SANTA ANA, Calif. – Feb. 22, 2007 — Orange County mental health professionals have the opportunity to complete six credit hours of continuing education at a workshop hosted by Argosy University/Orange County on Friday, March 30.
The course, titled “Lessons from the Spider Page: Law and Ethics in Couples Work,” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Argosy University/Orange County campus located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 110 in Santa Ana. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
The continuing education course is named after “The Spider Page,” a popular column in The Therapist, the journal of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). “The Spider Page” lists the cases brought before the ethical review board of the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the state regulating board for family therapists and social workers. The class counts towards the six hours of continuing education for marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical social workers as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
“The course is targeted at marriage and family therapists, social workers and pastoral counselors,” said Dr. Melody Bacon, assistant chair of the Counseling Psychology program at Argosy University/Orange County. “The goal is to provide a review of ethical issues, professional goals, ethical standards and risk management with a special emphasis on the unique challenges involved in working with couples.”
The course is taught by Dr. Bacon, a licensed psychologist, and her husband Ronald Bacon, a marriage and family therapist. Ronald Bacon is also an adjunct instructor at Argosy University. The Bacons are in private practice in San Juan Capistrano and specialize in couples counseling.
Early registration through Tuesday, March 20, is $85. Regular registration is $110. For more information about this continuing education course, call (714) 338-6200 or e-mail ekotomori@argosy.edu.
Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Most students work and go to school at the same time these days. However those jobs usually do not involve helping run a multi-million dollar company. But that is what Nabil Ajineh does. He is vice president and chief information officer for Farouk Systems USA, Inc. a Houston, Texas based company that produces high-quality hair care and spa products and he is also working on a doctoral degree in Business Administration from Argosy University/Orange County.
Farouk Systems is a sponsor of the Miss USA 2007 competition and supplies the hair care products for the cast of the ABC show “Ugly Betty.” The company also supplies cosmetics to large stores such as J.C. Penney, Super Cuts and Sally Beauty Supply. “Farouk Systems manufactures and distributes the world greatest professional hair products in more than 60 countries using advanced American technology,” Ajineh said.
As chief information officer, Ajineh designs and oversees the computer programs which track shipping, purchase and electronic transactions. He says his degree program at Argosy University compliments his business work. Ajineh says the critical thinking skills he uses to solve problems in the business world are also used in his degree program.
“In order to stay competitive in today’s global economy, businesses must overcome challenges such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, demand planning and resource management,” he said. “Only a doctorate of business administration can help develop the critical thinking skills necessary to face these and other challenges.”
Juggling a doctoral degree program and working for a major corporation is demanding, but not impossible, Ajineh said. “I realize I made a commitment towards an academic achievement and I am committed to achieving that,” he said. “Sometimes it gets difficult, but I never drop the ball on my academic work.”
Ajineh choose Argosy University because the degree program was relevant to his career field and also because of the university’s flexible course offerings. Ajineh used to work for the University of Houston, and continues to take courses at Argosy University/Orange County while living in Houston. He takes most of his courses online, and flies out to Southern California to take courses when needed.
“Online courses provide convenience and flexibility giving me time to focus on my career,” he said. “On campus courses provide the real college experience and allow interaction with professors and students.”
