VISION
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE
VISION
CAREER BUILDING
FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI
THE POWER OF
ALUMNI NETWORKING
© 2012 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
VOLUME 13 // 2012
WWW.NU.EDU
ALUMNI JOB RECRUITERS
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
A TRIBUTE
TO
CHANCELLOR JERRY C. LEE
from
Interim
President Potter
Dear Alumni,
There is growing discussion in higher education regarding the
measurement of learning outcomes.
Institutions of higher education throughout the United States,
including National University, are contemplating exactly what
students should be expected to know and achieve once they earn their
degrees, as graduates and employers demand greater accountability
for the quality and value of a diploma.
The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools surveyed
more than 1,000 employers in various industries last November, asking whether
college graduates possess the skills to succeed in the workplace. Less than 10
percent of respondents thought colleges did an “excellent” job of preparing
students for work, and close to a third said that finding qualified applicants has
grown harder in the past few years. Meanwhile, with many university graduates carrying significant student debt and searching to
gain meaningful employment in a sluggish economy, there has been increased scrutiny and questioning of the once sacrosanct pathway
to self-improvement and success through academic advancement.
National University takes great pride in being an early advocate and consistent role model in providing affordable, accessible, and
relevant curricula to working adults. Such actions are embedded in our mission and core values, and thanks to our leadership, we have
created a culture of assessment in which we pay close attention to, and strive to, improve the measurement of learning outcomes. Last
April, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges reaffirmed the University’s accreditation and commended our comprehensive
assessment processes. In October, the Lumina Foundation contacted us to find out more about our interest in Degree Qualifications
Profiles, which is a new approach to educational metrics that may help to ensure a more relevant and applicable degree.
This edition of Vision magazine explores the important bonds between higher education and the workplace, highlighting many of the
resources that the University provides to its students and alumni to secure employment—emphasizing the importance of networking,
examining what job recruiters look for in ideal applicants, and exploring emerging career paths while showcasing a variety of alumni.
It provides an anecdotal overview of alumni success and suggests that the University’s learning outcomes are fundamentally sound as
we prepare to take a more methodical look.
Finally, in this issue, we pay tribute to Chancellor Lee, who has been so instrumental over the years in focusing upon accountability and
quality, as he announces his impending retirement. He leaves an outstanding legacy that benefits all involved with National University
and will make a profound mark upon higher education for years to come. Please enjoy.
Sincerely,
Patricia E. Potter
Vision
| National University | 1
conTEnTs
ON THE COVER
Model: Brigitte Patton
iNSiDE ThE miNDS of JoB
rEcrUiTErS
19
20
21
22
Location: walt Disney concert hall,
Los Angeles, cA
The Agile Engineer
Creative Director: mike Burgos
Art Director: Beth Bauman
The Search for San Diego Sheriffs
Hair and Makeup Stylist: Tara Lee
Photographer: mark Dastrup
Bringing care to the Department
of corrections
Assistant to Photographer: marty carrick
finding Your Niche in Education
10
SUrVEY SAYS: go To coLLEgE
6
career Building resources for
Students and Alumni
7
real-world resources:
The National University career center
8
online Job Search Tools at
Your fingertips
9
New center Provides career guidance
and Job Placement to Veterans
ThE PowEr of ALUmNi
NETworKiNg
11
Using Social media to Launch
Your career
12
13
The Lure of Twitter
The Power of Linkedin
creating a Support Network on
facebook
14
15
16
17
Networking Through organizations
LEADing San Diego
“The cat” of human resources
Encouraging Tomorrow
iNTErNATioNAL BUSiNESS
oPPorTUNiTiES
26
28
30
31
Teaching Abroad has its Perks
Expanding international Business
connections
A construction Boom in the
middle East
high Technology in Emerging markets
worKiNg oN ThE cUTTiNg EDgE
33
Building Sustainable healthcare
Solutions
34
36
38
The Appeal of Solar Energy
working inside of a Barrel
helping Drive the facebook Phenomenon
Vision
| National University
Attending a college or university and earning a degree has long been recognized as a proven road to success, but there has been a
lot of public discussion regarding the value and relevance of higher education. A study by the Accrediting Council for Independent
Colleges and Schools released last December indicates that many employers believe colleges aren’t adequately preparing students for the
workplace. With student debt on the rise and many graduates struggling to find well-paying jobs, National Public Radio asked,
“Is a college education worth the debt?” In a similar vein, a recent headline in The New York Times suggested that people simply “Skip
College.” Venture capitalist Peter Thiel reiterated the Times’ message by paying bright young people $100,000 each not to pursue a
degree last year.
su
rV
EY
sA
Ys
:
Higher education constitutes far more than preparing individuals for employment. Nevertheless, if employers are dissatisfied with their
skills and job openings remain limited, it is understandable that a significant portion of college graduates are beginning to question
the return on investment for their hard work and sacrifice.
Will their time and money invested benefit them in the
long run? Are they learning the right information to meet
market demands? What can colleges and universities do to
assist students with career development, job searches, and
networking opportunities?
nationaluniversityhasa
vestedinterestinassisting
graduateswhilealso
addressingtheneedsof
industryandsociety.
National University realizes that earning a diploma means
more than maximizing one’s earning potential. It facilitates
the ongoing enlightenment of lifelong learning, enhances
personal and professional communication and expression, fosters responsible citizenship while elevating cultural and global awareness,
promotes research and critical thinking, and ideally leads to self-actualization. An elementary knowledge of “Maslow’s Hierarchy of
Needs,” however, underscores the appreciation that a human’s most basic needs must be met first. Without a job or the means of steady,
dependable income, it is difficult to change one’s self or the world.
It is important to recognize that the majority of National University students are
working adults who already have a full-time job. Fifty-six percent are graduate
students, likely aspiring to advance within their company or institution, or place
themselves in greater demand for higher compensation. Our brand of higher
education, with its convenience and flexibility, works. Consequently, our student loan
default rates are almost 50 percent less than the national average.
However, given the prevailing economic climate, a statistically relevant number of
alumni are facing employment and career challenges. With the increased demand
for a highly educated workforce and an ever-shifting skill set dictated by constant
advancements in technology, the University has a vested interest in assisting
graduates and credential completers while also addressing the needs of industry
and society.
ThErE iS A
speCial LocATioN
where most of us spend at least a third of our adult lives. It
may be an office, a factory, a classroom, a laboratory, a store, or
a studio. Sometimes it is little more than a mindset, the will to
create, the need to be productive, and the desire to get
something done. We call it: “the workplace.”
It is the center of
commerce, the point of productivity, a
source of income, and often the origin of wealth. Ideas are born
here; solutions are created, and problems are solved. It is ideally
an exciting, challenging, competitive, and rewarding world that
demands our best. Sometimes, it takes years to prepare for, and even
then, we’re never quite ready for what comes next.
