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"I am currently enrolled in the First Responder BAM class  in Hoffman Estates (FR BAM14). Tomorrow will be my last class, having met all my requirements for my degree.

I have always wanted to obtain my Bachelors Degree ever since I became a police officer in 1985, but due to shift work, day off rotations and money, I was never able to do it.  When I heard of your First Responder program two years ago, I thought it was a scam, too good to be true. I looked into it and learned it wasn’t. I was able to recruit enough police and fire personnel to start up a class in Hoffman Estates and 18 months later, I am writing to you.

I want to personally thank you and Benedictine for giving me something I thought I could never obtain. The classes and teachers were all top notch. I have learned a great deal during the last 18 months, not only "book smarts" but what I feel is more important, critical thinking skills. All of this has made me a better person and a better police officer.

A special thanks to Steve Nunes and  Tanesha Pittman for all their help and in keeping the program at a level that it is and to Kathleen Foldvary, who taught three classes for us and is a fantastic instructor . Please pass this on to all the others that I do not know that made this program possible." – Rich Russo

"I wanted to thank Benedictine University for the chance to better my life. I was offered a tuition paid enrollment in an AABA program. I started on 03/28/06 and graduated on 08/11/08 with an Associate’s degree in business management. Because of this I am qualified to the sergeant’s test at my sheriff office which I am employed. I also have a part time job as security at a local hospital. Because of this degree I went from exempt professional to a non exempt professional. This caused me to have instant pay raise. I am looking forward to taking the BAM program and once again thank you very much."– James Hetzel

"I am glad to hear the members of the Armed Forces are also eligible for the program.  I would to thank you for the opportunity and it was a wonderful experience.  I do plan on pursuing my Masters." – Julio Calabrese

"This a great program for our veterans, The college makes me proud to be a First Responded student there! Thanks for all you guys do." – Nick Pullia 

"Appreciate what you all have done for us."– Chris Noel

"First of all, thank you for all that you and Benedictine have provided to the First Responders. Graduating with a Bachelors Degree has been a huge accomplishment for most of us. We could not have done this without your help and understanding." – Edward Jancauskas, Batavia FD

"…I am proud to have met you and truly am honored to have participated in your program. I look forward to a life time of giving back to your program and if you need anything from me please ask."– Michelle Gibson, Tri-State FD

 "I want you to know I have had a very good experience thus far and I plan to continue into the master program. The challenge I have, not unlike many others, will be to secure the funding. I am thankful for having the opportunity to participate in the First Responder program. I intend to apply many of the lessons learned to my current position within the Calumet City FD and anticipate that as I receive additional promotions, that those lessons will become more pertinent. I feel it is just another way to serve my community. I hope that the funding situation looks brighter in the future." – David Saitta

"I wanted to thank you once again for the wonderful opportunity you helped to provide to the First Responders.  Also, thank you for your encouragement.  I was very apprehensive about enrolling in the program, however; your encouragement along with the encouragement of family and friends has made it all possible for me.  I think it is a wonderful program.  It has been a wonderful learning experience.  I cannot believe that I am almost finished with the associates program.  Time has really flown.  Thank you for coming out and informing us about the program.  You are doing a great job." – Kathy Ballard, Montgomery PD

 "…Once again, God has answered my prayers (with help from you)." – Edward Jancauskas, Batavia FD

"I don't need anything this time...I am just writing this email to say thank you! In one ten minute conversation you cleared up all of my questions in conjunction with reminding me about the four year university fifty-five credit hour requirement. I was discussing our conversation with several people earlier today and it made me realize just how much I appreciated your time and the knowledge you took the time to impart on me. So many people are quick to complain, I thought I would take two minutes and just let you know you are appreciated." – Henry Dahl

 "I just wanted to say thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday.  When I look back 18 months ago the road to my education future seemed so distant and difficult.  You and your staff have enabled me to succeed and empowered me to continue." – George Lapano

 "Please let me say THANK YOU for the opportunity to continue my education. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have earned a Master's Degree and at virtually no cost to me. It has been a blessing that I will remember as an alum of Ben U." – Lt. Mike Baker

 "The faculty members that I have listed are a complete asset to Benedictine University and they have most certainly made a positive impact on me as I have journeyed through the education process in the First Responder Program. It is my hope as I navigate my undergraduate, and in the future my graduate program, that I will continue to encounter instructors that are of the caliber as those I have listed above. If I were to have to issue grades based upon their teaching practices each one would receive an A. Thank you for your time." – Timothy Salamon, Batavia FD

"Let me take this opportunity to say thank you for the opportunity to further my education.  I recently was promoted to the rank of Sergeant with my department.  I can assure you that by Benedictine University giving me the opportunity to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Management it has truly been an asset in furtherance of my career." - Alfredo Dean

 "…Thanks for all your help and providing great service, it is appreciated!" – Douglas Giertz

"… By all means anything I can do for you or for this University I will do. Benedictine has allowed me the opportunity to open up new doors and expand my knowledge through education. My goal to pursue a MOB or MBA degree will continue with Benedictine and I will forever be grateful to the University and people such as yourself who have allowed me the opportunity to succeed." – Chris M. Biggs, Oswego PD

"Thank you once again for all of your help, and for having the confidence in me that I could do this.  Your encouragement from the beginning has been an inspiration to me. Thanks again so much. Have a wonderful day." – Kathy Ballard, Montgomery PD

"Thanks for all your help in reference to the First Responders Program. May God continue to bless you." – Cassius Pates, Bellwood PD

"I am writing to you to let you know what a wonderful journey this past year has been with the First Responder's Program through Benedictine University. We started our cohort as strangers and are ending up like brothers and sisters, just like our relationships at our workplaces. I have seen my classmates help each other when someone is struggling and also hold out a helping hand when needed.  As I previously told you, I would not have been able to afford to further my education in my current situation. This program has not only given me so much knowledge, but expanded my mind to think further about issues that I previously would have ignored.  My favorite class to date has been Moral Issues in Business (IE Philosophy). Our instructor had a complete passion for not only teaching, but helping us understand philosophy. I am proud to be on track with this program, and certainly hope there is funding in the future to further my education." – Angie Tellone, Glen Ellyn PD

"I just wanted to thank you for encouraging me to get back into school and start the First Responder Program. It has made a positive change in my life and the end does not look so far away any more. Who knows I might even consider a Masters when this in complete. Once again thanks for the encouragement." – Lt. James Caron, Lisle Woodridge PD

 "…thanks for all of the hard work you do for me and all of the members of the Fire Service. You are truly a blessing to all of us and a wonderful servant to His work."  - Mike Veseling, Naperville Fire Department

 "…I would like to thank you, your staff, and Benedictine University for working with us here at NPD to make this a reality for our staff.  While the number of personnel actually involved in the process may be small initially, there are HUGE levels of excitement displayed by all those here that were accepted.

I have heard nothing but praise for the tireless efforts that your staff have put forth in working with our folks in maximizing every credit hour possible and in communicating status.  From my experience you and your staff are excellent at communicating updates, quick in response to questions, and diligent in working with the host agency to minimize the impact that use of a facility for up to two years could cause.  It is wonderful to see that the hope of "someday" getting a degree has become a reality for some of our folks.  Thank you very much for helping our staff reach for the stars, and catch them." - Tim Jordan, Sergeant, Naperville PD

Thank you so much, I truly feel that everyone has an increased level of comfort with the various degree programs that are offered at a Master level. - Bureau Chief Jim French, Lisle-Woodridge Fire District