuals or groups; it is a foundational element of any society based on moral and ethical principles. In fact, justice requires that we not focus on our individual interest, but rather base fairness and equity on our commonalities as human beings.
One helpful way to consider social justice is through a thought experiment introduced by John Rawls in his seminal book, “A Theory of Justice.” Rawls argues that the only logical system of justice is one that treats people equally, regardless of race, gender, or class, showing that if we put aside our own biases that favor us, we will come to the same conclusion about justice as a matter of fairness.
Specifically, Rawls argues that a system of justice based on fairness must include the following. First, each person must have the same basic liberties as everyone else. We must all be free to pursue the lives we want to the same extent as everyone else. Second, social and economic inequalities must satisfy two conditions: There must be fair equality of opportunity, and the greatest benefits resulting from inequalities should benefit the least well-off. In other words, everyone should have the same opportunity to get a job or seek public office as anyone else, and an unequal distribution of wealth and services is justified only if that distribution benefits those who are least well-off.
Although not explicit, the history of Excelsior College subscribes to Rawls’ theory of justice. We strive to serve those who have not had the opportunity to benefit from traditional higher education, and we are an equal opportunity educator and employer. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, financial background, or other characteristics.
A center for social justice will build on Excelsior’s open-access mission to serve those who have not been well served by traditional higher education. The center will help our students and staff better understand social justice issues, including diversity, equity, inclusion, equality, and liberty for all. This is a natural step in Excelsior’s development, and a clear statement of our commitment to the principles of social justice.
David Schejbal, PhD
President
First Graduate Research Symposium Highlights Student and Alumni Work
On October 2, 2020, Excelsior College held its inaugural Graduate Research Symposium, during which graduate students presented research in health sciences, business, cybersecurity, nursing, criminal justice, and public service. The goal was to provide graduate students with an avenue to share their research, practice conference and presentation skills, network, and foster interprofessional collaborations.
“The Graduate Research Symposium was a tremendous opportunity for the College to recognize the research achievements of our students,” said Scott Dolan, dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “I was incredibly impressed with the quality of the work and the talent of our students — especially the timeliness of the research and its applicability to real-world organizational and societal issues. The symposium is aligned with one of the key goals we have established for ourselves at the graduate level: to help students assume positions of leadership in their fields.”
“The Graduate Research Symposium was a tremendous opportunity for the College to recognize the research achievements of our students.” —Scott Dolan, Dean, School of Graduate Studies
- “Military Veterans Obtaining Post Service Employment” by Matthew Baird, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Management program;
- “Presenting a Pilot of an Educational Internship for Online Nursing Education” co-presented by Jennifer Bastien, a student in the Master of Science in Nursing Education program, who previously earned associate and bachelor’s degrees from Excelsior, and Robin Dewald, a senior faculty program director for Excelsior’s master’s in nursing program;
- “Quantitative Analysis of Self-Efficacy Between Mentored and Non-Mentored Nurse Faculty” by Maureen Walls Sileo, a registered nurse who earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Excelsior;
- “Revising an Alcohol Withdrawal Protocol to Optimize Outcomes” by Bernadine Claus, a graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing Education program;
- “Assessment of Nurse’s/Caregiver’s Competencies in Donning and Doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Era of COVID-19” by Mohamed Jalloh, student in the Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems program; and
- “Nursing Implications and Findings from a Portal Activation Study” by Mary Anne Theiss, adjunct instructor in the Master of Science in Nursing Education program.
Students and alumni were invited to participate in the symposium, and presenters were selected after a review of proposals. Presentations included:
Students conducted their research using case analysis, website analysis, original research, primary research, and secondary research, and translated research into health care practice on nursing, mentoring, and other topics.
Invited speaker Nelson Tuazon presented “Adopt, Adapt, Abandon: Building a Culture of Inquiry and Discovery.” Tuazon is the vice president and associate chief nursing officer at the University Health System in South Texas and teaches in the School of Nursing at Excelsior. In his presentation, he spoke about learning to adopt, adapt, or abandon practices when creating new programs and projects, particularly in health care settings.
