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PRESS RELEASES - 2020

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Gate University is offering one of the first university-level courses in California to give students a view into the burgeoning cannabis industry, exploring it through the lens of business owners, employees, regulators, lawyers, consumers, and members of affected communities. 
Cannabis Industry Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

The business course, "Cannabis: Commerce, Culture, and Compliance," will run from March 7 to April 25 and is open to both undergraduate GGU students and the general public.

The course will be taught by Tiffany Conklin-Lichtig, co-founder at California Cannabis Advisors LLC.

The course is perhaps the first in California to explore the business side of cannabis for college credit. The first class of the course on March 7 also serves as a seminar, "Cannabis 101: History, Uses, Culture," and is open to the public for $20. Meanwhile, GGU is hosting a cannabis-related seminar, "Dissolving Cannabis Banking Barriers with Cryptocurrency," on February 10.

"The cannabis industry is rapidly expanding in the Bay Area, but the legal, financial, and cultural aspects of the industry are unique and challenging," said Marc Singer, Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies. "Our hope is that courses like this can give people a better grasp of what is going on, as well as moving toward quality and safety standards for the industry and the community."

The new course will encompass an overview of the plant's history and uses, and the rapid decriminalization, adoption and normalization of a culture of cannabis consumption in a variety of ways, for both medical and recreational purposes. Students will learn about the expansion of the industry and job growth in production, licensing, marketing, and distribution.

In addition to serving an expanding marketplace for recreational marijuana, companies are now aggressively exploring the viability of the plant's compounds such as CBD to remedy pain, inflammation, anxiety, seizures, and other physical symptoms—while also grappling with regulatory crosswinds.

Estimates of the cannabis industry's potential growth vary widely. Medical marijuana is currently legal in 33 states and the District of Columbia. To date, 12 states and D.C. have some form of legal recreational markets. One study predicted that total legal sales of cannabis in current legal states will see a compound annual growth rate of 14 percent over the next six years, reaching nearly $30 billion by 2025.

California legalized marijuana for medical use in 1996 and for broader recreational use in 2016, and it accounts for the largest market share in the U.S. Fueled by hundreds of millions of dollars in investments, the San Francisco Bay Area has become a hub for cannabis-related businesses, including NorCal Cannabis Company, Caliva, Eaze, Steep Hill Labs, and Kiva.

Learn more about the course here.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts Gather for Leading Trademark, Branding, and Consumer Behavior Conference 

The world's premier trademark, branding, and consumer behavior conference comes to Uber Headquarters in San Francisco on March 27, 2020 with a full day of networking and educational panels on cutting-edge IP topics. Hosted by Golden Gate University's McCarthy Institute, the annual Trademark Law and its Challenges" symposium brings together the top names in trademark law.

Panelists include experts from Facebook and Microsoft, as well as law firms Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Cooley LLP; Perkins Coie LLP; and more.

"Trademark and intellectual property law touch a vast array of businesses globally,'' said McCarthy Institute Director David Franklyn. "We are fortunate to again have some of the brightest minds in these areas in one room to take us deep into contemporary trademark and IP issues."

Marco Iansiti, Professor, Harvard Business School and founder of Keystone Strategy, will open the event with a keynote speech on "Competing in the Age of AI.

The speech will be followed by these panels:"

  • Regulating Advertising on the Platforms—Google, Amazon, Twitter, Facebook, Alibaba, Reddit, Instagram, YouTube
  • Trademark Law's Built-in Tensions with Marketing Strategy Around Descriptive Marks
  • Update on International Trademark Law Other Than Platform Liability
  • Roundup on ICANN
  • Proving Trademark Damages

A second keynote speech will discuss "The Changing and Challenging Landscape of In-house Trademark Lawyers."

Six units of CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits will be available to attendees.

The event is preceded the evening before by a dinner at the City Club of San Francisco, sponsored by Keystone Strategy. Visit the McCarthy Institute web site to learn more and register.

The McCarthy Institute sits at the nexus of Intellectual Property law, technology, and business innovation. Over the past decade, the McCarthy Institute has grown into a community of IP and branding professionals focused on the latest developments in trademark law, the technologies powering brand development, and the consumer behaviors that make up brand perception. Its unique work aligns perfectly with Golden Gate University's mission of preparing students for today's merging worlds of business, technology, and law with both innovative education and practical training.

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PRESS RELEASES - 2019

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Gate University School of Law has added three new faculty members who will strengthen the school's offerings in several key areas. The trio join the school from UCLA, Stanford, and the U.S. Department of Justice. 
Golden Gate University School of Law has added three new faculty members

Dean and Professor of Law Anthony Niedwiecki, left, with new law professors Jyoti Nanda, Robert Mullaney, and Spencer Williams.

"With the appointment of these new faculty members, Golden Gate University School of Law is once again expanding its already robust programs in criminal, environmental, and technology law," said Dean and Professor of Law Anthony Niedwiecki. "Our university is always seeking the most forward-thinking and innovative educators in the profession, and all three of these exceptional professors and scholars bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our students."

Serving approximately 700 students, GGU's law school is located in San Francisco, the booming economic and technological center of the country. Its downtown location offers an array of real-world opportunities and access just steps from law firms, advocacy organizations, government agencies, and the technology and business communities.

The new professors—Jyoti Nanda, Spencer Williams, and Robert Mullaney—join 32 other full-time faculty at the school.

"I was drawn to GGU Law because it has a rich history and commitment to educating public interest lawyers—particularly in criminal justice—a truly diverse student body, a faculty focused on innovative scholarship, a terrific dean, and GGU's location in the heart of a vibrant city,'' Nanda said. "I hope to have an impact on future leaders of our state."

Professor Nanda comes to GGU from UCLA School of Law, where she was the Binder Clinical Teaching Fellow and Lecturer in Law. She teaches criminal law. At UCLA, she was the past co-faculty director of the Critical Race Studies Program and core faculty of the David J. Epstein Public Interest Law Program. Her scholarship interests are in civil rights, social justice advocacy, and the ways in which children and youth intersect with the juvenile justice system, with a particular focus on race, gender and disability. Professor Nanda was awarded a Skadden Fellowship to work as a staff attorney at the Los Angeles office of the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund.

