2008 Graduate Commencement at Azusa Pacific University

Almost a month ago, May 3rd to be exact, I graduated with my M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. It took three years to earn this degree while working full time, and pursuing my photography, but it was worth every penny I spent, tear I shed, paper I wrote, and friend I made! I never ever thought I would get to the point where I would be sharing this special day with you.


To see more pictures from graduation CLICK HERE for a slideshow! *please be patient while it loads.

The final requirement to earn this degree was to develop a website which is the final Capstone Colloquium. This website summarizes everything I learned throughout the program. You can go check out another page to find out more about my journey in the CSA program. If you have time, you can CLICK HERE to read more. I presented my final Colloquium two days before graduation on campus, along with two of my classmates, Susie and Shauna. It was a special afternoon as we got to share our passion for College Student Affairs with our faculty members, friends and family. Friday evening, we attended our hooding ceremony, since we no longer hood the graduates at commencement (we would be there all day). This evening seemed to make things a bit more official for us as the faculty members placed the hood over our heads and congratulated us for a job well done.

On graduation day, our cohort met at Starbucks for a cup of joe and then went to campus to take some fun pictures before the graduation ceremony. We had a lot of fun, and it was really hard not to cry, as this was possibly the last time I would see some of these fine women. Graduation began at 9:30 a.m., and as we marched into the stadium, it became more evident, that this was the end of our journey. The journey which seven women began three years ago, to learn more about college students, higher education, the world, and ourselves.

I am eternally grateful to Susie, Shauna, Heather, Erin, Victoria and Lizz for what they have brought not only to my life, but to the lives of the students they come in contact with. Thank you to all of my professors, colleagues, and leaders at APU for supporting me over the last three years. A special thank you to my husband, Mom, brother, Jennie, friends and other family for your support, love and patience as I worked diligently to complete this program.

Memorial Day!

Today is Monday, May 26, 2008! Today is also Memorial Day! It is a U.S. Federal holiday typically observed the last Monday of May. This day was formerly known as Decoration Day. It commemorates the men and women of the United States Armed Fores who perished while serving our country. This day was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War and was later expanded after WWI to include casualties of any war or military action.

The photograph below is of the American Flag which flies in front of our home on these rather important days and is a symbol of the many freedoms we have because of the men and women who have served our great country. I am thankful to my husband who faithfully served in the United States Air Force so many years ago. Thank you to every member of the U.S. Armed Forces, past, present and future for allowing us to live in this free world.

BSOL 117: Azusa Pacific University

A few weeks ago, I was asked by Dr. Dave McIntire to come and take a few group pictures of his current cohort, BSOL 117 and then give them a 5-10 min. pep talk on how I made it through the program, and graduate school. Let me back up a bit for you so you know what the heck BSOL is.

BSOL stands for Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. It is a major within the (CAPS) Center for Adult and Professional Studies Program at Azusa Pacific University. A few years ago, I started this program, and never thought in a million years that I would ever earn my college degree. The BSOL/CAPS program is designed for working adults, 25 and older who have completed 60 or more college credits and have the desire to complete their college degree. I fell into this category a few years back and went full force into the BSOL program, going to class every week from 6-10 p.m. for 60 weeks. We had a new class every five weeks, and our final project might as well been a mini-dissertation. This program was completely doable since I was so organized. What I will say is that you have to have a serious conversation with your family and friends to let them know your commitment to your education when they begin to wonder where you are, while you are buried in the books or behind your computer. On July 30, 2005, I graduated with my B.S. in Organizational Leadership and I am eternally grateful to Dr. David McIntire for encouraging me along the way.

The individuals in the photo below are going to be graduating on July 25, 2008. They have worked so hard in order to fulfill their lifelong goal of earning a college degree. After we did their mini photo session, we went to their classroom so I could share a little about my journey in the BSOL program, and then how I went on to get my M.Ed. in College Student Affairs. I expressed to them that this program (BSOL) prepared me to be a better leader, writer, friend, and overall person. I would love to have further conversations with anyone who wants to pursue their college degree but never knew how to.