During the symposium, Srikanta Banerjee, PhD, the keynote speaker, spoke about “Loneliness in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic” from his perspective working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the area of infectious diseases. His presentation addressed how social isolation can increase mortality rates, especially during times of pandemic. “Social psychology, computer-mediated research — these can be strategies that are used to increase social presence,” Banerjee said. He explained how using emoticons in text messages and video chat can help people feel more connected during this pandemic. Banerjee’s discussion was particularly relevant since the symposium was the first time that Excelsior students shared their research via a virtual conference setting due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
The Ever Upward prize for outstanding presentation at this year’s symposium was awarded to Mohamed Jalloh for his presentation, “Assessment of Nurse’s/Caregiver’s Competencies in Donning and Doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Era of COVID-19.” During his presentation, Jalloh, an assistant director of nursing at a continuing care retirement community, addressed the importance of having a constant supply of PPE for nurses and their ability to use them effectively during COVID-19. His research concluded that, when used properly, PPE can improve staff competency, reduce patient mortality rates, and reduce costs associated with COVID-19 infections.
“The presentations were outstanding,” said Michele Paludi, faculty program director for graduate human resources and leadership programs, and cochair for the Graduate Research Symposium. “They have far-reaching implications for several disciplines. It was an exciting opportunity to have collaborative relationships with the School of Graduate Studies and School of Nursing.” Mary Lee Pollard, dean of the School of Nursing, added, “I was so pleased to see graduate students and graduate faculty across all disciplines engaged in sharing information about their scholarly work. I look forward to having a similar event next year.”
Students Access Holistic Support Through Confidential Services and Support Resources
While pursuing their degrees, Excelsior College students balance multiple priorities and responsibilities. To help students with life’s stressors before they can become a barrier to their academic success, the College recently introduced a student assistance program with confidential counseling and a variety of additional support services.
Through a partnership with ComPsych, a provider of employee assistance programs, Excelsior connects students and their household members to confidential support, resources, and information for personal and work-life issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to the student assistance program, ComPsych’s GuidanceResources platform includes self-service resources that are available online, so students can access timely, expert information when they need it. The student assistance program and additional support services are offered to all enrolled students at no cost.
“Often, a life stressor drains students’ energy, motivation, and time and can keep them from making progress with their degree program,” says Jeanne Mannarino, director of student engagement and staff training at Excelsior. “We are hoping that having this resource will encourage students to proactively address stressors and avoid having to withdraw from or fail a course. The services offer such a wide range of support — from finding childcare to help with budgeting and finances — so there’s bound to be something of benefit for all students.”
By offering the student assistance program and the additional support services, Excelsior can meet the holistic needs of students as they juggle their various responsibilities. Academic advisors will continue to assist with students’ academic concerns, while ComPsych resources address students’ everyday life challenges.
“Our academic advisors, while very knowledgeable about student success theories and practices, are not licensed mental health counselors or social workers,” says Mannarino, who, as part of her job, provides training and support to academic advisors. “We previously offered students referrals to national and community services but wanted to be able to connect students with a more personalized support system.”
Academic advisors have tracked the types of concerns students talk about, and the partnership with ComPsych helps to ensure that students receive the individualized support they need to address a variety of nonacademic challenges. ComPsych’s trained clinicians and experts can assist students with concerns that fall outside the scope of the academic advisor’s role, including such complicated and serious ones as caring for an ill loved one, food insecurity, homelessness, and mental health.
ComPsych, based in Chicago, has clinicians located worldwide, so this partnership enables Excelsior’s geographically dispersed, diverse adult students to receive information about resources local to them. ComPsych also has experience working with military and veteran populations and understands the unique needs of these students, especially those who have recently separated from the military or are returning from deployment.
Students can find information about contacting ComPsych GuidanceResources through a link in the MyExcelsior student portal, and academic advisors and instructional faculty can also direct students to the resources in MyExcelsior when a student mentions having a life challenge or asks for assistance. Also important, when students access the services via phone, they speak directly with a counseling professional who will listen to their concerns and guide them to the appropriate services. In addition, ComPsych’s online portal offers self-service for vital information, tools, and support, including articles, podcasts, videos, slideshows, on-demand training, and “Ask the Expert” personal responses to questions.
