V4 FALL 2014 AIU
V4FALL 2014AIU ink T atyana Ali’s“Fresh” Advice forToday’s Grads D istinguished AlumniWinner “Still Standingafter The Storm” S erious Talk WebinarGets Record Views
Table of Contents3Letter From a PresidentAmerican InterContinental University4Alumni Chapter andCampus EventsALUMNI RELATIONSBetsy BalachandranVice President of Student Affairs — AIU Online14A Memorable Day in ChicagoLindsey RogersAlumni Relations Manager — AIU14Tatyana AliALUMNI STORIES16Alumni Stories – A Decadeof Success22Distinguished AlumniAwardCONTRIBUTING WRITERSAllison MortlandAmy Meier23Pass the BatonAmy MitchellCarmen Latorre23Intellipath 24Alumni Mentor26Nancy AntolSerious TalkChristina BowersFelicia MedinaJason BrashlerJohn BreedloveKatherine BittlerKimberly GrayKristin SpiewakLindsey RogersMolly Sheahan2AIU INK Fall 2014
Letter From a PresidentThere are many ways to better yourself, and almost allof them start with education. This is something I’ve alwaystold my own sons and continue to tell students. No one canever take your education from you; it belongs to you, and it’syours forever. Education changes people; it elevates peopleand not just because of the credentials but from the workyou put in and the opportunities that it opens up.As Campus President for AIU Atlanta and South Florida,I have seen how the academic process can alter my students’Dr. Hisham ShabanPresident of the Atlanta andSouth Florida Campuseslives. I feel I’m lucky because I get to see the personalgrowth of so many people. I’m able to meet students andhear their challenges. Between orientation and graduation,I witness, time and time again, students coming into theirown and building their confidence.Sometimes it’s hard to take the long view—to think ofeducation as an investment in yourself, but I really enjoyseeing students through. It makes me happy to help peoplebecome more capable. Just this summer on June 21 and 27,the AIU South Florida and Atlanta Campuses held theirgraduation ceremonies for over 450 graduates. Each one ofthese graduates may have started a different chapter in hisor her life—full of challenges, hurdles and struggles, but allhad to overcome them one way or another. Sometimes theywon; other times they had to give something up. All of themcompleted an important chapter of their lives, and thischapter has one common ending: “I made it, I believed inmyself and I succeeded.”Many more chapters will come, but what’s most importantis to remember the confidence that they’ve built and thecommon ending that brought them to this day.”Fall 2014 AIU INK3
EventsAIU Atlanta Celebrates 2014 GraduationThe American InterContinentalUniversity (AIU) Atlanta campuscelebrated its 2014 graduation atthe Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta CivicCenter on June 27, 2014. Over285 graduates and their familieswere in attendance for the event.Dr. Hisham Shaban, AIU’s AtlantaCampus President, opened theceremony by reminding the 2014class to enjoy every moment of thecelebration. Janis Henry, CampusDirector of Student Experience,was on hand to welcome thegraduates to their 2014Commencement Ceremony. Dr.George Miller, AIU President and4AIU INK Fall 2014Chancellor also attended theAtlanta Graduation event. Also inattendance were, Board ofTrustees members Nancy Mannand Dr. Robert T. Justis, Director ofInstitutional Effectiveness ChrisPerry, Campus Ombudsman PatHawkins as well as AIU ProgramChairs and faculty members.Daronda Blassingame, MBA,Highest Honors Graduate, inspiredeveryone in attendance when shespoke about the personal strugglesand sacrifices she endured whileachieving her degree. LauraDavidson, Commencementspeaker and Project ManagementInstitute (PMI) Vice President,reminded the graduates theimportance of embracing changeand maintaining a good attitudewhen working to achieve careergoals. Michelle McGrone providedthe music for the ceremony withher rendition of the NationalAnthem and her original songentitled, “I’m Going to Try MyBest.” The ceremony ended withan impromptu dance session onstage with Dr. Shaban, Janis Henryand all AIU Atlanta Program Chairs.Congratulations to all of our 2014Graduates!