Ajineh said Argosy’s flexible programs allow him to enjoy campus life, without sacrificing his career or family life. “Nabil is a great example of the type of student Argosy University serves – working adults who need degrees to advance in their careers,” said Dr. Jeb Egbert, campus president. ###
Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
(San Bernardino, CA) The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job Fair brings together about 40 businesses and hundreds of job seekers. 2007 events include: High Desert Diversity Career and Job Fair in Victorville Wednesday-March 14, 2007 at the Ambassador Hotel in Victorville and Wednesday-September 19, 2007 at the San Bernardino Airport. The Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair is in San Bernardino –Wednesday-April 4, 2007 at The San Bernardino Airport and Wednesday-September 5, 2007 at The San Bernardino Airport. Past employers searching for capable area talent include San Bernardino County, Union Pacific Railroad, Colton Unified, Chaffey Joint Union and Rialto Unified school districts, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Temps Plus, Inc. the United States Army, the United States Navy, the University of Phoenix, 909models.com and more. But, who are the attendees? Who are the people looking to work in the Inland Empire instead of slugging their way to Orange or Los Angeles County? From past fairs, organizers know that among teens, one-third are Hispanic, one-third are African American and one-fourth are white. About half are searching for career changes, another 23 percent are already working part time and at least 16 percent are scouting for their first job. More than half, 54 percent, are female with the rest, obviously, male. Numbers change, however, with people in their 20s. Males will comprise 55 percent and females the remaining 45 percent. Around 40 percent are working full time, 25 percent are part timers, 9 percent are looking to switch positions and as many as 45 percent are currently unemployed. Attendees in their 30s and 40s have a slightly different makeup, with approximately one-third each African American, Hispanic and white. Up to 60 percent are looking to change jobs, 25 percent are employed part time while only 15 percent are working full time. About 70 percent are female and the rest are male. Among older job seekers, those from 50-70, the figures are radically different. That is, half are white, a quarter are African American and just 8 percent are Hispanic. As many as 60 percent of the seniors are employed part time, just 20 percent are working full time and 15 percent are unemployed but looking to change that situation through the Diversity Job Fair. Males make up 63 percent and females the remaining 37 percent . What’s it all mean? To organizers it’s simple: People of all ages, races, and backgrounds want jobs. And the Inland Empire Career Diversity & Job Fair is there to help. The producer, Carl Dameron of Dameron Communications, puts it this way: “Our goal is to put together those who want work and those who want workers. Too often, employers assume minorities won’t fit in or won’t be interested in their companies. Nothing could be further from the truth. “The hundreds of people coming to our previous Job Fairs each year are proof of that. Remember, the unemployment rate for Blacks and Hispanics is three times greater than for whites, and the Job Fairs can remedy that on the spot.” The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job fair is sponsored by: San Bernardino County, the Inland Empire and Victor Valley African American Chambers of Commerce, 99.9 KOLA Radio, X-103.9, NAUA, 909Models.com, Hispanic Connect, The Black Voice News, Precinct Reporter, WestSide Story and El Chicano, plus Dameron Communications. For details, call Dameron Communications at (909) 888-0017.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – As a clinical psychologist and mental health worker with San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Dr. Benjamin Barnes saw first hand some of the psychological problems affecting Blacks and Latinos in the Inland Empire. “I saw a lot of cases of schizophrenia, depression and chemical dependency, or people with dual diagnosis (more than one illness),” he said.
Barnes has worked as both a college professor and a mental health provider. He became interested in the healthcare field after going through extensive physical rehabilitation from a car accident. Currently a professor at Argosy University/Inland Empire, Barnes said while working as a county mental health worker he became aware of the lack of African American and Latino psychologists.
“There were very few African American therapists,” he said. “Even now less than 15 to 10 percent of the therapists in San Bernardino County are African American. And we don’t have many bilingual therapists.”
An African American, Barnes is one of the ethnically diverse faculty members at Argosy University/Inland Empire who are dedicated to increasing the number of local Black and Latino mental health workers. Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus director, said the university’s Spring Quarter enrollment statistics show that more than half of the student population is Black and Latino.
Vasquez-Osborn said that Argosy University’s blended programs, which offer online, evening and weekend courses, are attractive to Black and Latino students in the Inland Empire who are often working full-time jobs. “Many students entered the workforce right after high school or had to raise families, and now they need a degree to move to the next level,” she said. “Our programs fit the needs of working adults.”
Barnes said many of Argosy University/Inland Empire’s faculty members have extensive backgrounds working with the Black and Latino communities and have spent many years working on the front lines of the mental health field.
Dr. David Sellen, a professor in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, is involved in several local community groups including the American Red Cross, the United Way, Interfaith Council of Churches, Habitat for Humanity and the Foothills Family Shelter, a local homeless shelter. Sellen also works with law enforcement agencies in Critical Incident Debriefing, assisting victims recover from violent acts.
Barnes said the psychology profession is still predominately white and female, and this may cause problems for people of color who are looking for a mental health provider. “It puts up a cultural barrier, some minorities may believe that the therapists are not sensitive to their cultural needs,” he said.
He added that there is also a lack of awareness about mental health issues in the Black/Latino communities. Barnes said most Black and Latino college students go into the computer and business fields and shy away from psychology, because of the fear they may not get a job after graduating.
“They stay away from psychology because there is still a stigma about it in the Black/Latino community,” he said “That is the reason why Blacks and Latinos people often don’t use mental health services.” He also said that the Black and Latino community maybe unaware of the signs of mental health problems because they are accustomed to dealing with other stressful issues such as racism and unemployment. “Our definition of mental health stressors are different from the mainstream,” he said.
