AMERICAN SENTINEL UNIVERSITY HOLDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Aurora, CO - American Sentinel University, an accredited online school that provides advanced degree programs and practical education for professionals, held its commencement ceremony on Friday, June 12, at the Lawrence C. Phipps Conference Center in Denver, Colorado.

Over the past year, the university has presented degrees to students in 14 different degree programs representing 15 countries including: China, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United States.

Among the top degrees awarded were:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Computer Science

This year's commencement speaker was Dr. Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., R.N., Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and member of the American Sentinel University Board of Trustees. Dr. Conway-Welch began her remarks by speaking about what an educational degree means for the future of graduates.

"Each of you is profoundly different, profoundly empowered because of your education here at American Sentinel," Conway-Welch said. "As a nurse, I can't help but reflect more specifically on the important role advanced degree nurses will have on the future of our healthcare system, now poised for great change. Advanced practice nurses are cost-effective providers who treat the whole patient - not just the disease. Fortunately, nurses pursuing advanced degrees are the fastest growing segment of American Sentinel enrollments. However, healthcare reform needs the persistence and skills from everyone here today." She left the group encouraging them to do three things: embrace conflict, respect the mission of the employer and never stop learning.

Conway-Welch has served as dean and a professor at Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing since 1984. She was recently selected by Secretary of Health and Human Service Tommy Thompson to serve as a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Secretary's Council on Public Health Preparedness. She is a member of the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Science.

American Sentinel University granted the Joe B. Wyatt Award for Leadership to Daniel Randall for demonstrating outstanding effort, energy and leadership for student life. Randall graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

The Outstanding Graduating Veteran award, given each year to a veteran who shows exceptional diligence and persistence in completing his studies, was presented to Richard J. Nero Jr. Nero graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science after suffering from traumatic brain injury when his plane was shot down in Iraq in 2004. Told by army doctors he would be mentally incapacitated forever, Nero accepted this award as well as his degree with great pride.

Other award recipients include: Michael Stover, James Atherholt, Max Wright, Jason Pate and Terri Durel-Darby all of whom received the Richard W. Oliver Merit award as a result of their originality of thought and thoroughness of study within their Master's degree program. Sheila Bezak received the Mary Adams President's Award for her perseverance.

About American Sentinel University

Founded as a Vanderbilt University Technology Company, American Sentinel University delivers the competitive advantages of unique online education programs focused on the needs of high-growth sectors. The university is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For more information, visit www.americansentinel.edu.

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