AMU/APU 2010 Graduation and Commencement

Colleagues,

I couldn’t wait to get home from Washington, DC to post my thoughts and provide all of our Masters of Disaster a SITREP on our 2010 Commencement.  Friday was a wonderful day full of celebration.  It was awe inspiring to see our graduates and their families in the historic DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.  It was so uplifting sitting on the stage and seeing our graduates enter into the hall. Particularly uplifting were the video messages sent from our deployed graduates who are in the AOR and were unable to attend.  Attending graduation is the most rewarding experience and I encourage all of our MOD members to attend!

This was my fifth graduation that I have attended and it is always a wonderful event.  Everyone would be amazed at the collegiality and happiness this day brings.  Hundreds of graduates, all wearing their cap and gowns is, literally, a sea of colors. Flurry and excitement soon transitions into the actual awarding of degrees.  Dr. Wally Boston, Dr. Karan Powell, and Dr. Frank McCluskey begin the ceremony with a congratulatory message to our graduates and their families.  It is always nice to see our students reach this day and we all enjoy celebrating with them.

Noteworthy of this year’s graduation was the attendance of fellow MOD faculty Dr. Randall Cuthbert, Professor Boban Pesic, Professor Anna Simmons, and Professor Jenni Hesterman.  In addition to commencement, the University also recognized distinguished MOD students and faculty members.

The School of Public Safety and Health Undergraduate Student Award went to Dennis Moyer.  A helicopter rescue swimmer and emergency medical technician with the United States Coast Guard, Dennis was recently awarded the 2009 Enlisted Person of the Year Award for Air Station Los Angeles. He has also received awards such as multiple Perchard Awards, the Air Medal, and the Higgens and Langely Swiftwater Rescue Award. While at American Military University, Dennis studied for a Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management and has already successfully applied the knowledge he gained. He intends to pursue a career in emergency and disaster planning and management when he retires from the Coast Guard, is preparing to apply for a certification as an Emergency Manager from the International Association of Emergency Managers, and plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management at American Military University this summer. He is a member of Golden Key International Honor Society, the International Association of Emergency Managers, and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

The School of Public Safety and Health Graduate Student Award went to Joshua Nebelsiek.  An active-duty Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Joshua is currently assigned as the Battalion Decontamination Officer and the CBRND officer for one of two Initial Response Forces at the Marine Corps’ Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force. After retirement, Joshua hopes to transition to a private sector and use his Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management to achieve a position in the hotel/hospitality/resort industry. He has appeared on American Public University System’s President’s and Dean’s List and was recognized by Who’s Who Among American College Students. He is a member of the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Scholars Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, Epsilon Pi Phi Honor Society, and Student Veterans of America.

The 2010 APUS Outstanding Faculty Member Award is unique and is awarded to a professor who, in the past year, has been a scholar in his or her academic discipline, a leader in learning in the classroom, and a champion in service to our students, faculty, constituents, and related communities.  I am PROUD to report that our own Professor Jennifer “Jenni” Hesterman was awarded the 2010 APUS Outstanding Faculty Member Award!  Professor Hesterman is a full-time faculty member in the Homeland Security program, joining us in September 2009. In 2007, Jenni retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel in 2007, completing her 21 years of service as Commander of the 316th Wing at Andrews Air Force Base. Her military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. She is a former National Defense Fellow and a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University. She is a regular contributing author for The Counter Terrorism Magazine, the premier journal for Homeland Security professionals. Jenni’s Program Director states that he relies on her expertise in homeland security issues and describes her teaching as focused and compassionate. She continues to mentor her students once they have completed her classes and regularly communicates with them. Jenni goes the extra mile on any task or assignment, which is evidence of her commitment to her students and the University.

I know that I often sound like a broken record to everyone, but I just cannot help myself!  What sets our Emergency and Disaster Management, Fire Science, and Homeland Security studies apart is each one of YOU.  Our program is successful because of the caliber of our students, alumni, and faculty.  I was so PROUD of our Dennis Moyer, Josh Nebelsiek , and Jenni Hesterman that my buttons were bursting! 

Here is the CHALLENGE to each one of YOU… Make a difference… challenge the STATUS QUO… make YOUR mark in the science and study… HELP a colleague, better yet a STRANGER… STAY involved with YOUR University… KEEP active in our Masters of Disaster Group… Remember, you CAN make a DIFFERENCE!!!

Thanks everyone,

Advertisement