Professor Williams joins GGU from Stanford Law School, where he was a teaching fellow and lecturer in the Program on Corporate Governance and Practice. He teaches contracts and business associations. In addition to those two areas, his interests include legal technology, venture capital and entrepreneurship. He was the former head of legal and policy at a venture-backed software company. He also previously practiced corporate law at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Golden Gate's incredible students, faculty and staff as part of the GGU community,'' Williams said. "I look forward to continuing my research into the intersection of law and innovation and helping expand GGU's focus on business and technology."

Professor Mullaney will be teaching in the Environmental Law and Justice Clinic. He joins the faculty from the U.S. Department of Justice. For the past 28 years, he specialized in enforcing the nation's environmental statutes, most recently as Senior Counsel at the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Department of Justice. While there, he worked on the U.S.'s civil litigation against Volkswagen relating to the company's diesel emissions fraud. He has litigated other complex cases, including a multi-year case that contributed to the proper closure of Guam's unregulated municipal dump and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art landfill there.

"The Environmental Law and Justice Clinic at Golden Gate offers students an opportunity to work on cases that matter for disadvantaged communities that lack legal representation,'' Mullaney said. "I'm looking forward to training the next generation of environmental and social justice advocates."

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SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Golden Gate University (GGU) has once again been named the top university for adult students by Washington Monthly in its annual College Guide and Rankings, Best Four-Year Colleges for Adult Learners category. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the university has received this honor. 

"We're very proud of GGU's success in expanding educational pathways for working people, veterans, and anyone at any age who is trying to realize their goals," GGU President David J. Fike said. "Our work grows out of a long and distinguished history, and we are honored and humbled to once again have this recognized on a national level."

In its article about the rankings, the Washington Monthly noted the important distinction between traditional higher education students and adult learners—and the unique academic experience they require.

"They are students who make big sacrifices of their time and resources to pursue their goals,'' the magazine said. "They deserve a different kind of college: the kind that designs programs and services to ensure that returning adults succeed."

Nationally, the magazine noted, nearly 30 percent of undergraduates are over the age of 25. "They are not arriving on campus with their parents in minivans. Instead, they are coming to college, or coming back to college, after several years or even decades in the workforce."

The Washington Monthly based its rankings, from a sample of 1,136 four-year schools, on data from federal government sources and the College Board. It evaluated eight characteristics that specifically affect adult students, such as:

  • ease of transfer and enrollment,
  • flexibility of programs,
  • services available for adult learners,
  • percent of adult students (age 25+), and
  • mean earnings of students 10 years after entering college.

The magazine also looked at the graduation rates of part-time students, the loan repayment of adult students five years after entering repayment, and tuition and fees for in-district students.

Golden Gate University has a long tradition of easily accepting credit from other schools, as well as knowledge learned through work, life, and military experience; flexible programming; and strong career earnings among graduates. Students typically come to GGU with prior college credits and work experience, and the university's weekend, evening, and online classes enable them to enroll part-time while working or raising a family. GGU staff are trained to help students excel academically when life gets in the way.

With six undergraduate degrees, GGU continues to expand its offerings to make the university experience relevant to today's evolving workforce needs. The school has recently added fields of study in accounting, psychology, data analytics, and organizational leadership and human skills development. GGU also has a new partnership with Study.com that significantly increases the speed with which someone can earn a highly marketable, high-quality bachelor's degree, while drastically lowering the cost.

"These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in our economy,'' said Marc Singer, Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies. "Our working learners can integrate what they learn in the workplace with what they learn in the classroom, which helps them adapt quickly to the changing economy and business needs."

Schools that Golden Gate University ranked above include the University of Texas–Austin, George Mason University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Utah.

A complete listing can be found on the Washington Monthly website.

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07/23/19 -- Golden Gate University Ageno School of Business Announces Summer Lineup for Its Signature Program, Innovation in Practice, Featuring Experts on Cyber Security, Big Data, Fraud, IP/Tech Law, and More 

San Francisco, CA -- The Golden Gate University (GGU) Ageno School of Business announces the summer lineup for its recurring educational series, Innovation in Practice, which will take place on Wednesday, August 14 and Thursday, August 15, featuring nine sessions that span a range of hot topics in cyber security, big data, fraud, B Corps, as well as mental disorders and emotional balance in a high-stress world.

This speaker series, geared for the GGU community and the SF Bay Area business, legal, and tech sectors, offers a range of workshops featuring industry experts, many of whom are GGU faculty-practitioners, sharing insights on trends, innovations, and best practices spanning many fields. The upcoming program is designed to provide tools and techniques for dealing with cyber-related anxieties and stressors in today’s world.


Professional continuing education credit can be earned for some programs, as shown below.

Among the intriguing sessions offered during the two-day series:

  • “Confessions of a Professional Hacker” with Kelly Albrink, Senior Security Analyst at Bishop Fox
  • “Big Brother and You” with Adam Kuhn of OpenText Discovery and McCarthy Institute Senior Research Fellow at Golden Gate University (MCLE available)
  • “The Seduction of Fraud” with fraud expert Steve Morang and seduction expert Sanya Morang, both adjunct professors at GGU
  • “Surviving the Brand Bullies” with David Franklyn, nationally recognized expert in intellectual property and technology law and Director of the McCarthy Institute for IP and Technology Law at GGU (MCLE available)
  • “Cyber Insecurity” with Rao Mikkilineni, practitioner and Distinguished Adjunct Professor at GGU
  • Meet the Author of “The B Corp Handbook” with Ryan Honeyman, Partner/worker-owner at LIFT Economy
  • “Get Ready for New Tech” with Paul Lanois, a global privacy, data protection, and infor-mation security professional and attorney (MCLE available)
  • “Understanding and Treating Co-Occurring Disorders” with Steve Diamond, mental health expert
  • “Cultivating Emotional Balance: Yoga and Psychology for a High-Stress World” with Maria Cristina-Samaco-Zamora, Clinical Psychologist and adjunct professor at GGU and the University of San Francisco

“We’re excited to continue our acclaimed educational speaker series with this outstanding array of experts on prevalent cyber-related issues facing enterprise and individuals in these fast-changing, challenging times. For anyone in the business, legal, or tech arenas, this program will offer rich and relevant content of great value. Join us!,” comments Gordon Swartz, DBA, dean of GGU’s Ageno School of Business.

