vision
Nat ion a l Un ive r s it y | A lu m n i M ag a z i ne | D e c e m be r 2 014
Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford
A Message from
President Cunningham
As founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of
a multinational graphics communications company,
I learned a thing or two about communications and
technology in the Digital Age. As President of National
University, those lessons continue to serve me well.
Staying current with the way information is packaged
and delivered is more essential than ever. With proper
innovation and evolution, vital messages can be shared
more quickly, more clearly, and more cost-effectively.
This makes as much sense from the standpoint of
higher education as it does from a business perspective.
With that in mind, I am pleased to announce the firstever digital edition of Vision magazine, your alumni
publication. Previous surveys indicated that National
University graduates were ready to embrace electronic
one edition annually, we now aim to publish three
pages in place of paper ones; and the substantial
editions per year. That means you will be informed
savings from not printing and mailing tens of thousands
more affordably, more frequently, and more fully about
of editions will be reinvested into better services and
your alma mater than ever before.
resources for students and alumni – exactly what you’ve
come to expect from National University leadership.
The new, digital version of Vision will be a work in
progress. Please expect many changes along the way,
More and more people are turning to tablets and
and let us know what you think and what you would
smartphones for knowledge and news. We are teaching
like to see in future pages. Your input and support
to this truth in curricula such as mobile marketing,
are important and easier to receive and acknowledge
instructional technology, digital cinema, and strategic
with the new media we are employing. Enjoy the
communications. By moving from mailboxes to mobile
following content, and thank you for your interest in the
devices, we can now update you more quickly and more
continued growth and success of National University.
often. This is more important than ever because, as you
will read, a lot can happen here in six months.
Sincerely,
The new Sanford Education Center at National
University was conceived, built, and opened in about
Michael R. Cunningham, Ph.D.
that time—half the time it took to produce the old,
President, National University
printed version of Vision magazine. Instead of delivering
CONTENTS
Introducing the National University
Sanford Education Center
1.2
1.3
On September 18, 2014, National University
marked a historic moment with the grand opening of the Sanford Education Center. Chancellor
Cunningham stood side-by-side with one of the
most preeminent philanthropists of our time in
a partnership designed to make an ...
Sanford Education Center Attracts Largest
Gift in National University History
Sanford Education Center
Curricula Meets National University
Strengths, Targets an Expanded
National Audience
PART 1: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
1.1
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
2.1
The Value of
Alumni Networking
The importance of a cohesive
alumni base at non-traditional or
online-based universities shouldn’t
be discounted. Graduate networks
constitute one of the core...
2.2
Partnering with the Padres
Petco Park provided an ideal venue for
celebrating and supporting veteran students, teachers of the year, and other
hometown heroes, as National University forged a community alliance with
the San Diego Padres.
2.3
2014 Holiday Bowl Preview
For the second year in a row, National
University will gain national exposure
and assume community leadership as
title sponsor for the Holiday Bowl.
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
Sanford
Education
Center
1.1
stood side-by-side with T. Denny Sanford, one of the
leading philanthropists of our time, cutting the ribbon to
a brand new, $2 million, 6,400-square-foot facility they
designed to reshape classrooms and change the world.
From groundbreaking to completion, the ambitious
project took less than six months. The idea was
conceived between Mr. Sanford and Chancellor
September 18, 2014 marked a
historic moment for National
University with the grand
opening of the Sanford
Education Center.
Cunningham shortly before Sanford’s inaugural gift to
the Center was announced in January. Ten months and
more than $10 million later, National University has
raised the funds, hired the leadership, and welcomed
the public into a remarkable series of classrooms that
was little more than a dream this time last November.
There stood San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, San
Less than a year into his tenure as Chancellor of the
Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts, UT San Diego
National University System, Dr. Michael Cunningham
publisher Doug Manchester, San Diego philanthropist
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
Malin Burnham, municipal visionary Steven Cushman, and a host of other
prominent community leaders, celebrating a signature moment that
promises to place the region and the University under a national spotlight
for years to come. The grand opening evoked talk of perfect timing,
synergy, even destiny.
