Student and Alumni Perspectives
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"When I was accepted into the Nonprofit Leadership and Management (NLM) program at the University of San Diego, I knew good things were going to happen to me. However, I never knew it would lead to me to realizing a lifelong dream and lead me to a job that enables others to follow that same dream. Achieving my masters in NLM finally gave me the confidence to quit my job and start volunteering around the world, because I knew when I needed to work again, I would not have any problems finding a job. I had my masters from a phenomenal school and program, a portfolio and resume demonstrating my skills, and a network of people that are always willing to help. While traveling, my multi-cultural training came into effect. In Japan with All Hands Volunteers, I was able to help coordinate one of the most motivated workforces a CEO could ever wish for even with the challenge of being from 62 different countries, living in and helping a culture different than our own.
In Cambodia, I was able to create a series of manuals for an orphanage modeled after best practices I had learned at USD. In Nepal and Thailand I was able to provide council to those wanting to better their organization. When it was time to find a job, All Hands was hiring, and I was their first choice for a newly created position. Not only was I a past volunteer with a great resume, I understood the dynamics of international fundraising because of the Understanding Bi- National Nonprofits course I took as part of the NLM program. Call it fate, call it serendipity, call it what you want, all I know is I owe a deep amount of gratitude to Pat and all the people with the NLM program for helping me to realize my lifelong dream and to help others do the same."
Terri Wetterberg, Development Associate, All Hands Volunteers, class of 2011
"I came into the program with a very organic, grassroots approach to building nonprofits. It was a perspective that I had learned from co-founding and running a small volunteer-based nonprofit. I had the heart but I was very green when it came to the skills needed to create change. At first I was a little overwhelmed as the information presented was on a much larger scale than I was used to. After some time, however, things started to shift and my capacity to work strategically began to expand. I was learning to see the nuances and additional dimensions of the work I was doing and really understand and employ the planning necessary to be effective. Thanks to my involvement in this program I now have the skill needed to match my passion for my work. My ability to create long lasting change where it is needed is more than just a possibility. It is now a reality."
Ellen Frudakes, Co-President/Founder, Impact Young Adults
"I am extremely impressed with my experience in the NPLM program. Each class has offered insight and information that I have immediately applied to my work. As a member of the 2011 cohort, I have gained insight not only via the coursework, but also through interactions with classmates and faculty, all of whom are leaders in their field and bring a wealth of experience. While the projects can be challenging, the knowledge gained is worth the effort. I look forward to continuing my career in the nonprofit field, thanks in large part to this program."
Jennifer Tracy, CalFresh Outreach Manager, San Diego Hunger Coalition
"USD offers a comprehensive program strictly focused on the skills necessary to manage and run a nonprofit organization effectively. For this I am grateful! I never thought it would be possible to receive so much support from a masters program while working full-time for a nonprofit organization. It is truly a dream come true."
C.C. Hafner, Development Associate, Tony Hawk Foundation
"This is the way that education should be done. The program is truly centered on the integration of theory, best practice methodology, and class discussion to our applied projects and in our day jobs. Every applied project has provided rich learning on several levels- the kind of learning that undoubtedly will go with me in future endeavors. My classmates have become a special network of emerging professionals from a wide range of nonprofit sub sectors bringing value and integrity to society. When I think of the skills and fields of knowledge that I strive for as a manager and educator - they are all right here in the program and we are learning how to apply them and become agents of positive change."
Brian Becker, Director of International Ministries, Point Loma Nazarene University
"During my time in the NLM Program, I saw my world expand dramatically. Not only did I have access to the amazing faculty, which was comprised of the leading practitioners in our community, but I was surrounded by the best and the brightest from the local nonprofit sector. In a very short time this program provided me with invaluable opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally."
Allison Bechill, Assistant Director of Development, Casa Cornelia Law Center, class of 2011
"I applied to the Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program because I heard wonderful things about it from colleagues. I had been working in nonprofits for about five years, and I was trying to figure out whether I wanted to build a career in the sector. After my first semester in the program, I have learned that the nonprofit sector is much larger and more varied than I realized. The program offers the valuable opportunity to work with other practitioners to question how nonprofits are and how they ought to be."
