Alumni :: Alumni Association Near You

Following UMT graduates became DETC's "Outstanding Graduates". These graduates are recognized for their excellence in educational accomplishment. They have distinguished themselves in their careers and in society.

UMT's 2008 DETC Outstanding Graduate

San Ramon, California

...distance education provided her with the confidence she needed to succeed

Sarah Santorsiero was already a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) when she discovered the University of Management and Technology. Beginning with an Executive Certificate in Project Management, she successfully completed her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in June 2007.

Sarah had managed successful software and networking projects for over 17 years, but over time she realized employers increasingly wanted employees with bachelor's degrees. Working as a consultant and starting a new family, Sarah thought a degree was infeasible.

At UMT she found a partner to help achieve her educational goals. For her, the primary benefits in getting a BBA from UMT were the high quality education at an affordable price with flexible scheduling amongst course activities and the professional staff. The Executive Certificate and BBA enhanced Sarah's PMP credentials and skill set, and increased her opportunities within a competitive job market.

"I am very excited that I received my BBA because of the wealth of cutting edge methodologies in project management and business that I now hold. UMT opened the door for me to many opportunities that I previously would not be considered for without a BBA."

UMT's 2007 DETC Outstanding Graduate

Carlstadt, New Jersey

...distance education aided his career

Mr. David Elliott started his engineering career managing telecommunications projects. Since 1992, he has served the United States as a reserve soldier. In 2003, he participated in the initial invasion of Iraq. His team completed 29 major reconstruction projects under combat conditions. He earned the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge.

David enrolled at The University of Management and Technology (UMT) in January 2005. He initially completed an Executive Certificate in Project Management. He then continued his studies at UMT, completing an MBA in April 2006.

In addition to his MBA from UMT, David holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His other awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Soldier of the Year (1993-1994), and the Leadership Award from the Army Armor School. He is employed by Ernst & Young.

"Getting my MBA from UMT helped me bridge the gap between technology and business. To make a real contribution, technology has to be directed and managed with an eye on the business needs of the customer. I now understand how to do this, and make sure my choices are made from a technical and business perspective."

UMT's 2006 DETC Outstanding Graduate

Fairfax, Virginia

...he fulfilled a 30 year dream to complete his degree

Mr. John T. Halter found himself competing for senior information technology positions with younger and less qualified candidates who had college degrees. That's when John enrolled at UMT, completing the Executive Certificate in Project Management program and subsequently earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

John had left college in the early '70s to join the U.S. Army, where he learned computer programming. Since leaving the service, he excelled in his career, reaching executive level and working for global multibillion-dollar software leaders. Even though successful, John realized his 30+ years in information technology wasn't going to maintain his viability in the job market or satisfy employer requirements for a Bachelor's degree.

At UMT, John was able to pursue studies on his own terms, becoming a stellar student and earning his Executive Certificate in Project Management in record time. When UMT received accreditation for its computer science program, John was first in line to enroll, and the first to complete UMT's B.S. in Computer Science, graduating magna cum laude!

"UMT's distance education programs allowed me to earn a degree that reflected my years of experience in information technology... a dream come true! I highly recommend UMT for achieving one's goals in life."

UMT's 2005 DETC Outstanding Graduate

...he is a lifelong learner

Mr. Robert Bryan Parker was certified in 2001 as a Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute. He was looking for a program to provide the continuing education training required to remain certified. He selected the University of Management and Technology to provide the training and to earn an Executive Certificate. His success in the program led him to enroll in the Master of Science in Management program, which he completed with outstanding grades in September 2004. He is now considering a second masters.

Bryan has been a strong and increasingly important contributor to his corporation. he is currently the senior technical infrastructure project management for the conversion of the FLeet bank to the Bank of America's retail platform.

In his interactions with faculty and staff and as evidenced by his coursework, clearly he has gained considerable knowledge, skills, and abilities by completing his programs with UMT.

"I've been a lifelong learner, however the challenges of obtaining an advanced degree was difficult due to job and travel requirements. With the curriculum offered by UMT, I was able to take specialized classes in my chosen profession, developed and delivered by some of the foremost experts in the field."

UMT's 2004 DETC Outstanding Graduate

Kenneth Alan Hudacsko

Silver Spring Maryland

... distance learning rewarded his ambition

Mr. Kenneth Hudacsko was already well established in his career, but he was driven to learn more. he was attracted to the University of Management and Technology because he wanted to be involved with and contribute to an innovative educational program. The expertise of the project management program's creator also encouraged him to enroll.

Ken was one of the first students to enroll in the program. he immediately took a leadership role in the student body and was instrumental in creating and launching the Student Council. Under his leadership, the Student Council served many important functions that are vital to the distance learning student: providing a means for the students' voices, improving the courses, instruction, and student services, organizing student activities, and creating a sense of community.

Ken is an acknowledged expert in project management in the federal government. Since graduating from UMT, he has increased his focus on helping the Office of Information Systems and Technology Services at the U.S. General Accounting Office to achieve its strategic goal of demonstrating model management practices for the federal government.

"UMT gave me an extraordinary opportunity to build on my project management experience while continuing full stride in my profession and keeping an important balance with my family and community."

The Griffon is published four times a year and is an authorized publication for members of the Army.

Spring 2006 Issue

Project Management Education Creates New Opportunities

When Rod Heath began studying project management, he had three goals; earn a master’s degree, gain enough professional development units to re-certify with the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and increase his marketability in the civilian job market before retiring from the Air Force. Given the demands of his job, he felt the only way to make timely progress was to attend a distance education program. “I simply didn’t have time to go to a classroom for a few hours a night several times a week. I had to have a program that was flexible where I could study on my own and make progress as fast as I could.”

After taking a few online courses, Rod felt he still was not on track to achieve his goals. “It became obvious that the school I was attending wasn’t for me: tuition rates increased beyond what I could afford even with the military tuition assistance and the growing dissatisfaction I felt with the course work it became clear that I had to find a better school.” Rod called the University of Management and Technology and discussed his problems and, more importantly, his goals. At first, he was a bit skeptical, but finally he decided to try the program. “I knew what I was looking for, and UMT worked hard to accommodate my schedule. Their willingness to work with me to create a learning plan was a major step towards achieving my long-term goals.”

At UMT, Rod was able to pursue studies on his own terms, becoming a stellar student and earning his Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Project Management. And Rod was able to get his assignments done despite many changes and challenges at work... [Download the full article in PDF]

Winter 2006 Issue

Distance Education Fulfills Life-Long Dream

When John Halter left college in Texas in the early 1970’s, he said goodbye to his dream of earning a bachelor’s degree. “I have no regrets. I was out of money and will. After struggling years at West Texas State University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Geology, I finally called it quits. With no money and no prospects of a job, I enlisted in the Army with the chance of learning computer programming, which I heard was a hot career option.”

Since leaving the service, John excelled in his career, reaching executive level and working for global multibillion-dollar software leaders. Even though successful, John realized his 30+ years in information technology wasn’t going to maintain his viability in the job market or satisfy employer requirements for a bachelor’s degree. “Nowadays, at my level and in my field, everyone not only expects you to have your bachelor’s degree, but also your master’s.”

After taking courses at two major universities, John still felt he was not on track to the goals he had set for himself. “These schools really did not understand what a working, career-focused adult needs.” Then in November 2003, a friend mentioned that the University of Management and Technology (UMT) might be a good place for John to consider... [Download the full article in PDF]