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Irene Banks Master of Arts in Psychology (2016) Irene Banks learned about Northcentral University's programs through a professor while completing her bachelor's degree. She has since graduated from NCU with a master's degree in psychology. In addition, she has already started a doctoral program in marriage and family therapy. She hopes to complete the dissertation within two years. "It's going to take [new students] a lot of focus and time," Banks said. Her advice to future students is to "make sure that you make time for yourself. Stay dedicated, and remember your purpose. You can do it, but it's going to be hard. There are going to be some days where you want to quit and not submit assignments, but pace yourself. You were built for this moment." Banks credits multiple people in her life who encouraged her when she felt like giving up. "They inspired me to be greater, and to do my very best. Make sure you find somebody who's a "Google" person. My dear friend, John David, is like my Google—anytime I didn't understand, or wanted to give up, he pushed me. He was always there. When you have supportive family members and friends to back you, it makes the process so much easier, and your end result will be nothing short of greatness." Joseph Cappar Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (2016) Dr. Cappar's dream to earn a PhD began 40 years ago when he earned his master's degree. He put this dream on hold to earn a professional doctorate. Forty years later, at age 65, he feels that NCU helped him fulfill his goals. "As academic professionals of an online institution, the prodigious administrators and amazingly talented professors treated me as a unique individual on a focused academic mission," said Dr. Cappar. "The administration was thoroughly sympathetic and amenable in granting an academic leave of absence when my wife underwent quadruple bypass, open-heart surgery." Though Dr. Cappar found the instruction challenging, he also found it fulfilling. "I am proud of this degree and the colossal effort required to earn it," Dr. Cappar said of the academic rigor at NCU. "I use my learning every day in my relationships [with others]. I expect soon to begin an additional phase of my journey in the classrooms of my local colleges or university satellites. While the journey has not ended, earning this degree was certainly the most highly significant educational and academic milestone along the way." 22