The Stratford University Times

News of the Falls Church Campus - December 2016

Newsletter Office: Room 209, 2nd Floor South, Editor: John Thieman

VETERENS DAY — NOVEMBER 11

Viet Nam Memorial and Arlington Cemetery - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Stratford University recognizes this national holiday

proclaimed by the President and Congress as a time to

reflect upon our national heritage and the rights and free-

doms we enjoy which have made our country strong.

In particular, Veterans Day recalls the heroism dis

played by our military personnel who have served our na-

tion in the past and who, to this day, risk their lives in

dedicated service to preserve our freedoms and way of

life. On this day we honor the heroism of those who died

in enemy action, those presently in harms way and those who support our

fighting men and women. Their honor is perpetuated at the Tomb of the Un-

known Soldier which bears the following epitaph: “ Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier

known but to God. ”

WINTER ’ S COMING — YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RAVE

If we rely upon the wisdom of experienced Stratford employees and The Farmer ’ s Al-

manac, their winter predictions for the coming months would include more snow and below

freezing temperatures. More snow in the Washington Area makes driving more difficult

with the possibility of delayed openings or early closings. Students, staff and faculty need

to be informed of weather alerts affecting campus openings, closings and delayed classes.

Stratford University has partnered with Rave Mobile Safety

( R AVE ) to deliver messages to currently enrolled Stratford University stu-

dents, staff and faculty to their personal email addresses, as well as their

landline and cell phone free of charge, but it is important that everyone con-

firm their contact information is correct.

To manage your account, visit http://www.stratford.edu/alerts and login using your Stratford Account

( H int: the same username and password as the portal and online learning platform - Moodle ) . If you do

not already have a username and password, please contact IT Support https://my.stratford.edu/itservices.

If you do not wish to receive alerts, please login to your account at http://www.stratford.edu/alerts, click

on the “ My Account ” tab, and delete your email address under “ Email Contacts. ” Have a safe and

enjoyable winter.

Viet Nam Memorial ARLINGTON CEMETERY

Tomb of the

Unknown Soldier

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 issued the following Christmas message: “ On Christmas, we cele-

brate 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 whenever

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 won-

drous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts and souls of cheerful

givers. ”

HANUKKAH

Called Chanukah, the Feast of Lights or Feast of Dedication is an eight-day Jewish

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 No-

vember to late December. It is observed by lighting the candles on a nine-branched Me-

norah. Legend tells that only one flask of oil was available in the Temple for the rededi-

cation rituals, but this one by itself supplied enough oil 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? ”

THANKSGIVING DAY 2016

Thanksgiving Day was officially recognized by Present Abraham Lincoln during the

Civil War when he issued the following proclamation in 1863. . . . we have been the

recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years

in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other

nation has ever known. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten 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

citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in

foreign 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 CAMPUS CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING

The staff and faculty gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving and share

their favorite pot-luck dishes. Some chose to bring a sliced turkey dish

along with the traditional dressing and gravy. Others prepared their

own personal favorites such as fresh fruit and sweet chocolates or pies

decorated to their personal taste. The meal was shared and enjoyed

by everyone.

DIWALI 2016

The five-day Hindu festival called Diwali is an official holiday in India cele-

brated between mid-October and mid-November. The name Diwali is a con-

traction of deepavali which translates into “ row of lamps. ” 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.

WELCOME

from Dr. Shurtz

THE RANGOLI - Holy sign wishing health, happiness and prosperity to all visitors.

PRIEST

Explains the importance of Diwali

THE TIKKA - Holy Sign of Welcome

FRIENDS

THE HEENA - A sign of happiness

SHARING A MEAL

PARTICIPANTS AND VISITORS

Computer Information Systems

WORKSHOPS PROVE TO BE ATTRACTIVE

Although only forty-five minutes in length, the

workshop sessions started by Program Director

Dr. Vince Osisek and offered to all CIS students

prove to be attractive and helpful. The topic ad-

dressed in the workshop during week 4 of Q5

dealt with a topic requiring Financial Analysis and

Project Evaluation. A real-life situation was pre-

sented to the group of future Project Managers who examined, discussed and evaluated their best solu-

tion. Although only 45 minutes long the session led by Dr. Fateh provided a good learning experience.