All programs are free and open to the public, with registration required. Programs take place at GGU (536 Mission Street, San Francisco) and online. To register, visit: www.ggu.edu/ips

Educational speaker series, Innovation in Practice: Reality Bites, Byte Back, takes place on Wednesday, August 14 and Thursday, August 15 with 9 sessions, free and open to the public.

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05/22/19 -- Golden Gate University School of Law Commencement Featured Costa County District Attorney & Alumna Diana Becton (JD, 1985) 

San Francisco, CA -- Golden Gate University School of Law featured Contra Costa County District Attorney and alumna Diana Becton (JD, '85) as the keynote speaker at its recent commencement program held at Davies Symphony Hall.

Diana Becton (JD, 1985)

Diana Becton (JD, 1985)

Becton is the first woman, first African-American and first person of color to serve as Contra Costa County District Attorney since the office was established in 1850. She was sworn in as the County’s 25th District Attorney, after being appointed by the Board of Supervisors in September 2017, and was subsequently elected in 2018. Before that, she served as a judge in Contra Costa County for 22 years, where she was elected as Presiding Judge. Among her many awards, she was honored earlier this year with the Golden Gate University Judith McKelvey Distinguished Service Award for her trailblazing contributions to the legal profession, along with two other GGU Law graduates who also serve as local DA’s— (Nancy O’Malley, JD, ’83, Alameda County District Attorney, and Lori Frugoli, JD, ’89, Marin County District Attorney.)

Golden Gate University School of Law Dean Anthony Niedwiecki, JD, LLM comments, “GGU has always been dedicated to diversifying the profession and opening up legal education to those from underrepresented groups. At GGU, we were admitting women much earlier than other institutions, and Diana comes from that period. She is one of the new progressive DA’s in the country who seeks to use this position to make meaningful changes in racial justice, social justice, and prison reform. As an outstanding role model, she perfectly exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking lawyers that GGU Law produces.”

In her inspiring commencement speech, Becton reminisced about her own GGU School of Law graduation in 1985, when commencement speaker Chief Justice Rose Bird counseled graduates to “do what is right, even if it is unpopular.” Echoing that advice, Becton continued, “Whether you become a District Attorney, go into private practice, become an advocate for public interest, or a public defender, you have a unique opportunity to take on big problems, to stand up for the voiceless, to seek truth, and to seek justice and equality for all.”

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05/07/19 -- Golden Gate University Undergraduate Commencement Address Delivered by Alumna Ebony Frelix Beckwith, Saleforce.org EVP & Chief Philanthropy Officer 

San Francisco, CA -- Ebony Frelix Beckwith, Salesforce.org Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer and Golden Gate University Alumna, delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the Golden Gate University (GGU) Undergraduate Commencement on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Marines' Memorial Theatre. David J. Fike, PhD, GGU President, conferred upon her an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.

Ms. Frelix Beckwith's remarks were especially meaningful and well-received given her own successful journey at GGU, which she said gave her "earning power and confidence," and her subsequent career accomplishments in the San Francisco Bay Area corporate and philanthropy worlds. Sharing her insights into how the next generation of leaders can future-proof themselves in a rapidly changing world, she recommended making these key choices:

  • Choose to be a lifelong learner
  • Choose to make yourself indispensable
  • Choose to be a leader
  • Choose to be kind

Marc Singer, Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies at GGU, notes, "Ebony perfectly represents the kinds of students we aim to serve in the School of Undergraduate Studies at GGU. She was a working professional who realized she needed a college degree to move ahead in her career, and she found Golden Gate University. Now that she's the Chief Philanthropy Officer at Salesforce.org, she dedicates herself to ensuring that all people have opportunity to be school-ready, tech-ready and workforce-ready. She cares about the community in which she lives and works. Ebony's work aligns beautifully with GGU's own goals of providing working adults with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the careers of their choice, and to contribute to the Bay Area's economic and social success."

Students from this graduating class received Bachelor of Arts in Management and Bachelor of Science in Business degrees. In addition to the commencement address, opening remarks were presented by Dr. Fike and Student Speaker, Jonathan Banks, Bachelor of Arts in Management.

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04/30/19 -- Golden Gate University's Graduate Commencement Features Nationally Recognized Workforce Development Leader Van Ton-Quinlivan 

Van Ton-Quinlivan, Executive in Residence at the Institute for the Future and Executive Vice Chancellor Emeritus for Workforce and Economic Development for the California Community Colleges, delivered the keynote address at the Golden Gate University (GGU) Graduate School Commencement, held at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Calif. on Saturday, April 27, 2019. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Golden Gate University President, David J. Fike, PhD.

Van Ton-Quinlivan delivering the keynote address at the recent Golden Gate University Graduate Commencement in San Francisco.

Van Ton-Quinlivan delivering the keynote address at the recent Golden Gate University Graduate Commencement in San Francisco.

Nationally recognized as a thought leader in workforce development with a proven track record in implementing large organizational change, Ms. Ton-Quinlivan addressed GGU's 2019 class of graduate-level students representing the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation, the Edward S. Ageno School of Business and the School of Accounting, as well as GGU trustees, faculty, administration, families and friends.

Gordon Swartz, DBA, Dean of the Edward S. Ageno School of Business and the School of Accounting remarks, "Van Ton-Quinlivan has been an important force in equipping individuals for a rapidly transforming business environment through the design and delivery of academic programs that broaden skills, advance career opportunities and help students form important connections in the corporate and nonprofit worlds. Her life's work aligns perfectly with GGU's overarching mission to give adult learners and working professionals the subject-matter expertise and applied skills to successfully meet real-world needs and challenges." In this connection, Ms. Ton-Quinlivan observes, "The future of work is filled with opportunities and trepidations. Golden Gate University continues to challenge itself to deliver students who are the talent needed by the workforce."

