2024 Graduate Awards

This award is presented to a person (or persons) whose assistance played a significant role in helping a graduate earn an Excelsior University degree.

 
Rodney Waltower

Rodney Waltower, of Hephzibah, Georgia, was nominated by graduate Jessica Hish, of Sylvania, Georgia, for supporting her in obtaining her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Technology and Data Analytics. Waltower was a pillar of advocacy when Hish was simultaneously pursuing her master’s degree and certification as a senior reactor operator for her role as an operations instructor at Plant Vogtle (Southern Nuclear). He mentored her during the certification program and continued to be a constant presence for the duration of Hish’s studies, pushing her to keep on track despite a heavy work schedule. Hish has since shared her experience of attending Excelsior University with co-workers at Plant Vogtle, inspiring some to embark on their own education journeys.

This award recognizes the leadership and vision of founding trustee Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg [U.S. Army (Ret.)]. Gregg chaired Excelsior’s (then Regents College) Board of Overseers and guided the transition to independence as a private institution, becoming the first chair of the Board of Trustees. With a distinguished career in the Army, Gregg has contributed greatly to Excelsior’s service to the U.S. military. The award is presented to a graduate who is on active duty in the U.S. military and who demonstrates outstanding academic and career or professional achievement.

Click to see additional details about the nomination process for the Arthur J. Gregg Award

Karen D. Florence

Sgt. 1st Class Karen D. Florence, of Miami, Florida, completed a Master of Science in Health Sciences in November 2023 with a 3.5 GPA. She is the senior enlisted leader of hospital operations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland.

Sgt. 1st Class Florence has served as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Pulmonary Disease Services Clinic at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, in El Paso, Texas, and Fort Eisenhower Army Medical Center, in Augusta, Georgia. She has volunteered extensively as a Special Olympics basketball coach, American Red Cross volunteer, Girl Scout troop assistant leader, and volunteer at Sarah’s House, a division of the Catholic Charities of Baltimore. Sgt. 1st Class Florence also serves as a master resilience trainer and equal opportunity leader for the Army. She was awarded and inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit and has received the Meritorious Services Medal, the Army’s Joint Service Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (twice), the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and many Army Commendation, Achievement, and Good Conduct medals.

In addition to her MS in Health Sciences, Sgt. 1st Class Florence earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Excelsior University (then College) in 2014 and an associate degree in respiratory care from Thomas Edison State University (then College) in 2011. She is enrolled at Liberty University where she is pursuing her doctoral degree in health sciences in trauma-informed care.

This award is given in memory of Catherine Craig-Erhardt, a member of the staff of Excelsior University (then the Regents External Degree Program) beginning in 1980. From 1984 until her untimely death in 1986, she served as Excelsior’s liaison to the military. The award recognizes and commemorates her commitment to helping military service members attain their education goals and is presented for service to others, commitment to education, and academic, professional, and personal achievement.

Click to see additional details about the nomination process for the Catherine Craig-Erhardt Memorial Award

Federico Chavez

Staff Sgt. Federico Chavez, of Brownsville, Texas, completed a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in January 2024 with a 4.0 GPA. He is a Marine security guard and supply management specialist with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Chavez has spent nearly seven years in the Marine Corps, serving at various diplomatic posts, such as the U.S. Consulate of Hong Kong and Macau; the U.S. Consulate of Istanbul, Turkey; and the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He has provided local and international community service during disasters like Hurricane Florence and supported local orphanages and nongovernmental organizations in Ethiopia, fostering goodwill between the military and civilians. He has received multiple awards and accolades, including the Humanitarian Service Medal, a Certificate of Commendation from the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and multiple Certificates of Appreciation from the Community Liaison Office while stationed overseas.

In addition to his BS in Criminal Justice from Excelsior, Chavez completed Marine Martial Arts Training and Supply Chain Management School and has completed various professional trainings and courses throughout his military career.

This award is in recognition of Charles W. Laffin, whose vision and leadership gave momentum to a fledgling community college movement and left a legacy of opportunity to millions of adult learners. In gratitude for his invaluable service to Excelsior University, the faculty of the University presents this award for academic excellence and outstanding achievement. To be eligible for the Charles W. Laffin Jr. Memorial Award, the graduate must have earned credit from a community college before attending Excelsior University and then received a master’s degree (except in nursing) from the University.
 