The final Skill Workshop was scheduled with Dr. Bishop in Week Six. It dealt with deals with the Big

Data quick example of the Overview of the MapReduce process along with a demo.

Student Services

STUDENT SERVICES HONORS STUDENTS OF Q4

From their first contact with Stratford University and even after graduation, students are made aware of

the school ’ s commitment to support student excellence in accomplishing their goals. This quarter, Cam-

pus Dean Dr. Valarie Trimarchi along with Student Support Manager Kathya Vargas and Student Support

Coordinator Tamika Brown recognized and rewarded a student from the programs of Arts & Sciences,

Business, Health Sciences, IT and Nursing at a special luncheon.

“ The final decision was difficult since there were a number of students in each program who earned a

GPA of 3.0 and exemplified excellence in their class work, ” commented Dr. Valarie Traimarchi who made

the presentations. They are pictured below L to R: Alexis Saunders, Fernanda Ceccon, Jinal Gandhi,

Michelle Ball and Olayinka Lukmon Salimon.

Student Services

HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR

WELLNESS FAIR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED

The completion of the many details of presenting the Wellness

Health Fair required the work of many people. From the beginning

ideas to its actual completion, Azra Khan counted on the efforts of a

group of dedicated student volunteers. Their hard

work was recognized later at a lunch where they re-

ceived a certificate of recognition and appreciation.

Shown L to R are: Student Support Manager Kathya

Vargas, Assistant Student Support Manager Azra Khan, Krishna Pabbaraju, Chintan Patel,

Prapik Patel, Manan Parikh, Ravi Rajeshkumar Acharya and Student Support Coordinator

Tamika Brown. Pictured separately is Patricia Dizon. Not pictured is Apurva Goswami and

Srujal Desai.

Azra Khan gave special thanks to Ravi Rajeshkumar Acharya who volunteered to help in the Sahaja

Yoga Meditation Workshop. Ravi is a special part of the Sahaja Yoga Organization.

Arts & Sciences HUMANITIES 250 CLASS VISITS THE CORCORAN SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Furthering its study of cultural diversity, members of the Humanities250 class

attended a performance hosted by the Embassy of Indonesia with a George Wash-

ington University class. The presentation recognized through a Javanese Shadow-

Puppet Play the manifestations of Islamic culture in Indonesia which is home to

more Muslims than any other country.

DR. AMY CARATTINI PRESENTS PAPER IN MINNEAPOLIS

Dr. Carattini, Arts & Sciences professor at Stratford Falls

Church Campus of Stratford University, in collaboration with Maria

Sprehn of Montgomery College, jointly presented their research

paper at the November meeting of the American Anthropological

Association ’ s November meeting in Minneapolis.

Their presentation titled “ You ’ re an Immigrant? ” explored

mobility experiences with the foreign-born population in the middle-class sector of the hyper-diverse Latino

community in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Dr. Carattini identified how this group is socially

constructed from both emic and etic perspectives. She highlighted the need to create an understanding of

its complexity and heterogeneity.

EXPLORING THE NEW MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART A determined Humanities 250 class recently braved the lines of people wait-

ing to view the exhibits at the recently opened Museum of African Art on the

Mall of the nation ’ s capital. Among the many displays viewed, their favorites

were those of the Zimbabwe ritual celebration. The students were allowed to

examine and even wear traditional antelope masks, form circles and take part

in the celebration dance. The rule, education by doing, was again proven cor-

rect.

Pictured L to R are: Peter Wilson, Karla Bush, Mayerly Morris, Taiba Basir, Charlie ( guide ) , Amy Crat-

tini, Mohamed Jalloh, Ramesh Makhloga and Onyema Nwakanma.

Information Technology ORGANIZATION OF AMIRACAN STATES ( 0AS) WELCOMES STRATFORD STUDENTS

By Dr. Shakir Ullah

On 18 and 21 November a group of Stratford University CSIT students

and staff from Falls Church, Woodbridge, and Alexandria campuses will

participate in a Cyber Security Simulation exercise organized by the Organi-

zation of American States ( OAS ) at the OAS Administration building in

Washington DC. The students will assist in the installation and testing of the

network and game. During the exercise, the students will provide technical

assistance to the simulation participants and assist the simulation technical

staff.