“The College selected ComPsych as the provider of our student assistance program due to its vast array of services,” says Kathy Moran, the College’s ombudsperson. “They not only provide individual and family counseling, but also offer GuidanceResources that address issues such as wellness, relationships, work and education, financial and legal matters, lifestyle, and more. Students can find information on the ComPsych website ranging from ‘How to Eat Healthy on a Budget’ to ‘Time Management Tools and Principles.’ I am certain that these services will equip our students with the resources they need to be successful in their academic, personal, and professional lives.” Check out Excelsior College’s Society for Human Resource Management Student Chapter.
The GuidanceResources services include:
Excelsior Begins a Common Read Program
In summer 2020, Excelsior College held its first Common Read program, a community-wide shared reading experience. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff were invited to participate in this experience designed to stimulate discussion, encourage different perspectives, and build community.
“When you read books, they bring you to different places, they change you by opening up different experiences and thoughts,” says Cathy Germano, director of learning services at Excelsior College. “That’s what educates you.” Germano was a member of a committee comprising staff members from across the College who planned the first Common Read.
“When you read books, they bring you to different places, they change you by opening up different experiences and thoughts … That’s what educates you.” –Cathy Germano, director of learning services at Excelsior College
For the initial selection, the committee selected “Educated” by Tara Westover. For the next Common Read, planned for early 2021, staff members are planning to survey members of the Excelsior community for their preferred book from a list of options. The selection will be announced in December, and information will be posted on the College’s website at .
The idea behind the Common Read for Excelsior is that by reading together, participants build connections and strengthen the College community.
“The Common Read program is a great way to foster conversations among all members of the Excelsior College community,” says Catherine Seaver, interim dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies. Seaver initiated the planning for the inaugural Common Read. “Our first book read was a wonderful success and I enjoyed the lively and thoughtful discussions,” she says. “I look forward to the next book and hope that even more members of our community will join us.”
Common Read programs are popular at higher education institutions, K–12 schools, and across communities at the local, city, and state level. The initiative promotes literacy while engaging an entire community in a common reading experience.
Noncredit Offerings Fulfill Changing Workforce Needs
Excelsior College is partnering with ed2go, a Cengage company and a leading provider of online adult continuing education and career training programs, to provide learners with access to fully online, noncredit courses to gain additional marketable workforce skills.
By taking a noncredit career training or professional skills training course, individuals can demonstrate practical competencies or specialized knowledge to advance their careers. The career training courses are offered in topics that meet current and emerging workforce demands and are designed to prepare learners for a new career, career advancement, or industry certification in today’s most in-demand fields such as health care, technology, and business. The professional skills training courses give learners a convenient way to explore their interests and prepare to take the next step in their personal or professional lives. Both types of courses include options that are instructor-led or self-paced, and some can be completed in as little as three months.
“We are excited to add new opportunities for adult learners to gain skills and alternative credentials, such as certificates, through more than 1,000 online continuing education fundamental and career training courses.” ——Lisa R. Braverman, Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs
The career training and professional skills training courses can supplement what current students are learning in their degree programs to help them further stand out in their chosen industry.
The courses also support the needs of new online learners. Developments throughout 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting changes to how people live, work, and learn, have led to growth in the online education market. New or potential online learners include recent college graduates seeking to enhance their resumes, current or prospective college students trying build on their academic experience, furloughed or laid-off workers planning to change careers, and employed individuals working from home.
“We are excited to add new opportunities for adult learners to gain skills and alternative credentials, such as certificates, through more than 1,000 online continuing education fundamental and career training courses. There are a variety of high-demand subjects that align with our current 40 degree programs across six areas of study — business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service, and technology — to help students work toward career advancement,” says Lisa R. Braverman, Excelsior College’s vice provost for academic and faculty affairs. “During COVID-19, our partnership with ed2go is even more important because it is advancing individuals’ contribution to the workforce and providing relevant education to meet the changing job landscape.”
