Student Receives Imagine America Foundation's Military Leadership Award

Recently, the Imagine America Foundation announced the winners of the 2007 Military Leadership Award. Dennis Johnson, a student majoring in Business Administration at Grantham University, was one of five recipients chosen out of 200 applicants to receive the $5,000 leadership award.

The Military Leadership Award honors those who have shown personal courage through their service in the U.S. military and provides recipients with the financial independence to continue their education. Mr. Johnson was chosen because of his impressive military record and excellent grades.

"Mr. Johnson is an outstanding student and a leader," said Joe McGrath, executive vice president at Grantham University. "He has taken up the challenge of completing his college degree while at the same time preparing his son to enter college. He knows only too well the value of a college education and is sending that message to his family by working nights and weekends to complete his own degree program."

In 1983, Mr. Johnson enlisted into the Military Police Corp and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 2004. As leader of hundreds of soldiers in the Army, he promoted the importance of education and demonstrated that it is possible to balance learning with working and caring for a family. Mr. Johnson ended his 21 year career with the military by serving his last five years in the U.S. Army Special Operation Command. He served tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq prior to his retirement. As a civilian, Mr. Johnson works as an integral part of the G3 staff at the US Army Special Operations Command in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

In addition to his military and civilian careers, Mr. Johnson also authored a children's book titled, "How I know My Dad is a Soldier."

Since 2004, the Imagine America Foundation has recognized exceptional career college students who have selflessly honored this country through their service and have chosen to further their education. Recipients include honorably discharged, reservists, active duty and veterans that are committed students at career colleges nationwide. The Leadership Award grants are sponsored by Lockheed Martin and The Sallie Mae Fund.

About the Imagine America Foundation
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF), established in 1982, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarship, research and training support for the career college sector. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided over $35 million in scholarship and award support for graduating high school seniors, adult learners and U.S. military veterans attending career colleges nationwide through its award-winning Imagine America® programs. The Foundation also publishes vital research publications for the higher education sector, honors achievement in career education and supports faculty/staff training. For more information about the Imagine America Foundation's scholarship and award programs, please visit www.imagineamericafoundation.com.

Grantham University Graduates

Grantham University would like to congratulate the following recent graduates:

Congratulations on a job well done from all of us at Grantham University!

Grantham Given Five Star Recognition

On Thursday, September 6th, 2007, during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Breakfast, Grantham University was presented with a Five Star Award for its demonstrated support of the men and women who serve in America's National Guard and Armed Forces Reserve.

The Five Star Award is the highest recognition an employer can receive. It is earned by employers who go "above and beyond the call of duty" in accommodating employees' military service and serves as an affirmation of the following actions:

Support of Guard and Reserve member employees in peace, in crisis, and in war

Compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment Rights and Reemployment Act

Effective management of Guard and Reserve member employees

Implementation of "Over and Above" policies that provide more support than required by law

Support of the ESGR

Rear Admiral Jon W. Bayless, Jr., Commander of Navy Region MIDWEST, was the guest speaker for the breakfast. Rear Adm. Bayless has served in the Navy since his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1979. In 1986, he transitioned to the Reserve Component where he took part in a variety of tours including: flying sorties during operations Support Democracy and Able Manner and flying detachments in the Mediterranean and counter narcotics operations throughout the Caribbean. In April 2002, Rear Adm. Bayless was recalled to active duty as Deputy Commander, Task Force Five 7 (CTF-57) at U.S. Naval Forces Command Central Command Bahrain in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Most recently, he served as the Deputy to Navy Region MIDWEST before becoming the Commander in October 2006. Among his personal decorations are the Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Jerome Wilson, director of human resources, accepted the award on behalf of Grantham University. "Grantham University appreciates our Guard and Reserve member employees," said Mr. Wilson. "It is a privilege and honor to support them as they serve our country."

To learn more about ESGR and the Five Star Recognition award, visit: www.esgr.org.

Graduate Spotlight - Jerry Maske

Grantham graduate Jerry Maske is truly an inspiration to others. He believes very strongly in the value of education. "Ten years ago, all you needed to succeed in the job market was a bachelor's degree; now, it's a master's degree," said Mr. Maske. "To stay employable in today's job market, an individual has to commit to life-long learning and continuing education."

Mr. Maske grew up in a community so tiny that it was called a Village. When he turned 25, he left home and hasn't looked back. He traveled, met interesting and famous people, and lived in multiple states. In 1997, he enrolled at Grantham University to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, because distance learning provided him with the flexibility needed to earn an accredited degree while working. Since graduating from Grantham in 2000, Mr. Maske has been busy. Shortly after his graduation, he was honored as a 2001 Graduate of the Year through the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). He then went on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree in December 2002 and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program to obtain a Doctor of Management and Organizational Leadership.

Today, Mr. Maske has come along way from the person who commented in his Outstanding Graduate bio seven years ago that he had lived most of his life with the stigma of not having a college degree. He credits Grantham University with helping him succeed as an adult learner. "Grantham University enabled me, through distance education, to reach heights I would have never been able to obtain," said Mr. Maske. Because of his work experience and college education, he views himself as both a practitioner and a scholar. "With willingness and a mind that wants to learn, anything is possible," he said.

His next goal after obtaining his doctoral degree is to write a book focused on a journey to success.

Grantham Supports Operation Soldier Assist

In September, the chilly, rainy weather in Missouri did not deter volunteers participating in "Operation Soldier Assist," a humanitarian effort and community service project of Kansas City National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), in cooperation with the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (KCAUSA).