The Cyber Exercise was developed by the OAS IT Security team to educate leaders in the hemisphere

on Cyber Security issues, policies, and operations.

Today, the OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main po-

litical, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Western Hemisphere. The OAS was established in

order to achieve among its member states—"an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to

strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independ-

ence. ”

The following Stratford members are participating in the exercise: Mr. Mike Cobb ( CSIT Faculty ) ,

Marlene Cabrera, Qiaowei Liu, Jabbar Khan, Jared Samplaski ( IT Staff) , Yashwanth Neelam, Saikrishna

Kanagala, Sushma Vallabhaneni, Sagarkumar Shantilal Kabariya, Aravind Kumpatla, and Manan Parikh.

Mr. Mike Cobb, full time CIS faculty at FC, is leading and guiding Stratford ’ s students in this project

under the Research Division ’ s industry outreach and collaboration initiative.

School of Nursing

SUE GARDELLA APPOINTED CO-DIRECTOR OF NORTHERN VA. STATE SIMULATION ALLIANCE

In announcing Sue Gardella ’ s new appointment, Dr. Sharron Guillett said,

“ I t is a privilege when our own Nursing instructors receive this kind of recogni-

tion from their professional association. Sue is a committed, dedicated teacher

and we are all proud that she has been recognized in this way.

“ The Northern Virginia State Simulation Alliance ( VASSA ) is committed to

assist in the education of Nursing students through the education, practice and research of health profes-

sionals by the technique of simulation. Sue is well-prepared to bring her knowledge and experience to

benefit the teaching profession. ”

Sue is pictured evaluating Prince Ejindu as he performs nursing assessments on a simulated

“ F lorence Nightingale.”

NSG120 - FOUNDATIONS OF EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING PRACTICE

Instructor Rumana Akhter ” listens in ” to the blood pressure testing that nursing

student Joy Emelumba is taking of fellow student Amy Heffelfinger. The course

helps the students practice and develop their needed basic cognitive, assessment

and professional communication skills in a laboratory setting; often used during their

later hospital and medical clinic practical training before graduation.

FALLS CHURCH CAMPUS HOSTS OPEN HOUSE

The Falls Church Campus regularly offers students in the sur-

rounding communities the opportunity to gather with the Admis-

sions Department and Program Managers to discuss, and learn

how to acquire the skills they need to help them succeed in their

chosen career fields.

For some, their goal was to learn how to obtain a terminal certifi-

cate or degree, for others it was to understand the time requirements and classroom commitments needed

for successful completion.

Campus Director Dr. Mary Kay Svedberg stressed that in all cases, the university commits its many

resources and services to support each student through every phase of his career preparation journey.

A group of prospective nursing students, pictured on the right, received a tour of the simulated hospital

environment by instructor Sue Gardella, who explained the nursing program of studies and answered

questions.

On the left, Michelle

Ball takes the tem-

perature reading of

Itzel Carter.

On the right, Jeneba

Cham checks the

pulse of Karla Melen-

dez

Health Sciences SEEING IS BELIEVING

How sure are we that our skin is really clean after we wash, or that a single

sneeze is harmless? The answer was made very clear for Dr. Mudher Mustafa ’ s

Microbiology class in one of their class meetings after they had collected bacteria

samples from their skin and nose and placed them in the incubator.

The samples incubated quickly and a random sampling of the results were exam-

ined under the microscope in class and then projected on a screen for class discus-

sion.

In the picture Dr. Mustafa is identifying a sampling of bacteria colonies taken from the nose of a stu-

dent who had a cold when the sample was taken.

He noted that while some bacteria can remain relatively harmless where they grew, there could be seri-

ous complications when they came in contact with different bacteria located in other parts of the body or

with those of other persons. After the discussion, the class became very thoughtful as they realized the

importance of personal cleanliness and concern for the health of others.

Relief was on the way! It was asked what effect anti-biotic medicines would have

and if there might be an effective remedy against bacterial infections. The stage was

set! What better way to demonstrate the effectiveness of anti-body medicine than in

a laboratory demonstration. The petri dish cultures of growing bacteria were treated

with different types of anti-bodies and incubated to allow the bacteria to grow. At the

next class, the petri dishes revealed the effect of the anti-bodies. To the right, Dr.