We learn to be efficient, economical, and responsive. We study how
to innovate, package, and market our products and services. We seek
wisdom, knowledge, experience, and competitive advantage. We
employ values, ethics, and a sense of community, as we manufacture,
manage, motivate, and make our daily living. That is why most
students go to National University, and for the great majority, the
investment pays off.
As the Lumina Foundation for Education has reported in its quarterly publication,
Focus magazine, National University is an early initiator of Degree Qualifications
Profiles. We want to make sure that we are educating our alumni with the knowledge
they need to succeed in the workplace, and we want our students and graduates to
be aware of the career development, job search, and networking opportunities that
National offers. We would also like to showcase the success our alumni have had in
identifying and pursuing opportunities in emerging and rewarding fields.
This issue of Vision magazine is dedicated to strengthening the bridge between higher
education and the workplace and utilizing alumni bonds—almost 130,000 highly
educated graduates—many of whom are willing to illuminate a pathway, open a
door, and land you that interview, to see that you are successfully engaged in your
desired endeavors.
DiD you KNow?
73 percent of National University alumni
indicate advancement toward their career
goal since completing their degree.
The Public Policy institute of california
predicts a statewide shortage of almost a
million college-educated workers over the
next several years.
According to the georgetown University
center on Education and the workforce,
the percentage of the workforce requiring
some college or above is expected to
increase to 62 percent by 2018.
The U.S. census Bureau reports that in
2010, 30 percent of adults 25 and older
had at least a bachelor’s degree—an
increase of four percent since 2000.
Employers responding to the National
Association of college and Employers’
Job outlook 2012 survey plan to hire 10.2
percent more new graduates in 2012 than
they did last year.
Vision
| National University
Career
resourCes
For sTudenTs
and aluMni
Cindy niCholas
[career center manager]
Career serviCes may be among the
most important yet under-utilized resource
that National University offers to jobseeking alumni and students.
According to alumni survey data, a large
majority of graduates and credential
completers are unaware of the University’s
job portal, its international employment
resources, resume samples and reviews,
career quick sheets, online career services,
and career fairs. Surveys also indicate,
however, that those who have utilized these
resources are satisfied with the results.
Recruiters from well-established and
startup companies, as well as government
institutions and nonprofit organizations,
are well-represented at the University’s
career fairs to discuss various position
openings, and some are ready to hire right
on the spot. They represent the broad
demand for a well-educated workforce,
and frequently express appreciation for the
number of qualified applicants they come
across when visiting National University.
As job seekers at last October’s annual
National University Career Networking
Fair indicated, there are a significant
number of soon-to-graduate students
and recently graduated alumni who are
actively seeking new or better jobs. Included
among the approximately 350 attendees
who interacted with 26 exhibitors at the
University’s Spectrum campus were recently
discharged military veterans, international
students, and those who are transitioning
careers. Hundreds of students and alumni
utilize the career center every month to
discuss employment opportunities and take
advantage of free services, such as resume
writing and how to dress for success.
The proCess of identifying career opportunities, strengthening
professional networks, discovering job openings, preparing a
resume, and sharpening interview skills can be as important to
learn as the curricula for degrees and credentials, but they aren’t
always taught in the classroom.
The Career Center is committed to providing career and
employment-related services to National University students,
alumni, and university affiliates. Through employer partnerships
and affiliations, the University
offers benefits and services that
combine with and compliment
higher education.
“We have a passion for the people we serve here,” Ms. Nicholas
says. “We know they have made an enormous commitment,
worked hard in class, and studied diligently to get where they are.
Our job is to help it all pay off in the workplace.”
In addition, the Center offers The DISCOVER® career planning
program, which provides guidance and information to help
students and alumni make important career and educational
decisions. Additional career information available to the University
community includes Career Quick
Sheets that provide focused and
detailed overviews. Ms. Nicholas
and her staff offer resume and cover
letter samples and will review and
critique individual resumes as well.
They also organize career fairs
and seminars, which have been
very popular with job seekers and
employers alike.
“recruitershavetold
methatourstudents
consistentlycomeacross
asorganized,professional,
andwell-qualified.”
Alumni, students, and
prospective students seeking
employment assistance through
the Center will discover easy-touse online resources, including
numerous career services from counseling and career assessments
to resume and cover letter writing assistance. As with National
University classes, these resources are highly accessible. Whether
you live near a campus in California or Nevada, or reside in a
remote, rural, or foreign setting, online career services are helpful,
convenient, and free.
Center Manager Cindy Nicholas interacts with hundreds of
constituents each month, corresponding and meeting face-toface with job seekers and others looking for guidance or career
counseling. She and her staff constantly post new job openings—an
average of close to 100 per month—into the University’s job portal.
“Recruiters have told me that our students consistently come
across as organized, professional, and well qualified,” notes Ms.
Nicholas. “The Career Center is very proud of the role it plays
in polishing and presenting our graduates to the companies,
organizations, and institutions that hire them.”
For more information on the National University Career Center,
visit: www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/StudentServices/CareerCenter.
As a member of the National Association
of Colleges and Employers, National
University joins a broad array of leading
institutions of higher education who provide
professional career service guidance and
counseling to their constituents. These
services play a valuable role in helping many
students and alumni successfully enter or reenter the workforce. Following is additional
information on the Career Center, the
various resources it offers and the personal
touch that the staff bring to their mission.
Vision
| National University | 7
“That’s something that makes us a little
different from other universities,” Ms.
Nicholas says. “Many schools have a
cut-off date, but we serve our alumni for
as long as they need it.”
JoB seekers and eMployers alike
can benefit from National University’s
job Portal, a free, online recruiting tool
operated by the National University
Career Center.
Ms. Nicholas notes a recent upsurge
in alumni taking advantage of career
assessment tools.
Launched in 2005, the job Portal
enables employers to post jobs and
peruse candidates’ resumes, while also
providing job seekers with exclusive
access to a list of career opportunities
offered by companies that appreciate the
value of a National University education.
“We’re doing more testing for alumni
in transition between jobs or looking
at a complete career change,” she says.
“We send them online assessment tests
to help them explore different types of
careers, and then meet with them, either
in person or on the phone.”
“Employers who contact us are seeking
National University students and
alumni,” says Career Center Manager
Cindy Nicholas. “They feel very strongly
about the quality of our students; that
they’re generally better prepared.”
In addition to the job Portal, the
National University Career Center
offers a number of other job-related
services, including career testing, jobsearch workshops, interview training,
and, in the San Diego area, annual
career fairs.
Ms. Nicholas directs all employers with
available jobs, regardless of location,
to post their positions online, allowing
all students and alumni registered
for the job Portal access to openings
both within and beyond their own
geographical region.