Atlanta AlumniChapter Donates toForever FamilyFor the fifth year running, the AtlantaAlumni Chapter gathered donations forForever Family. Forever Family is anorganization that provides support to kidsand families with an incarcerated parent, acause that is near and dear to the heartsof many of us. The donations from Alumniand students, staff and faculty at the AIUAtlanta campus can really make adifference and ease some stress forfamilies with incarcerated parents in theAtlanta area.Atlanta Alumni Chapter Bakesfor Ronald McDonald HouseCharities In AtlantaOn Wednesday, April 2, 2014, members of the AtlantaAIU Alumni Chapter visited the Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities (RMHC) at the Atlanta, Georgialocation off Peachtree-Dunwoody Road. During theirvisit, the team baked cookies for families staying atthe Ronald McDonald House. The AIU Atlanta AlumniChapter volunteers included John Breedlove, TaheerahGriffis-Ford, Mark McClintock, Tiffany Corley, KeshaDent and Augustine Young.It was a great time for all and something the chapterwill continue to do!Study after study shows that children withan incarcerated mother or father facesevere developmental challenges that, ifnot addressed, can lead to lifelong issues,ranging from difficulty in forming andmaintaining healthy relationships to anincreased likelihood of being incarceratedthemselves. Statistically, children with anincarcerated parent are seven times morelikely than their peers to engage indisruptive behavior that leads to their ownincarceration.Forever Family provides support to thesechildren as they, their parents, caregiversand extended families work together toremain a family. This year, our Atlantaalumni pitched in to aid their effortsthrough their Back to School Drive.For more information about ForeverFamilies, go to www.foreverfam.orgFall 2014 AIU INK5
Eventscontinued2014 Atlanta March of Dimes Walk!The Atlanta Alumni Chapter participated in the March of Dimes walk Saturday, April 26.This is an annual fundraiser and event for the Atlanta alumni chapter since the March ofDimes cause is near and dear to so many of our graduate’s hearts.Even though the Atlanta Alumni Chapter was not able to attend this year’s walk, theystill worked to raise funds for this worthy cause. “Every little bit we give can make sucha big difference.” said Lindsey Rogers, Alumni Relations Manager.The mission of the March of Dimes is to help moms have full-term pregnancies andhealthy babies. In addition to providing research funding to fight infant mortality andbirth defects, the March of Dimes also helps comfort families in times of need. To learn more about this cause,you can visit their website at www.marchofdimes.com.Houston Alumni Chapter Participatesin Operation Backpack!Each year, the YMCAs of GreaterHouston give back to the Childrenof Houston through OperationBackpack. Each child deserves theopportunity to be successful inschool, and with the correct tools,this can be possible.AIU’s alumni of the Houston Areaalong with students, faculty and66AIUINK2014AIUINKFallFall2014staff of the AIU Houston campusdonated many backpacks filledwith school supplies. “We certainlyhope our donations will help thechildren who are starting school inthe Houston Area. This is definitelya cause we plan to participate ineach year,” says Lindsey Rogers,Alumni Relations Manager.A special thank you goes out toAIU Houston’s Juan Ruiz Cordero,Career Services Manager andKimberly Gray, Career ServicesAdvisor. Without them, AIUHouston’s Operation Backpack drivewould not have been possible.