Self-described in her commencement address as a "changemaker, an executive, a spouse and parent, and most importantly, an immigrant," Ms. Ton-Quinlivan shared insights and lessons learned throughout her accomplished career, including these tips:

  • Tame your internal voice of judgment
  • Broaden and deepen your expertise
  • Collect mentors along the way
  • Treat feedback as a gift
  • Intersect the future: periodically look ahead even as you focus on today

She poignantly concluded her inspirational talk by pointing out, "We are all immigrants into the future. Just know that we will all figure it out."

In addition to her keynote address, Randall W. Merk, Chair, Golden Gate University Board of Trustees and Dr. Fike shared opening remarks, and Francis C. Custodio, Master of Science in Taxation, presented as Student Speaker.

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04/02/19 -- Amy McLellan, JD, LLM, to Lead Golden Gate University's New Joint LLM and MS in Taxation Program 

Golden Gate University (GGU) announces the appointment of Amy B. McLellan, JD, LLM, as Dean of the Braden School of Taxation and Director of the LLM Taxation and Estate Planning programs -- marking the beginning of a groundbreaking joint program, after separate operation within the University for many years. This new high-level role signifies another innovative step forward to prepare students for today's merging worlds of business, law, and technology -- building on the recent addition of the prestigious McCarthy Institute as an interdisciplinary program serving GGU's business and law schools.

Bridging the law and business schools at Golden Gate University -- (from l-r): David J. Fike, PhD, GGU President; Barbara Karlin, JD, LLM, VP of Academic Affairs; Amy McLellan, Dean of the Braden School of Taxation and Director of the LLM Taxation and Estate Planning programs, and Anthony Niedwiecki, JD, LLM, Dean of the School of Law and Professor of Law.

Bridging the law and business schools at Golden Gate University -- (from l-r): David J. Fike, PhD, GGU President; Barbara Karlin, JD, LLM, VP of Academic Affairs; Amy McLellan, Dean of the Braden School of Taxation and Director of the LLM Taxation and Estate Planning programs, and Anthony Niedwiecki, JD, LLM, Dean of the School of Law and Professor of Law.

McLellan brings extensive experience in law, taxation, administration, and management to her position. Most recently, she served as professor at the University of Denver's Graduate Program in Taxation and Director of Online Education. Prior to this academic work, she was a senior attorney with Knudsen, Burbridge, & Manchur, P.C., preceded by many years of running her own law firm, with emphases on tax, business, and estate planning. She also taught related courses at the Massachusetts School of Law for nine years.

GGU President David J. Fike, PhD, notes, "As Golden Gate University continues to innovate to best equip our students for a complex, changing economy, we are delighted to have an exemplary talent like Amy McLellan joining our academic leadership team -- representing another important evolutionary step toward greater cross-collaboration among all of the disciplines at GGU."

According to Barbara Karlin, JD, LLM, Vice President of Academic Affairs, "Amy is uniquely qualified with a spectacular professional and personal skill-set to serve as the dean who will bridge the Braden School of Taxation and the School of Law, and further develop key relationships within the accounting, legal, and business communities."

Anthony Niedwiecki, JD, LLM, Dean of the School of Law and Professor of Law, who chaired the search committee, comments, "As we forge ahead as a leader at the intersection of business and law, Amy brings a positive, aggressive vision for growing GGU's LLM and tax programs synergistically, and her substantial experience in online education will be instrumental to our strategic growth."

Drawn to GGU because of its outstanding national reputation, McLellan is eager to bring her vision into reality through this challenging new role. "I'm passionate about the power of online education, and look forward to advancing the intellectual and professional lives of students in the fields of law, accounting, and tax."

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PRESS RELEASES - 2018

11/21/18 -- GGU's Innovation in Practice: Seminars for the Business Minded 

General Public Invited to Attend Seminars December 10 - 13 that Focus on Start-Ups, Entrepreneurship, and Transferable Skills.

Are you interested in the startup and small business ecosystem, and learning about the different skills and resources that can lead to entrepreneurial success? You are invited to attend Golden Gate University's Innovation in Practice (ggu.edu/week16) seminar series, which brings renowned thought leaders to GGU's downtown campus to share expertise on a range of business-related topics.

Golden Gate University is dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership in California. At the end of every semester GGU's Ageno School of Business hosts a week of public seminars -- called Innovation in Practice -- inviting its students and the general population alike to learn from leading practitioners in the business world. Through these panel discussions, we facilitate connections with key decision makers and provide resources and information covering everything from the best practices and latest trends to the investment ecosystem and what entrepreneurs need to know to be successful.

The next series will be held the week of December 10, 2018 and will be focused on providing tips and resources for startups and small businesses. Three of the 12 seminars will be held at lunchtime (12 to 1 pm) and feature authors of timely books about succeeding in today's business world.

The lunchtime Meet the Author seminars include:

GGU Law and Business Professor David Franklyn will host a workshop on December 10 from 4 to 5:30 pm on Turning Ideas into Assets: IP & Start-up Workshop which engage participants in a realistic simulation of the strategic and legal considerations that go into branding a start-up company and protecting its intangible assets.

On December 12 at 5:30, entrepreneurs enrolled in a 10-week workshop at GGU's Golden Gate Entrepreneurship Center will take the stage and present their pitches to a professional panel. Members of the global angel investor network The Keiretsu Forum will be on hand to critique the presentations, 'Shark Tank'-style.

A special panel discussion will take place on December 13 from 9 to 10:30 am called Start-Ups: Small Business, Entrepreneurship, and Government Partnerships for Success. Learn what government resources are available to help move small businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors forward. The panel will be feature federal, state and regional speakers, including U.S Small Business Administration, offering different perspectives for small business and entrepreneurship opportunities and support structures. Joining the panel will be SFMade, an organization that demonstrates how working with local elected leaders help to grow manufacturing in SF County. The session will be facilitated by Damon Conklin, professor in GGU's Public Administration program, with opening remarks by State Assemblymember David Chiu.

All Innovation in Practice seminars are free and open to the public (advanced registration is required) and held at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street. Information and registration for all of the seminars can be found on the web at Innovations in Practice.

