Page 9 ; For One Grad, Distance is No Obstacle

Spring 2010 Volume 20 - Air Force Staff Sergeant Dean Givens came a long way to share in Bellevue University’s Winter Commencement. But the 6,600 miles he traveled from Izmir, Turkey, where he works base security, pales in comparison to the adversity he overcame in his youth. “I was told that I couldn’t escape the odds,” Givens recalls. “I was called incompetent and incapable, but that just motivated me to persevere.” Givens credits the staff at Bellevue University for helping him stay on track, completing his Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science online while serving overseas. “I never felt like a number here,” said Givens. “The staff showed me they were interested in me and made me feel like I am part of the family. The fact that there is an active Veterans Services department at Bellevue University was another positive indication that the University wants to serve members of the military and their families.” Givens, who has already begun studies on a Bellevue University Master of Public Administration degree, plans to keep moving forward. “My ultimate goal is to become Dr. Dean Michael Givens, Forensic Psychologist.” Dean Givens, left, credits Bellevue University’s online learning classroom for helping him reach his goals. Shown with him here are James Biernesser, center, Director, Military Programs, and Roy Crouch, right, Outreach Account Manager. © 2010 Bellevue University