Houston Alumni Chapter Volunteerswith the Houston Food BankThe Houston AIU Alumni Chapterand members of the AIU HoustonCareer Services Departmentparticipated in a charity event withthe Houston Food Bank on Saturday,February 22, 2014.charities. Food usually comes fromvarious sources in the food industrylike grocery stores and wholesalersthat have thousands of pounds offood to give away — food thatcould otherwise be thrown out.The Houston Food Bank is anon-profit organization that collectsand distributes food to hunger reliefThe Houston Food Bankwarehouses the food, but relies onvolunteers to distribute it.Volunteers help sort, pack, andre-distribute it to the community.The Houston Alumni Chapter hostssimilar events in hopes to buildrelationships with fellow alumni andAIU staff members. We were allhonored to be a part of thisenjoyable, fulfilling experience!Fall 2014 AIU INK7
EventscontinuedHouston Arthritis Walk 2014The Houston AIU Alumni Chapterparticipated in the Walk to CureArthritis on Saturday, May 9, 2014.Along with Alumni volunteers, theAIU Houston Career ServicesDepartment also joined the walk.The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk toCure Arthritis raises funds to fightand cure the nation’s number onecause of disability. The foundation’s8AIU INK Fall 2014mission is to improve lives throughleadership in the prevention, controland cure of arthritis and relateddiseases. Their goal is to reduce thenumber of people suffering fromarthritis-related physical activitylimitations 20% by 2030. TheHouston Alumni Chapter raised 125, exceeding their goal of 50.Overall, the Arthritis Foundationraised a total of 123,259 fromvarious organizations at this year’swalk.The Houston Alumni Chapter hostsevents such as this to encourageoutreach to the community and tobuild relationships with AIU HoustonAlumni and staff members.Everyone who participated enjoyedthis opportunity to give to a greatcause.
AIU Houston Holds FirstAIU Commencement Ceremony of 2014Mission Accomplished: 220American InterContinental University(AIU) graduates received theirdiplomas on June 6 at the AIUHouston campus. This was the firstcommencement ceremony of 2014for AIU. The next ones were heldJune 20 in South Florida, June 27 inAtlanta and August 2 in Chicago.Sylvester Turner, Texas StateRepresentative, was the keynotespeaker for the graduationceremony. During his remarksCampus President Dr. Martin Negronsaid, “We’re honored to have suchan influential person address ourstudent body.”Coordinator. Dr. Negron says,“We want to congratulate both fortheir accomplishments. They are anexample of what AIU’s missionstands for.”AIU Houston staff members wereamong the graduates. Theseincluded Terrence Jeanisse, an AIUHouston Admissions Advisor whoearned his MBA. Carmen Latorrealso received her BBA degree. Sheis AIU Houston’s Learning CenterCongratulations to all of the AIUgraduates on their fantasticachievements. AIU wishes you thebest of luck on all your futureendeavors.Fall 2014 AIU INK9
EventscontinuedSouth Florida Alumni Volunteered at Annual YMCA DriveOn August 2, 2014, the South Florida Alumni Chaptervolunteered at the annual YMCA of Fort LauderdaleBackpack Drive. Recipients from various communitieslined up early in the morning to sign up and receivea backpack full of school supplies. Our AIU alumnivolunteers and friends assisted with the sign-up table,setting up and organizing backpacks. Volunteers evenhelped keep kids entertained by playing basketball andfootball. Overall, it was an amazing event, and we arelooking forward to next year’s drive. Many thanks to allwho participated!Written by: Felicia Medina, AIU South Florida CareerServices Advisor and the S. Florida Alumni ChapterChampion.10AIU INK Fall 2014YMCA’s promise is to strengthen the foundations ofcommunity. The three areas of focus are: Youth Development – Nurturing the potential ofyouth and teens Healthy Living – Improving the health and wellbeing of our communities Social Responsibility – Giving back and providingsupport to our neighborsRead more: www.ymcabroward.org/about/overview
South Florida Alumni ChapterHosts 2nd Annual Blue EasterOn Saturday, April 5, 2014, theSouth Florida Alumni Chapterhosted “Blue Easter” withChildren’s Harbor an organizationthat keeps foster brothers andsisters together in a safe and lovinghome. Blue Easter has become anannual event for the South FloridaAlumni Chapter, one where thechapter not only gives to Children’sHarbor but supports Child AbusePrevention month in April.This year’s “Blue Easter” wasanything but blue! The day startedwith a brief icebreaker to introducethe kids to our alumni volunteers,followed by a fun Easter egg hunt.Activities included a bounce housecontest, which the chapter rentedfor the event, and a yummy lunchcatered by Sal’s of PembrokeGardens. The kids and AIU alumnitruly enjoyed their time together atChildren’s Harbor.Children’s Harbor’s mission is toprovide therapeutic services tochildren and families in crisis, a safeand nurturing environment forchildren in foster care, and advocacywithin the child welfare system. Toread more about Children’s Harbor,visit their website at:www.childrensharbor.org/.Huge thanks to our Alumni and stafffor volunteering and makinga difference!Fall 2014 AIU INK11
EventscontinuedChicago Area Alumni and AIU staffvolunteer with Ronald McDonald HouseThe Chicago Alumni Chapter andCareer Coaches from AIU cookedlunch for families staying at RonaldMcDonald House (RMH) near theLurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.Volunteers cooked homemademeatballs and spaghetti, a freshgarden salad and baked cookies forabout 50 families.12AIU INK Fall 2014“They told us we made the bestlunch they’ve had so far,” saidLindsey Rogers, Alumni RelationsManager.After making lunch, volunteers tooka tour of the newest RonaldMcDonald House. There are 15floors for families, including privaterooms and common areas. Roomsare donated by and dedicated togenerous families and organizationsin the area. These include theChicago Cubs Play Area, theChicago Blackhawks Great Room toname a few.To learn more about RonaldMcDonald House Charities, pleasevisit: www.rmhc.org.