As impressive as it is to conceive such a grand vision, finance it, build it
and staff it in less than a year, Chancellor Cunningham’s accomplishment is
very much a work in progress, with many goals to reach and benchmarks
to achieve in the days and months ahead.
How did the Sanford Education Center come to be? Why did the President
of the University of Maine at Augusta travel across a continent to become
executive director of the Sanford Education Center? Why did the outgoing San
Diego Foundation CEO accept a role as Executive-in-Residence at the Sanford
Institute of Philanthropy? What are the Center’s short-term goals? How much
of an impact can it realistically expect to have in the long term? How will these
developments affect alumni, and what will Chancellor Cunningham do to top
his first year in office? For more information, please read on.
(Below) National University
President Michael Cunningham
(left) welcomes San Diego Mayor
Kevin Faulconer to the opening
of the Sanford Education Center.
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
1.2
Sanford Education Center
Attracts Largest gift in
National University History
On July 30, 2014, National University announced
an anonymous $9.22 million gift earmarked for the
Sanford Education Center to help cover construction
costs and develop the Center’s innovative programs.
The donation was the largest ever received by the
University, and builds upon a $1 million inaugural
gift presented in January 2014 by philanthropist and
businessman T. Denny Sanford to launch the La Jollabased Center.
Over the past year, Mr. Sanford has helped make
the University more visible to other major donors.
He joined National University President and
vision | NU Alumni Magazine
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
National University System Chancellor Dr. Michael R.
that support the development of nonprofit leaders,
Cunningham at the 2013 National University Holiday
teachers, and others dedicated to the public good.
Bowl to present scholarship checks to veteran
students, and joined fellow philanthropist Malin
“This transformational gift will leave a legacy for many
Burnham at 2014 commencement in San Diego to
generations to come through impactful programs that
receive honorary doctorate degrees.
meet 21st century global needs, enabling us to change the
world one graduate at a time.” said National University
With more than $10 million in start-up funding,
President and Chancellor Dr. Michael R. Cunningham.
National University aims to immediately affect positive
societal change through Sanford-based curricula
Short term benchmarks have already been established, with initial outcomes projected through 2020.
“This transformational gift
will leave a legacy for many
generations to come...”
It’s estimated that programs related to the Sanford
Institute of Philanthropy will serve more than 4,300
members of the nonprofit community over the next
five years. The Sanford Education programs aim to
serve more than 50,000 teachers, and as a result,
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
impact more than 650,000 PreK-12 students by their
between himself and Chancellor Cunningham, and
fifth year of operation.
applauded the team effort that has linked the idea, the
research, and the programming to multiple institutions
“The innovative programs offered through the Sanford
of higher education across the country.
Education Center provide ongoing learning opportunities
so that teachers of all levels of experience have the
“It took a great organization, Arizona State University,
most current strategies and tools to ensure student
to do the research and do the programming on it; but it
success,” said National University Provost Debra Bean.
took another type of organization with a different men-
“As the largest conferrer of Masters of Education
tality and a different characteristic to put it all together;
degrees among all California universities, we are
and that is National University,” Mr. Sanford said.
excited to play a key role in expanding the reach of
these programs.”
I’m really at home here,” he added. “We just think alike
and act alike, and we have the same passions. Thank
At the Center’s grand opening on September 18, Mr.
you Michael and National University for putting this
Sanford acknowledged the collaboration and chemistry
whole program together.”
(Right photo) President Michael Cunningham
(left) and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford
(right) welcomed community leaders and
other VIPs to the University’s new Sanford
Education Center, located at National’s
headquarters in La Jolla, California.
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
1.3
Sanford Education Center
Curricula Meets National
University Strengths, Targets an
Expanded National Audience
the Sanford Harmony Program to the East Coast. The
Harmony Program, based on the work of researchers
at Arizona State University, encourages positive
relationships between girls and boys at the PreK-6th
grade levels, with the goal of improving gender
relationships into adulthood. A signed Memorandum
of Understanding between National University and LIU
National University will take a leadership role in
outlines collaborative efforts between the two schools
introducing the Sanford Education Center’s three
to work with program specialists, called Ambassadors,
foundational programs throughout the United States.
to introduce the Sanford Harmony Programs to schools
Those programs are:
in the Northeast region.
