1. The Stratford University Times
News of the Falls Church Campus - December 2015
Newsletter Office: Room 209, 2nd Floor South, Editor: John Thieman
GLORIA TODD MAKES PRESENTATION
Gloria Todd recently addressed a meeting of the District of Columbia
Ward 4 senior citizens. Gloria, who is an admissions officer with the
Stratford University Falls Church Campus, spoke of the many positive
ways continuing education can enhance peoples ’ lives. She stressed
how the quality of life which senior citizens enjoy is enhanced through
learning and using new skills in the areas of Culinary Arts and Health Sci-
ences. She invited her listeners to visit the campus, tour its facilities and
consider the benefits the school offers.
When asked to describe her experience and the meeting, she responded, “It was exciting to be a par-
ticipant at the meeting not only because I could speak about the many ways our schooling can give the lives
of the city ’ s senior citizens more meaning through its Culinary, Health Care, Nursing and Information
Technology Programs, but that I could share the meeting with my Grandson, City Councilman Brandon
Todd. “
OUR CAMPUS IS OPEN FOR YOU . . . COME AND SEE
The Falls Church Campus regularly opens its doors for interested
members of the community to visit and learn of its courses and pro-
gram offerings leading to ad-
vanced degrees. This past
month, the Admissions Depart-
ment under Director Akeem
Brown, invited interested persons
seeking information in the fields of Health Sciences and Nursing, to visit
the campus, tour the laboratories, and met with Admissions Dept. rep-
resentatives.
On the left, visitors gather and are welcomed by Akeem Brown. They later toured the examination
rooms and simulated hospital wards under the guidance of instructor Sue Gardella.
JESSICA JOHNSON HONORED AS STUDENT OF QUARTER 5
In her recommendation of Jessica, Professor Sameh Ghareeb said, “I believe
that Jessica Johnson deserves this recognition because of her outstanding exam-
ple of class participation and achievement. She is truly eager to learn and sets an
example of excellence both in and outside the classroom. Jessica is currently in
the Health Care Administration Program and maintains a 3.90 GPA. Keep up the
hard work, Jessica. Congratulations on your achievement! ”

2. NEW ONLINE CAMPUS DEAN OUTLINES GOALS
Dr. Golnoosh Hakimdavar speaks with conviction that Stratford University offers stu-
dents the best online academic programs to meet their career goals. She said, “ We
have a unique opportunity to interact with students of all ages and interests throughout
the world as we help them reach their career goals. Our total concern will be to pro-
vide a quality education accessible to all and we expect to meet their needs by being
attentive and supportive of them every step of the way. ”
The seven member online campus team is housed on the Falls Church Campus in
Tysons Corner, Virginia. They welcome questions and inquiries about the program and are dedicated to
provide the best educational experiences and highest academic achievement for all of their students.
STUDENTS RECEIVE EXTRA HELP IN THE LIBRARY (LRC )
Victoria Rossetti (Tori ) has just joined the LRC team as Assistant Librarian. She re-
ceived her MS degree in Library Information Science from Simmons College in Boston and
her BA from the University of Connecticut. She has experience in both the library and pub-
lic school settings, and will provide support to David Lemmons and Amber Glenn-Thomas in
areas of available library resources and student support. Tori enjoys reading, hiking and
spending time with family. She looks forward to working with the faculty and staff by as-
sisting the students reach their educational goals.
Computer Information Systems
NEW COURSE REGISTRATION AIDED BY ADVISOR
Registration has already begun for students mak-
ing their new course selection for 2016 Quarter 1.
The process has been made easier with the support
of IT Graduate Assistant Devanand Jayapaul.
Devanand, himself a graduate student, is currently
enrolled in the graduate program. His goal is to con-
tinue his studies and obtain his Doctoral IT degree. Students are encouraged to meet with Devanand in
Room 403. He is available daily to help them consider the best courses which will have the most value for
their career preparation.