The Serious Advantage Career SeriesPremium Career Coaching for Serious ProfessionalsThe Serious Advantage Career Series is a premium online careerplanning program designed by AIU’s Career Services Departmentto help you get where you want to be.Each 5-week online course in the Serious Advantage Career Seriesgoes above and beyond by providing: Expert assessments Personalized feedback from industry specialists Introductions to key decision makers One-on-one coaching with industry leaders, career coachesand hiring managersFOR MORE INFORMATION visitaiuniv.edu/SeriousAdvantageMOVE YOUR DEGREE FORWARDHere are four reasons why you shouldkeep moving forward with your AIU education:It’s AIU – You’ll experience the same 24/7 flexibility,powerful specializations and customized coursecontent you’ve come to expect from AIU. Grants and Scholarships – As a member of the AIUcommunity, you may qualify for additional grants andscholarships available to continuing students.In-Depth Specializations – AIU’s powerfulspecializations can give you an edge in today’smarketplace. By continuing on, you can really focusand gain a deeper understanding in your area ofinterest.Professors Who Are Industry Specialists –AIU professors are specialists in the subjects theyteach. They share their real-world experience in theclassroom or one-on-one with you when you need it.63%moreBachelor’s degree earns63% morethan a high school diploma.*90% of employersOverof AIU MBA grads believe they wereprepared for the job they filled.**90%* http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep chart 001.htm. **Source for national mediancomparisons is EMSI and 2007-2011 Public Use Micro Sample (PUMS) data.Contact us for MORE INFORMATIONLaura BanasLBanas@aiuonline.edu773.272.7179Sunil ity grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s catalog and are awarded after verificationthat the conditions of eligibility have been met. AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find employment rates, financial obligations andother disclosures at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures.Fall 2014 AIU INK13
A Memorable Day in ChicagoChicago Alumni EveningIn conjunction with the Chicago GraduationCeremony, the Chicago Alumni Chapter hostedits third Annual Alumni Evening at the HarryCaray’s restaurant in Downtown Chicago.Students, alumni and their guests travelled fromall over the world to attend AIU’s Chicagograduation event, so having the celebratoryAlumni Evening as part of the graduationweekend makes coming to Chicago all the moreinviting.The proceeds from over 140 tickets or the eventwill go toward assisting the Alumni Associationand Alumni Chapter events. Fellow alumni andnew graduates had a chance to network andchat with one another over drinks and horsd’oeuvres. The 2014 Chicago Ceremony KeynoteSpeaker, Tatyana Ali was also on hand during theevening’s festivities. AIU’s photographercaptured the fun along with our new photomachine, which uploaded shots directly to ourguests’ social media pages.To view the event photos, please visit ourFacebook page at: www.facebook.com/aiualumni14AIU INK Fall 2014AIU Online’s 2014 ChicagoCommencement Speaker,Tatyana AliAIU selected actor and singer Tatyana Ali as our 2014 AIUOnline commencement speaker. She was chosen not just asan example she sets through her professional success, butalso for her longtime dedication to the cause of advancingopportunities for education.See the link below for a transcript of her inspiring speech toour graduates at AIU’s Chicago Graduation Ceremony onSaturday, August 2, n-guestspeaker-tatyana-ali