Students and alumni seeking work
can post their resumes on the site,
boosting their visibility to all registered
employers. “Almost every employer we
asked, 95 percent, said they would like
to be able to look at alumni and student
resumes,” Ms. Nicholas says. “Also, as
part of our services, we can review your
resume before you post it.”
The registration process for the job
Portal is simple. because only National
students and alums can access the site,
registrants are requested to call the
Career Center for a password.
All National alumni, regardless of
graduation date, are welcome to access
the job Portal.
naTional universiTy opened the Center
of Excellence for Veteran Student Success
last year, thanks to a $621,299, three-year
grant awarded by the U.S. Department of
Education’s Fund for the Improvement of
Postsecondary Education.
The new Center aligns with the
overarching mission of the National
University System Center for Veterans
Support, which also supports the National
University System Homeless Combat
Veteran’s Network, an initiative launched
last year by Chancellor Lee to address
the needs of some of our nation’s most
dedicated heroes in partnership with
Veteran’s Village of San Diego, St. Vincent
de Paul Village, and Operation game On.
The Center of Excellence for Veteran
Student Success is a centralized point
for the coordination of services that
focuses on several areas, including veteran
achievement of educational and career
goals. It serves as a one-stop referral
center to provide guidance and assistance
in directing veterans to key resources and
services. Specifically, National University
anticipates that the Center will contribute
to an increase in graduation rates for
veterans, along with higher job placement
and lower unemployment rates.
With military learning centers located
on several bases in California, National
University is proud of its service to
students in the armed forces. It is a
past winner of the prestigious Ray
Ehrensberger Award for Institutional
Excellence in Military Education, and has
also has been named a “Military-Friendly
School” by G.I. Jobs magazine and one of
“America’s top Military-Friendly Colleges
and Universities” by Military Advanced
Education magazine. For more information
about National University’s military
friendly programs, visit www.nu.edu/
Admissions/MilitaryAdmissions.
Vision
9
| National University
Michael Myers | home |
MichaelMyers,Ph.D.
in
National University School of health & human Services
National University
San Diego, california
USINGSOCIALMEDIATOLAUNCHYOURCAREER
About
MiChael Myers, ph.d., spent years building a stellar career in physiology and education.
he completed graduate degrees in both disciplines and taught 10 years at a major university. But
three years ago, like millions of other Americans caught by an imploding economy, Dr. myers found
himself staring at a pink slip. And when he set out to find a new job, he discovered the job-search
process had radically changed.
“You don’t get a job by sending out resumes anymore,” Dr. myers said. “Today, it’s all about social
media, and social media is all about social capital.”
THE PowEr oF
ALuMni nETworking
The value of attending a university and pursuing a degree or credential
isn’t defined exclusively by the education we gain; it can also be
determined by the people we meet.
Most of us are familiar with the adage: “It’s not what you know; it’s
who you know.” Having a large number of professional contacts can
be instrumental when seeking to gain employment, secure a client, or
land an important contract. Higher education is one of the best sources
available for developing professional contacts. Alumni networks provide
powerful hubs for connecting within the workplace.
because National University is a non-traditional university without
dormitories, fraternities, or sororities, and because much of its curricula
is delivered online, networking opportunities have historically been more
limited than at traditional universities. However, with the growth of our
alumni—an increasing number who are active in professional associations,
and the explosion of social networking sites—there is a new networking
vitality and an abundance of emerging opportunities for National
University graduates to connect. The following profiles underscore the
power, the possibilities, and the importance of networking through new
and traditional avenues.
f
in other words, it’s not only what you know, but who you know. Today, thanks to social media like
facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, it’s possible to dramatically expand your professional network.
Dr. myers learned how to optimize social media in his job search through job clubs, which are online support
groups of out-of-work professionals. Their advice worked. he’s now an associate professor in National
University’s School of health and human Services, where he teaches biomedical statistics to future nurses.
Dr. myers also teaches seminars on using social media to land a new job. here are his top three
recommendations:
1. Build a killer profile on LinkedIn. “Eighty-five percent of people hired now are on Linkedin,”
Dr. myers says. So maximize your list of connections and flesh out your profile with recommendations
and work samples. Be sure everything you post, including your photo and e-mail address, reflects a
professional image.
2. Set up professional Facebook and Twitter accounts, and delete or screen any personal page
posts you wouldn’t want employers to see.“Employers want to find people who fit into their
corporate culture,” Dr. myers says. “The more they can see of you, the more they can feel confident
about hiring you. But you’ve got to control what they look at.”
3. Create a website or professional blog about your industry or expertise. “when you’re in an
interview, and you start talking about your blog, you can see people’s ears pop up,” Dr. myers says.
Just as social media gives employers unprecedented insight into prospective employees, it also allows
job seekers to check out potential employers.
“it works both ways,” Dr. myers says. “You can find and contact employees, ask what it’s like to work
there and what the salary range is.”
in a job search, that kind of knowledge is power.
“when they know that you know,” Dr. myers says, “it becomes a very different interview.”
for more information on Dr. myers, visit his website at: tinyurl.com/87cnyfz.
Vision
| National University | 11
John Gardiner
DirectorofInformationTechnologyandeBusiness
attheBeverlyHillsBarAssociation
Brent Wilsey
greater Los Angeles Area | information Technology
@Brentwilsey
Registered Investment Advisor
Owner of Wilsey Asset Management
sandiego,california
Director of Information technology and eBusiness
at the Beverly Hills Bar association
PublicProfile
The lure oF TWiTTer
mr. wilsey, who has been on Twitter for a year, says he’s just beginning to understand how it works.
Tweets
BrentWilsey
“it’s like a headline,” mr. wilsey explains. “You have to use it as a tease to other things.”
Who’sViewedYourProfile?
Director of Information technology for the
United Way
national University
BS in Information technology, 2000
BrenT Wilsey is an investment advisor and owner of wilsey Asset management who currently
oversees more than $100 million in assets. he frequently serves as a guest commentator on national
and local television and radio talk shows, including cNBc, Bloomberg, and KfmB channel 8 News in
San Diego. he also writes a weekly column for the San Diego Daily Transcript.
The poWer oF
linkedin
www.linkedin.com/in/johngardiner
John gardiner started a nonprofit group on Linkedin while serving as Director of information Technology for the United way of greater Los Angeles.
it quickly grew to 5,000 members, and seeing the power behind it, he subsequently established another Linkedin group for National University alumni.
To follow Mr. Wilseyʼs, visit
twitter.com/#!/BrentWilsey
“i looked for a National University group and there wasn’t one, so i created a place where alumni could connect with each other,” mr. gardiner says. The group,
which is called “The National University Alumni Network,” bonds close to 400 individuals, including cEos, vice presidents, and sales managers, and offers
opportunities for discussions and references across industry lines. members come from a broad number of fields, including business, technology, education,
and community service.