Jason Jarvinen, Program Specialist, International Rescue Committee, class of 2011
"The Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program (NLMP) at USD meets and exceeds my expectations. It combines theory and practice at the highest level, while cultivating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support. The program is rigorous and coursework is demanding, yet there is no sense of competitiveness between and among students. The professors are among the brightest I have ever encountered, yet remain accessible. Most importantly, the program has afforded me a unique opportunity to explore and deepen my understanding of the sector as a whole while maintaining a private consulting practice. I literally take NLMP theory and practice to work with me on a daily basis. I have no doubt that the effects of this program reach well beyond the student and into the community at large."
Nicole Miller-Coleman, Fundraiser & Consultant to Nonprofit Organizations
"The Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program at USD is top-notch! The program provides a unique approach of foundational and in-depth theoretical knowledge, and applied learning projects. The courses are academically rigorous, the support system is outstanding, my cohorts are incredible, and the generosity of USD and donors is very humbling. Anyone who enjoys an academic challenge and wants to gain a deeper understanding of the nonprofit sector needs to be in this program."
Lina Park, Membership Director, San Diego Asian Film Foundation, class of 2011
"This program seems like it was designed just for me. It is exactly what I was looking for in every way. I never knew I would be able to use the new knowledge and skills so immediately! Everything I have learned has made an impact in my career. I apply my new knowledge and it has made me a better employee, student, and leader."
Melinda Wilkes, Volunteer Manager, Jewish Family Service, class of 2011
"The nonprofit masters program is incredible. The learning is truly practical and the instructors are incredibly helpful and work with you to achieve success. I love this program."
"The Advocacy Skills was amazing. In a month, we were given the tools to put together an amazing advocacy campaign, work with legislators, and hopefully will see a piece of legislation pass as a result of our work. It has been a very exciting experience."
Ben Cartwright, Government Executive Assistant, Associated Students of San Diego State University, class of 2011
"The USD Nonprofit Leadership and Management program taught me not only about the practice and need for nonprofits in our society, but also about my own community, especially through the team and partner work done with my cohorts. Each class and project brought me closer to a cohort and to understanding the importance of their nonprofit in our region. The program actually represents a movement in San Diego to bring together and build a strong nonprofit community. I am very proud to receive my MA in this program and to continue to represent and support that effort in my everyday professional work."
Meg Storer, Communications and Public Affairs Coordinator, 211 San Diego, Class of 2006
"The Nonprofit Leadership and Management program has been an absolutely amazing opportunity for me to enhance and hone my professional skills. The program creates an outstanding learning environment by combining students from a large cross-section of the nonprofit sector in a classroom with professors who are proven experts. This combination creates the opportunity for students to learn from their professors and peers through theoretical and experiential learning as well as applied projects. I would highly recommend this program for any nonprofit practitioner who is serious about advancing their career or is tired of continuously learning by trial and error."
Mike Osoff, Project Director, Community Collaborations YMCA Youth & Family Services, class 2010
"I seriously considered tweaking an MBA program to satisfy my search for a Master’s level, nonprofit education. Although it is easy to describe this degree as an MBA for the nonprofit sector I am walking away with so much more. This program makes an enormous impact, not only upon my professional development but in the value and efficacy of the entire nonprofit sector."
Maureen Guarcello, Doctoral Graduate Assistant, University of San Diego, class of 2010
"My experience in USD's Nonprofit Leadership & Management (NPLM) program was one of the most formative of my adult life. The education I attained opened doors to my professional career that never would have existed before. USD provided me an extraordinary environment to develop both academically and professionally. From the beauty of the campus, to the engaging intellect of my fellow students, to the world-class quality of the NPLM program faculty, USD offers a tremendous opportunity to develop present and future nonprofit leaders. I challenge anyone to find a comparable program anywhere in the nation."
John Bolthouse, Executive Director, San Diego Water Conservation Garden, class of 2008
"The Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program is challenging, motivating, and invigorating. Each course that I have taken has provided me with an increased understanding of the complexity of nonprofits - from the legal requirements and government oversight of nonprofits to the opportunities that exist to strengthen the nonprofit sector. I recommend the NLM Program to anyone interested in broadening their understanding of the nonprofit sector and learning practical methods for applying this knowledge to a nonprofit organization."
Kim Thomas, Project Specialist, American Academy of Pediatrics-California Chapter 3, class of 2010
"Initially I felt critical of my organization because the information I was learning seemed absolutely essential for its success, so why didn't the organization's leaders know about it? Later I came to realize that it's not what my organization lacks that I should focus upon, but rather, how much potential is there for positive change? What can I take back to my organization to make it better?
