Testimonials

I believe Brescia University online courses provide the perfect learning opportunity for anyone with a need for distance learning beyond the classroom walls. It is this most recent online academic journey at Brescia, that for me, is fast-becoming a forever life-changing learning experience. I am a proud member of the Class of 2012, graduating with a BA degree in Psychology. The faculty and the online academic structure at Brescia, I believe has prepared me very well for an exciting future in psychology as demonstrated by my recent acceptance into a Psychology Ed masters program at the University of Northern Colorado. While am humbled by my personal academic successes I remember very well the challenges of balancing a full-time job, family, and school certainly was not always easy. For me, the Brescia Experience provided the right levels of flexibility to overcome these challenges that my dream of a new career will soon become a reality. Dennis W. Gish Brescia University, Class of 2012

Canton, NC

May 2012

Dear staff at Brescia, My name is Antoinette Morris and I recently graduated from Brescia University. I can say with great pleasure what a wonderful and life changing experience it has been since I started in the fall of 2009. Mrs. Shanda LaRue helped me in the STARS enrollment process and was not completely confident that she would be able to get me started; lucky for me she did just that. With this first confirmation of being accepted and enrolled to pursue a BSW I felt anything was possible. Starting the first semester with Mr. Keith Hudson as one of my main teachers together with Mrs. Marilyn Conley I felt that this program was just made for me. Every class thereafter fell right into place with the one I had taken before. Mr. Hullinger was amazing during my first Practice in Social Work and. Dr. Kuntz class in Faith and Justice put all my fears or doubts back in perspective concerning my choice of educational direction. My class concerning Social Issues in Diversity with Mrs. Cecil gave me the inspiration that I needed to make a change in my community and I signed up to help at a senior center. As I already mentioned that all classes followed up after one another reassuring me that my path was paved to accomplishing my goals, I was also surprised how much I loved all of my elective courses. Art appreciation(Stratton), Intro to Philosophy(Staff), Intro Drama( who did not enjoy Mrs OBrien intriguing class?), World Civ. II (Ash),and especially Mr. Moman's class in Music 100 showed that there is much more to appreciate music. All classes contributed to my lifelong learning and realization of more possibilities that would lie ahead. Professor Keeton is another person I want to acknowledge and I cannot thank her enough for putting up with me in Research and Statistics. It has to be said that her excellent knowledge of this subject and teaching this online made it possible for me to gain some knowledge to help me in Grad school. This said I also have to mention Mrs. Marilyn Conley who exceeded in her help through my field experience. It is quite amazing to consider this help from a distance and through phone communications. I surely would have loved to stay at Brescia and enjoy a bit more longer the feeling of belonging; sadly, it was time to move on. Again, I am not sure how to express my thanks throughout my time at Brescia and it is almost impossible to mention each one individual. Brescia sure has made an impact on me as an online

student and therefore I can encourage anyone who is a prospective student or is planning to attend any class online to take that first step. The Social and Behavioral Sciences department will be there to guide and help you through that process. The office staff( Marylou Catt), Registrar office( Sr. Helena), Financial Aid Office(Marcie Tillett) will all be right there to help you and make sure you will succeed. Thank you again Brescia for all you have done for me, sincerely, Antoinette Morris 12.

I would like to highly recommend Brescia's online social work degree program. I have been a transfer student and had previously attended one other major state university, and three private universities. This was by far the best experience I have had in post-secondary education. The instructors are always willing and available to work with you on a personal level for either extra instruction, to address problems, or for support. They bring a wealth of shared knowledge to their classes and students. Their ability to bridge the gap between on the ground classes and the online format is unique, and they are adept at utilizing both settings to help the counterpart succeed. Technology will always have its glitches, which they also handle with grace and professionalism. The online student body is very diverse and my interaction with these peers was rich. We developed a unique sense of community via chats, email and discussion boards. Many of us became friends, as much as possible in an online manner. The experience and knowledge that other students brought to Brescia with them, as well as what we developed during our time there, benefits all in a challenging time of academics. The larger community was also helpful, with IT support, comprehensive library services, and social support opportunities. Although I did not come to online learning looking for such, it was nice to know that some traditional campus life activities were made available to online students. I hope Brescia can continue this program, to grow it and assist many other students such as myself to gain a valuable education and experience in pursuing social work. They have produced excellent professional workers who will make a positive impact in society, in my opinion, and I am thankful to be counted as an alumnus. Kimberlee Winnett

Thanks so much for your help my first semester back to school. I had so many nerves about returning to finish my education, yet EVERY ONE that I have encountered at Brescia has made me feel confident, secure and "not out there alone". I appreciate your guidance!

