American Graduate University Recognizes Student Excellence
American Graduate University, one of the nation’s premier distance-learning institutions, has established a chapter of the Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society. Election to membership in the society requires a minimum GPA of 3.75. The first American Graduate University graduate to be inducted completed his Master of Contract Management degree with a 4.0 GPA. The Delta Epsilon Tau, founded by the Distance Education and Training Council, which accredits AGU, honors not only academic achievement, but also a student’s serious commitment to self-study.
“I am a strong proponent of distance learning and wish I’d considered it years ago,” says AGU’s first Honor Society inductee Tom Sheetz, adding that if he had, “I wouldn’t have put off achieving my master’s degree this long.” Scheetz is now a Base Support Element Chief in the Specialized Contracting Flight at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado. “The AGU Master of Contract Management degree has increased my knowledge and given me a much broader perspective. I have no doubt the degree, and subsequent induction into the Honor Society, will provide more options and opportunities in the future.” Sheetz received his masters in 2004.
American Graduate University’s student body, which now stands at 700 working adults, is growing rapidly, according to University vice president Marie Sirney. Three years ago, the University’s enrollment stood at 125. Most who apply are seeking to improve their career advantage by receiving an accredited, advanced degree, certification or training in the areas of government contracting and acquisition, project management, or business administration. The University, for more than 30 years, has been attractive to rising professionals who are motivated and self-directed, and for whom the demands of career, family, and everyday life preclude traditional educational programs.
Delta Epsilon Tau draws on the rich heritage of the Greek alphabet to demonstrate the commitment that a member university has made to its most outstanding students. Delta, the triangle, is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet; in this instance, it stands for the unity of three groups: students, institutions, and the Distance Education and Training Center. Epsilon, the fifth letter, signifies education and development, and Tau, the Greek alphabet’s nineteenth letter, represents the establishment of good character and the recognition conferred upon one who has worked hard in his or her field of endeavor. Together, these three letters, along with the symbolic Flaming Torch of Knowledge and the words “integrity” and “excellence,” comprise the Delta Epsilon Tau emblem. This prestigious emblem takes the form of a Gold Key which may be displayed or worn with pride by its recipients.