Inge Sebyan Black

Inge Sebyan Black, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, completed a Master of Science in Cybersecurity in August 2023 with a 4.0 GPA. She runs Security Risk LLC, a security/risk consulting company in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Black has filled her 50-year career with honors, including volunteering with ASIS International since 1982, serving as chair and vice chair on many councils, serving on President Reagan’s task force on rape and violent crime in 1983, and being appointed as a council vice president for ASIS International in 2017, overseeing three International Security Councils. She received the Women in Security Global Community Karen Marquez Honors for inspiring women in security, was honored with an ASIS Lifetime Membership and an award for being a distinguished council member, and received the ASIS Roy N. Bordes, CPP, Community Member Award of Excellence. Her writing can be found in many publications.

In addition to her MS in Cybersecurity from Excelsior, Black earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Metro State University in 1988 and an associate degree in police science from Chippewa Valley Technical College in 1973.

This award is presented in recognition of Excelsior alumnus Dwayn Hanford. As past president of the Excelsior University Alumni Association and Alumni Leadership Council, a C. Wayne Williams Award recipient, and adjunct instructor, Hanford is a strong advocate and ally of the University and the mission to educate 21st-century public sector leaders and citizens. The recipient of the Dwayn Hanford Award has completed a public service degree with academic excellence and significant community involvement.
 
Andrew J. Moore

Andrew J. Moore, of Ellicott, Maryland, completed a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management in September 2023 with a 4.0 GPA. He is a contractor working with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Moore has extensive experience and knowledge in counterterrorism activities and has been a member of various special operations, operational advisory support, reconnaissance, and airborne infantry units, including Operation Enduring Freedom. He has worked with multiple foreign military and intelligence partners in shaping relations with Europe, Central Asia, the Levant, and the Middle East. He works toward offering educational and doctrinal solutions to help the Army in the ever-evolving 21st-century battlefield. He is the author of many publications and articles, including “Victory Without Casualties: Russia’s Information Operations,” “Russian Modern Warfare Methodology: Information Operations in the ‘Disinformation Age, and the jointly authored “On Russian Hybrid Warfare.”

Moore is an Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society member.

This award was created in recognition of Dr. Long’s service and contribution to Excelsior University. He was regarded as an expert in nuclear education and a proponent of the link between training and education and the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Students selected for this award must work in the nuclear power industry and be a member of the American Nuclear Society.
 
John Richard Beam

John Richard Beam, of Greenville, South Carolina, completed a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology in October 2023 with a 3.8 GPA. He is the senior manager of the Health, Safety, and Environment Training Programs for Fluor in Greenville.

Beam has worked for Fluor for 34 years, where he has made significant contributions to the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of nuclear training programs. These programs range from worker orientation to operator qualification and oversight. He has helped many U.S. Department of Energy sites that Fluor manages and has been recognized as a subject matter expert and Knowledge Management Pacesetter. He is an active member of the American Nuclear Society and has served as vice president and president of the Excelsior University ANS student chapter.
Beam is a licensed amateur radio operator volunteer with the South Carolina Public Health Reserve Corps, providing ham radio capabilities for six counties in the upstate region.

The recipient of the Graduate Excellence Award has demonstrated academic excellence inside the classroom and has applied their discipline-specific learning and leadership skills to make a positive impact in their profession or community. Eligible candidates must have received a master’s degree from Excelsior University, with a minimum GPA of 3.8 (nontransfer credit).
 
Kyle Bosshart

Kyle Bosshart, of Tacoma, Washington, completed a Master of Science in Health Care Administration in September 2023 with a 4.0 GPA. He is a police officer with the Auburn Police Department and a first lieutenant health services administrator with the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Before his current roles, Bosshart was an aerospace operational medicine superintendent, a senior master sergeant, an emergency room technician, and a disaster preparedness and training coordinator. Bosshart has experience creating and implementing strategic plans, policies, procedures, and programs and has trained numerous staff. He uses methods from his Excelsior studies to help communicate with team members and better care for his patients.