"Operation Soldier Assist" brings together communities and organizations to help those who have served and sacrificed for our country. The National Guard identified a Soldier in need for the project, local wounded Soldier retired Sgt. George Bellis, and over 40 volunteers worked together to remodel his home.

Upon his return from an Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment in 2003 - 2004, Sgt. Bellis was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and he was medically discharged from the Missouri National Guard due to the extent of his injuries. Because of Sgt. Bellis' condition, his wife, Tricia, terminated her employment to care for her husband and their three children, Canaan, 12, Hunter, 9, and Grace, 4.

Kansas City NARI members donated materials and labor to make significant improvements to the home, and KCAUSA volunteers assisted the family and organized support from Soldiers, the community, and civic organizations.

Guard members from Recruiting Command and the Clinton Armory assisted with the demolition and clean-up and organized traffic and parking for volunteers and media.

"We are totally overwhelmed by the generosity of Kansas City NARI and the Kansas City Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army," said Tricia Bellis. "While we believe there are other families who may be more deserving, we are most grateful for all of the wonderful volunteers who donated materials and their time to make improvements to our home. We cannot thank them enough."

At the end of the remodel, Tricia Bellis was presented with the key to her home and a $30,000 four-year scholarship for tuition, books and software from Grantham University, which will enable Tricia to pursue a degree online and remain at home to care for her husband and family.

To help the Bellis family kick off a new chapter in their lives, Grantham University and GX® magazine partnered to give the family a check for $10,000.

"Patriots come in many forms," said DeAnn Wandler, director of admissions at Grantham University and a director of the local greater Kansas City Association of the U.S. Army Board. "The wives and children of our military members face unique challenges like location, separation and financial hardship. When a Soldier is deployed, the spouse becomes a single parent. These family warriors are often overlooked. We're excited to invest in the future of this family and give the gift that keeps on giving--education."

In total, the project consisted of over $50,000 worth of donations for furnishings, volunteer meals and the scholarship.

Grantham University Teams Up with GX® magazine - Offers $1.8 Million in Scholarships to ARNG Soldiers

In March 2007, Grantham University, in partnership with GX® magazine, a nationwide publication for members of the National Guard and their families, announced that it was offering a full scholarship to a member of the Army National Guard in each U.S. state and territory. The scholarships had a combined value of $1.8 million and covered tuition costs, required textbooks and software at Grantham University.

"Grantham University and GX® magazine entered into this partnership together because we fully support the Army National Guard's education mission to encourage its members to pursue higher education," said Tom Macon, chairman of Grantham University. "Grantham's goal is to benefit soldiers and their families by providing the opportunity to further their education at no cost."

Applicants were given a deadline of June 30th to apply. The response was overwhelming, and the scholarship committee had a difficult time determining the winners.

Grantham University would like to congratulate the following list of scholarship winners (each winner is listed along with the number of years served in the Guard):

BIG Region XI Awards Grantham Scholarship

Blacks In Government (BIG) Region XI announced that it awarded a Grantham University Scholarship to Doris Johnson on September 5th, 2007. The scholarship, valued at approximately $34,000, covers: tuition costs, required textbooks, software, fees and shipping of the course materials.

Ms. Johnson is the youngest of seven children. When she graduated high school, she began her college career at the University of the District of Columbia. But, because of some unforeseen circumstances, Ms. Johnson was unable to finish her degree. She is very excited about winning the scholarship and finally having the opportunity to go back to school.

Currently, a program analyst with the U.S. Department of Justice, Ms. Johnson assists various attorneys across the country with their cases by searching and reviewing case documents, creating courtroom exhibit charts, and performing research through the law enforcement legal research services for case-related documents.

"I am interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with a specialty in Computer Science at Grantham University," said Ms. Johnson. "I will be able to enhance my knowledge and continue to provide the best possible assistance to the attorneys I work with."

About Blacks In Government
BIG is a non-profit 501(c) 3 bi-partisan organization comprised of Federal, State, and Local employees, and is committed to achieving excellence in Government through equal employment opportunity. For more information about BIG's Region XI and the Grantham University Scholarship Program, visit: www.bigrxi.org.

89th RRC Commanders Conference

On August 17th and 18th, Grantham University exhibited at the Command Battle Focus Conference in Overland Park, Kansas. The conference was hosted by the 89th Regional Readiness Command (RRC), which is the command and control headquarters for 144 Army Reserve units in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. The 89th RRC is composed of approximately 12,000 Army Reserve Soldiers and 1,000 full time employees in 71 communities. Its primary mission is to train and deploy America's most effective supporting ground forces.

Security Clearance Job Fair in Washington, DC

On Thursday, October 18th, Competitive Edge Services is holding a Security Clearance Job Fair at the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City, VA from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with companies including: Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, ManTech, Raytheon, DRS Technologies, SI International, Honeywell and more. This fair is free to all job seekers with an active or current DoD security clearance of Secret or higher. If you would like to attend, please pre-register through www.CorporateGray.com.

Upcoming Events

October 8th - 10th: Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition

October 10th: Visit to Whiteman AFB

October 17th: Visit to Scott AFB

October 25th: MacDill AFB Education Fair - 10 am until 3 pm

October 25th: Visit to Andrew's AFB Education Center - 11am until 2pm

November 7th - 9th: Goodfellow AFB Education Fair