The concepts we're learning in this program are like seeds we bring back to our workplaces. The seeds are dropped here and there and amazing things begin growing. New ways of thinking, problem solving, and leading are beginning to sprout in various corners of my organization through conversations with colleagues and supervisors. I'm hopeful that by sharing my education, those tiny seeds take root and thrive.
Thank you again for giving me this extraordinary opportunity to learn from this program. I eagerly look forward to all of the lessons ahead!"
Anna Plaster, Executive Director, St. Vincent de Paul Society: Oregon Chapter, class of 2010
"The USD SOLES Nonprofit Program has been an enriching and meaningful experience for me professionally and personally. I'm continually impressed by my peers; their intelligence, insights and unique perspectives. The program creates a supportive leadership community for nonprofit professionals in San Diego which is sorely needed and invaluable."
Kelly Henwood, Youth Services Division Manager, Second Chance, class of 2010
"USD's Nonprofit Leadership and Management program has empowered me to transition from being a good to great manager. I am now able to look at my work in a new light and incorporate the most up-to-date practices that enhance not only my organization, but the nonprofit sector as a whole. This program has clearly demonstrated that the work of a nonprofit executive is one that has its rewards if all resources are utilized well."
Simi Rush, Special Programs Manager, High Tech High Charter Management Organization, class of 2010
"Nonprofits leaders are increasingly challenged by a rapidly changing global environment. The USD Nonprofit Leadership and Management program is teaching us to find solutions through the integration of cultural, socioeconomic, organizational, and strategic thought. The diversity of our class cohorts and the professors move us out of our professional comfort zones and encourage us to work creatively with our class colleagues, to create real life solutions for organizations in our greater San Diego community. My consciousness of larger societal issues and what we can do collectively to shape our world has never been so heightened as it is now through our class work, discussions, projects, and travel."
Rose Baxter, RN Manager, Rady Children’s Hospital & Health Center, class of 2011
"Before enrolling in the SOLES nonprofit management program, I was aware of its stellar reputation. However, what really surprised me was how immediately useful the learning would be. Within just a few weeks of starting, I found myself able to apply ideas, strategies and concepts I was learning in class. You don’t have to wait until you’ve earned your diploma to reap real benefits from this wonderful program."
Jim Stone, Executive Director, Walk San Diego, class of 2010
"The Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program has equipped me with the knowledge base and tools required to progressively advance in my career as a nonprofit leader. The program's content is easily transferable to the workplace, and the network of colleagues I have established as a result of the program is incredible! I highly recommend the program to anyone interested in the nonprofit sector."
Stacie Freasier, Operations Director, Mobile Matters, class of 2009
"I've become aware of how strong and highly valued the “cohort” relationship grew to be, and how the nonprofit administrators take extra steps to cultivate, e.g. picnics and open houses and Pat's café meetings. The Cohort has also served as a very important support system during stressful times."
Gretchen Pelletier, Senior Writer for Development, UCSD, class of 2008
"The standard of excellence of the Nonprofit Leadership & Management Program can been seen in every aspect of the coursework; the professors are knowledgeable, dedicated, experienced, and always willing to meet with students to ensure the highest quality of education; the program structure is thoughtful and purposefully interwoven to provide an ideal balance between the theoretical and practical; the fact that the program's students work in such a wide breadth of nonprofits allows for learning about the nonprofit sector not only from the classes, but from the other cohorts as well. I am constantly amazed at the immediate applicability of the coursework and learning in the independent school sector."
Barbara Ostos, Middle School Dean of Students, Francis Parker School, class of 2007
"It is a privilege to be a part of the Nonprofit Management and Leadership Program at USD. I have worked informally in the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years and naively began my own nonprofit three years ago. Participation in this program has given me the tools needed to be instrumental in creating an effective, successful and professionally managed organization that is really making a positive difference in many peoples' lives. Personally, my leadership abilities are being nurtured and strengthened each day as I am challenged and guided by the qualified and diverse professors who we are fortunate to have teaching in the program."