Congratulations BSOL 117! Click here to see more group pictures BSOL 117 - Azusa Pacific University

2008 Undergraduate Commencement at Azusa Pacific University

On May 3rd, at 6 p.m. over 700 undergraduate students began their journey into the Athletic Stadium at Azusa Pacific University which would put to an end, their career as a college student. Each of them has a unique story of how they got into college, the trials and tribulations they went through during college, and now, the story about what their plans are after they walk across the stage, are handed a diploma and shake Dr. Jon R. Wallace' hand.

Getting a college education for many is a requirement in life, and for some, it is a lifelong dream for which this is the final stepping stone. I am so proud of each and every student that graduated on May 3rd! Each of you has brought joy, life, and peace to not only myself, but all of the people you came in contact with at APU, especially your professors.

We (faculty, staff, friend and board of trustees) wish you all the best as you begin your journey in the "real world". Don't ever forget about APU and the tool it has given you to pursue your dream.

To see more of the pictures from the graduation ceremony CLICK HERE for a slideshow! Check back in a few days for all of the photos and a slideshow from the graduate ceremony!

If you are interested in viewing the photos individually and would like to purchase them, you can go here 2008 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

Jennifer Stripe, BA in Biology and Dr. Jon Milhon

I work with some pretty cool people!

Not only do I have some of the coolest clients, but I also work with some pretty fun and fascinating people at Azusa Pacific University. Last week I was waiting over on west campus to do a quick photo session and some of my friends from UG Admissions were walking by. I insisted that they allow me to take their picture! Kyle, Jackson, Steve, and Jessica are all Admissions Counselors in Admissions at APU. We have traveled together, eaten meals together, and give random high fives to each other en route to our offices. Oh, and we have laughed so hard during our lunches in the caf, that we have walked away crying!



In regards to the traveling together, I will say that Jackson and Steve were the highlight for me on our last Admissions trip to the Bay Area. A group of about 25 people traveled up to Sacramento and San Jose the last weekend in April to register all of the new freshmen that are coming to APU in the fall. The flight up to the Bay Area was nothing but hilarious! If you have ever (which I am sure you have) flown on Southwest Airlines, you know that they try to make your travel experience worth it. Jackson, Steve and I were sitting in the front row and our awesome flight attendant Ruth made us feel right at home with the little pranks she had in her treasure chest. We had a fly in the ice cube which she gave to Deana Porterfield our VP for Enrollment, a rubber mouse, a fake pack of gum, and a classic fart machine! Oh Boy! It was a flight we will never forget. To top it off, she gave Jackson and Steve the microphone so they could give some of the final announcements after we landed. If you are wondering who this Steve person is, well, Steve Patterson is one of the gurus' behind Hollywood Press TV. He is so talented and outgoing. Who wouldn't want to hire him in Hollywood. (Sorry Dave) You should go check him out!

Noah Douglas: Newborn Session

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hang out with Marsha and baby Noah while Dave was at choir practice. This was the first true photo session I did of Noah. You can see the first photo I took of him here. We had a wonderful time, and Noah even christened the fabric I brought for the background. Gotta love little boys! Noah is such a sweetheart and loves to be held by anyone that will offer. Thank you Marsha for allowing me to come into your home to spend time with you both. I look forward to spending more time with you, Dave and Noah in the months and years to come.

To see more of the newborn session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!

We are back!

It's true! We have moved our blog back over to our old blog at blogger. We have moved back for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest reasons was to eliminate the confusion of the old and the new. Even though, coming this fall, we will have a brand new look and feel for Tira J Photography. This summer and early fall, we will be working Brock and Dave from Infinet Design. If you have paid a recent visit to Jasmine Star's or Jessica Claire's latest photoblogs, you will see how amazing they are.

Please update your bookmarks and RSS feeds. We have a lot of exciting things coming your way this summer and will be sharing them with you on our Photo Blog and Website.

We moved all of the posts and comments from this blog over to blogger in the order they were posted. Thank you so much for your patience and support! We look forward to hearing from you.