Celebrating the dissertation defense and graduation

This posting takes a break from the heavier subject matters to thank everyone who had a hand in helping me get through my doctoral studies. I started the program in January 2001 and graduated on December 15, 2007. Dr. John Agada became the chair of my dissertation committee in June 2006 and that was the best thing that could have happened in regards to getting things in high gear towards completion. The photo at left is my dissertation committee on the day of the defense. From left to right, Dr. Don Wicks from Kent State University, myself, Dr. Herbert Achleitner from Emporia State University and my mentor, and Dr. John Agada from Emporia State University and my dissertation committee Chair.

Here is a photo from the processional march. The person in front of me is Mohammed Nasser Al-Suqri, one of my fellow SLIM doctoral students. We were the only two to graduate this semester. There were three other students who started the program with me in January 2001. I am the only one of the four fortunate enough to have finished the program. A major factor in my success was my employment position at SLIM and Emporia State University. The faculty and administration were very supportive and allowed me to take the time I needed this past summer to write the dissertation. Many colleagues across campus offered encouragement and support at critical times and I am also grateful for receiving financial assistance from the Richel Doctoral Student Scholarship Fund.

The support from my family these past several years was wonderful. I managed to attend most all of the important events, ball games, etc., and we found the time to take some meaningful family trips while I was involved in the PhD program. But there were also a lot of evenings and weekends holed up with the books and the computer that precluded just spending time together with each other. Each of my loved ones inspire me in their own individual way and truly helped to keep me grounded.