Monica Santos, Executive Director, Augustinian Scholarship Fund, class of 2008
"I always thought I was going to obtain a Nonprofit MBA. When I began examining numerous programs, something just didn't feel right about them. Then I was introduced to the Nonprofit Leadership & Management Program at USD. This is one of the greatest things to happen to me. Not only did I learn about financial issues, I learned about strategic planning, leadership, consensus organizing and numerous other topics that supported my growth and development. This program enhanced my knowledge of the nonprofit sector and helped position me to become a highly marketable and desirable nonprofit manager. Besides the classroom knowledge, I am proud to be part of a program where all the students look out for each other. It is about working together to help each other and to promote the greater good of the nonprofit sector. I am glad that I chose this program over the nonprofit MBA programs I had considered and am proud to be included in this prestigious program."
Seth Rosenzweig, Assistant Director of Resource Development, Temple Beth Am, class of 2007
"The lessons learned in the classroom are applicable to every facet of my job. Each of the projects done provide valuable work to our community and enhance our knowledge tremendously. This program has surpassed each and all of my expectations! It's incredible how amazing my classmates and instructors are—together they teach me more about the nonprofit sector and myself than any book available. The courses provide knowledge and personal growth as each of us strives to improve our organizations and ourselves."
Carrie Leising,
Development Coordinator, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, class of 2007
"The Nonprofit Leadership & Management Program has been an enormous help to me in understanding how nonprofit organizations work, and how they are supposed to work. The contacts I have made and the understanding I've gained through the readings, class projects and lectures have been extremely valuable in my work, which requires me to keep tabs on the nonprofit sector. I would recommend this program to anyone seeking to improve their understanding of the many elements that go into administering a nonprofit organization."
Jeff McDonald, Reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune, class of 2008
"I am in constant awe at the quality of the individuals that are in the program. I am not only honored to be part of the group; I realize that we are the future of the nonprofit sector in San Diego. I constantly feel that my knowledge and capacity has grown a thousand fold. We as a new generation of nonprofit leaders have big shoes to fill. Yet under this program I know that we, as the NPLM students and alums, are prepared to perform, produce and succeed as the next generation of our nonprofit sector leaders."
Ileana Ovalle, Manager, Government & Community Relations, Cox Communications, class of 2006
"I enrolled in the inaugural class of the Nonprofit Program and it took me twice as long as many of my classmates to finish my masters. Going the "slow way" with one class a semester worked best for my family and I encourage anyone who may be putting the program off because of time conflicts to consider this alternative. I have so enjoyed the classes and professors, and the results are evident in my business approach and my self-confidence in the work place. The added bonus of extending the program is meeting even more of the terrific students that participate in the program. Enjoy the process -- it's incredible."
Kelly Mitchell, University Advancement, Point Loma Nazarene University, class of 2006
"The Nonprofit Leadership & Management Master's program offers an ideal balance between theoretical and practical learning in the nonprofit sector with its combination of traditional academia, in-class analysis, and project work for local organizations. While one of the most attractive aspects of the program initially was the quality and expertise of the program staff, I was similarly impressed with the student-to-student learning that occurred throughout the program and which continues today."
Shannon Anglea Stubblefield, Director of Individual Giving, Greater Chicago Food Depository, class of 2005
"The program has added significantly to both my career and personal learning experience. The curriculum is outstanding relating every aspect of teaching to real work experience. I can truly say this has been one of the most wonderful experiences in both my career and life which will lead to many new opportunities."
Martha Marmolejo, Budget Manager, Neighborhood House Association Head Start Program, class of 2005
"The Nonprofit Leadership program secured my credibility with myself and current employer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and gave me the confidence to realize one of my goals: fulltime nonprofit work. As the Associate of Agency Fund Development, at the national level, I have the opportunity to contribute to the restructuring and rollout of a national campaign to help secure funds to mentor children. It was my MA from USD, and specifically the NP program that created the tipping point. My leadership classes have been invaluable in helping me manage 365+ field unit agencies in change management; my finance classes help me address fundraising management challenges as it relates to growth, and my co-horts gave me ideas I was able to share with over 700 people nation-wide in order to grow as an organization."
Jonathan Glasoe, Senior Development Officer, Direct Relief International, class of 2004
"I have found not only the knowledge and practical training invaluable, but the contacts from within the cohort as well as the ongoing support from professors have helped me provide the leadership to bring the nonprofit I manage to greater levels of success. I was recruited for this job while in the program and am now in my fifth year as executive director. During that time, the organization has continued to grow and prosper and I have seen a direct correlation between the MA program and the organization's significant increased financial return to our public schools. I highly recommend the program to anyone seriously interested in bringing a nonprofit to the next level and growing personally as well."