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08/22/18 -- Prestigious McCarthy Institute Moves to Golden Gate University 

At GGU, the McCarthy Institute will continue its world-renown work jointly at the schools of law and business

San Francisco, CA -- Starting in August 2018, the McCarthy Institute, the world's preeminent trademark, consumer behavior, and branding institute, will be located jointly in the law and business schools at Golden Gate University in downtown San Francisco.

The McCarthy Institute at Golden Gate University

The McCarthy Institute -- named after the world-renowned J. Thomas McCarthy, author of McCarthy on Trademarks -- sits at the nexus of Intellectual Property law, technology, and business innovation. Over the past decade, it has strived to develop a better understanding of the way that culturally transformative business trends shape law and vice-versa. This unique work aligns perfectly with Golden Gate University's mission of preparing students for today's merging worlds of business, technology, and law with both innovative education and practical training. The McCarthy Institute publishes scholarship, coordinates workshops, introduces law students with IP leaders, and hosts conferences that focus on the unique legal issues endemic in modern digital marketing and brand protection.

J.Thomas McCarthy
"The McCarthy Institute has a proven record of supporting high quality conferences, teaching, and research into trademark and branding issues," said J. Thomas McCarthy, founding director of the McCarthy Institute. "I look forward to the Institute continuing this important work at Golden Gate University."

Previously located at the University of San Francisco, the McCarthy Institute produces cutting-edge scholarship defining the boundaries of trademarks in a connected world along with empirical research around consumer perceptions and behaviors. In addition, the McCarthy Institute offers unique opportunities for mentorship and empowers students to contribute and network with IP leaders in the Silicon Valley and around the world.

Situated in the heart of the technology capital of the world, the McCarthy Institute is at the forefront of innovation and fosters collaborative relationships between students, IP counsel, inside counsel, researchers, and technologists. Reflecting this dynamic mission, GGU has made the institute an interdisciplinary program of business and law, which is part of the school's innovative vision of the evolving nature of the business and legal professions in the surrounding communities of San Francisco and the Silicon Valley.

David J. Fike"We are pleased to be the new home for the prestigious McCarthy Institute as it will complement and enrich our strong existing programs in IP, technology and innovation," said GGU President David J Fike. "It is particularly exciting that the institute will be yet another resource to help GGU law and business students gain the real-world skills and connections they need to advance professionally."

The McCarthy Institute sponsors student fellows from both the business and law school, who assist with research projects and conference organization. Students that contribute to published research and panel presentations are publicly recognized as co-authors and contributors, earning distinct experience and networking opportunities that put them ahead of their competition. McCarthy Research Fellows enjoy unique internship and employment opportunities in law firms, corporate legal departments, and marketing divisions in AmLaw firms and Fortune 1000 enterprises.

"The McCarthy Institute is a wonderful addition to Golden Gate University," said Marco Iansiti, David Sarnoff Professor of Business Administration Unit Head, Technology and Operations Management, Harvard Business School. "It has an established track-record as a focal point for cutting-edge symposia and empirical research in the areas of trademarks, branding, measuring consumer perceptions and advertising. The business world is continuing to see collaboration between business and legal professionals on multiple levels in many industries. With its emphasis on interdisciplinary research -- and as a joint center of the law and business schools at GGU -- the McCarthy Institute will greatly help prepare students for their careers in tech and beyond."

For more information about the McCarthy Institute at GGU, visit mccarthyinstitute.com.

 
Grand Opening Celebration
  •  Golden Gate University
    536 Mission Street
    San Francisco, CA
  •  September 13, 2018
  •  5 to 7 pm

Speakers will include:

  • Mary Denison, United States Commissioner of Trademarks, USPTO
  • J. Thomas McCarthy, Founding Director, McCarthy Institute
  • David Franklyn, Executive Director, McCarthy Institute
  • By video: Etienne Sanz De Acedo, CEO, International Trademark Association
  • David Fike, President of Golden Gate University
  • About Golden Gate University

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About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university based in San Francisco that offers a world-class, practical and affordable education. GGU has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate programs in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related subjects for more than 115 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. Washington Monthly has named Golden Gate University the country's #1 school for adult education for the past two years.

 
Media Contact

Becky Edwards, for Golden Gate University
bedwards@vocecomm.com
925-324-6926

05/16/18 -- Golden Gate University Hires Leading Intellectual Property and Technology Law Professor David Franklyn 

University's first joint appointment between the School of Law and Ageno School of Business.

San Francisco, CA -- David Franklyn, a prominent law professor who is considered one of the nation's preeminent experts on intellectual property and technology law, is joining the faculty of Golden Gate University. Since 2000, he has been the Director of the McCarthy Institute for IP and Technology Law at the University of San Francisco. He consults with some of the world's leading companies and serves as an expert witness in trademark and IP cases.

At GGU, Franklyn has a joint appointment between the School of Law and the Ageno School of Business. This joint appointment will allow students to take classes that integrate legal and business principles. His hire adds to an already robust IP law program, which hosts the Intellectual Property Law Center (IPLC) led by Professor William Gallagher. The IPLC publishes the IP Law Book Review and convenes regular conferences on the subject. Graduates of GGU's IP Law program, which is one of the country's leading centers for IP law, work at some of today's leading technology companies and law firms.

"We are thrilled to add David Franklyn to our faculty," said President David Fike. "His hire fulfills a commitment to our students to initiate programs based on market demands and to expand our partnerships with the business, technology, and legal communities."

David Franklyn

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Golden Gate University at this critical time in its storied history," said Franklyn. "GGU has been providing educational and cultural opportunities to students going back to 1901. Its history and San Francisco's history are intertwined and so are our futures."

"The appointment of Professor Franklyn to the law faculty adds world-class expertise and knowledge to our curriculum, particularly in the fields of trademark and technology law. With Professor Franklyn, our goal is to build the strongest IP law program in the country and extend our reach further into the technology industry," notes Anthony Niedwiecki, Dean and Professor of Law, GGU.