The Sanford Harmony Program
The Sanford Inspire Program
At the grand opening of the Sanford Education Center,
This program helps teachers create inspiring learning
President Cunningham announced that National is
experiences aimed at increasing student learning at the
collaborating with Long Island University (LIU) to expand
K-12 grade level. It dovetails well with the National
vision | NU Alumni Magazine
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
University School of Education (SOE), which has
produced more credentialed teachers in California than
any other college or university for 14 consecutive years.
Elements of the Inspire curricula are being incorporated
into SOE’s teacher programs. The Inspire program, which
was also founded at Arizona State University, integrates
Teach for America principles into its curriculum.
The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy
This program will provide training in nonprofit
leadership with an emphasis on fundraising
techniques, cause selling, and relationship building,
through certificate and degree programs currently
being developed by National University’s School
of Business and Management and the Division of
Extended Learning. The Institute is expected to
launch a Master of Arts in Cause Leadership in
spring 2015. Joining the Institute recently to provide
valuable guidance is Executive-in-Residence Bob
Innovative programs
offered through the
Sanford Education Center
will support emerging
nonprofit leaders and
provide teachers of all
levels with cutting-edge
strategies and tools to
ensure student success.
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
Kelly, a well-respected philanthropic organizational
leader who served for 20 years as president of the
San Diego Foundation.
All three Sanford Education Center initiatives
are overseen at National University by Sanford
Education Center Executive Director Dr. Allyson
Handley, former president of the University of
Maine at Augusta. Dr. Handley has an extensive
background in higher education public policy and
leadership, and holds a Doctor of Education degree
from Johns Hopkins University—one of the top
education schools in the country.
The establishment, construction, completion, and
(Above) Sanford
Education Center
Executive Director Dr.
Allyson Handley speaks
at the grand opening;
(Left) Institute of
Philanthropy Executivein-Residence Bob Kelly.
staffing of the Sanford Education Center in less
than a year has demonstrated National University’s
core values of relevance, quality, accessibility, and
accelerated pace, and represents a significant
vision | NU Alumni Magazine
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
advancement of the vision expressed by philanthropist and Sanford
“I am extremely
pleased with
the work being
done by National
University to
ensure the Sanford
Education Center’s
mission of a better
tomorrow has a
positive impact in
communities across
the country.”
Education Center founder Denny Sanford.
“I am extremely pleased with the work being done by National University
to ensure the Sanford Education Center’s mission of a better tomorrow
has a positive impact in communities across the country,” said Mr. Sanford
at the Center’s grand opening on September 18. “These programs support
the great work being done by the education and nonprofit sectors,
providing opportunities to touch even more children’s lives and creating
a legacy for future generations.”
vision | NU Alumni Magazine
PART I: SA NFORD EDUCATION CENTER
The Sanford
Education Center
grand opening
marked the
culmination of an
ambitious project
that took just
six months from
groundbreaking
to completion.
Attendees at the grand opening of the
Sanford Education Center included San
Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, San Diego
County Supervisor Dave Roberts, UT San
Diego publisher Doug Manchester, and
philanthropist Malin Burnham.
(Below) The Center’s Harmony
program uses a lovable alien
named Z to teach kids the fine
points of getting along.
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
The Value of
Alumni Networking
2.1
An alumnus recently returned
to National University several
years after graduating, in
order to audit a class.
“The value is not only in the quality of the product,
but the level of service that backs it up,” he adds.
