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The National Association of Independent
Colleges and Universities (NAICU)
named Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., chair
of its board of directors for 2014-2015.
As chair, President Fitzsimmons leads the
NAICU board in setting the association’s
agenda on federal higher education policy,
actively encouraging support of NAICU
priorities and initiatives and overseeing
the association’s financial administration.
She was elected to a three-year term to
the NAICU board in 2011 and will serve
as chair for one year. “To serve NAICU
in this capacity during such an exciting
and challenging time for higher education
is quite an honor,” said Fitzsimmons. “I
will work hard to represent the member
institutions and their ideals, pushing aside
politics and allowing what is best for student
learning to drive key decisions.” With
more than 1,000 members nationwide,
NAICU serves as the unified national voice
of private, nonprofit higher education.
Since 1976, it has represented a subset of
American colleges and universities on such
policy issues as those affecting student aid,
taxation and government regulation.
Shenandoah University is considered one
of the best colleges to help veterans pursue
a college education under the Post-9/11
GI Bill®, according to recent rankings by
U.S. News & World Report. The inaugural
Best Colleges for Veterans rankings
provide data and information on 234
schools across the United States that offer
federal benefits — including tuition and
housing assistance — to veterans and active
service members. Shenandoah ranks sixth
among regional universities in the South.
According to a release by U.S. News all the
Best Colleges for Veterans scored well in
terms of graduation rates, faculty resources,
reputation and other markers of academic
quality in the 2014 edition of the U.S.
Photo: Jason López
Adjunct Associate Professor of French Horn Joseph Lovinsky, A.D., ran 100 miles in March to raise scholarship money for French
horn students.
News Best Colleges. To qualify for the new
rankings, schools had to be certified for the
GI Bill and participate in both the Yellow
Ribbon Program and the Servicemembers
Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium.
“We place great value on our veteran
population and are indebted to them
for their service to our nation and their
contribution to our university community,”
said President Tracy Fitzsimmons. “We
are pleased to know that our institution
has been recognized for an inclusive and
positive culture that welcomes veterans.”
Adjunct Associate Professor of French
Horn Joseph Lovinsky, A.D., embarked
on his first 100-mile run in March to
raise scholarship money for current and
future Shenandoah Conservatory French
horn students. “I thought that if I’m going
to put in all this work, all this effort and
beat up my body this much, then I really
should do it for a cause,” said Lovinsky.
“I love the horn, I love horn students and
I have a real feeling for those who are
struggling financially.” Lovinsky retired
from the U.S. Army Brass Quintet in
July 2013. He enjoyed a fulfilling career
as first horn in the U.S. Army Band,
often playing luncheons at the White
House, funerals at Arlington National
Cemetery and at Purple Heart ceremonies.
A few years ago, during a particularly
tumultuous time in his life, Lovinsky
started jogging one night along the
Mount Vernon Trail. He ran 30 miles
round-trip and realized he was built to be
an ultramarathon runner. Lovinsky has
run a handful of ultramarathons since,
but he still considers himself a novice.
The farthest he has run at one time is 90
miles. “I know Shenandoah does all it can
to assist students with scholarships and
financial aid. I just thought if I could do
something to help even more, then why
not do it while I’m accomplishing my
100-miler?” said Lovinsky. “This could be
the difference between someone actually
graduating and getting a degree or never
getting their degree.”
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