“Linkedin is such a great resource for professionals, and i think it’s incredibly important for National University graduates,” he says. “Especially since we are
more geographically dispersed than other alumni.”
mr. gardiner, who now works as the Director of information Technology and eBusiness at the Beverly hills Bar Association, credits his networking contacts on
Linkedin with landing his current job, and says that he has helped others to gain employment through the networking site.
he posts something once a day, usually about financial news or market trends, and often
links his tweets to his facebook page. By sharing investment insights, he thinks more
people will sign up for his newsletter, watch his television segments, or tune in to his
radio program.
BrentWilsey
“i see Twitter as another arrow in my marketing quiver,” says mr. wilsey. “i definitely want
to have a presence there.”
BrentWilsey
“it makes me more visible, and my followers are growing by word of mouth,” he continues.
mr. wilsey’s goal is to expand to more than 5,000 Twitter followers in the next few years,
and believes that a larger social media audience will lead to a broader client base.
BrentWilsey
“You can say a lot with a few well-chosen words,” mr. wilsey says. “Twitter spreads the
word quickly, and it’s easy to digest. it’s like a movie trailer; it makes my audience hungry
for more information.”
vipin agarwal | home |
VipinAgarwalMSinEngineeringManagement,2010 Microsoft
national university
hyderabad, india
To join mr. Agarwal’s facebook student page, visit:
www.facebook.com/groups/71160786290.
CreaTing a supporT neTWork on FaCeBook
vipin agarWal didn’t have a single friend in the United States when he moved from hyderabad, india to attend National University
in San Diego. he turned to facebook to create a support network for international students, develop new acquaintances, and keep in
touch with his family back home.
mr. Agarwal started a facebook student page, which has grown to close to 300 members. it has allowed him to help others who are
new to the United States and trying to adjust to the demands of being a student in a new, and sometimes intimidating, environment.
he posted about several personal issues that he had to face initially, including housing, transportation, finding the right food to fit his
vegetarian diet, and locating a cricket league.
mr. Agarwal has fulfilled one of his professional goals that he set out to accomplish when he first enrolled with National University.
in November 2010, he was hired by microsoft to work as a Software Development Engineer in their windows division in Edmonds,
washington. he says his job is both challenging and enjoyable.
mr. Agarwal continues to help other foreign citizens navigate the complex path to securing full-time employment. he has a special
place in his heart for National University.
“Did i get the education i traveled so far to seek? Definitely. it was all i expected and more,” he says.
Vision
| National University | 13
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNIty SERVICE ORgANIzAtIONS ARE IDEAL HUbS
FOR EStAbLISHINg CONtACtS AND ENHANCINg CAREER DEVELOPMENt. AS tHE
FOLLOWINg ExAMPLES INDICAtE, MANy ALUMNI ARE ACtIVELy INVOLVED IN
SUCH ORgANIzAtIONS, AND FREQUENtLy HOLD kEy LEADERSHIP POSItIONS. tHEy
OFtEN WELCOME NEW MEMbERS AND CAN PROVIDE VALUAbLE gUIDANCE AND
ENCOURAgEMENt tO ACtIVE jOb SEEkERS.
LEADing SAN DiEgo
JessiCa Mosier [BBa, 2011]
as a program manager for the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Jessica mosier
works with employers, educators, the U.S. government, and foundations to
influence policy, build partnerships, create employment opportunities, and
enhance the regional workforce.
iT is a collaborative effort that requires an intricate understanding of interwoven issues, along with a broad range of high-level
contacts and connections.
Her position made Ms. Mosier an ideal candidate for LEAD San Diego, a program that fosters civic engagement and
facilitates a higher quality of life for all citizens through a growing network of community leaders.
“So far, the experience has been amazing,” Ms. Mosier says, who started the program in September 2011 and joins a prominent
list of other National University alumni who are LEAD graduates. In addition to strengthening her professional network,
the Michigan native is adding a core group of friends and mentors, “...five or six people that you can go to for advice and
guidance,” she says, that are her own personal board of advisors.
The bonds that Ms. Mosier builds within LEAD San Diego will benefit her job at San Diego Workforce Partnership. In the
end, it is a winning proposition for the entire community.
Vision
| National University
“ThE cAT” of hUmAN rESoUrcES
CaThy FranCis [BBa, 1983]
cathy Francis is a human resource professional who values the power of networking for her
clients and herself. In fact, her ability to smoothly transition from one career opportunity to
another has earned her a nickname: “the cat.”
“i enJoy a reputation for landing in positions quickly and gracefully,” says the seasoned recruiter, who has landed seven successful
jobs in the past 12 years. “During that period, the longest period I was ever unemployed was just four months,” she says.
being well-connected also helps Ms. Francis land jobs for others. The more connected she is, the faster she is able to get a
position filled. As a career coach in her spare time, serving executives in transition, some of the first few questions Ms. Francis
asks her clients are:
“Whereareyounetworking?”
“Howdeepisyournetwork?”
“Whoareyoutalkingto?”
“The farther reach you have, the more folks who know you, the less time it will take to transition to your next opportunity,” she says.
The National University alumna belongs to nine different professional associations, including one she co-founded, called Senior
Human Resource Executives. Ms. Francis is a board member of the San Diego Society of Human Resource Management
(SHRM), and co-chaired the SHRM national conference last year. She highly recommends that fellow alumni become involved in
professional organizations and assume leadership positions.
“It will strengthen and benefit your career in numerous and dramatic ways,” she says.
ENcoUrAgiNg Tomorrow
suzanne Moreno [m.eD., 2000]
Suzanne moreno is a former teacher whose community involvement led her to create her own
successful nonprofit organization. She is the founder of encourage tomorrow, which provides
educational programs that prepare at-risk youth and their families for successful and healthy lives.
sTarTing as a volunteer for an annual conference at Fresno City College in the early 1990s, Ms. Moreno helped to recruit
four or five exhibitors. Since then, that number has grown exponentially to 70 exhibitors. She attributes her success to her
enthusiasm and believes that a passion for her mission attracted like-minded people who were willing to help her.
“The State Department of Education liked our program model,” Ms. Moreno says. “They ended up adopting it and hired me as
a consultant.” It was there that Moreno established some valuable and nurturing relationships. “I wouldn’t be where I am now if
it weren’t for role models and mentors I met,” she says.
In 1997, with the network of contacts she had built through volunteering and consulting, Ms. Moreno founded Encourage
tomorrow in Fresno, California. At first, it was something she did on the side while teaching full-time, but today she has
contracts all over the state, with offices in San Diego, Vista, and Sacramento. Citibank recently funded her new office in San
jose, and she currently employs 80 part-time tutors across the state.