“Also, I strongly associate with the brand of my
automobile and my university. I gave a lot of
consideration to choosing both and share a strong
bond with other students who made the same
“I’ve gotten a lot mileage out of my education,” he
decision. I figure they’re just as smart as I am.”
says, utilizing a car analogy. “But I figured I would
take advantage of the extended warranty and get the
When your admissions advisor enrolled you in
wheels balanced. ”His degree cost about as much as
your first class at National, he or she may not have
his car, he says, noting that the two were similar in
promised that you’d have a buddy for life, but it
several ways.
wouldn’t have been an overstatement. Ideally,
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
the relationship with your alma mater should accompany you far beyond
the classroom. The University has a vested interest in your long-term success
and your involvement with the community, and in turn has a lot to offer as
you mature and evolve as a lifelong learner.
Even at a nontraditional or online-based institution of higher learning, the
importance of a cohesive alumni base shouldn’t be discounted. Graduate
networks constitute one of the core benefits and values of higher education.
Just as surely as knowledge is power, there is strength in numbers; and membership in an elite coalition of almost 150,000 well-educated and ambitious
classmates is something you’ve earned. Don’t underestimate its worth.
National University is committed to investing in alumni relations, and has
recently ramped up the events and benefits it offers to graduates. The
following pages highlight some of the new approaches and opportunities
that are bringing alumni together and strengthening bonds and connections
that in turn reward those who participate. The plan is to cultivate and grow
activities and offerings in your community that will compliment and enrich
your education for years to come.
The University has
a vested interest
in your long term
success and your
involvement with
the community, and
in turn has a lot to
offer as you mature
and evolve as a
lifelong learner.
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
2.2
Padres Partnership Builds Cohesion,
Strengthens National University Community
Last spring, National University began an educational partnership with the San
Diego Padres of Major League Baseball; a partnership created to build visibility
and support for students, alumni, and the University while providing a valuable
social hub for connecting with University constituents and the community.
National University’s
partnership with the San
Diego Padres provided
an ideal setting to honor
inaugural recipients of
the National University
Military Scholarship.
The partnership delivered many “hits” for the University throughout the season.
It generated scholarship money from the Padres, placed prominent signage
in left field that cameras captured during many home runs, and created a
significant media presence that projected National’s brand image nationwide.
Another major benefit for NU was access to Petco Park, where the Padres
play. It provided California’s second-largest private, nonprofit university
with a big-league venue for alumni tributes—a special place for events and
significant group gatherings. This proved to be an invaluable asset for a
nontraditional university without NCAA sporting events and other elements
vision | NU Alumni Magazine
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
This proved to be an invaluable asset for a nontraditional
university without NCAA sporting events...
that typically provide opportunities for interaction on
checks in front of a cheering audience, right at home plate.
more traditional college campuses.
“The Padres are proud to provide a platform for
National University to honor our local military through
The alumni community was invited to Padre games several
the announcement of the recipients of the National
times over the summer of 2014, including two dates
University Military Scholarship,” said Padres President
that placed teachers and military veterans in the public
and CEO Mike Dee. “The educational component of our
spotlight. On July 5, National University and the San Diego
partnership with National University is a wonderful
Padres honored 10 inaugural recipients of the National
complement to our longstanding military appreciation
University Military Scholarship and presented them with
efforts and our existing program.”
National University Associate Vice
President for Military Programs
Vernon Taylor throws out the first
pitch on July 5 as the National
University sign towers over the left
field wall behind him.
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
On May 2, National University joined as presenting partner of the Padres’
“More important
than the game
is the chance to
relax with family
and meet some
new friends. It’s
been a fun time,
and I really feel
appreciated by my
school, the fans
and the team.”
Teacher Appreciation Night. The School of Education provided hundreds
of tickets to graduates serving as educators and educational leaders. The
Padres honored San Diego County’s teachers of the year—more than 30
percent of whom were National alumni. VIPs were provided with baseball
caps and treated to a catered buffet in some of the best seats in Petco Park.
National University graduates didn’t have to be Padres fans to benefit
from the partnership. Supporters of the Giants, Dodgers, Angels, Athletics
and many other teams were able to procure game tickets at discounts of
20 percent or more and watch All Star players such as World Series MVP
Madison Bumgarner, Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, or MLB
batting title winner Jose Altuve.
