“Technology is a wonderful thing!  It allowed four online students living in different states to present to a face to face audience their business plan.  In addition four students living in the Treasure Valley were able to present face to face while their fifth member joined via Adobe Connect.  Presenting their business plans via Adobe Connect gave the online students from Cohort 36 an opportunity to participate in the final culminating experience of the STEP program.  While sometimes experiencing a feeling of disconnect since the courses they take are always online, this presentation opportunity allowed them to not only participate but to enjoy presentations of their fellow students who they never see in class.  Many thanks to Media Services, especially Margie Watson, for assisting us in facilitating this experience!”            -Brenda Johnson

“The NNU STEP program was proud to present Senior Seminar presentations last night.  My three groups from Cohort 37, Mountain View Properties, E-Receipts, and Leader of the Pack, were excited to present projects that they had been working on since last May.  The night opened with an innovative video starring student Jennifer Hoppins as an overworked housewife drowning in receipt paper.  It was an original opening, and the evening was great fun from there!  The second group taught the audience about the broker/agent relationship in real estate, and the evening wrapped up with a tug at all our hearts as the final group moved us in the realm of the pet industry and the opportunities for growth there.  All the groups did a great job, and were very relieved to finally be done with their projects.  They are all to be congratulated for their hard work!”                     – Teri Whilden

I am thankful for the opportunity our family has to share this special holiday with our oldest son, Jasper, who is home from Iraq for 2-weeks.     – Judy Olson (Online Cohort)

I am thankful for my family and everything I take for granted. It is so easy to think of the things that I dont have or that I want. Thanksgiving is a great reflection to sit and really think about how bless I am and all the things I take for granted.     – Shelly Collier (Nampa Cohort)

I am Thankful for my health, employment, Yoga, family, friends, and my dog Frasier.  Life can throw you so many curve balls and without the support of family and friends, it is hard to imagine going through life without them.   I am thankful to have the ability to put on my running gear, tie my four-legged companion around my waist, hit the pavement, and enjoy what Mother Nature has given us.  I am also thankful for my Cohort team!  Attending class again with my classmates has certainly helped me stay motivated, positive and thrilled to know I will be graduating with a great group of people in December 2009.  The energy and support has helped me refocus on the ultimate goal of obtaining a degree.      – Delia McCormick (Boise Cohort)

I am so grateful for a country where I am free to do whatever I please. This is something that is overlooked by some, but is one of the cornerstones of our country. I am also grateful for all the brave soldiers who fight to uphold this great freedom. I am also blessed with a great family who cares and supports me in whatever I do. I am grateful to have a job that enjoy most of the time and that can provide enough for myself. I am also grateful to have the cnahce to further my education for my benefit. Finally, I am grateful to a cohort that I enjoy being with and that will support and help me when I need it.     – Chad Oakes (Boise Cohort)

The itinerary includes a visit to the Golden Triangle region of northern India: the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.  The tour will start in Delhi, sometimes referred to as the “Showcase of India”.  Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and offers a unique blend of ancient fortresses and historic ruins alongside skyscrapers and well-planned townships.  Jaipur was the first planned city in India.  Built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone, the city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets.  Lastly, the group will visit the town of Agra which is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and home of the world famous Taj Mahal. 

Other cultural and historical venues which may be visited include the Dhobi Ghat open air laundry, beautiful Jain temple, ancient emperor tombs, an 18th century open-air astronomical observatory, and the world famous Fort Agra.

In addition to cultural and historical sites, participants will have the opportunity to tour local and international businesses to learn about India’s place in the global economy as well as understand the business environment and challenges that Indian companies face.

Participants will also have the opportunity to travel to Kathmandu, Nepal for an optional overnight stay.  Nepal is a short flight from Delhi and offers in incredible array of cultural, religious, and scenic venues.  Kathmandu is situated in the heart of the Himalaya mountain range and is considered by some to be among the most beautiful cities in the world.

Before returning home, the NNU group will spend a day taking in the sights and sounds of Frankfurt, Germany which boasts Germany’s most spectacular skyline.  Frankfurt is also the country’s most international town; more than a quarter of its citizens are foreign.

Interested students or alumni are encouraged to contact the School of Business for more information or to sign up to participate on this or future trips.  Inquiries should be directed to Lynette Kingsmore at 208/467-8107 or lkingsmore@nnu.edu.

- Lynette Kingsmore

How did you hear about the STEP program?    [I] heard it on the Radio and called the next day and signed up.  I had heard it a few times, saw it on the Billboard and TV, and my wife mentioned it to me as well.

Did you have previous college experience?    Yes, I attended [a local college, but] at NNU they personally get to know you, your name, and work with you . . .  The small class size helps.  Over all, the NNU [enrollment] process was so easy from start to finish.

How long have you been in the STEP Program?    A few years now.

What do you like most about the program?    There is not just one thing.  I appreciate the family feel. [I] developed a network with [my] fellow classmates, and the staff is so helpful.  It is like home away from home.

What are your favorite class so far?    Philosophy is my favorite, then Business Management and Astronomy.

Would you recommend this program to someone and why?    Two [persons I referred] are already in the program . . .  I am always working on people.  [The STEP program] is a great opportunity that people need to know about.  I feel word of mouth is the best way to market this program from someone who is in the program.

What will you miss most about the program when you graduate?    The staff and my classmates. 

Have there been changes in your life because of the program?    Huge changes and constant doors opening for me and I haven’t even completed the program yet.  The doors keep opening. Everything I learned in this program has helped me.  For instance how to communicate better, network, managing, and just overall new passion . . .  I always had a drive [but] just didn’t know how to use it.  The STEP program has created the right package . . .   just this past week the VP of Saint Al’s asked me to be on the interviewing committee for our new President.  That is just one example of how doors have opened for me since I joined the STEP program.

Thanks, Josh, for your time and comments.   

The STEP program is an accelerated delivery program designed for adults age 23 and above.   Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. in Nampa or Boise, and may also be taken online.   Students may begin with 0 credits and take general education classes until enough credits are earned to enter a cohort.    The program leads to the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and can be completed in as little as 16 months.  For more information contact the STEP office by email [link to email] or phone (208)467-8447.