The 2014 AIU Chicago Graduation CeremonyAmerican InterContinental Universitycelebrated its 2014 graduationceremony in Chicago Navy Pier’sGrand Ballroom on August 2, 2014.The event was well-attended withabout 200 graduates in addition tothe guests they invited. The daybegan with new member inductionsfor the honors societies Epsilon PiTau, Kappa Beta Delta, Delta MuDelta and Alpha Phi Sigma.Darrin Johnson led the ceremonywith his rendition of the NationalAnthem on his trumpet followed bywords from Dr. Rob Manzer, Provostand Chief Academic Officer. Duringhis address Dr. Manzer explainedthe significance of achieving anadvanced degree, called theparticipants to consider the futureand paid special tribute to militarygraduates. Dr. George Miller, AIU’sPresident and Chancellor, thenextended congratulations to theparticipants and reminded them thatachieving a degree should not belooked at as an end but rather abeginning to something more.Keynote Speaker Tatyana Ali calledon graduates to engage in life’sstruggles and to follow their dreams.She spoke about the importantplace courage and creativity have inliving a fulfilled life and remindedthe audience to share theirdetermination, courage andcreativity with each other.Graduating Class Speaker StevenFrazier spoke about his educationaljourney. He reminded the audiencethat, aside from being practical,learning can be enjoyable. Mr.Frazier also discussed theimportance that heroes have playedin his life and how important it is toplay that role in the lives of others.Dr. Debra Burrington, AIU’sEducation Program Chair, presentedthe Distinguished Alumni Award toCoralanne Griffith-Hunte. Coralannespoke about her success as thefounding director of the CommunityPartnership Charter School and asfounder and CEO of The Created forGreatness Leadership Group. Shetalked about the obstacles shefaced in her lifetime such as livingthrough hurricane Sandy and beingdiagnosed with breast cancer andthe perspective she gained. Sheclosed her remarks by askinggraduates to understand that theywill be the agents of change in theworld.After the degrees were presented,Dr. Miller explained the significanceof the turning of the tassel, calledgraduates to stand and conferredthe degrees. This memorable daywas an inspiration to all those whoattended.Fall 2014 AIU INK15
FeaturesStoriesAlumniA eAIUAIUalumna AmandaAmanda SpearsSpears graduatedgraduatedwithher Bachelorwith herofBachelorBusinessofBusiness Administration.Administration.Today, AmandaToday,isAmandaaself-employedis a self-employedsocial mediasocialmedia executiveexecutivewho ownswhoherownsownherown marketingmarketingbusiness.business.Amanda SpearsBBAMBA,Marketing20072004“I knew thatif I wanted toreinvent myself,I had to go backto school andget my degree.”In 2004 Amanda found herself at aat a crossroads.crossroads.She Shewas wasin theinmidstthemidstofa divorceof a divorceand workingand workingas anas an administrativeadministrativeassistantassistantfor a fora fortunefortune500500company.company.“I “IknewknewthatthatifI wantedif I wantedto reinventto reinventmyself,myself,II my degree,” Amanda recalled.Coming from a family of IvyLeague graduates, Amanda firstset her sights on brick-and-mortarschools. But like most workingadults, she just couldn’t dropeverything and become a full-timecollege student. “Commuting to ato a universityuniversitywas wassimplysimplynot possiblenotpossibleforme,” Amandafor me,” said.Amanda“I livedsaid.on“Ilivedanislandon annearislandSeattle,near ISeattle,workedIworkedfulltime fullandtimeI neededand I neededthetheflexibility. AIU was perfect for me.”Reflecting on her choice to get herher degreedegreeonlineonlineat AIU,at AIU,AmandaAmandasays, “There used to be a stigmaabout getting your degree onlinebut that has completely changed.”She says that most people areimpressed that she was able toto tting her degree.As for her time at AIU, Amandarecommends the online learningexperience. She values most thefact that she had the opportunityto learn new technology duringher education. By using AIU’sVirtual Campus and participatingin group projects that requiredworking remotely with otherstudents via chats, messageboards and videoconferencing,she gained a great deal ofexperience, communication skills1616AIUAIUINKINKFallFall20142014and a level ofexperience,communicationdiscipline that skillsstilland a levelservesher today.of disciplineAIU alsothatrequiredstill toherservesbecomeher