To U.S. Special Agent John David Masters, leadership has always
been more than just an idea or philosophy. He sees it as the weight
that holds our nation’s freedom, democracy and culture together.
So after building a career in counterterrorism,
counterintelligence and military special operations, he felt called
to go back to the place where all leadership begins – the
classroom.
Masters, who works as a federal law enforcement special agent,
graduated from the two-year Executive MBA program at University of
Oregon in 2016, and is pursuing his doctorate in Organizational
Development and Global Leadership through California’s Pepperdine
University. Upon returning to school, Masters grew all too
familiar with the exceptionally hard work that comes with pursuing
an MBA. Late-night study sessions, grueling term papers and the
struggle for work-life balance became the norm. But it was worth it
if it meant reaching his goal.
“Once I finish school and hang up my uniform, I look forward to
providing leadership consulting to corporations,” Masters said.
Leading up to his graduation from University of Oregon, Masters
started thinking about the traditional plaque that Executive MBA
graduates received during the commencement ceremony. It became
clear that something was missing. "Considering the extreme
effort that’s part of returning to school, a traditional plaque
just didn’t feel like a befitting symbol of the time, energy and
resources my colleagues and I put into earning the MBA,” Masters
said. “I wanted to know if there was something more unique and
personalized to signify our accomplishments.”
He began researching alternatives and came across the Uploma™, a
new dimensional and customizable achievement product offered by
Jostens. He thought it would be a fitting commencement icon for the
Executive MBA program. In fact, Masters liked the Uploma so
much that he felt compelled to present it to the university’s
graduation committee members. They shared his interest in utilizing
the product for Executive MBA commencement, and said they would
adopt it if Masters retrieved enough signatures from his 50-plus
classmates.
Masters collected the signatures, and he and his classmates each
walked with a Uploma in hand during the 2016 commencement
ceremony.
“Through the Uploma, Jostens gave me an opportunity to say more
about what I accomplished,” Masters said. “With its unique shape
and customizable features, the Uploma is very different than the
standard plaque on the wall. It’s innovative, expressive, unusual,
and it immediately draws attention.”
Jostens’ Uploma helps University of Oregon provide its Executive
MBA graduates a unique experience not available anywhere else. The
product goes beyond the typical plaque or certificate, to highlight
the monumental achievement of completing the Executive MBA program.
“The Uploma is a truly unique piece that can commemorate any
kind of scholastic achievement in a significant way,” said Ann
Carr, Jostens Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re proud to offer
it, and excited to see the passion of people like John who see the
value in it.”
When people now visit Masters’ office, he said they often want
to hold the Uploma.
“It’s kind of along the lines of when Steve Jobs was creating
the iPhone,” Masters said. “When you held it in your hands, he
wanted it to feel like it had some substance. That rings true with
the Uploma. It evokes a reaction from people and gave me an
opportunity to express who I am and the things I believe,” Masters
said.
After the Uploma received such a positive reception in the
Executive MBA program, University of Oregon decided to also
implement the icon in its Sports Product Management program.
Learn more about the Uploma by visiting
http://www.jostens.com/college/college-uplomas.html.
About Jostens
Jostens is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement
channel, providing products, programs and services that help its
customers celebrate moments that matter. The company's products
include yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that
serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports
segments. Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, Minn., Jostens
is a subsidiary of Newell Brands and can be found online
at www.jostens.com.
About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods
company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including
Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®,
Jostens®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr.
Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®,
NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Waddington
and Yankee Candle®. For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell
Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work
and play.
This press release and additional information about Newell
Brands are available on the company’s
website, http://www.newellbrands.com.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e35b7bb6-42a9-4d8f-bb95-1de95aab5d4b
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b151f6f4-a0b2-4dda-b149-28e818b821b1
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21b5f338-d479-4317-80fb-6b2555069310
jeff peterson
JOSTENS
9528303348
jeff.peterson@jostens.com
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