Bosshart has received many awards, including a Lifesaving Award Medal, an Air and Space Commendation Medal, and an Air and Space Achievement Medal. In addition to his master’s from Excelsior, Bosshart earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Excelsior University (then College) in 2019 and an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing Technology from the Community College of the Air Force in 2019.

This award recognizes the leadership and vision of founding trustee Jean Smith. Smith’s career in banking has been characterized by a deep commitment to institutions that are devoted to improving society. Her passion for social justice informed her work with Excelsior, first as an overseer and later as a trustee, as she worked to support its students. The award is presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic and professional achievement in the world of business.
 
Jerry M. Thorpe

Jerry M. Thorpe, of Loveland, Colorado, completed a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management in February 2024 with a 3.7 GPA. He is the executive director of Published YA Broadcasting Ltd., a company he developed with the knowledge he gained from his Excelsior courses.

Thorpe is a self-published author of science fiction adventure and ethics-driven stories. He has also worked as the restaurant general manager with the American West Restaurant Group in California, a closing-shift delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza, a maintenance technician with California Steel Industries, and a security guard for several companies. He participates in various community events, such as Art in the Park, and is proficient in using many marketing and creative tools.

Thorpe’s books include “The Art Traveler” series and the audiobooks “Red Planet Jumpsuit” and “Tiki Tropical Hideaway.”

This award is given in memory and recognition of the vision and contribution of Marvin Curling to the development of collaboration between industry and education through the integration of corporate-sponsored training and college-level learning. A New York Power Authority training superintendent, Curling motivated employees at NYPA to persist in educational advancement and helped establish degrees in technology at Excelsior University (then Regents College). In honor of the superior model of collaboration that he helped establish, the New York Power Authority contributed the endowment to maintain this annual award, which is presented to a graduate who has achieved outstanding academic achievement while pursuing a degree in a technology program.
 
Micah White

Micah White, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, completed a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology in July 2023 with a 3.56 GPA. He is a chief engineer with VeriWatt, a solar operations and maintenance company that specializes in solar energy verification and auditing for both residential and commercial sectors. In this role, he oversees the engineering, feasibility, and grant writing divisions of the company.

Previously, he was the chief executive officer for the Tribal Utility Authority of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. In that role, White helped secure approximately $8 million in grant funding for various energy and telecommunications projects and created a 15% savings on electricity expenses by conducting rate analyses and making billing changes. As manager of the Planning and Grants Department of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, White managed daily operations, oversaw departmental spending, monitored project compliance with tribal and federal laws, and collaborated with executive officials.

In addition to his bachelor’s from Excelsior University, White earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University in 2016 and an Associate of Science in Tribal Services from the College of the Muscogee Nation in 2014. He is a certified key account executive with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

This award is presented to a health sciences graduate in memory and recognition of the contributions of Michael J. Cooley, a beloved and dedicated adjunct health sciences faculty member. The recipient of the award has earned a health sciences degree and embodies exemplary academic achievement and exceptional perseverance. This graduate accepts the challenges encountered by an adult learner and embraces the opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally within the health sciences discipline.
 
Noelle Royal

Noelle Royal, of Modesto, California, completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management in February 2024 with a 3.87 GPA. She is a regulatory privacy analyst with Sutter Health.

Royal pursued her Excelsior degree during the COVID-19 pandemic while experiencing many personal and professional difficulties as a full-time mother and an essential health care worker on the front lines. She has experience monitoring vital signs; processing referrals; training and mentoring staff; planning, executing, and overseeing regulatory and educational projects; and collaborating with team members to ensure compliance with federal and state privacy regulations.

In addition to her bachelor’s from Excelsior University, Royal earned an associate degree in medical assisting from Modesto Junior College.

In recognition of Dr. Robert P. Mahoney’s outstanding contributions to liberal arts education at this University and his devotion to serving his community, this award is presented to a liberal arts graduate who completed his/her degree in the face of significant challenges and demonstrated a dedication to community and volunteer service.
 