"This is a great opportunity for the students of Golden Gate University," said Elena Grimme, Assistant General Counsel, Consumer and Devices Sales, Microsoft Corporation. "In the past years I've experienced David's expertise and passion for the intersection of intellectual property law and the tech business. I believe he will be a superb addition to the Golden Gate University tenured faculty and an invaluable asset for students seeking careers in the tech industry."

Franklyn's hire is the latest step in an ongoing transformation that has reshaped Golden Gate University and brought the school widespread praise and recognition. Starting with the appointment of President David J. Fike in 2015, GGU has restructured the administration, hiring new administrative and academic leaders, including deans for the Ageno School of Business and the School of Law.

In 2016, GGU hired Gordon Swartz as Dean of the Ageno School of Business and under his leadership has launched market-responsive programs including a Master's in Business Analytics and a revamped Executive MBA. In August 2017 Anthony Niedwiecki joined GGU as Dean of the School of Law and has set about transforming the school, which now ranks as the nation's third most diverse and has the sixth highest percentage of women in its student body. In the past year, the school was ranked as one of the top law schools for practical training by PreLaw Magazine.

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About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university based in San Francisco that offers a world-class, practical and affordable education. GGU has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate programs in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related subjects for more than 115 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. Washington Monthly has named Golden Gate University the country's #1 school for adult education for the past two years.

 
Media Contact

Becky Edwards, for Golden Gate University
bedwards@vocecomm.com
925-324-6926


PRESS RELEASES - 2017

11/20/17 -- Golden Gate University Named 2017-2018 Military Friendly​® School 

San Francisco, CA -- Golden Gate University announced today that it has earned the 2017-2018 Military Friendly® School designation. First published in 2009, Military Friendly® Schools is the most comprehensive, powerful resource for veterans today. Each year, the list of Military Friendly® Schools is provided to service members and their families, helping them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from Victory Media's proprietary survey. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 receiving the designation.

Ratings methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution's survey scores with the assessment of the institution's ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Military Friendly® helps veterans make the best use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other federal benefits while allowing us to further our goal of assisting them in finding success in their chosen career fields."

For more information about Golden Gate University's commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit www.ggu.edu.

Golden Gate University will be showcased along with other 2018 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools, special education issues of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse Magazine, and on militaryfriendly.com.

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About Military Friendly® Schools

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weightings were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. Data calculations and tabulations were independently evaluated for completeness and accuracy by EY. The survey is administered for free and is open to all post-secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at: militaryfriendly.com.

 
About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers a world-class, practical and affordable education. GGU has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Seattle.

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
10/25/17 -- Veterans Law Conference Recognizes the Military Service of Women and LGBT Veterans 
GGU Law invites experts to discuss issues such as discrimination, sexual assault, bans on service, and mental health services for veterans

San Francisco, CA (October 25, 2017) -- Golden Gate University School of Law will hold its fifth Veterans Law Conference on November 3 in an ongoing effort to raise awareness of the legal, health, and employment issues veterans may face.

Under the theme, "Recognizing the Military Service of Women and LGBT Veterans: Promoting Achievements & Solving Challenges," legal experts and veteran advocates will discuss the unique issues facing populations that have often been marginalized in, and historically excluded from, military service. The conference comes at a time of firsts: the first woman has completed the rigorous Army Ranger training, and West Point selected the first African-American woman cadet for the coveted first captain position. However, women and LGBT service members and veterans continue to face issues of discrimination.

In their keynote speeches, Colonel Linda Strite Murnane, United States Air Force (retired) and Chair of the American Bar Association Judicial Division, and Heliana Ramirez, PhD, LISW, Lead LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, will discuss the history of women and LGBT veterans in the military, the progress that's been made, and the obstacles that remain, including recent proposals that have reignited the debate about allowing transgender soldiers to serve.

Tickets are still available. Visit the event website for details and registration.

The conference is part of GGU Law's longtime commitment to veterans' issues through its Veterans Legal Advocacy Center (VLAC), which provides pro bono legal services to veterans seeking health care and compensation for service-related injuries. Students work on military discharge upgrade applications, on administrative appeal and in U.S. District Court, including other-than-honorable discharges of service members discharged under the military's repealed "don't ask, don't tell" policy and those who have suffered military sexual assault and undiagnosed PTSD. The Center makes special efforts to assist the most vulnerable veteran populations and those least connected to existing service networks -- recently returned, women, non-citizen, LGBT, and elderly veterans.

GGU, which has a proud tradition of expanding access to legal education, is the first law school in Northern California to have a Veterans Clinic on campus.

 
EVENT DETAILS

Fifth Annual Veterans Law Conference: Recognizing the Military Service of Women and LGBT Veterans: Promoting Achievements & Solving Challenges
Date: Friday, November 3, 2017
Time: 9 am - noon
Location: Honorable Lee D. Baxter Courtroom -- Room 2203, Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law), 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

Registration is required and includes breakfast and three hours of MCLE credit.
Register: alumni.ggu.edu/fifth-annual-veterans-conference
Military veterans -- no charge
Students - $10
Individual tickets - $20

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09/17/17 -- GGU Celebrates Constitution Day 
Constitution of The United States of America

Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 17th annual Constitution Day.

Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution.

In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17 became Constitution Day.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
08/28/17 -- Golden Gate University Ranked #1 in US for Adult Learners for Second Consecutive Year -- 116-year-old private nonprofit recognized for superior student services and the success of its graduates 

SAN FRANCISCO, August 28, 2017 -- For the second year in a row, Golden Gate University (GGU) was named the number one university for adult students in the nation by Washington Monthly in its annual College Guide and Rankings, Best Four-Year Colleges for Adult Learners category.

In an article about the rankings, which were based on a sample size of 1,133 four-year colleges, Washington Monthly editor Paul Glastris wrote that these often regional or private colleges "that cater to adult students, the kind with jobs and families, aren't given much attention or credit by the usual gatekeepers."

According to Washington Monthly, roughly 40% of all college students are adults (25+) but no other ranking systems such as U.S. News & World Report or Forbes has looked at which universities serve adult students best.