Mustafa is holding several cultures for the students to examine. The effectiveness of

the anti-bodies was evident by the size of the clear area around the bacteria. . . and the value of the treat-

ment was demonstrated for the students to see.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II

MED210 students study and discuss the structure and function of the Re-

nal System. Instructor Dr. Hamida Hussein draws attention to a particular

structure in the kidney specimen held by Virfel Nina Valdezs as Mariel Timothy

views a presentation of the kidney in different aspects.

DR. RAVI RATHNAM NAMED ASSOCIATE DEAN OF GLOBAL ONLINE DIVISION

Dr. Rathnam first became associated with Stratford University at the Glen Allen Cam-

pus in Richmond, Va. where he was faculty lead of Health Sciences. Since then, he has

acted as Program Director of Health Sciences at the Falls Church Campus and worked

with its Online Business Department as well as acting state program director of Pharmacy

at the Newport News campus. In addition to his administrative experiences, Dr. Rathnam

is an experienced teacher of Medical Terminology, Anatomy/Physiology and other medi-

cal and health care administration courses.

He commented, “ M y goal in this position is to be available to assist student reach the career goals

they have set and always be open to questions to help them in them plan their future. ”

ISO CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL EDUCATON WEEK

The ISO students were recently asked this question. “ How im-

portant is the education you receive from Stratford University while

you are in this country?”

This were so many thoughtful responses that they were posted

along the wall of the office for all to read.

The response made by one stu-

dent summed up the feelings of many: “ For me, education is a chance to

meet new people with different backgrounds and with new ideas. It is a

chance to learn from them, develop better social skills and grow as a per-

son. Education is an opportunity to make this world a better place to live.

Stratford University has very convenient campus locations and creates a

really nice international atmosphere that allows students from different

countries to feel at home and focus on education.” Welcome to Stratford!

Career Services

STUDENTS ATTEND NEW JOB SEARCH WORKSHOP SERIES

Assistant Manager Kimberly Orr did not wait long after her

recent appointment to the Career Services Office to share her

“ S ecrets ” of searching for a job with the students. She is

pictured during the first meeting of the series discussing the

need to plan ahead. Other topics included: early preparation,

using online resources, networking, preparation of cover letters,

accurate resumes, obtaining professional references, and tran-

scripts.

There is one remaining session on Tuesday December 6th in Room 405. The time is from 2 pm to 4

pm. Special information will be given for F1-OPT/OPT-Pending International Students and recent alumni.

Learning Resource Center

VERONICA GARZA APPOINTED AS ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN

A native of Houston Texas, it was here that Veronica earned her B.A. and M.S. in

Library Science degrees. The invitation of a friend brought her to the east coast

where she experienced the mild weather and colors of spring in Virginia. She was

particularly attracted to Stratford University library work because of its mission to help

students succeed in their studies to reach their career objectives. She will be respon-

sible for instructing classes in research methods, report writing and use of the center ’

s many learning aids.

DISCOVER THE TREASURES IN THE LRC ( LIBRARY )

A visit to the Learning Resource Center during November presented the won-

der of discovering a display of rare maps prepared by Library Assistant Jade

Woodbridge.

On display was a copy of a map of the known world made in 1489, perhaps

studied by Christopher Columbus prior to making his journey westward in search

of a shorter water trade route to India.

Another map was based on information given to a map maker in 1802 by the Indian

Chief Ad ko mok ki of the Blackfeet Indian tribe. It is thought that this map was carried

by the explorers Lewis and Clark who were encouraged by President Thomas Jeffer-

son after the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France.

Their expedition was planned for the purpose to discover a water link from the Mis-

sissippi River westward through the mountains to the West Coast. The expedition left

St. Louis in 1804, and by using maps similar to the one on the right and with the help of friendly Indians,

the explorers were able to reach the shores of the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. Their discovery of the

route led to opening up the west for settlement especially through events like the Gold Rush in 1849.

On your next visit to the LRC, you can not only discover their map collection of new lands, but so much

more with the help of its friendly staff.