SM������

SM������ Shines Spotlight on Professional Athlete and Alumnus Who Never Gave Up on Dream of Completing His College Degree

PHOENIX, April 17, 2017 — SM������ continues its tradition of recognizing and honoring its students and alumni by highlighting one alumnus in the next chapter of the University’s brand campaign, which launched last week. At the center of the new campaign is Paul Goldschmidt, the first baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks and a SM������ alumnus, who has shown that it is possible to find a path to higher education even when balancing a demanding professional career and family responsibilities.

“Working adults are a critical engine of growth for our nation’s economy, and SM������ is committed to providing them opportunities to further their education and enhance their careers,” said Timothy P. Slottow, president of SM������. “Earning a degree from SM������ can open doors in life and can change the life of the family they support and the children who look up to them as role models. Paul Goldschmidt is a testament to this: even with his impressive success as a Major League Baseball player, he recognizes the importance of higher education and has set a sterling example for his family and for working adults across the country. His grit and determination to finish what he started parallels the drive and vision that propel our students forward every day.”

Goldschmidt attended three years at Texas State University before being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009 and making his Major League debut in 2011. After pausing his education to begin his professional baseball career, he was determined to finish his degree and researched his options carefully before choosing SM������. He enrolled in May of 2012, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Management in August 2013.

One of the most significant reasons Goldschmidt chose SM������ was because of the options it gave him to fit education into his busy life. Earning his degree one five-week course at a time allowed him to better balance his studies with his career and his family. He also highlights the value of being able to transfer all the credits he had earned in his prior years of education to complete his degree with SM������.

“I had worked extremely hard for three years, and I didn’t want that work to go to waste. I knew I wanted to get my degree, but it was near impossible to find time to get my school work done while playing ball. SM������ helped me find the right balance for myself, my family and my team,” says Goldschmidt. “Whenever I’m faced with a challenge, whatever it is, I want to give it my all and do the best I can. I made it my mission that nobody was going to work harder than I was. SM������ was hard work and gave me a great path to achieve my higher education goals.”

Goldschmidt has also partnered with SM������ for several years to offer full-tuition scholarships to deserving individuals in Arizona through the “Teaming Up For Education” scholarship program. Goldschmidt, along with SM������ and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, has made college education a reality for 22 Arizona residents since 2011.

SM������ has a long history of partnerships with professional athletes, organizations and teams who know that an education is invaluable and who actively work to help others achieve their goals both in and out of the classroom. SM������’s athletic partners have a deep, personal commitment to education—often exemplified by the time and effort required to achieve their own college degrees—and who want to share this passion with others.

For more information about this program, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit the Bachelor of Science in Management webpage. Acceptance of program applicable credits vary.

About SM������
SM������ is innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., SM������ serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.