Patty Cowan, Executive Director, Coronado Schools Foundation, class of 2007
"This program builds upon one's confidence and fully prepares you to address the challenges and intricacies of managing a nonprofit organization. The courses are comprehensive and after you graduate you have many options. Whether you choose to be an executive director, development director, or a program director or any role as a senior manager, you will be equipped with the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and resources made available by participating in the Master's program.”
Edith Glassey, Director of Philanthropy, Family Health Centers of San Diego, class of 2005
"As I meet other expatriates and host country nationals I am impressed with the nonprofit work that is going on in Ghana. I am equally struck by how similar the challenges are of these organizations to the nonprofits I know and have worked with in the States. Governance, Strategic Planning, Leadership, Resource Development, Marketing, Business Ethics, and Advocacy are all on the agendas. I mention this because as I reflect on the USD Nonprofit degree requirements it is apparent that my learning and experiences are transferrable to business sectors in and out of the United States. We learned specific skills and theory that allow me to offer myself wholeheartedly and with confidence to any organization I am interested in pursuing."
James Otis, High School Principal, North Broward Preparatory School, class of 2004
"I absolutely love being in the Master's program for Nonprofit Leadership & Management. It is an amazing and incredibly rewarding program that is not only teaching me the significant and practical skills that I need to utilize in the nonprofit sector, but the program allows me to use the passion that I have for helping others in a positive and productive manner. I feel incredibly fortunate to be included among so many talented individuals who desire to make a change in the nonprofit community. I truly value the friendships and camaraderie that has been created among our own cohort."
Keri Canedo, Coordinator of Residential Services, Home of Guiding Hands, class of 2007
"I followed the development of this program for two years before it came time for me to apply. I knew it would dramatically enhance my professional contributions to the world. As I began collaborating with my fellow students, I realized that through this program we were developing a strong network of high caliber nonprofit professionals. Over the next fifty years, these relationships will raise the bar for nonprofit organizations around San Diego and around the world. It is a privilege to be a part of such an awe-inspiring program. Like the rest of my cohort, I'm in this for the long haul."
Jennifer Jones,
Graduate Research Assistant, Caster Family Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Research, class of 2008
"There is never a week that goes by that I am not describing the program to someone. The quality of the program/faculty is exemplary, and the quality of the school is incredible so when you put the two together, it's three times as good! And I haven't sold a textbook back yet because I'm ending up with such an incredible resource library! That says a lot too!"
Jan Ferree, Trauma Prevention Coordinator, UC San Diego Medical Center, class of 2006
"I recently had the privilege of facilitating a strategic planning process for a national organization as a consultant. In the span of two days of rigorous planning, the organization achieved incredible results. It redefined its mission and direction, revamped all of its programs, clarified the roles and responsibilities of the Board, formed working committees, reviewed and amended bylaws, adopted a Board manual and created a resource development plan involving collaborative partnerships and various fundraising strategies. We would never have been able to accomplish this without the training I received at USD. The strategic planning course I took taught me the necessary research, analysis and facilitation techniques, which helped me lead the planning process constructively. Besides, this process involved knowledge and reference materials that I gained from all classes in this MA program: nonprofit fundamentals, legal issues, research and evaluation, finance, resource development, public speaking, consensus organizing, leadership and change, among others. (And I wish I could have taken all of the other electives!) In sum, I believe the best accolades that this program can receive are the results which are achieved by its students and alumni in their dedication to “making this world a better place” through their extraordinary work in the nonprofit sector."
Svetlana Krasynska, Nonprofit Consultant, 501c3Consulting.com, class of 2005
"The program has been the right place for me to share ideas, confront challenges and think strategically about the nonprofit sector. My professors have created an environment where visionary thinking takes place. You can't put a value on that."
Pete Greyshock, Nonprofit Capacity Building Consultant, class of 2008
"All semester long I have been critically comparing and contrasting "technical" and "adaptive" worlds in the Fundamentals and Leadership courses. By thoroughly exploring case studies of failed leadership I have learned that staying too long in either world (technical or adaptive) is dangerous and in order to be an effective leader one needs to understand how both worlds work and how to strategically pull from each to construct an effective plan of action. As the next generation of nonprofit leaders, I am very grateful to have this opportunity alongside my colleagues to learn and reflect on these dynamics in a supportive environment."
Otto Sanchez Cocino, Compliance Officer, MAAC Project, class of 2009