3. STRATFORD UNIVERSITY TO HOLD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN DUBAI
“Economic growth and development is of world-wide concern, and one
goal of Stratford University is to encourage the spread of this information that
will assist emerging countries to reach the optimal development of their popu-
lation and natural resources, ” said Dr. Shakir Ullah, Chairperson of the two-
day Conference and Professor of Finance and Banking at the Stratford Uni-
versity Falls Church, Virginia Campus.
The conference is being held in collaboration with KS Global Research,
and will be held on February 2nd and 3rd in Dubai, UAE. Stratford University President Dr. Richard Shurtz
will open the conference with the Keynote Address. Papers will be presented at breakout sessions during the
conference with a cash prize being awarded for the best as selected by a panel of judges.
Conference registration and paper submission for review by interested persons must be no later than 15
December 2015. The Conference Website is: http://www.stratford.edu/ERSED-2016.
TUTORING HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE
Help in writing papers, using the APA style, assistance in math, the humanities, the computer, English,
TEAS test or ACCUPLACER test preparation is all available for students through the newly opened Student
Success Center in Room 202N. Sheets to reserve a time to meet with an instructor are available at the door.
Signup to get started. Dr. Rachel Campbell is available on-call for many areas of tutoring help, particularly in
test-taking assistance. Her school phone is (703 ) 821-8570 x3419. Mr. Lew Andrews is available for math
help at extension 3232.
ENGLISH WRITING TEST DATES Q1 2016
Prior Sign-up required in Room 209S
Monday 14 December 1:00 - 2:30 Room TBA Monday 4 January 10:30 - 12:00 Room TBA
Tuesday 15 December 10:30 - 12:00 Room TBA Tuesday 5 January 1:00 - 2:30 Room TBA
Wednesday 16 December 1:00 - 2:30 Room TBA Wednesday 6 January 10:30 - 12:00 Room TBA
Thursday 17 December 10:30 - 12:00 Room TBA Thursday 7 January 1:00 - 2:30 Room TBA
Friday 18 December 1:00 - 2:30 Room TBA Friday 8 January 10:30 - 12:00 Room TBA
Saturday 19 December 10:30 - 12:00 Room TBA

4. Career Services
THE ENTREPRENEURAL CAREER FAIR - NEVER OUT OF SEASON
A person is described as an Entrepreneur as someone who assumes
the risk of a business or an enterprise for the purpose of a realizing a
profit. What does this mean for the student completing his degree stud-
ies? Career Services Manager Peter Bartell was asked this question
and explained: “In his heart, everyone is an Entrepreneur. We all
want our plans to be successful.
“The question is: are we ready to do what it
takes to reach the goal that we set? You see, to feel the thrill of conquering the high-
est mountain in the world, the climber must first start moving up from a lower level. In
this way he gains knowledge about the task. The person who wishes to manage peo-
ple must first develop successful experience in managing a few persons in simple mat-
ters before attempting to manage more complex matters. ”
EMPLOYERS VISIT THE CAMPUS
POTOMAC DINING CHIPOTLE
Applebee ’ s Grill & Bar Mexican Grill
www.applebees.com www.chiipotle.com
STUDENT SERVICES SHOWS ITS APPRECIATION
If Student Services were to paraphrase the famous poem by Elizabeth Barrett
Browning, “How do I love you? Let me count the ways . . ., ” they would re-
spond, “By trying our special apples dipped in Carmel Sauce with added coconut,
chocolate sprinkles, Oreos, crushed peppermint, granola, colorful sprinkles or
chopped walnuts. ”
Always attentive to student needs, particularly during the final days of exams,
all students were invited to come by for the treat. These three students pictured are only a few of the many
who have responded to the invitation of Tamika Brown, serving, Aerin Gilbert and Azra Khan who are all
available to meet with students in the Student Services Office.

5. Holidays and Festivals
CHRISTMAS
As of 2012, there are eleven federal holidays in the United States of
which Christmas is one. It is observed as a commemoration of the birth of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Popular aspects of the holiday include decora-
tions, emphasis on family, togetherness and gift giving. At first it was desig-
nated a holiday for only District of Columbia federal employees, but it was
extended to include all federal workers in 1968.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan released the following Christmas message: “On Christmas, we cel-
ebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in
our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year when-
ever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men
of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. The feeling is seen in the
wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts and souls of cheer-
ful givers. ”
HANUKKAH
Called Chanukah, the Feast of Lights or Feast of Dedication is an eight-day Jew-
ish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem when it
was reclaimed at the time of the revolt led by the Maccabees. It is observed for eight
days and nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev, which may occur at any time from
late November to late December. It is observed by lighting the candles on a nine-
branched Menorah. Legend tells that only one flask of oil was available in the Temple
for the rededication rituals, but this one by itself supplied enough to satisfy the needed
lamps for eight days.
Foods traditionally fried or baked in olive oil include potato pancakes, doughnuts filled with jam, choco-
late cream, vanilla cream, caramel, cappuccino and cheese products are popular. Games using the
dreidel top are common; the letter on each of the four sides tells the player to either skip a turn, put one
marker into the pot, take one marker out of the pot, or to take half of the pot. Gifts of money in small coins
is often given by grandparents to children.
KWANZAA
Kwanzza was created in 1966 as the first specifically African-American holi-
day. It strives to encourage African Americans to reconnect with their African cul-
tural and historical heritage by stressing the “s even principles of African Herit-
age. ” These are: unity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative econom-
ics, purpose, creativity and faith. Families celebrate the holiday by decorating
with objects of art, wearing colorful patterned African clothing, lighting candles,
music, dancing and sharing fresh fruits. The greeting for each of the seven days
dedicated to each principle is: Habari Gani? which in Swahili means: “What ’ s the News? ”

