Photo Information

Capt. Collin Alexander, MAG-39 ground safety officer, receives a poster signed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps from Terence Kerrigan, Director of College of Distance Education and Training, in recognition of his accomplishment as the first Continuing Education Scholarly online elective distinguished graduate at the Marine Corps University campus at Marine Corps Air Stations Miramar, California, Feb. 28. The Continuing Education Scholarly online elective seminar, Afghanishtan, Graveyard of Empires, provided students with the historical and cultural foundations needed to understand and appreciate Afghanistan, its people, its economy, and its politics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brytani Wheeler)

Photo by Sgt. Brytani Wheeler

MAG-39 Marine earns first Distinguished Graduate of MCU Continuing Education

28 Feb 2018 | Sgt. Brytani Wheeler 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

A Marine with Marine Aircraft Group 39 was recognized as the Marine Corps University, College of Distance Education and Training (CDET), Continuing Education distinguished honor graduate.

Capt. Collin Alexander, the MAG-39 ground safety officer, is the first Continuing Education Scholarly online elective distinguished graduate.

CDET expanded its distance learning to including the new program after an overwhelming demand for Marines to fulfill lifelong learning needs and ultimately reach their maximum professional and personal development, said Jason Keefer, the Continuing Education coordinator.

According to Alexander, self-improvement is important for advancement in the Marine Corps.
 
“I think as Marines we should always be looking to better ourselves and add value to the Marine Corps,” said Alexander. “Education in almost any capacity is a great way to do that.”

The Continuing Education online Scholarly elective seminar, Afghanistan, Graveyard of Empires, provided students with the historical and cultural foundation needed to understand and appreciate Afghanistan, its people, its economy and its politics. The seminar lasted eight weeks from July through September 2017.

“I saw this course as an opportunity to learn more about a country that has been a vital part of
American foreign policy and will likely be for years to come,” said Alexander. “It exceeded my expectations; the level of detail in the curriculum and the discussion groups were excellent.”

The course professor, Dr. Jack Cann, recognized Alexander as the distinguished graduate by Alexander’s flawless quiz performance and discussion participation.

“Capt. Alexander demonstrated an academic seriousness and acumen in my class that sets him well apart from the rest of the students,” said Cann. “Capt. Alexander is deservedly the top student in the class.”

Alexander will receive a poster signed by the commandant of the Marine Corps to recognize his accomplishment.

“It is an absolute honor,” said Alexander. “I hope [my accomplishment] generates interest in programs like this. I found it very valuable, and I gained a lot of useful knowledge.”

For more information on the continuing education program visit: https://www.usmcu.edu/cdet/continuing-education