KeyBank Donation Funds Scholarships for 精东影业 Students of Syracuse Housing Authority

Posted on by Erin Coufal

Albany, New York鈥斁耙� is excited to announce a generous donation from KeyBank that will provide Syracuse Housing Authority residents with access to scholarship funds for a degree.

鈥淭hank you to KeyBank for your generosity and support. 精东影业 is committed to access to education for students who are historically underrepresented in higher education,鈥� said David Schejbal, president of 精东影业. 鈥淭hese scholarship funds will provide greater access for residents of Syracuse Housing Authority.鈥�

精东影业 partnered with Syracuse Housing Authority to offer residents and staff access to affordable higher education. The Degrees Open Doors Scholarship funded by KeyBank makes an 精东影业 education even more affordable by funding full scholarships for housing authority residents.

鈥淧roviding access to education, financial guidance and resources are important ways that KeyBank helps the communities we serve to thrive,鈥� said Stephen Fournier, market president of KeyBank Central New York market. 鈥淲e are proud to partner with the Syracuse Housing Authority and 精东影业 as they launch this innovative program to support students transitioning to college and their ability to complete their college education.鈥�

鈥淥ne of the best ways to create opportunities is through continued education, which is why Syracuse Housing Authority is extremely excited to partner with KeyBank and 精东影业 College,鈥� said William Simmons, SHA executive director. 鈥淭hese grant funds and financial guidance will allow our residents to complete their educational goals and be a catalyst for financial growth and greater possibilities for themselves and their families.鈥�

The donation was celebrated by all three organizations on August 31 at the Opening Doors Community event in Wilson Park with residents of Syracuse Housing Authority. Residents attending learned about the opportunity to enroll at 精东影业, children received a backpack for back-to-school, and pizza and BBQ was available for all.

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Media Contact 精东影业:
Erin Coufal, ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
精东影业 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. 精东影业 contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, 精东影业 meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.

Steven Lucas, BS in History, 2002

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Steven Lucas shares that he, 鈥渘ever thought I would ever earn a college degree. 精东影业 [then 精东影业 College] provided me the opportunity to earn my bachelor鈥檚 degree while serving as an active duty Marine in 2002. This degree not only served as a stepping stone to lifelong learning, but [also] to professional opportunities of which I never would have dreamed possible.鈥�

Lucas retired from the military in 2003 and began teaching as a second career, while pursuing a Master of Education. In his career in education, he has also served as a vice principal, principal, and currently as a district superintendent.

Lucas shared that he wrote this alumni note with the hope someone who is considering 精东影业 will be inspired take the leap into post-secondary or graduate education. 鈥淭he non-traditional route of earning my degree was the perfect option and has served me well. I thank the professional staff at 精东影业 for getting me started on this path and all they do to make earning a degree a possibility for many like me.鈥�

Herman Estrada, MPA, 2021

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Herman Estrada earned a Master in Public Administration at 精东影业 (then 精东影业 College) in 2021. He attributes two of his major achievements to 精东影业: 鈥溇耙� College gave me the opportunity, whether it be attaining my bachelor鈥檚 or my current achievement鈥攁ttaining my master鈥檚.鈥�

Rosanne Raso, BS in Nursing, 1981

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Rosanne Raso鈥檚 career as a nurse leader has apexed in the past few years as a result of the following professional accomplishments: fellowships in the American Academy of Nursing and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, her doctorate (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, multiple publications of her ongoing leadership science research, bringing her current organization to its initial Magnet designation for nursing excellence, and being editor in chief of Nursing Management journal.

She attributes much of this to 精东影业: 鈥淣one of this would be possible without my foundational bachelor鈥檚 in nursing from 精东影业 (then the Regents External Degree Program鈥斺�渙nline鈥� was not invented yet).鈥�

Ronald Mendell, BS in Liberal Arts, 1978

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Ronald Mendell is a faculty member at Western Governors University and has taught information security for five years. He earned a master鈥檚 degree in Network Security in 2005 from Capitol College. Mendell holds a CISSP designation in Information Security and is a member of the Human Threat Management Council of ASIS International. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1978.

Joseph Baker, BS in Liberal Arts, 2016

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Joseph Baker is a retired first sergeant of the U.S. Army who 鈥減roudly served our country for 23 years.鈥� Baker is a fiction author and recently released his book, 鈥淏ootleg Boxing: The Murder of Eddie 鈥楾he Hammer鈥� Hammond.鈥� He also spends time fundraising for veterans organizations. Baker earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 2016.

Gregory Fant, BS in Liberal Arts, 1990

Posted on by Mackenzie Veglia

Gregory Fant graduated from 精东影业 College (then Regents) with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in 1990. He has since earned a professional certification in data science (CIMP-Data Science) in February 2021 and a PhD in health sciences from Poornima University in India in March 2021. He is a public health epidemiologist in the federal government with 25 years of service. He shares, 鈥淚 have had a good professional and public service career. 鈥︹�淚 could not have done any of it without completing my undergraduate degree. Thanks.鈥�

Alumni Newsletter – August 2022

Posted on by Josh Crystal

On August 1, 2022, we officially became 精东影业聽University!

Our new logo is inspired by the reach and aspirations of our students and the educational home they have at 精东影业. Supported by sturdy columns, an aspirational arrow forms a roof and two open doors providing a welcoming educational home for students to grow their life stories. Join President Schejbal in embracing our commitment to students and alumni as we celebrate 精东影业鈥檚 evolution!