Barnes is currently in a master’s degree in psychopharmacology at Alliant University, and has master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. He teaches courses in Clinical Psychology at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels at Argosy University. Barnes also teaches at San Bernardino Valley College.
He said he is pleased to see the ethnic diversity in his classes at Argosy. “Argosy University has many programs making it visible in local high schools and colleges,” Barnes said. “The solution to boosting the number of Black and Latino psychologists is by reaching out to those communities through face to face marketing in non-traditional places such as community recreation centers, shopping malls, churches, sports clubs and public events.”
“Argosy University is going out and meeting people in their communities and neighborhood,” Barnes said. “We go out of our way to show we are wiling to help in anyway.” Barnes also stated that Argosy University is targeting potential psychologists earlier through associate and bachelor degree programs, which are attractive to high school students, and by talking to individuals in the health, business and education professions who want to move to the next level of their career.
For more information about Argosy University/Inland Empire, call (909) 915-3800 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire.
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Dr. Edward Hernandez Jr., keynote speaker at Argosy University’s commencement ceremonies congratulated graduates for completing university programs that would enhance their professional lives. “Earning a university degree will open doors for you in the working world,” Hernandez said.
The commencement ceremony, held at the Hilton in Costa Mesa on Friday, May 18, celebrated more than 150 graduates from the Inland Empire, Santa Monica and Orange County campuses. The event attracted more than 500 people. Argosy University awarded degrees in business, education and psychology at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
Argosy University/Inland Empire graduated seven students with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and education. The university opened its Inland Empire location in May 2006. Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus president, said “Today marks a historical event for both the Inland Empire campus and its graduates. Today we honor our first graduating class of 2007.”
Hernandez is chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, which serves more than 58,000 students at colleges throughout central Orange County. In his speech, titled “Your Education – Your Future – Your Success,” Hernandez said college graduates face a bright and exciting future.
For information about Argosy University/Inland Empire call (909) 915-3800.
Argosy University’s Inland Empire campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in clinical and counseling psychology, business and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – May __ — Writing term papers is an integral part of the college experience but many students are not prepared for the style requirements demanded by most professors. Argosy University/Inland Empire has organized an American Psychological Association (APA) Style Writing Seminar to help students prepare for the demands of academic writing. This free seminar is scheduled from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19, at Argosy University/Inland Empire campus located at 636 E. Brier Dr. in San Bernardino. The seminar is open to the public.
The APA website states APA format is the writing style chosen by many of the social and behavioral sciences. APA style has specific guidelines for citations, references, titles and presentation of statistics.
“Our goal is to support and improve student writing skills at both the undergraduate and graduate level,” said Wendy Vasquez-Osborne, interim campus president. “A well-written paper using the correct style guide can mean the difference between a passing and a failing grade.”
The APA Style Writing Seminar features presentations from Dr. Deborah Wheeler, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Program Chair; Kim Woods, Writing Lab Instructor; Dr. Marilyn Al-Hassan, School of Education and Human Development Program Chair; and April Ayto, Librarian.
“Students should attend the seminar to obtain a better understanding of APA-style writing,” Vasquez-Osborne said. “This seminar is one of several resources available to help students improve their writing skills. Argosy University also offers an ongoing Writing Lab that is available several times each month and we will be offering additional APA style writing seminars in the coming months.”
For more information about the APA Style Writing Seminar call Wheeler at (909) 915-3770 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire.
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Academic Adviser Evelyn Kotomori has received Argosy University/Orange County’s Spring Employee Recognition Award. Campus President Dr. Jeb Egbert said the award is given for exemplary service to students and faculty. Kotomori serves as academic adviser for students in all programs at the Orange County campus and also acts as the faculty liaison and support person. She is a resident of Long Beach.
Kotomori has worked for Argosy University/Orange County for more than three years. She is a graduate of the university’s bachelor’s degree completion program, with a major in psychology, and is currently working on a master’s degree in Business Administration.
Egbert said recipients of the Employee Recognition Award are nominated by their peers. He said that Kotomori is responsive to students needs and solves problems efficiently. “I am delighted that Evelyn received this award. Many of her qualities — efficiency, customer service, and being responsive to the needs of faculty and students — are qualities we want our entire campus to embody,” Egbert said.