“Look for organizations and people who are in a position to help you,” Ms. Moreno says. try to set aside a little bit of
time to do that because it helps to build the future.”
insidE THE Minds
oF JoB rEcruiTErs
roBerT rasMussen
[gmBa, 2004]
ThE AgiLE
ENgiNEEr
robert rasmussen is the
Director of government
Operations at nliven systems.
alumni who hold the positions of job recruiters
are in a position to interview and hire job applicants. they can
provide valuable insight and offer suggestions that may help to
distinguish job seekers from the pack and gain a competitive
advantage. recruiters also provide a prospective on how other
national University alumni are perceived in certain fields or
industries. the following alumni share their thoughts about
their companies and their ideal job candidates.
naTional universiTy
The BrillianT TeChie with poor people
skills is quickly becoming a dinosaur in the
technology industry.
“We’re hiring engineers who are geared for
more collaboration, more dialog, and more
dependency upon one another,” says Robert
Rasmussen, Director of government
Operations at nliven systems.
Mr. Rasmussen oversees a team that
builds web-based resources, primarily
for the Department of Defense. nliven
systems is responsible for websites such as
ArmyOneSource, an online clearinghouse
that provides career, health, finance, and
community information to troops and
their families.
nliven systems is poised to diversify into
commercial markets. Consequently, Mr.
Rasmussen has been hiring a broad range
of employees, including graphic designers,
front-end developers, Android developers,
database administrators, software
architects, as well as software and quality
assurance engineers.
“Recruiting is one of our biggest
challenges,” Mr. Rasmussen says.
“Especially in the tech area.” The high
tech sector is competitive and constantly
evolving with new organizational and
managerial models. In such a dynamic
environment, the company culture plays a
very important stabilizing role.
core values,” he adds. nliven systems
ascribes to Agile software development,
a methodology that highly values team
players, emphasizes close collaboration
between the programmer team and
business experts, and face-to-face
communication.
“Sure, we look for someone who can do
the job, first and foremost, but once that
person is in place, they have to be able
to work in a Scrum team [scrum is an
agile framework for completing complex
projects],” Mr. Rasmussen says.
So, who is going to be at the front of his
hiring line? team-oriented, consensusbuilding problem solvers who view
pleasing the customer as job number one.
It’s an attitude and an outlook that eager
young engineers would be well-served
to embrace.
“Our people stay here because of the
culture, and that has to do with our
Vision
1
| National University
ThE SEArch for
SAN DiEgo ShEriffS
krisTin BrayMan [mFS, 2005]
Deputy Sheriff and recruiter Kristin Brayman locates and
attracts qualified candidates for the San Diego county
Sheriff’s Department.
she served six years as a patrolling deputy and has recently been promoted to a
recruiting position.
Bringing Care
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
“we currently have several positions open,” says ms. Brayman. She has appeared at National
University’s career Networking fair to discuss job opportunities within her department. ms.
Brayman says none of her colleagues have been laid off during the recent budget crisis. Job
openings in the new correctional facility are a great opportunity for new hires to advance.
sTeve Jones:
[BS In nUrSIng, 2003]
“it’s a rewarding career with great benefits and good job stability,” she says. “And we like
National University graduates. They have consistently proven themselves at the highest levels
in criminal justice and law enforcement.”
Steve Jones hires nurses and
other healthcare professionals
for the california Department of
corrections and rehabilitation.
Alumni include two past chiefs of the San Diego Police Department (David Bejarano, Bachelor
of Business Administration, 1983; and gerald Sanders, Bachelor of Public Administration,
1988) and the chiefs of the Escondido and National city Police Departments (Jim maher,
Bachelor of Business Administration, 1998; and Adolfo gonzales, Bachelor of Public
Administration, 1986), as well as the Sheriff of fresno county (margaret mims, master of Public
Administration, 2005).
tO tHe
as a ChieF nurse exeCuTive, he
oversees more than 200 staff members
who serve 165 patients in 35 correctional
facilities throughout the state.
“We provide care to inmates from
conservation camps to Death Row,”
Mr. jones says. “It’s not for everybody.
We’ve had people come to work for a
single day and then leave.” However, Mr.
jones is also quick to point out that work
benefits outweigh the challenges, and the
opportunities are abundant.
Working with an inmate population
requires a certain mindset. “you have to
be empathetic, but you can’t be the warm,
fuzzy nurse that you might otherwise
be in a typical hospital,” he says. “In this
environment, you have to be on your
guard.”
The process for gaining employment with
the Department of Corrections can be
daunting, but once you’re in the system,
Mr. jones says you can transition to other
government institutions. He sees National
University graduates as good candidates for
these types of jobs because he believes that
adult learners tend to be more serious and
focused.
When reviewing resumes and assessing
candidates for job openings, Mr. jones
observes that many interviewees do
not clearly convey their experience.
The more articulate they are, the better,
in his opinion.
“For example, if you’ve worked in the
emergency room for three years, talk about
the procedures you’ve performed and the
areas of specialty you’ve mastered—that
kind of detail is definitely going to get you
noticed,” he says.
Vision
| National University | 21
Ms. Schuetz sees additional opportunities,
both in occupational therapy and
moderate-to-severe special education (the
credential required to work with a growing
population of autistic students), and with
school psychologists.
both superintendents confirmed that
other teaching positions continue to open
each year as an aging workforce reaches
retirement age.
“We do hire classroom teachers,” Ms.
Schuetz said. “I hired 15 teachers this year.”
While many teachers are delaying
retirement because of economic conditions,
others have taken advantage of cash
retirement incentives, opening additional
positions for new employees.
Ms. Schuetz advises teachers looking
for positions to distinguish themselves
from numerous applicants by researching
the district where they’d like to work,
joining the substitute list, and introducing
themselves to principals, who usually do
the hiring.
Ms. belenardo continues to feel positive
about administrative opportunities,
especially for those with significant
teaching experience, excellent training, and
a passion to make a difference for students.
Despite current challenges, Ms. belenardo
says, “I don’t think qualified people should
be deterred from education as a career.”
“Show you’re interested,” she says. “Show
that’s where you want to work.”
both Ms. Schuetz and Ms. belenardo
earned their administrative credentials
at National University and say their
experiences were great career enhancers.
despiTe reporTs of budget cutbacks, layoffs, and furloughs, two
alumni who serve as school district superintendents say opportunities
still exist for teachers and administrators looking for employment
in California. They offer two watchwords for new and experienced
teachers: “flexibility” and “specialization.”
“I’ve talked to teachers looking for a new position, and I ask them,
‘Are you willing to go back to school and specialize?’” says Susan
belenardo, Superintendent of La Habra City School District, which
serves 5,600 students in Orange County. “I’ve hired science, math,
and special education teachers, and speech and language pathologists
every year for the past several years.”
Ms. belenardo does add a critical caveat to her advice. “I’ve heard
education students say, ‘I’m going into special education because I
want a job.’ No; it has to be your passion as well.”