Anna-Maria Dimitratos

Anna-Maria Dimitratos, of San Antonio, Texas, completed a Bachelor of Science in Social Science in January 2024 with a 3.72 GPA. She is a human resources professional in San Antonio.

Born in Athens, Greece, Dimitratos has more than a decade of international experience in enhancing customer and employee relations. Her knowledge of cultural diversity has equipped her with the ability to collaborate with people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and diverse demographics. She has led a community garden initiative in San Antonio to combat food insecurity by supplying healthy food to the low-income housing community and coordinated health fairs to connect underserved residents with essential and accessible health resources. She received the Resident Services Coordinator 2021 Award, given by Franklin Apartment Management Ltd., for outstanding achievement in social services and events.

In addition to her BS in Social Science from Excelsior University, she earned an Associate in Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior University (then College) in 2016 and completed human resource management seminars at the University of Indianapolis in Athens, Greece, in 2012.

This award is given in memory and recognition of the distinguished contributions of Ruth V. Matheney to nursing and nursing education, of her nationally acclaimed leadership toward progressive, patient-centered practices in the classroom and at the bedside, and of her wise and willing counsel to the Excelsior University nursing programs. The recipient of this award has completed an undergraduate degree in nursing at Excelsior University and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
 
Nicole Porteus

Nicole Porteus, of New Fairfield, Connecticut, completed an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing in February 2024 with a 3.49 GPA. She is an ER nurse at Danbury Hospital.

As a nurse working in the emergency room, Porteus is responsible for general patient care, performing diagnostic tests, administering medication, IV insertion and treatments, wound care, taking vital signs, and treating severe or life-threatening medical conditions. Before her current role, she was an LPN for Danbury Hospital Emergency Department and Northern Westchester Hospital. She pursued her degree while working full time and with two small children. She credits wanting to provide a better life for her family as her reason for returning to school.

In addition to her AAS in Nursing from Excelsior University, Porteus earned her LPN diploma from Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES in June 2011.

Charlie-Renee Boggs

Charlie-Renee Boggs, of El Paso, Texas, completed an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing in February 2024 with a 3.67 GPA. She is a nurse with the Hospitals of Providence in El Paso and a practical nursing specialist with the U.S. Army Reserve.

Boggs is skilled at monitoring and sterilizing medical equipment, completing patient status and history assessments, and coordinating with providers to provide the best patient care. She is passionate about patient care, lifelong learning, and mentoring others. She previously worked at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss, Texas, and medical centers in Greenville and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

She received a Certificate of Achievement in the Army for academic excellence and earned her LPN diploma in the Army Practical Nurse Corps in 2018.

This award recognizes the leadership and vision of founding trustee Dr. Robert E. Kinsinger. As the first chair of the Excelsior’s (then Regent’s College) Board of Overseers, Dr. Kinsinger built upon his earlier relationship with the University as a vice president of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. While at the foundation, Dr. Kinsinger encouraged and supported the development of the nursing degree programs at Excelsior University (then Regents College), an interest that he carried forward into his work as an overseer and later as a trustee. Eligible graduates must have completed a master’s degree through Excelsior. The graduate must have volunteer and/or career experience in a nonprofit organization.
 
Lori Bethke

Lori Bethke, of Cortland, New York, completed a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems in February 2024 with a 3.92 GPA. She is the director of emergency services at Cayuga Medical Center, in Ithaca, New York.

Bethke oversees a team of approximately 125 team members, including patient access staff, unlicensed technicians, LPNs, RNs, and social workers. She works with various agencies to fight the opioid epidemic and developed her department’s Naloxone Distribution Program. She is an active member of the Emergency Nurses Association and the Government Affairs Committee. Her Excelsior University nursing poster presentation, “An Interdisciplinary Approach to Address Emergency Department Front-End Throughput Challenges,” was displayed at the New York State Emergency Nurses Association 2024 annual conference. Bethke was a finalist for Cayuga Health System’s Transformational Nurse Leader Award.

In addition to her master’s from Excelsior, Bethke earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2023 and an Associate in Science in Nursing in 2014 from Excelsior. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ohio Northern University.