6. THANKSGIVING DAY - November 26
This day was officially recognized by Present Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War
when he issued the following official presidential proclamation in 1863:
“ . . . we have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been pre-
served these many years in peace and prosperity; we have gown in numbers, wealth and
power as no other nation has ever known. But we have forgotten God. We have forgot-
ten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and
strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all
these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken
success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too
proud to pray to the God that made us.
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowl-
edged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citi-
zens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in for-
eign lands, to set apart and observe the Last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and give
praise to our beneficent Father who dwells in the heavens. ”
FALLS CHURCH REMEMBERS
There was a special gathering at the Falls Church Campus to commemo-
rate Thanksgiving. Faculty and staff members prepared their favorite foods
and brought them to share with each other. Those with work anniversaries
and birthdays during the month were recognized and congratulated. It was a
time to gather with friends and enjoy fellowship.
NURSING CELEBRATES
Students and instructors were invited to share in a Thanksgiving meal together
one day as Thanksgiving Day approached. Pictured are several instructors and
students before joining their friends in the classroom.
Everyone brought their favorite dishes, a turkey was prepared and the extra
side dishes made the coming holiday special.

7. DIWALI 2015
The five-day Hindu festival called Diwali is an official holiday in India celebrated between mid-October
and mid-November. The name Diwali is a contraction of deepavali which translates into “row of amps. ”
These small clay lamps filled with oil burn throughout the night and signify the triumph of good over
evil. Fire crackers are burst to frighten off evil spirits and freshly cleaned homes welcome the goddess
Lakshmi who will bestow wealth and prosperity in the coming year. The festival celebrates the triumph
of light over darkness, justice over injustice and intelligence over ignorance.
DANCE CONTEST Dancing on a paper
refolded at each new start
Dr. Voytek Panas welcomes
the students
The Rangoli - Holy sign
wishing health, happiness
and prosperity to all visitors
Priest shares offering
with students
The Heena -
Sign of happiness
International Student
Office Staff
Many willing dancers
Easy to dance . . . A bit tricky . . .
Let ’ s think
about this . . .
The gentlemen are
ready for musical chairs Two left, one chair
Ladies take a turn
Plenty of good food
Friendly conversation

8. EVENT PLANNING CLASSES VISIT THE BIG APPLE
This year, graduate and undergraduate students in the Event Manage-
ment Certificate Program attended the BizBash Event Expo at the Javits
Center in New York City as a special practicum/field trip opportunity. They
were accompanied on their one-day trip by Chef Nori and Alice Conway,
CSEP, Director of the Event Management Certificate Program. The stu-
dents were able to meet event vendors from all over the country, sample
food and receive useful information on trends in the industry.
They were met by President of BizBash Media Richared Aaron, CSEP, CMP who thanked them for their
support and interest. For more information on BizBash, visit: www.bizbash.com. Instructor Ms. Conway said,
“ This trip has given our students an opportunity to hear, meet and learn from experts in their field. Even
though they voted to return each week, it will remain an annual highlight for those enrolled in the classes, we
will plan new activities regularly. ”
Stratford Language Institute
INSTITUTE STUDENTS VISIT STRIBLING ORCHARD
It ’ s always exciting to visit a farm, especially if you have just
arrived in this new country and haven ’ t yet had the opportunity to
explore and sight-see. Recently, the students enrolled in the Falls
Church Language Institute visited a real-life farm and had the ex-
perience to pick real apples in an orchard in the nearby Shenando-
ah Mountains.
Accompanied by Program Director Kathleen Moog, Program
Coordinator Andy Marotta and Instructor Jacob Young, the stu-
dents became expert in apple picking, learned about bee keep-
ing, and saw a variety of farm animals while keeping a look-out
for the visiting bear, reported to visit in the neighborhood to eat
the fallen fruit.
Upon their return to the campus, they were met by their Culinary Class friends, who, at the suggestion of
Chef Ricardo Willis, turned their apples into candied apples and apple crostatas which were shared and en-
joyed by everyone.