Nationwide data reports growth and interest in alternative or microcredential educational programs, which is especially true during times of economic stress. Excelsior’s training courses respond to this need by giving learners maximum flexibility, critical upskilling opportunities, and new credentialing options.
“There is growing need for continuing education options that support learners in reskilling and advancement throughout their lifelong career journey,” said Cory Eyler, vice president and general manager for ed2go. “We are proud to partner with Excelsior to help close this gap for today’s learners and empower them with the knowledge and capabilities they need to advance in their careers and ultimately improve their lives.”
Excelsior College’s target audience are those who already possess a degree or who wish to advance, change, or find new jobs through completion of relevant workforce-related courses over the short term.
These training courses require a small investment from the student when compared to traditional degree programs and can have long-term benefits such as greater income or career change opportunities. Each course with ed2go yields a certificate of completion that learners can show to prospective employers as evidence of acquiring specific skills and competencies. According to Braverman, the acquisition of skills and competencies can lead to better job placement and career advancement, in both the short and long term.
Courses Designed for Moving Ahead
Excelsior College offers more than 1,000 career training and professional skills training courses to prepare individuals to meet their career and professional development goals. Here are some examples of the trainings available:
Career Training Courses
Professional Skills Training Courses
2019–2020 graduates at a Glance
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32 Thirty-two percent of graduates reported being a member of a minority group.
28%
Twenty-eight percent of graduates are members of the U.S. military.
1,037
Out of 4,997 total graduates, 1,037 of them are from New York State; 123 are from the state’s Capital Region, the home of Excelsior College.
100
Excelsior’s Class of 2020 includes 100 students from outside the United States, the most being from Canada (20), followed by Ecuador (19).
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This year’s Commencement was held on July 10, 2020, and marked the first virtual Commencement in the College’s nearly 50-year history. Excelsior produced a video which aired at 3 p.m. and included words of encouragement to the Class of 2020 from then President James N. Baldwin, Provost John Caron, faculty members, and fellow class members.
42
Graduates of the Class of 2020 earned 42 dual bachelor’s-master’s degrees in business, health sciences, nursing, and technology programs. The most dual degrees were awarded in nursing, with six BS in Nursing to MS in Nursing Education, seven BS in Nursing to MS in Nursing Informatics, and eight BS in Nursing to MS in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems.
Rising Above
Excelsior College Launches ELEVATE, the 50th Anniversary Campaign
As Excelsior looks to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2021, the College honors that milestone in a way that fulfills its promise of putting students first. The College has launched a major fundraising effort, ELEVATE: The Campaign for Student Scholarships. The campaign is dedicated entirely to providing more financial support to Excelsior students — thus lifting them up and supporting the success of the College’s mission.
“We can think of no better way to honor our mission than to ensure that more students than ever before have the financial support they need to take advantage of what Excelsior College offers,” said Helen Benjamin, chair of the board of trustees. Benjamin joins president David Schejbal, former president James N. Baldwin, several other trustees, and Excelsior staff on the campaign committee.
“This scholarship not only helped me see my future more clearly, but also helped lessen the burden of financial stress during already stressful times. I hope you’re able to continue giving this scholarship to help more students in the future.” –Brooklin (Rutherford) Gilbert of Capon Bridge, West Virginia
The Cost of Getting Ahead
In researching the feasibility of a campaign dedicated to funding scholarships, the campaign committee evaluated the significant investment that students make to earn their degrees. One undergraduate course costs about $1,500, while a graduate-level course is about $2,000. During the average three years to completion, a student will spend about $15,000.
Of course, many undergraduate students are eligible for financial aid, and most of the 49 percent of Excelsior students who are veterans or active military servicemembers receive a tuition benefit. Students affiliated with the College’s academic, association, and corporate partners also receive tuition benefits. But every year, there is unmet financial need among students — and who knows how many adults are deterred entirely from pursuing their degree because of financial concerns. Although Excelsior was able to give scholarships to 499 students in 2019–20, totaling $209,531, there were still students with unmet need.
