Alumni Newsletter - WGU Alumni Community - Western Governors ...

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graduate spotlightsQuinn KuzmichLongmont, coloradoAs a young boy, Quinn Kuzmich was fascinated byEgyptian mythology, which he jokingly says wouldonly be useful in the future while watching Stargateon television. After graduating from high school,Quinn attended community college to study microprocessorprogramming, networking, and electrical engineering,eventually earning his associate’s degree.In 2003 Quinn married and two years later they hada son. However, he says that the “rug was pulled outfrom under him” when his wife was killed in a car accidentin December 2007. Then, almost 13 months later,he was laid off. “I was pretty well shocked,” Quinnrecalls, “Single dad, widower, and now unemployed.”He was amazed, he says, at how many employers toldhim not to apply without a four-year degree, eventhough he had relevant certifications. His aunt, who isa mentor at Western Governors University, called himto discuss WGU’s programs. Quinn recalls that he especiallyliked how he could do schoolwork from homeat his own pace. He was able to pursue his educationat WGU through a scholarship. He graduated in April2011 with a Bachelor of Science Information Technologywith an Emphasis in Networks Managementand Design. “Thanks to the completion of my degree,I have gotten the job titlethat I have been chasing foryears,” Quinn says. He nowhas a new job, a new house,and is remarried with anotherson on the way. Quinn saysthat he is glad that his firstbornson has seen him studyhard. “Your children will dowhat they see you doing,”says Quinn. He adds, “Lifethrows us all curveballs—but, speaking from personalexperience, I can say thatyou haven’t failed until you’ve given up. Take stock ofwhere you are, and move forward.” •“Thanks to the completion of my degree, I havegotten the job title that I have beenchasing for years.”-WGU Alum, Quinn KuzmichDiane Edwardssandy, utahFrom the perspective she’s gained working as a preschooland elementary school teacher, Diane Edwards is fairlycertain what effect a supportive environment for highereducation would have had on her back in the 1960s and’70s, and the likely outcome if she had received guidance inobtaining a scholarship. Yet Diane created that supportiveenvironment for herself while working to pay her tuition,and graduated from the University of Utah in 1983. Shewas a preschool teacher for many years for Granite, a largelocal school district in Salt Lake City, Utah. “I have alwaysloved teaching and learning, especially Early ChildhoodEducation,” she says. “I am the mother of five children, thelast two being twins.” When her children were older, shecompleted an alternative route to licensing and obtainedher first teaching certificate. The rapidly growing JordanSchool District at the south end of the valley started her inkindergarten classes, but Diane has taught second-gradersfor the past four years. She earned endorsements for readingand ESL, and says she considered a master’s degree,but time and money were limiting factors. Then Dianesecured a scholarship from Kennecott Land, which she wasexcited about as it helped with financial hurdles. Dianesays Western Governors University provided the flexibilityin scheduling for her to do advanced coursework whileworking full-time. Shenotes that her onlinecourses also let hergive time and supportto her four-generationhousehold and contributeto her community.Diane says, “I lovescience and teach sciencein-service classesfor Jordan District. Astime permits, I teachart and science in myfriend’s classrooms.”She also speaks Spanish,plays the violin,draws and paints, “butnot all at the sametime,” she jokes. Diane graduated with a Master of Sciencein Instructional Design, Education, in January 2011. •4 | WGU Alumni Newsletter - summer 2011
Laverne LampkinsCastle Hayne, north carolinaLaverne Lampkins praises her Master of Arts, EducationalStudies program at Western Governors University, fromwhich she graduated in February 2011. She says, “It hasequipped me with strategies to use with the diverse studentsof today...” Laverne is currently an active professorat a community collegein Jacksonville, NorthCarolina. Laverne teachesa course on introductorycomputers and academicsuccess, as well as tutorsonline and substitutes forthe public school system.Thus, she says, obtainingthis degree from WGU willhave an “everlasting positiveimpact” on her andher students. She enteredWGU “because you need toincrease your knowledgein order to adapt in today’sever-changing society,” andbecause she wants all those who come into contact withher, including her three children, to see her striving to besuccessful and hopes they will find it motivational. LaverneElspeth “Emie” Goatesescondido, californiaEmie Goates grew up next to Disneyland in Anaheim.Her legal name of Elspeth came from a movie but shegoes by her nickname, Emie (“pronounced as in Emmyawards,” she says). She recently fulfilled a dream ofbecoming a teacher in May 2011, graduating with aBachelor of Arts in Education, Special Education degreefrom Western Governors University. Married and livingwith her husband and two dogs in Escondido, Emie saysshe worked for four years as a nanny to a family withtwo boys while earning an Associate of Arts in HumanDevelopment degree. Her first degree, earned after highschool, was an associate’s in fashion merchandising,but she didn’t find the fashion world very fulfilling, sheconfides. With her “newfound love of school” and experienceas a nanny, Emie wanted to earn a bachelor’sdegree and teaching credential. She says, “I was discouragedto learn that I would have to leave my job tomake my teaching credential dreams come true.” Emieretells the moment she saw a WGU online ad with ‘clickhere’ to earn a teaching credential online. She says,“Then life changed…in the margin of the website I wasviewing, there it was—my future at Western GovernorsUniversity.” Emie did further research and entered herprogram within a week. Every time she passed a task orgraduate spotlights“There are just not enough words to describehow obtaining a degree at WGU is priceless.”-WGU Alum, Laverne Lampkinssays that she not only learned new teaching strategies forher classroom, but recently received a raise. She affirmsthat, at WGU, “All of the programs are designed to enhanceyour abilities to perform in today’s society.” Earning hermaster’s degree allowed her to move toward a doctoralprogram in Instructional Leadership, which she began inMarch of this year, as well as pursue a ministry certificationonline to aid in carrying out leadership duties at herchurch. Laverne says her mentor served as a great strengthto her when she endured multiple deaths in her circle offamily and friends, as well as personal illness. At times,Laverne felt she was standing still in her progress, but hermentor was there with lively emails and words of progressand encouragement over the phone. Laverne says, “Therejust are not enough words to describe how obtaining adegree at WGU is priceless.” •completed a class,Emie says, “I wasrecharged with purpose.I was goingto do what I set outto do.” Her mentorwas critical to hersuccess, she says.Emie also creditssupportive familyand friends, especiallyher parents“for always believingin me and forletting me cry andcelebrate with them” and her husband who has lived“with a wife glued to her laptop.” Paraphrasing a favoritequote (by Carl Bard), Emie says, “Though no one cango back and make a brand new start, anyone can startfrom now and make a brand new ending.” Emie willstart as a special education teacher in the EscondidoUnion School Districtthis fall. •WGU Alumni Newsletter - summer 2011 | 5
Page 1 and 2: volume 5 issue 1 Summer 2011WESTERN
Page 3: graduate snapshots spotlightsRosema
Page 7 and 8: Kelly GreenePleasant valley, new yo
Page 9 and 10: graduate spotlightsMichelle Cookcan
Page 11 and 12: graduate spotlightsJoy McIrvincolvi

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