Colorado Technical University Online Announces Sharon Doffing as the 2006 Distinguished Alumnus Recipient
Summa Cum Laude Graduate uses online learning program to earn degree while running for political office.
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (PRWEB) January 12, 2007
Colorado Technical University Online (http://www. ctuonline. edu (http://www. ctuonline. edu)) announced today that on November 11, 2006, Sharon Doffing was awarded the University's first ever Distinguished Alumnus award.
Doffing's success story began with a desire for knowledge and new opportunities, like so many others who choose to continue their education at Colorado Tech Online: "I have always had a personal interest in learning about business and economics," said this graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program. "I wanted to update my education, especially in the area of e-commerce, and I wanted to increase my earning potential. I began to look into universities that offered online learning because it fit my busy lifestyle."
Colorado Tech Online was highly recommended to Doffing by a friend who works in education. When Doffing learned about the hands-on, project-based learning approach at Colorado Tech Online, she knew she wanted to enroll: "I was immediately impressed with the high caliber curriculum and faculty. I learned the value of developing professional relationships online and really enjoyed learning. I eventually started getting straight A's!"
Like many working adults, Doffing faced--and overcame--challenges that come with being a student. Doffing's involvement in local politics only added to the challenge. In the midst of a campaign for city council, Doffing began to worry about maintaining her grades. "I spoke with Dr. Peter West, Director of Education, who told me that I should not give up because I was on track to graduate summa cum laude. When I found out that means 'with highest honor,' I set a new goal for myself: attaining a 4.0 grade point average. That goal inspired and motivated me throughout the remainder of my time with Colorado Tech Online." After setting her goal, Doffing not only graduated from Colorado Tech Online summa cum laude, but also won her city council seat in a city of 23,000 by securing 70 percent of the vote in a hotly contested three-way race.
But it wasn't just her academic success that earned Doffing the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Doffing's active role in her community, her church and initiative in her job truly distinguished her from other applicants. Doffing is employed by GoldenCare USA, a leader in the long-term care insurance industry, where she was hired immediately after graduating through Colorado Tech Online. At GoldenCare USA, Doffing initiated a new sales process using the Internet, email and telephone to develop long-distance sales relationships. Doffing credits her ability to develop and initiate the strategy to her educational experience at Colorado Tech Online.
"The knowledge and skills I have gained have helped me become successful in many areas, including helping me to be a better advocate for the citizens of my community," said Doffing. "My education at Colorado Tech Online has changed my life and I just want to express how thankful I am for that."
As a distinguished alumnus, Doffing toured the facilities that support Colorado Tech Online, had dinner with Dr. Wallace Pond, the Chancellor of Colorado Tech Online, and met faculty and staff. "The high point of the award ceremony for me was having the opportunity to personally thank some of those who helped inspire me to get where I am today," said Doffing. "And I could not believe the magnitude of technology at Colorado Tech Online. The facility is huge, and the data center is astonishing! It is an extremely large, state-of-the art network. The tour really enlightened me to the future of education and to the explosive growth of online education."
Doffing's experience as a distinguished alumnus may also have given her some ideas for her own future. "I am looking into continuing on to earn a Master's degree and teach courses through Colorado Tech Online. I would like online learning to continue to be a part of my future."
About CTU
Colorado Technical University (CTU) is an institution of higher learning that provides career-oriented education by teaching applied industry programs. CTU offers a wide range of Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees, and professional certificate programs with curriculum designed to support today's leading career fields. Through its web-based virtual campus, Colorado Tech Online (http://www. ctuonline. edu (http://www. ctuonline. edu)) offers online degree programs, including Business Administration degree online programs, online Information Technology degree programs, online Criminal Justice degree programs, Health Care Management degree concentration programs, as well as Master's degree programs in Business Administration and Management. Stonecliffe College Online is an academic division of Colorado Tech and offers associate degrees in Information Technology, Business Administration and Criminal Justice. Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504)
About Career Education Corporation (http://www. careered. com)
The colleges, schools and universities that are part of the Career Education Corporation (CEC) family offer high quality education to approximately 100,000 students across the world in a variety of career-oriented disciplines. The 80-plus campuses that serve these students are located throughout the U. S., Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, and offer doctoral, master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees and diploma and certificate programs. Many students attend the fully online educational platforms offered by American InterContinental University Online and Colorado Technical University Online.
Career Education is an industry leader whose gold-standard brands are recognized globally. Those brands include, among others, Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America; Harrington College of Design; Brooks Institute of Photography; the Katharine Gibbs Schools; American InterContinental University; Colorado Technical University and Sanford-Brown Institutes and Colleges. The mission of CEC, through its schools, its educators, and its employees is education--their primary goal, to enable students to graduate successfully and pursue rewarding careers.
For more information see http://www. careered. com (http://www. careered. com). The company's website also has a detailed listing of individual campus locations and web links for its 80-plus colleges, schools and universities.
Contact:
Dr. Wallace Pond, Chancellor
Phone: 1-800-416-8904 ext. 68300
Kristen McCarthy
Edelman PR
Phone: 312.233.1237
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