Likewise, Michele Schuetz, Superintendent of the 2,200-student
Auburn Union School District on the slopes of the Sierras,
also recommends specialization. In particular, Ms. Schuetz tells
prospective teachers to consider speech and language pathology.
“Throughout our county and across the state, we cannot even fill
positions for speech therapists,” she says. “I’ve had a position posted
since the end of August.”
susan Belenardo
[mS In eDUcatIOn cOUnSeLIng, 1990]
MiChele sChueTz
[aDmInIStratIVe creDentIaL, 1993]
Vision
| National University
proFessor
Juan espaÑa
inTErnATionAL
BusinEss
oPPorTuniTiEs
“The 21sT CenTury is shaped by new and emerging
economies throughout the world,” says juan España,
professor of International business in the School of business
and Management at National University. “Never has it been
more important to have a global perspective on business and
job opportunities.”
Professor España, who leads students and alumni on annual trips to China and brazil, emphasizes the value of establishing and
maintaining contacts overseas. “Opportunities are often built upon relationships,” he says. “Those with international connections
are going to have a distinct advantage in the coming years.”
With the growth of National University International and the increasing number of international students that the University
recruits, alumni are more geographically and culturally diverse than ever before. It is more likely to find graduates and credential
completers in influential positions on every continent. Many alumni overseas have started their own companies and are in a
position to hire their classmates or develop profitable partnerships. Some alumni have discovered alternative pathways and new
opportunities for enterprising and adventurous individuals. The following are profiles of four such individuals who have become
successful in their respective careers.
DiD you KNow?
According to the Association of Americans resident overseas, there are more than 6.3 million non-military Americans
living abroad. if they constituted a state, it would be the 17th most populous in the United States.
The institute of international Education reported that international Student Enrollment in the United States increased
by five percent in the 2010/11 academic year, to more than 723,000, representing a record high.
National University international has 200 authorized recruiting agents and has expanded their academic offerings to
more than 40 programs.
According to Entrepreneur.com, many large international companies are creating a new executive-level role known as
“chief Networking officer.”
Vision
| National University
JeFF young [m.eD., 2003]
TEAchiNg
ABroAD hAS
iTS PErKS
mr. Young has been living and
working as a full-time teacher in
taiwan for almost five years.
“i Was hired by the taiwanese
government as a foreign teacher to teach
in their public schools,” Mr. young says.
“It has been a wonderful and fulfilling
experience. The salaries are high and the
benefits include housing stipends, airfare
reimbursement, and a generous bonus at
the end of the year.”
before he moved to Asia, he says he
struggled to secure a long-term contract
and was repeatedly passed up by school
districts with budget shortfalls that couldn’t
afford to permanently hire him.
Mr. young says there’s a “flood of teaching
opportunities” in Asia and a substantial
foreign community that is very supportive
in helping others overcome and adjust to
cultural and linguistic barriers. He also
says that taiwan is eager for more nativespeaking English teachers from Western
countries, and school districts there “will
do just about all they can to get a native
English speaking teacher into their
classroom.”
In addition to teaching positions in
taiwan, Mr. young says that the market
for teachers is also expanding rapidly in
Vietnam. “A friend of mine with a master’s
degree in education and a credential just
got a job at a university in Hanoi, making
more than $4,000 per month after taxes,
and that goes a long way there,” he says.
“The cost of living is very inexpensive.”
Mr. young acknowledges that it takes a
certain amount of bravery to pick up and
move to a foreign country, but it’s also a
chance to try something new and exciting.
“I think an overseas teaching position is
something to seriously consider,” he says.
there’safloodofteaching
opportunitiesinasia.
Vision
| National University | 27
EXPANDiNg iNTErNATioNAL
BUSiNESS coNNEcTioNS
Marko pinedo [gLOBaL mBa PenDIng, 2012]
latinamericaisaregion
thatcurrentlygenerates
someofthelargest
growthinshippingvolume
throughouttheworld.
there is a strong link between connectedness and
economic gains. marko Pinedo is the Business Process
Optimization (BPO) Senior manager for the San Jose, costa rica office
of DHL, the world’s largest logistics group.
Bpo aiMs to align all aspects of an organization with the needs of its clients
by promoting efficiency, innovation, and integration.
Mr. Pinedo has been with DHL since 2003 and is a recipient
of the DHL global business Services 2009 Quality
Improvement Award. Originally from Lima, Peru, he is
one of 300,000 DHL employees serving an
international network that links more than 220 countries
and territories worldwide.
He is also connected with the 32 nations that
constitute Latin America, a region that currently generates some of
the largest growth in shipping volume throughout the world.
Most of the countries in that region are listed
among the 125 nations on DHL’s global Connectedness Index.
As stronger international economic networks form,
professionals such as Mr. Pinedo will rely upon expanded
international contacts—an advantage that
National University alumni will
appreciate and utilize more and more in
coming years.
Vision
| National University | 29
HigH TEcHnoLogY
in EMErging MArkETs
A
CO
N
Serguei Lakham has traveled
the world, establishing
service, sales, and distribution
networks for several companies
in emerging markets and
building businesses from the
ground up in Korea, russia,
Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
M
O
O
T
S
N
B
IN
C
U
R
O
TI
serguei lakhaM
[BBa, 2004]
E
H
T
ST
A
E
E
L
D
D
MI
he is FluenT in russian, Arabic, and English. he has traveled the world, establishing
service, sales, and distribution networks for several companies in emerging markets and
building businesses from the ground up in Korea, russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. he is
also well connected in Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and its booming metropolis
of Dubai.
mr. Lakham spent his formative years in software development while pursuing his
education. he worked at four startup businesses in Silicon Valley during its glory days and
moved up the ranks as a senior systems engineer. in the late 1990s, he left school to focus
on his career and create exciting new optics devices.
There was just one problem: his company’s products were often so cutting-edge that the
sales team would have problems selling them. So mr. Lakham packed his suitcase and
hit the road to market the items himself. As he focused more on management, he realized
that he would need to complete his degree. That’s when he came to National University.
JaMal al akeel [BBa, 1981]
mr. Lakham and his family currently reside in orange county, but he currently spends weeks
at a time in the former Soviet Union, establishing a presence for Envivio, a company that
offers compressed video for mobile, Pc, and standard and high definition television
deployments. in the widespread, opportunistic business of global sales and marketing, he
is always looking to build new contacts and strengthen existing ones, and sees National
University’s growing body of international alumni as a valuable asset to be tapped.
Jamal al akeel is chairman of the Board of Jefco contracting, one of the most successful
construction and engineering firms in the middle east, with an impressive roster of completed
projects in Saudi arabia, egypt, Dubai, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
over several deCades, jefco
Contracting has handled public and
private sector jobs, including residential
communities, shopping malls, industrial
complexes, pedestrian bridges, schools, and
hospitals. They’ve also handled the Mina
Valley tent Project, which provides shelter
to approximately two million Muslims
who make the annual Haj pilgrimage to
the holy city of Mecca.