“I was very honored to get the award” Kotomori said. “Everyone works hard at Argosy University, but I was blessed to be recognized for my work.”
For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus, call (714) 338-6200 or visit www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty.
Argosy University/Orange County campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in clinical and counseling psychology, business and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Pasadena, Calif. resident Phil Spradling’s goal is to become a therapist and he is pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology/Marriage & Family Therapy from Argosy University in Orange County. Spradling’s education is enhanced by the experience of Dr. Melody Bacon, who is a professor in Argosy University’s Department of Counseling Psychology and also has her own private practice in San Juan Capistrano.
“Dr. Bacon’s many years of experience bring the academic materials we are studying to life,” Spradling said.
When working with students in the classroom, Dr. Bacon shares her experiences from private practice, while maintaining her clients’ anonymity. “We can bring real-world examples to the classroom and tell the students about some of the issues they will face when operating their own practices,” Dr. Bacon said.
A licensed psychologist, Dr. Bacon has been practicing psychology for more than 10 years and has been a professor for six years. She splits her time between teaching at Argosy University and seeing up to 10 patients a week at her practice. Although her schedule sometimes involves teaching evenings and seeing clients all day, she enjoys the fact teaching offers her the opportunity to make a direct impact on a student’s education.
“I really enjoy teaching,” she said. “It allows a little more freedom and creativity, and I also enjoy public speaking and helping other people begin work in this profession.” Bacon teaches courses such as Counseling Skills, Couples in Family Therapy and Group Counseling. “Lecturing gives me variety and offers a different side of this profession,” Bacon said.
She is just one of several faculty members at Argosy University in Orange County that see different sides of the field of psychology as both faculty members and counselors.
Dr. Yuying Tsong, program chair for the master’s and doctoral programs in Counseling Psychology, said in addition to teaching, a total of 18 adjunct and core faculty in the Counseling Psychology program also work in a clinical setting. “They work in various settings such as private practices, counseling centers, community mental health agencies and hospitals,” Dr. Tsong said.
Dr. Gary Bruss, who is chair of master’s and doctoral Clinical Psychology programs at The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Orange County, teaches courses in psychopathology. Dr. Bruss has been in private practice since the early 1990s and currently practices in Newport Beach.
Bruss said being in the classroom keeps practioners up to date with current and relevant scientific literature applicable to the field of psychology. “Most of the core faculty and most of the adjunct instructors in Argosy University’s Department of Clinical Psychology both teach and also have practices,” he said.
“Practioners are able to bring in relevant and real-world materials to enrich the classroom experience,” Bruss said. “I also get a great deal of personal gratification from working with evolving professionals in the field of psychology,” Bruss said.
For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus, call (714) 338-6200 or visit www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty.
Argosy University/Orange County campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in clinical and counseling psychology, business and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts: Christian Flathman Sr. Director of Communications 912.201.8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
(SAN BERNADINO, Calif.) April__, 2007- Richard Caulker faced a common problem in today’s age of soaring college costs. He wanted to continue his education, but since he owed his previous school a significant amount of money he was unable to get his transcripts.
Keith Proctor, student financial aid coordinator at Argosy University/Inland Empire, helped Caulker resolve his financial problem. Proctor was able to put together a package that enabled Caulker to work out a payment plan with his alma mater and enroll in a doctorate program at Argosy University.
Proctor said that Argosy University makes sure it looks into every potential source of funding for its students such as scholarships, grants, employer assistance programs or cash payment plans. “The best form of financial aid is federal funding because it’s insured by the government and has the lowest interest rate,” Proctor said.
A doctoral student in clinical psychology, Caulker was impressed that Argosy University staff were able to resolve an issue he had been wrestling with for years within a few months. “They started working on the issue in September 2006 and it was resolved in February 2007,” Caulker said.
Caulker, who emigrated from England, works as a clinical therapist for Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino. He said his doctoral degree will help him advance in his job and stay on top of the changes and developments in his career field. “I’m in the field of clinical therapy and I wanted to upgrade my skills,” said Caulker who has worked as therapist for seven years. “I came to Argosy University to receive the best they have to offer in clinical psychology.”
He is also impressed with the degree programs at Argosy University. Caulker said the coursework is relevant to his career and the professors add their own valuable industry experience. He expects to finish his course work next year and complete his doctoral thesis a few years later.
“Our staff and faculty are committed to helping our students succeed in the classroom and in their chosen professions,” said Wendy Vasquez-Robinson, campus president.