today.more self-directed,AIU alsorequiredtoher“Goingclassesto becomeonlinemoreand selfdirected,full-time,working“Going toit classesrequiresonlinea lotandofdedication.working full-time,I becameit requiresmuch alot of dedication.moredisciplined andI becamelearnedmuchmore disciplinedmuchhealthier habitsand learnedduring mymuchathealthiertimeAIU.” habits during mytime at AIU.”In 2007 Amanda earned herIn 2007 Amandamaster’sdegree inearnedfinanceherandmaster’swenton todegreework inasfinancea financialandwent onforanalystto severalwork asfirms.a financialThoughanalystshewasforsuccessful,several firms.AmandaThoughshe was todecidedsuccessful,get back toAmandaherdecided torootsmarketingget backand toopenedher hermarketingownfirm specializingroots and openedin socialherown firmmediamarketing.specializing“I neverin socialknew Imediahadthemarketing.entrepreneurial“I grees,” Amandaspiritsaid.untilI got my degrees,” Amanda said.This change allowed Amanda toThis changepursueanotherallowedone ofAmandaher favoritetopursue music.things:anotherAsoneDirectorof her nternetofradioSocial Media
AIU Atlanta Celebrates 2014 Graduation The American InterContinental University (AIU) Atlanta campus celebrated its 2014 graduation at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on June 27, 2014. Over 285 graduates and their families were in attendance for the event. Dr. Hisham Shaban, AIU
AIU ATLANTA WALKS TO FIND A CURE AIU Cares, the philanthropy committee that started in AIU Atlanta, put their best foot forward in October. The team of 18 with 16 active fundraisers/walkers greatly exceeded their goal of 35,000 by raising a total of 44,790 for the Atlanta Su
Campus Mundi MY AIU MAGAZINE Year 8, #94 September 2021 www.aiu.edu We carefully choose the contents of this magazine with you in mind -to inspire you and make you think Share your thoughts with us! Mailbox aiumagazine@aiu.edu Contents. in touch. July 28, 2021. One of our graduates, Dr. Siv-arajasingam
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR INTER-UNIVERSITY TOURNAMENTS ASSOCIATION OF INDIAN UNIVERSITIES AIU HOUSE, 16 KOTLA MARG, NEW DELHI 110 002. KoB. Powar Secretary General Association of Indian Universities In University Education, Sports play an important role in the development of integrated personality of the youth. With this in view, AIU has been .
Since 90% of AIU students live on campus, you'll find unique chances to get involved, including club activities and student-led events. AIU - and Akita prefecture - is a peaceful environment to study and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. AIU students visit schools, participate in local festivals, and even work in rice fields.
Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is the nodal agency in India that gives equivalence to foreign qualifications. AIU recognizes passes in 5 Cambridge IGCSE/ Cambridge O Level subjects including English Language as equivalent to Standard 10 of an Indian exam board. Please provide a copy of AIU's equivalence statement to the
Cambridge IGCSE equivalence in India Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Cambridge IGCSE grade requirements (C and above) have been removed, and the amended requirement on the AIU website now simply reads “the candidate must have passed the Examination equivalent to the Grade 1
www.aiu.edu Campus Mundi # 110 Atlantic International University Graduados con Distinción DICIEMBRE, 2022. Estos estudiantes graduados completaron su programa con un alto promedio acumulativo de calificaciones, lo que refleja la calidad del desempeño dentro de sus especializaciones. ¡Felicidades!
ANSI A300 defines as a tree risk assess-ment: “A systematic process used to identify, analyze, and evaluate risk.” “Mitigation” is a term that I see com-monly used inappropriately. In the Standard, it is very clearly defined as the process of diminishing risk. We do not eliminate risk in trees when we perform some form of mitigation practice. We are minimizing the risk to some .