In addition to construction, jefco
Contracting handles electromechanical
contracts, fabrication, and manufacturing.
It also represents several prominent Saudi
Arabian companies.
According to The New York Times,
construction is growing at a phenomenal
rate in Saudi Arabia. jefco Contracting
is part of a $500 billion investment
program that helps build entire cities,
of which $86 billion has been allocated
to king Abdullah Economic City for
the development of the king Abdulaziz
International Airport. These projects are
expected to create millions of jobs and
diversify the Saudi economy over the
coming decades.
by some estimates, there were as many as
2,100 construction projects either planned
or underway in the Persian gulf region
before the global economic downturn in
2008, exceeding more than $1 trillion in
value. In the coming recovery, the Middle
Eastern growth boom may likely exceed
such figures, and Mr. Akeel’s business
will be well-poised to be a major player in
future construction. International business
concerns seeking to participate in Saudi
and neighboring projects would benefit
from the National University’s alumnus’
expertise and connections.
“i would invest the time to connect and meet with fellow graduates in my areas of
expertise and interest if the opportunities arise,” he says. “Networking is a valuable part
of one’s higher education experience.”
Vision
| National University | 31
cuTTing EdgE
working on THE
as Forbes magazine has reported, many
common careers won’t exist within the next
20 years. Simultaneously, technological
advancements will create new jobs that have
yet to be imagined.
New career opportunities are emerging before our
very eyes.
many academicians, such as Duke University
Professor cathy Davidson, are advocating for
innovation in the classroom to keep up with
new ways in which young adults are learning
and to prepare them for a modern workplace. in
Professor Davidson’s book, Now You See It, she
warns that many schools are preparing students
for an economy that will not exist by the time they
are adults.
National University has traditionally calculated
beyond the horizon and planned ahead. in its
five-year strategic plan for 2015, National
University is committed to establishing
partnerships with corporations and foundations
to ensure the ongoing development and
deployment of reliable, cutting-edge technologies
to the University community, to improve student
learning, and prepare students for a dynamic
work environment and culture.
National University has established courses and
curricula that have produced forward-thinking
graduates who have assumed positions of
responsibility and are playing a hand in creating
tomorrow’s workplace. As you will read in the
following pages, many National University
alumni are at the center of emerging initiatives
and industries that will dramatically alter the
course of future employment as technology
revolutionizes our daily lives.
oksana WilCox [mBa, 1995]
The ConvergenCe of healthcare and
wireless technology has created an exciting
new field that promises to dramatically
modernize delivery of healthcare services,
increasing convenience while lowering costs.
Qualcomm aims to be a major innovator
in this emerging field. Last December, it
announced the creation of a $100 million
fund to promote wireless connections in
medical devices and offer a new back-end
platform to make it easier for healthcare
companies to include wireless technology in
their products. National University alumna
Oksana Wilcox will play an important
role in developing mobile tools that will
empower personal health management and
build connected health solutions.
Ms. Wilcox came to National University
from Russia on a full scholarship in 1993,
courtesy of a grant through the San DiegoVladivostok Sister City Society. After
graduating, she was hired by Dr. Ronald
Uhlig, who at the time was in charge of
the company’s Eastern European sales. Ms.
Wilcox worked in business development
in Russia and the Ukraine until 1999,
then left Qualcomm and wouldn’t see her
mentor until several years later at a polo
game in San Diego.
Dr. Uhlig, who is now Dean of the
National University School of business and
Management, invited his former colleague
who had since returned to Qualcomm,
to contact Michael Lacourse, dean of the
National University School of Health and
Human Services (SHHS). She followed
up and introduced Dean Lacourse to a
vice president with Qualcomm’s Wireless
Health initiative. SHHS, which recently
introduced a Master of Science in Health
Informatics, may develop synergies with
the global leader in wireless technology
and innovation.
“In any industry, it is tremendously
important to stay in touch with people
in your field,” says Ms. Wilcox. “you
never know what sort of opportunities or
partnerships may happen.”
Vision
| National University
Y
U
E
C
H
E
N
G
THE APPEAL oF
soLAr EnErgY
yue Cheng [mBa, 2011]
Yue cheng is the general manager of greensky Power
company, which designs, develops, and manufactures
solar energy products in Hangzhou, china and markets
them globally through several strategic partnerships.
soMe oF his suCCessFul proJeCTs to date include a solar street
lighting system for China’s yuanzhou County and a solar water heating
system for the National games in jinan.
The economic and environmental appeal of solar energy has been growing
in recent years, as emerging technologies, rising oil prices, and concerns
about global climate change drive interest in alternative and sustainable
energy sources. Last year, California passed legislation requiring its utilities
to provide 33 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by the end
of 2020. According to the 2011 BP Statistical Review of World Energy, solar
cell production growth has averaged 40 percent per year since 2000, and
installed capacity reached close to 40 gigawatts by the end of 2010.
Mr. Cheng, who is also Consulting Co-Founder and Vice President of
business Development for Ansir Consulting, which promotes business
relations between U.S. and Chinese companies, was in California late last
year to investigate the possibility of opening a sales office for greensky in
the United States. He is interested in networking with National University
alumni to seek out potential employees.
Vision
| National University
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Vision
| National University | 37
oNE iN NiNE P
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800 miLLioN USEr
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JeFFrey augusT [mBa, 2005]
Clearly, FaCeBook is a rapidly growing social media site. Alumnus jeffrey August
was recruited from yahoo to join Facebook in 2010 with thousands of other employees.
Now, he has seniority over 70 percent of his colleagues. As Facebook’s Vendor Managertelecom and Network, Mr. August controls relations with international network suppliers.
He connects the company with the rest of the world. Currently, 70 percent of the
Facebook user base is located outside the United States.
“you know the old adage: think outside of the box?” Mr. August asks. “At Facebook, there
can’t even be a box. I handle everything from small transactional orders to negotiating
hundred million dollar contracts. I don’t know if moving from fire to fire is the right way
to describe it, but you have to learn really quickly how to prioritize.”
He says he learned a lot of lessons from his experience at National University that apply
directly to his success at Facebook. “My MbA program was very fast-paced,” notes Mr.
August. “you had to put your head down and do your work. It’s a similar environment
now, in that I have a month at Facebook to get a monumental amount of work done.”
The hiring process at Facebook is extremely competitive. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t
for National University,” Mr. August says. “I have been able to thrive under the most
demanding circumstances, and there is a reason for that. going to National was one of the
best decisions I ever made.”
