The Faces of CSU
Gary W. Moulder
Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
Being a Student at CSU
John Quincy Adams once said, “Whoever increases his knowledge, multiplies the uses to which he is enabled to turn the gift of his Creator.”Being a student at CSU has not only enabled me to increase my knowledge, but to achieve a lifelong goal I've had of getting an advanced degree. More importantly, it showed me that I can accomplish what I set out to do even though it wasn't easy or at times convenient. The courses at CSU were challenging and the research work was demanding, but the support from staff, faculty, other students and my family made it all well worth the effort.
Benefits Achieved
Distance education is not easy. It requires persistence, dedication, perseverance, considerable initiative and a lot of hard work. While the independence afforded by a distance education degree allows a student to schedule studies, exams and research around work, social and family activities, it also requires a high level of individual effort. However, I believe these same qualities are what set CSU graduates apart from graduates in traditional degree programs. A degree from CSU not only says that you've mastered a subject, but that you have exercised considerable independence, initiative, persistence and personal dedication in achieving your educational goals. And when you get right down to it, aren't these the qualities an employer is looking for when they consider someone for a job or a promotion with greater responsibilities?
Why CSU?
In 1988, I moved within 6 miles of a major state university. I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for me to pursue my graduate degree in environmental science or engineering through evening classes after I returned from work each day. But the university-s degree programs were primarily focused toward education and fine arts. The only science-oriented graduate degree offered was an MS degree in Education with an emphasis in Biology. Other universities offering the courses I wanted were either too distant, too expensive or would cause great disruption to my personal life. When I investigated the courses at CSU, I was really impressed with what they offered and the subjects I could take – all without stepping foot into a classroom. My “classroom” was whenever and wherever I was. After doing some research, making some phone calls and even talking with several graduates, I decided CSU was the right school for me. That was the right decision.
Current Relationship as an Alumnus
Although I’m no longer struggling to find the “perfect topic” to write a 10-page research paper about, scheduling exam times and locations with proctors, or rushing to complete all course requirements before the deadline, I still occasionally go online to see what other students are saying. Sometimes, I'll give advice to CSU students asking about personal experiences, what I thought about a course or professor, or even to encourage those now attending courses to complete their degree program. Although I've never actually “seen” any of my professors, they were all very approachable, very helpful, provided excellent feedback and were always ready to offer suggestions and support with my studies. I'd like to continue my relationship with CSU students. So if anyone wants suggestions, has questions or even just wants some encouragement, I'm just an e-mail or phone call away for them.
Professional Accomplishments Achieved
As one of my CSU professors advised, don't expect your current employer to treat you any differently, promote you or give you a salary increase because of your new found academic accomplishments. He was absolutely right. But my degrees from CSU have increased my own confidence to apply for other positions within my agency and to start reaching out to other organizations and companies. Most people are surprised by what I've been able to do while still holding down a full-time job and commuting over 150 miles to and from work each day. My academic achievements have also increased my credibility as a member of several nation-wide professional and technical work groups. All those “scholarly papers” are now starting to pay off as I assist in drafting guidance and technical publications. Not only have I increased my professional abilities to contribute to these organizations, but my personal confidence has grown, as well.
Career Goals
I completed my MS in Environmental Engineering in 2002 and my MS in Occupational Safety and Health in 2006. After I retire from my job at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the next several years, I would like to seek employment in the health, safety and environmental areas of private industry or in academia. My second degree has already established me as a quasi-expert in my organization for providing annual health and safety training and a respected member of the Department-Wide Safety Committee. But the real accomplishment has been my personal satisfaction of completing two challenging but rewarding degree programs through CSU. The University's programs are sound and strongly backed by DETC accreditation; its professors are highly qualified and well respected within their fields; the University's staff go above and beyond to provide the student body with helpful services and the students that I’ve “met” through CSU have greatly impressed me. Perhaps I can now, as Mr. Adams has stated, begin to multiply the gifts that I have received from my Creator.
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