Leading by Example
The campaign was jump-started by the board of trustees, the College’s governing body comprising talented and experienced leaders from across the United States. These individuals volunteer their time to steward Excelsior because they believe so strongly in its mission and model — which was innovative from the start and has proven just how relevant its online education model is to the future of higher education.
The ELEVATE campaign seeks to raise $750,000 for student scholarships. This is a far higher goal than any other fundraising effort at Excelsior — but then, the College has never reached a 50-year milestone before and has so much to celebrate. Other colleges have been imperiled, first by trends in higher education and then by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Excelsior has continued to capitalize on its skills in distance learning and is stronger than ever.
To show their confidence in Excelsior and their commitment to the ELEVATE campaign, the trustees have already pledged more than $100,000 in leadership gifts.
Paying It Forward Pays Dividends
Scholarships assist, or elevate, students in several ways. Not only does a scholarship improve a student’s financial situation, but also it boosts their confidence and resolve, thus increasing their chances of completing their degree. Scholarships have helped Excelsior students to cross the finish line in their course work to achieve degree completion and graduate.
Students have expressed that receiving a scholarship means more than the money; it shows them that someone believes in them and wants them to succeed, and it also makes them feel more connected to the College.
Student Joshua Lawson of Columbus, Ohio, a father raising two young children with autism and working full-time, expressed it best in his thank-you letter:
“This scholarship has shown me that someone out there is watching. It makes me feel like a part of the Excelsior community and makes me feel recognized for the hardships of attending school. I am not sure that I have all the words for really expressing how valuable this is to me. All I can say is thank you.”
He went on to add, “I appreciate the aid, as well as the message that comes with it, and I will strive to use this scholarship as motivation to try my best as I continue my schooling at Excelsior, as well as ensure that your investment is not wasted.”
Student Keiry Vargas of Bronx, New York, has worked in human resources for more than a decade but, despite excellent performance and professional development, was unable to advance. She decided to earn the degree she needed through Excelsior so that she could secure a position that better compensates her for her experience and education. In her scholarship thank-you letter, she said:
“It has not always been easy to continue my education and be there for my kids, but I am determined more than ever to get the degree I’ve always dreamed of. Thanks to my donors, I am able to fulfill this goal of achieving my degree and making my daughters proud.”
Vargas is taking her final course this fall and says that, because she has had such a great experience at the College, she is now thinking of continuing on for her master’s degree from Excelsior. She has also referred a handful of people to Excelsior, three of whom have already enrolled.
Looking Forward, Aiming Upward
The ELEVATE campaign was announced to the College community in September 2020 and will run concurrently with Excelsior’s 50th anniversary celebration through June 2022. Alumni, students, and the entire college community are invited to share success stories and memories.
Members of the Excelsior College community can connect on social media with #ElevatedbyExcelsior and have the opportunity to pledge support to student scholarships at excelsior.edu/elevate.
Scholarships Help Students Overcome Obstacles
Military spouse Leah Jackson of Tucson, Arizona, was single-parenting her children while her husband was deployed, caring for her seriously ill mother, and working full-time as a licensed practical nurse – but she refused to give up on her commitment to going back to school.
She took two classes per term (and maintained As in both) on her quest to earn her degree and move one step closer to her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Then she incurred some expenses with her mother’s care and wasn’t sure how she was going to pay for the next term.
“I was at a loss for words when I heard that I would be receiving a scholarship,” she said in her thank-you letter. “To say this is an answered prayer is an understatement. I cannot express the burden that you have lifted off me and my family with your generous gift. Thank you so very much.”
Jackson and her family have since been deployed to a NATO base in Germany, but she has continued her studies through Excelsior. Fortunately, her mother recovered and is in remission, and she and her two boys, ages 7 and 11, do their schooling remotely.
“The flexibility of online learning and the financial support of the scholarship allowed me to continue working on my degree despite moving to a new country and dealing with the pandemic,” said Jackson, who is now only the Capstone course away from completing her bachelor’s in health care management.