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).
Media Contacts Christian Flathman Sr. Director, Communications EDMC (912) 201-8114 cflathman@edmc.edu
(San Bernardino, CA) – The Inland Empire’s newest university boasts an ethnically diverse administrative team with women and men in strong leadership roles. They believe all students receive the best opportunities to succeed in their careers at Argosy University/Inland Empire. “Our leadership team, as well as many others here at Argosy University/Inland Empire, know the challenges of trying to work, raise a family and at the same time, further your education,” said Interim Campus Director Wendy Vasquez-Osborn. “We believe Argosy University presents the Inland Empire with great opportunities to work university into busy schedules, and look forward to helping each of our students and prospective students on a path to success.” Vasquez-Osborn, who comes to Argosy University/Inland Empire with vast experience in higher education. Business, education and psychology are the major focuses of Argosy University’s curriculum. While completing her studies for bachelor’s degrees in psychology and history at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. this Mexican-American woman served as a “Macess Mentor,” where she helped 30 Black and Latino students learn about the college environment and get ready to attend Macalaster. After living in Colorado for a few years, Vasquez-Osborn came to the Inland Empire and began working for the Ontario campus of the University of Phoenix in 1999. She once again took advantage of her workplace being a school, and obtained a master’s degree in organizational management in 2005. Dr. Marilyn Al-Hassan, the program chairman for Argosy University/Inland Empire, also has an extensive background in psychology and education. This African-American woman holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from the Phillips Graduate Institute in Encino, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Sarasota/Argosy in Orange. She is a certified drug and alcohol counselor, as well as a certified anger management counselor. At Argosy University/Inland Empire, Al-Hassan oversees all of Argosy’s educational programs. She tracks students’ performance on tests, and hires and trains faculty. She comes to Argosy University/Inland Empire from Argosy University/Orange County campus, where she had the same job in that school’s education department. Al-Hassan has previously overseen educational programs at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science and at the Get Off Drugs treatment program, both in south central Los Angles. One of the programs she managed at Charles Drew University promoted the medical benefits of sexual abstinence for teenagers, another worked to prevent violence in families and communities. In addition to running programs such as those at Argosy University, Al-Hassan gives presentations throughout the United States on the topics of education and violence prevention. Another veteran of Argosy University/Orange County is registrar Michelle Gradillas. This Mexican-American woman has worked for Argosy University since 2004, first in the Admissions Department at Argosy University/Orange County campus before joining the Inland Empire team. Here in the Inland Empire, she oversees the registration of Argosy University students, and keeps records of their courses grades, attendance and official college transcripts. Gradillas obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Argosy University/Orange County campus while she was working there. She received her bachelor’s degree just one year after completing an Associate of Science degree in criminal justice at Everest College in Rancho Cucamonga in 2003. Prior to Argosy, she worked in the parole department of the California Youth Authority. Business Manager Michael Andruski came to Argosy University/Inland Empire with much previous experience in the business world, which helps him as he keeps track of the campus’s financial affairs. He’s Polish, and speaks Portuguese fluently. Immediately prior to working for Argosy University/Inland Empire, Andruski was the controller for American Integrity Corporation in Apple Valley. He also was an accounting manager for Universal Technical Institute in Rancho Cucamonga, and worked as an accountant/office manager for several other companies in southern California. Andruski is a graduate of Brigham Young University, having obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from there. “At Argosy University/Inland Empire, our courses are thoroughly oriented to the real working world. We focus on the development of technical proficiency in your field as well as the overall professional approach expected in business, industrial, or medical environments,” Vasquez-Osborn said. Argosy University/Inland Empire officials say the school schedules its classes to make them convenient for students. Sessions are offered in the day, the evening, or blended, online and in classroom. “We help you work your education around the other demands of your life—whether it’s your family, a job, or other pursuits that are important to you,” Vasquez-Osborn said. Financial aid is available from the University’s fulltime financial aid department for those who qualify. For more information on Argosy University/Inland Empire call (866) 217-9075 or visit www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire.
Photo caption: From left are Larry Gable, director of the Inland Empire Field Office for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger; Dr. Donald L. Averill, chancellor of the San Bernardino Valley Community College district and Argosy University/Inland Empire staff members Kim Woods and Dr. Marilyn Al-Hassan. The group is pictured during the university’s grand opening.
Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in twelve states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate’s degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).