“More important than the game is the chance to relax with family and meet
some new friends,” said National University Military Scholarship recipient
Chase Christy, who was invited to the ballpark on July 5. “It’s been a fun
time, and I really feel appreciated by my school, the fans, and the team.”
vision | NU Alumni Magazine
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
2.3
National University
Returns as Title Sponsor
for the 2014 Holiday Bowl
Post-season college football is more popular now than
ever, and that’s good news for National University, which
returns as title sponsor for the 2014 Holiday Bowl.
The gridiron has long been a premier showcase
for higher education, providing major visibility for
colleges and universities with winning football teams;
but until recently, nontraditional schools without
sports programs missed the opportunity to
compete for national exposure.
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
According to ESPN, college bowl game telecasts in 2013
enjoyed a nine percent increase in household ratings,
with an average audience of close to 6 million viewers.
As title sponsor for the 2013 Holiday Bowl, National
University was able to dramatically magnify its brand
and introduce itself to new markets while reinforcing
its presence in San Diego and throughout California.
The 2014 National University Holiday Bowl is set for
December 27. It will be the first time since 1990 that
the 37-year-old tournament is played on a Saturday.
Kickoff is at 5 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium in San
Diego. The game, which will be televised live on ESPN,
matches a Big Ten Conference team against a team
from the Pac-12 Conference.
“This is shaping up to be an exciting bowl game
season for us here in San Diego,” says Vincent
Mudd, president of the 2014 San Diego Bowl Game
This year’s National
University Holiday Bowl
will expose the University
to a nationwide, Saturday
night audience.
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
2013 National University Holiday
Bowl festivities included presentation
of the National University Veteran’s
Victory Scholarship to four deserving
veteran students.
Association. “The return of a powerhouse team from
Chancellor Michael Cunningham and philanthropist
the Big Ten to the National University Holiday Bowl
T. Denny Sanford taking to the field before the game
promises renewed excitement for our community as
for the ceremonial coin toss, then returning during
well as for fans traveling to our great city.”
the first timeout to present four veteran students
with the National University Veteran’s Victory
There were many signature moments for National
Scholarship. There was also a “Salute to Teachers”
University last December as title sponsor for the 2013
and a “Salute to the Military,” with video tributes
Holiday Bowl, including National University System
and a rousing applause from the audience. National
“The return of a power-house team from the Big Ten to the
National University Holiday Bowl promises renewed excitement
for our community as well as for fans traveling to our great city.”
vision | NU Alumni Magazine
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
University aired 11 30-second commercials, and
the field and scoreboard were decked out with the
University’s signage and logos. This year’s Holiday
Bowl promises the same opportunities, with the
likelihood of a larger audience.
In addition to building awareness, the 2014 Holiday
Bowl also provides a fun-filled hub for community
events, social gatherings, and alumni activity.
Graduates and guests will be invited to participate
in a 5K race and a parade, and there will be tickets
and ticket discounts available for the game. To learn
more about the 2014 Holiday Bowl, contact Alumni
Relations or visit the Holiday Bowl website.
Beyond football, the various events that are
part of the National University Holiday Bowl
experience provide a number of opportunities
for students and alumni to join the fun and
show their NU pride.
PART 2: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
2014 has been marked by several
significant events for NU alumni and
the community to come together. 2015
promises to build on the successes and
new partnerships forged this year.
School spirit was the
order of the day at the
2013 Holiday Bowl,
where the National
University community
came together to show
their pride, and to
honor our military and
teachers with special
in-game tributes.
The 2013 National University
Holiday Bowl was seen by almost
53,000 attendees and viewed by
2.9 million television viewers.
vision
National University | Alumni Magazine | December 2014
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Chris Graham
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jason Bullock
WRITERS
Hoyt Smith, Ken David
EDITOR
Hoyt Smith
ART DIRECTORS
Andrew Little, John Fretz
COPY EDITOR
Ken David
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mark Dastrup, Ken Jacques
NU.EDU
© 2014 National University