Vision
39
| National University
A C E L E B R AT I O N O F L E A D E R S H I P
THENATIONALUNIVERSITYSYSTEM
NationalUniversity
JohnF.KennedyUniversity
NationalUniversityInternational
TheDivisionofPre-CollegePrograms
SpectrumPacificLearning
WestMedCollege
CenterforIntegrativeHealth
InstituteforPolicyResearch
NationalUniversityGolfAcademy
CenterforPerformancePsychology
CenterofExcellenceforVeteranStudentSuccess
©2012TheNationalUniversitySystem
ATributeto CHAnCELLoR JERRy C. LEE
fromtheBoardof Trustees
The Board of Trustees for National University and the
National University System has had the pleasure of
working with one of the most talented and effective
leaders in higher education. On December 31, 2012,
Dr.JerryC.LeewillretireasChancellor.
Leadership
LEADERSHIP
“When Dr. Lee became President in 1989, the University’s “When Dr. future
Lee became
in 1989,
thetoUniversity’s
was
was inPresident
doubt. His
ability
focus and future
lead has
in doubt. His
ability
to
focus
and
lead
has
resulted
in
the
elimination
resulted in the elimination of debt, the growth of the of debt, the
growth of the
and afaculty.”
distinguished faculty.”
endowment,
andendowment,
a distinguished
Robert E. Freelen
Chair 1990 – 1993, and 2009
ACHIEvEmEnt
“Asamemberofthesearchcommittee,Iknewwhatan
extraordinary challenge Dr. Lee had accepted in 1989.
While we were certain we had found the right leader,
noonewouldhavedaredtoexpectthislevelofsuccess.”
TomTopuzes
Chair1997–2000
Innovation
“As our visionary leader, Dr. Lee has created a culture
where he blends a commitment to the academy
with leadership, management, and sound financial
management principles. As our chief innovator, he led
the creation of the National University System, adding
affiliate entities with complementary missions that
connect a diverse population to relevant educational
programs.”
Gerald Czarnecki
Chair 2007 – 2008
Communit y
“Dr. Lee made local involvement an integral part of the
National University culture. Scholarships for victims
of domestic violence, firefighters, and services for
homeless veterans are among the many examples of
community commitment.”
John P. Bucher
Chair 2001 – 2006
REPutAtIon
“Dr. Lee’s determination to make access and quality a
cornerstone of the University’s reputation has been
evident in every strategic plan since 1990. In the
last decade, many teachers who have earned their
credentials at National have been named “Teacher of
theYear”inseveraldistricts.Today,theUniversityawards
more master’s degrees in all disciplines to Hispanics
and African Americans than any other college or
universityinCalifornia.”
JeanneConnelly
Chair2010–2011
Qualit y
“The relentless pursuit of quality has yielded a first-rate
faculty, a cutting-edge library, and national recognition
for academic programs and assessment.”
Herbert Meistrich
Chair 2012
Since1989,theBoardofTrusteesforNationalUniversityandnow
theNationalUniversitySystemhashadthepleasureofworking
with one of the most talented and effective leaders in higher
education.OnDecember31,2012,Dr.JerryC.Leewillretire
asChancellor.
NUreducesitsdebtby55%
Congratulations,ChancellorLee,onabrilliantcareer.Thank
youformakingtheNationalUniversitySystemanoutstanding
success.
Sincerely,
HerbertMeistrich
RuthannHeinrich
JacquelineTownsend
Konstanturos
CherylKendrick
ThomasTopuzes
DonaldKripke
FelipeBecerra
JohnP.Bucher
RichardChisholm
JeanneConnelly
GeraldCzarnecki
KateGrace
Administrative
Headquartersestablished
atTorreyPines,LaJolla
W.H.Knight,Jr.
JeanLeonard
MichaelR.McGill
1991
1971
150full-timefaculty
1996
1989
1993
Dr.Leebecomes
NUPresident
NUalumnisurpass
50,000
$9milliondeficit
17full-timefaculty
E.LeeRice
NUreaches
81,000alumni
Endowmentfunds
exceed$200million
1999
2001
2004
1998
2000
Endowmentfunds
exceed$100million
Spectrumcampus
andlibraryopen
2003
2006
NUreceivesCalifornia
CouncilforPerformance
ExcellenceAward
EstablishmentofNUI
Establishmentof
VirtualHighSchool
200full-timefaculty
JayStone
JudithSweet
Second-largestprivate,nonprofitinstitutioninCalifornia,
12th-largestinnation
LargestnumberofgraduatestudentsinCalifornia
TrueEndowment: $467,720.36
QuasiEndowment: Exceeds $300 million
RealEstateholdings: $105.9 million
Full-timestudents: 22,000
NUlaunchesStudent
ConciergeServices
SchoolofEducation
recommendsmoreteachersfor
credentialingthananysingle
institutioninCalifornia
CarlosRodriguez
AlexanderR.Shikhman
NUcelebrates
40thanniversary
SPLisestablished
NUcelebrates
25thanniversary
NUfounded
tHE BoARD oF tRuStEES
StacyAllison
EstablishmentofTheNUS
67full-timefaculty
Foundationofinitiative
thatwouldbecome
theCenterfor
IntegrativeHealth
FoundationofCenter
forIntegrativeHealth
CenterforTechnology
andHealthSciencesbuiltin
KearnyMesa
NUnamedoneofthebest
workplacesinSanDiegoby
San Diego Magazine
NamedoneoftheChronicle
of Higher Eduction2010
GreatCollegestoWorkFor
2007
250full-timefaculty
2010
2009
2011
NUGAopens
Firstinnationinawarding
master’sdegreesineducation
tominorities
NUAestablishedastuitionfreepublicschoolcharter
StudentConcierge
Servicesestablished
NUranksintop10
nationallyinawarding
masterdegreestowomen
Forthirdconsecutiveyear,
ChancellorLeepromisesno
employeewillloseemployment
orareductioninbenefits
RanksfirstinCalifornia
inawardingmaster’sdegrees
toHispanics,African Endowmentfundsexceed
Americans,andwomen $400million
306full-timefaculty
Nearlyone-quarterofNU
employeeshaveworkedfor
theUniversityformorethan
ChancellorLeeannounces 10years
planstoretire
VISION
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
robert E. freelen
EDITOR
hoyt Smith
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
mike Burgos
ART DIRECTOR
Beth Bauman
PHOTOGRAPHER
mark Dastrup
WRITERS
hoyt Smith
Sandra millers Younger
COPY EDITORS
mary catania
Ken David
Sarah weekly
PRINT PRODUCTION
Pam Beck
VISION
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE
VISION
CAREER BUILDING
FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI
THE POWER OF
ALUMNI NETWORKING
© 2012 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
VOLUME 13 // 2012
WWW.NU.EDU
ALUMNI JOB RECRUITERS
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
A TRIBUTE
TO
CHANCELLOR JERRY C. LEE