What Washington Monthly measured, based on data from two federal government sources as well as the College Board, were seven characteristics of "openness and responsiveness to adult students and to how well those students fared once they left." The measures are:

  • ease of transfer and enrollment
  • flexibility of programs
  • services available for adult learners
  • percent of adult students (age 25+) at the college
  • mean earnings of adult students ten years after entering college
  • loan repayment of adult students five years after entering repayment
  • tuition and fees for in-district students

With a student body of approximately 4,000 whose average age is 34, GGU offers classes on weekends, evenings, and online, enabling students to enroll part-time while working or raising a family.

GGU takes great pride in its long tradition of expanding access to higher education, and to providing exceptional support and guidance to students. It also boasts a faculty that is composed primarily of working professionals who provide practical knowledge to their students, helping them forge professional connections with companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and GGU's 68,000-person alumni network.

"The blend of theory and practice, the unique balance between academicians and scholarship and professional experience, and GGU's 116-year commitment to serving the needs of its adult students, is what drives this recognition," said GGU President David J. Fike, who noted that the University's proven experience in delivering superior services and support extends to GGU's many graduate students in law, tax, accounting, and business. "We are very pleased that this Washington Monthly analysis recognizes the different educational demands of adults and working professionals as well as the vital part that these students have in our universities, our communities, and our rapidly changing economy."

 
Washington Monthly's top five four-year colleges for adult learners are:
  1. Golden Gate University -- San Francisco (CA)
  2. University of Utah (UT)
  3. Concordia University -- St. Paul (MN)
  4. Park University (MO)
  5. George Mason University (VA)

A complete listing can be found on the Washington Monthly website.

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About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas since 1901. Programs offer maximum flexibility with evening, weekend and online options available. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
05/25/17 -- Greenaction Releases Report on Harmful Pollution from Under-Regulated Concrete Plants in Bayview Hunters Point and Beyond, Exposing Lax Government Oversight of Air Pollution 

SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2017 -- On behalf of Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, the Environmental Law and Justice Clinic at Golden Gate University School of Law today released a report, Concrete Manufacturers and the Regulatory Role of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, detailing the results of an investigation into Bay Area concrete batching plants, compliance with their air pollution permits and the air district's failure to adequately regulate them. The report concludes that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) inspected these concrete facilities only sporadically and, when it discovered permit violations unearthed by law students, it failed to take adequate and timely enforcement action. The report also faulted BAAQMD's system for responding to Public Records Act requests as far too slow and incomplete.

"The bottom line is that the low-income, people of color residents of Bayview Hunters Point are continuing to bear the burden of industrial pollution, regulatory negligence, and environmental injustice in San Francisco, as it did in the past when it hosted the only power plants in the city," said Bradley Angel, Executive Director of Greenaction.

The extensive investigation was conducted by law students and other staff of the Environmental Law and Justice Clinic at Golden Gate University Law School. Clinic students targeted three concrete manufacturers operating at Pier 92 in San Francisco and around the Bay Area: Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC, Central Concrete Supply Co., Inc., and Hanson Aggregates Mid-Pacific, Inc.

The investigation found that these manufacturers that supply concrete to the many construction projects in the area violated air permitting rules intended to protect the public from emissions of particulate matter, which is harmful to health. Some of their operations evaded permitting altogether, providing no opportunity for regulating emissions, and other operations exceeded permit limits. Steve Castleman of the Clinic at Golden Gate University School of Law said, "BAAQMD needs to take enforcement more seriously. And it needs improve its response to Public Records Act requests to be more transparent."

The investigation exposed flaws in BAAQMD's enforcement program and its system for responding to Public Record Act requests. First, BAAQMD was too lenient. It responded to unpermitted operations and failure to keep records with a "fix-it" ticket, sanctioning violations of air regulations designed to protect health and to track violations. Second, BAAQMD's response to Public Records Act requests is far too slow and incomplete.

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About Golden Gate University

Since 1901, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity.

 
About Golden Gate University School of Law

(GGU Law) GGU Law offers law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. Founded in 1901, GGU Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and American Association of Law Schools (AALS).

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
05/09/17 -- Anthony Niedwiecki Named New Dean of Golden Gate University School of Law 
New Dean brings administrative leadership to build on Law School's commitment to expanding access to legal profession.
Anthony Niedwiecki

San Francisco -- Golden Gate University President David Fike is proud to announce the appointment of Anthony Niedwiecki as the new Dean of the Golden Gate University School of Law. Coming from his previous position as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Niedwiecki brings a portfolio of administrative accomplishments and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and student success. His appointment begins August 1, 2017.

"We are delighted to welcome Dean Niedwiecki to join us as our Law School Dean," said President Fike. "Anthony is a natural leader who is uniquely qualified to lead GGU Law during this disruptive period in legal education. He is not only dedicated to a high standard of academic excellence and scholarship, but he is also an innovative thinker with a wonderfully positive outlook and deep dedication to a student-centered learning environment."

Dean Niedwiecki will succeed Rachel Van Cleave, who served as Dean since 2012 and is returning to full-time teaching at the Law School this fall. Niedwiecki will continue the work Van Cleave began to strengthen the Law School's core mission of expanding access to the profession and to legal services by enhancing and broadening experiential opportunities for students.

As Associate Dean at John Marshall, Niedwiecki managed a broad set of responsibilities, including oversight of operations and academic programs at the law school. Niedwiecki led a thorough restructuring of the law school; oversaw expansion of its distance education and clinical education programs; supported the expansion of academic support and bar preparation programs; and began developing a partnership between John Marshall and the Barack Obama Presidential Center, among other achievements.

"I am honored to join Golden Gate University because I share the Law School's goals of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, valuing experiential learning and expanding access to the legal profession," said Dean Niedwiecki. "My husband and I look forward to becoming a part of the Bay Area community."

Dean Niedwiecki brings a record of leadership both within and outside of higher education. He began his career at John Marshall as Director of the Lawyering Skills Program, which was ranked number two by U.S. News & World Report while under his leadership. Sustained by a dedication to creating a positive impact in the community, Niedwiecki also has been a political leader. Earlier in his career, he was elected City Commissioner and Vice Mayor of Oakland Park, Florida. Niedwiecki has advocated for a number of causes, including civil rights for LGBT and African American communities.