Kellie Smith
I admit I was apprehensive about applying to an online university that was located in another state. Likewise, I had quite a few concerns about Brescia Universitys STARS Program: (1) will I receive a quality education equal to on-campus learning (2) will I become a number stored in the schools database and (3) is it possible to receive a bachelors level degree in social work without stepping foot on campus? Well, to answer these three questions: (1) I truly believe I have received a quality education. One aspect I love about my online learning experience is that the instructors give feedback on homework; positive comments, as well as suggestions on how to improve on the next assignment. Feedback helps me strive to be a better student; which, to me, constitutes a strong work ethic. (2) Although I have an ID number at Brescia, my number is not my name. From administrative personnel, to the helpdesk, to course instructors, not once have the staff made me feel like I am a part of an assembly-line production. Moreover, they are prompt in returning all emails, which is appreciated because email is the lifeline between Brescia University and their online students. (3) Yes I can receive a Bachelors Degree in Social Work without stepping foot on campus. What I like about the STARS social work program is that the program director and the field placement director make me feel like I am the only student they have enrolled in the program. Thats how attentive and considerate they are when I present them with questions that need answers. Most importantly, Brescia Universitys Online STARS Program has allowed me to continue in pursuit of my educational/career goals. I am elated to be a Brescia student and future graduate. Thanks BU! Katrena Larkin Name: Jessica Lopez Major: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Graduation Date: Dec. 10 My experience in the online social work program at Brescia University has been challenging and satisfying all at the same time. I didnt know what to expect from an online program and am truly amazed with the manner in which the courses are presented. Each course is personalized by

the individual professor and I feel like I know them even though weve never met in person. I have bonded with the other students in my classes and again feel as if I know them even though we havent met. My time at Brescia has been unique, challenging and amazing. I dont feel like I missed out on a classroom or on being with my family. Because of this program I have been able to focus on both. Attending Brescia University STARS Online Social Work program is the single best decision I made in continuing my education and I would recommend Brescias STARS Online program for anyone looking to advance their education. Brescias online format offers a relaxed setting that allows the student interact with the professor and fellow students. We work together and we learn together. The staff all offered exceptional guidance and support every step of the way. If quality education is what you are looking for, Brescias Online Social Work program is right for you. I found the program to be both academically and mentally challenging and feel that Brescias Social Work program has given me the tools I need as I embark on my journey into the Social Work world! The online format allowed me to enjoy my family life; be a mother and wife, yet still attend classes from the comfort of my own home in the evenings. Best of luck to all future Brescia Social Work graduates; you have made a wonderful decision in your education and are well on your way to a bright future --Tanya Couture BSW, Brescia STARS Class 2012 Hi Everyone! I just graduated with my Bachelors Degree from Brescia University on May 12, 2012. I went to another University before coming to Brescia and wasnt really feeling it. Then I received a letter in the mail introducing me to the new online Stars program for adults continuing their education. Coming to Brescia was so eye opening. I never liked sitting in classes surrounded by a lot of people. I also drove an hour every day to come to class. I had to come up with extra gas money and for lunch each day. My first class, I was a bit nervous and didnt know what to expect. I never used a webcam before and only had taken a few online classes. As class began I was so surprised. We had about 9 or 10 people in class compared to the 30 I was used to at my previous College. At first we were all a bit nervous, but we warmed up to one another. I feel lost without my online classmates now. We were like a family. Our professors were so nice and taught us along the way. We always helped each other. Some of my classmates always emailed me after class just to talk about what we discussed and just to chat to get to know each other a little better. Although the classes last a short period compared to a regular class setting, I learned so much since we crammed material into mostly 8 weeks. I loved my classes so much and think everyone should go to Brescia. Selina Thurman May 2012 graduate I had always wanted to return to college, but with a family and a full time job, I just could not find the time. I worried about the cost, my age (37),and the impact on my husband and children. One day I decided to research the idea and I found the online program at Brescia. I thought that

there must be a catch! Still, I sent an email to inquire and discovered that going back to college was definitely possible, even with my schedule. Although it seemed daunting at first, my interactions with the instructors and other students were challenging and thought provoking. My experiences at Brescia were not those of an anonymous person several states away. Instead, I got to know my fellow students and the professors knew my name. This program allowed me to finish my BSW in a quality program and in a reasonable time frame. Based on my educational credentials acquired at Brescia, I was accepted to an Advanced level MSW program. I am on the way to finishing my dream of a professional career as a social worker and I couldn't have done it without the online social work program at Brescia. Heather Williamson