Alumni Success: Meet Jeremy Walkley

The choices Jeremy Walkley, of Schodack, New York, has made have impacted his career as a military servicemember, his current job as division chief of the Logistics Management Division at Watervliet Arsenal, his role in the National Guard, and his very life.
Read More

Organizational Success: 精东影业鈥檚 50th Anniversary Celebration and ELEVATE: The Campaign for Student Scholarships

精东影业鈥檚 50th anniversary celebration and ELEVATE: The Campaign for Student Scholarships were an unprecedented success. With record support from 精东影业 alumni, trustees, staff, and friends, we have exceeded our increased $1.5 million goal.

We are proud of 精东影业鈥檚 rich history and community of strength. Together, we will continue to advance our mission and expand our reach to more 精东影业 students than ever before.

精东影业 Spotlight: Moving Forward as 精东影业

Now known as 精东影业, 精东影业 aims to help even more adult students benefit from career-solving, industry-validated learning. !
Read More

Give Back: Class of 2022 Sets a Giving Record

The closed on July 31, 2022. With your help, we were able to raise $8,340, setting a giving record for a graduating class. Participation in this campaign is a wonderful way for new graduates to pay it forward by helping to ensure that future students聽can achieve the goal that you are celebrating now. Your dedication to 精东影业, and your support of future students, makes us all #精东影业Proud.
Learn More

Get Involved: Become an 精东影业 Alumni Ambassador

Becoming an alumni ambassador is a meaningful way to support new alumni and make new connections. By sharing your expertise, knowledge, and experience with fellow 精东影业 graduates, you are growing your network and giving back to 精东影业.

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Apply to become an Alumni Ambassador

#精东影业Proud: Show Your 精东影业 Pride

Order your first 精东影业 custom t-shirt! New apparel will be arriving soon.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Alumni Featured Event: Navigating Retirement with a GPS: Growing, Protecting, and Saving Your Fund: SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being

Tuesday, Sept. 13 鈥⒙�6 pm ET
Planning for a secure financial future can be overwhelming. Join this session to gain insight on a variety of topics regarding growing, protecting, and saving funds for retirement. You鈥檒l learn common ways to prepare for retirement, and receive an introduction to the basics of wills, trusts, and Social Security earnings.

In Case You Missed It: Alumni Association Annual Meeting

The 精东影业聽Alumni Association Annual Meeting was held via Zoom on July 7. In case you missed it, take a moment to watch the meeting to meet elected representatives of the Alumni Leadership Council, hear about happenings at 精东影业聽as well as updates on new and upcoming alumni programs, and congratulate the recipients of the 2022 alumni awards.

Career Spotlight: Controller

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Have you always liked numbers? Are you excited at the prospect of overseeing a business鈥檚 finances? Well, a career as a controller might be for you.

A controller, or financial controller, is responsible for handling a business鈥� day-to-day financial operations. They take care of the books and records. This is usually a high-level manager position that reports to the CFO of a company. Sometimes, however, the CFO and controller can be the same person in smaller companies and businesses.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of financial managers like controllers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the BLS, the 2021 median pay for controllers was $131,710.

Let鈥檚 take a closer look at this career to see if it is right for you.

What Does a Controller Do?

Controllers oversee a business鈥檚 or organization鈥檚 day-to-day finances, including accounting, payroll, and accounts payable. Their daily tasks vary from place to place and industry to industry, but their primary function is to take care of a business鈥� books in an accurate and efficient way.

Here are some other common tasks of controllers:

  • Preparing financial reports and statements
  • Maintaining accounting records, including payroll and taxes
  • Developing financial strategy
  • Ensuring compliance with local law and financial regulations
  • Providing financial reporting and analysis
  • Coordinating audits
  • Managing budgets
  • Communicating regularly with the CFO
  • Overseeing accounts payable and receivable departments
  • Ensuring invoices are properly approved and coded
  • Monitoring and balancing cash flows
  • Setting up bank accounts and managing banking relationships

    • In addition, a controller may also oversee other staff in the accounting department.

    An MBA from 精东影业 puts you in control of your career.

    Qualifications for a Controller

    Successful controllers are detail-oriented people with a knack for numbers. They must be strategic thinkers and have a strong sense for business relationships.

    In addition, here are some other key skills employers look for:

  • Knowledge of accounting software and financial analysis
  • The ability to multitask
  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Managerial abilities
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Integrity

    • Requirements to Become a Controller

    For those looking to become a controller, you should have a minimum of a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting or business, but preferably an MBA. 精东影业鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Business will help you gain skills in areas including accounting, business strategy, communication, computer skills, economics, business ethics, finance, global business, leadership, management, marketing, data analysis, teamwork, and cultural diversity. 精东影业鈥檚 MBA with a concentration in finance and accounting can help deepen your knowledge and grow your career so you are ready to become a controller.

    While there is no regulatory requirement to obtain a Certified Public Accountant license to become a controller, it is often looked at favorably. You can find out more about the CPA exam via the website.

    In addition, employers prefer candidates who have 7鈥�10 years of experience in the field of accounting.

    Does this sound like the kind of career you鈥檇 like to pursue? If so, consider contacting an 精东影业 admissions counselor to enroll in a business program.