PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix recognizes and celebrates its alumni, many of whom have experienced the impact a college degree can have in their life, as well as the effect their degree can have in the lives of their families and future generations. Full-time workers with a bachelor’s degree make as much as $400 more a week than those with just a high school diploma1, but the stories of University of Phoenix graduates offer another demonstration of value—the example alumni set for their children and other family members. In fact, research shows that more than half (58 percent) of individuals with a post-secondary degree had parents who had received their post-secondary degree.2
“Working adults attend school for many unique reasons, but perhaps none is more compelling than the goal of changing the trajectory of their future and the future of their family – providing greater opportunity for their children and future generations,” said University of Phoenix President Peter Cohen. “I am incredibly proud of the work we do to help our students achieve their goals, but there’s no question that the truly inspiring story is the hard work our students themselves put in to earn their education—often while supporting a family and working a full-time job.”
At University of Phoenix, 67 percent of students have dependents they care for and 73 percent are employed while attending the University. Furthermore, 62 percent are the first in their family to attend college.3 The latest brand campaign from the University launching today emphasizes how the educational accomplishments of students have the potential to create long-term change. The campaign reflects the stories of perseverance from the University’s own alumni and showcases the ways in which a degree can change the life of not only a graduate, but their entire family.
This week, University of Phoenix recognizes a few of its inspiring alumni who have set a strong example for their families and future generations.
Francie Palmer, Bachelor of Science in Management, 2001
As a single mother, Palmer worked hard to provide for her family. When an employer announced an educational reimbursement program, Palmer decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree at University of Phoenix. She went on to earn her master’s degree as well. She saw her family grow throughout the process—she and her husband now have six children between them—and her decision to pursue her education was inspired in part by the example she could set for her children.
“University of Phoenix had a number of systems in place that helped me succeed. Peer support was a significant asset in my University experience, and the ability to complete one class at a time helped me stay on track. These programs made me feel closer to my longer-term goal, making it more attainable. After witnessing the effort I put into achieving my own degree, my children now see me as a role model, motivating them to aspire for even greater things in their own lives,” said Palmer.
Bridget Kaigler, Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting, 2005; Master of Business Administration, 2007
Determined to create a better life for herself and her son, Kaigler enrolled at University of Phoenix. Over a period of six years she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She later became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). She went on to work as a tax accountant and then to start her own leadership and business consulting company. Today she’s a corporate leader, runs her own business and is supporting her son to follow in her footsteps to attend college.
“My sacrifices while balancing work, parenting and school with the rest of my life were minimal when you consider the confidence, work ethic and communication skills I developed while at University of Phoenix. The instructors were great and always went the extra mile to help and provide resources. I wanted to be a role model for my son, who today is in college. Education has helped change our family tree and create a legacy for future generations to come,” said Kaigler.
Monica Magee, Bachelor of Science in Business Finance, 2008; Master of Business Administration, 2015
Magee was the youngest of four children born just under the poverty line, in a community plagued by violence. After Magee was laid off three months before her son was born, she realized she needed a degree to get back in the workforce. She enrolled in University of Phoenix and became the first person in her family to earn a college degree in 2008. Inspired by their mother’s example, her two stepdaughters have pursued their degrees, and now Magee is working with her son to do the same.
“Following through on the decision to get my degrees has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Through my journey, University of Phoenix’s counselors offered the guidance and support that I needed. I believe you lead by example, and I have shown my children that excuses should not stop you,” said Magee.
The University offers the tools and support to help meet the unique needs of its students and support their success, many of whom are first-time students, working adults or parents. These programs range from tutoring services and group study sessions on Facebook to dedicated academic counselors that help students through coursework and other needs that require more dedicated assistance.
For important information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended these programs, visit: http://www.phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.html.
About University of Phoenix®
University of Phoenix is innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
- http://www.oecd.org/unitedstates/United%20States-EAG2014-Country-Note.pdf
- http://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/altcloud/doc/about_uopx/academic-annual-report-2015.pdf