Dean Niedwiecki earned his JD from Tulane Law School and his LLM in Legal Education from Temple University's Beasley School of Law. Prior to his tenure at John Marshall, Dean Niedwiecki was associate professor at Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad Law School and assistant professor at Temple University's Beasley School of Law.

"We conducted a broad national search and received applications from numerous outstanding candidates," said Michele Benedetto Neitz, GGU Professor of Law and Chair of the Law School Dean Search Committee. "The faculty is thrilled to welcome Dean Niedwiecki, and we will enjoy working with him to open a new chapter for GGU Law."

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About Golden Gate University

Since 1901, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity.

 
About Golden Gate University School of Law

(GGU Law) GGU Law offers law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. Founded in 1901, GGU Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and American Association of Law Schools (AALS).

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
01/04/17 -- GGU's New Master's Degree in Business Analytics Prepares Students for Lucrative Big Data Careers 

San Francisco -- Golden Gate University (GGU) is now accepting applications for a new Master's Degree in Business Analytics (MSBA), which focuses on the application of data analytics to solve real-world business problems. The MSBA program enables students to seize on the lucrative and abundant opportunities presented by the rise of Big Data in the corporate sphere. Leveraging its position as the top-ranked adult education university in the US1, GGU will provide students with and online and night classes, instruction by faculty working with business analytics at major companies, and a relevant and business-focused curriculum.

"Data analytics is a strategic discipline that gives practitioners new opportunities to discover insights that can support strategic goals and decision making at an organization," says Dr. Judith Lee, Associate Professor & Department Chair, Operations & IT Management. "The MSBA degree provides a toolkit of statistical and analytic theory, processes, tools, and techniques, which can be integrated into the business depending on the discipline and needed outcomes."

 
Topics and skills of the GGU MSBA degree include:
  • Big Data and its supporting technologies
  • Business applications of structured and unstructured data
  • Preparing data for analysis
  • Data visualization for effective communication with colleagues
  • Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytic disciplines
  • Machine learning and algorithms
  • Natural Language Processing
  • R and Python programming languages, SPSS Modeler Text Analytics, SAS EnterpriseMiner, Machine Learning, Tableau, SQL, NOSQL, OLAP, and Hadoop
  • Solutions to challenges of data security, privacy, and ethics
  • Corporate issues such as data policy governance, ownership, and strategies
 
Career Advancement Opportunity

GGU continues to develop innovative programs such as the MSBA that keep pace with the rapidly changing world of business. According to Forbes, demand for new Business Analytics competencies in San Francisco and the Bay Area is the highest in the nation. By providing insights from complex data that support company strategy and decision making, professionals with Data Analytics competencies typically earn over 100K per year, as indicated by GlassDoor. US News & World Report ranked Business Statistician -- a role that rests on this skill set -- first on its list of best business careers.

 
Webinar for Interested Students

Dr. Lee will be presenting a webinar about the MSBA program on January 11 at 12:30 pm for prospective students. This is the only webinar before the application deadline of February 1 for the Summer Term which begins April 30th, 2017. Applications are also being accepted for Fall 2017.

Register here >>

 
About Golden Gate University

Since 1901, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

PRESS RELEASES - 2016

12/13/16 -- GGU Announces New Dean for the Ageno School of Business 

Golden Gate University (GGU) welcomes Dr. Gordon Swartz as the new dean of the Edward S. Ageno School of Business.

"Dr. Gordon Swartz brings to GGU a strong blend of academic knowledge and experience launching and growing entrepreneurial businesses as well as transforming industry-leading global firms for high performance," said GGU President Dr. David J. Fike. "His expertise in these areas will be extremely valuable as he focuses on building and strengthening partnerships with the business community in order to identify and provide new training and educational opportunities."

Swartz holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Harvard University, a High Technology MBA from Northeastern University, and bachelor's degrees in nuclear engineering and political science from MIT.

The new dean's arrival coincides with GGU's development of professionally focused initiatives at the graduate and undergraduate levels designed to engage new students, San Francisco Bay Area employers, alumni and community partners. In support of these innovations, GGU's Undergraduate Programs has become a division within the Ageno School of Business, reporting directly to Dr. Swartz, further enabling business education throughout the university to benefit from shared expertise of faculty and market and programmatic synergies.

"Dean Swartz will drive new programs at the cutting edge of business transformations worldwide to educate the next generation of business leaders. His experience in go-to-market strategy, multi-channel marketing and sales improvement, predictive business analytics, voice of the customer research, brand building strategy, and organizational change and leadership will be important assets to Ageno and Golden Gate in our next phase of growth," said President Fike.

Early in his academic career, Swartz served as the deputy dean of the MBA program at the London Business School, where he was also an assistant professor of marketing. More recently, he was the associate dean of executive education at Georgetown University, where he led the design and launch of the school's Global Executive MBA programs. Swartz has been a frequent speaker at the nation's elite business schools and until recently was adjunct professor in Northwestern University's master's degree program in predictive analytics. His articles and case studies have been published in distinguished academic journals, including the Journal of Service Research, Sloan Management Review, Marketing Management and the Harvard Business Review.

Prior to his work in academia, Swartz worked as a management consultant, providing clients with a wide range of go-to market strategy and implementation and market analysis services. As vice president of MarketBridge, Inc., he led major marketing, sales strategy and transformation efforts for Fortune Global 500 companies.

The national search for Ageno's new dean began following Dean Paul Fouts' announcement earlier this year that he would retire from his position as Ageno's dean. Fouts will take a sabbatical leave and return to GGU as a faculty member in 2017.

Dr. Swartz looks forward to contributing to the next chapter in the history of GGU and the Ageno School of Business. "One of the great attractions of Golden Gate University is its long, vibrant history of contributing to the advancement and outstanding achievements of professionals and organizations in San Francisco's world-changing business environment. The Bay Area is a world leader in so many areas of endeavor -- high tech, medicine and health care, finance, global business, public administration -- and GGU has been at the core of this global community for more than a hundred years!" said Swartz.

"I feel very fortunate to join GGU and the Ageno School of Business, and to have a chance to work with GGU's global community -- its faculty, staff, students, alumni and partner organizations -- to explore new ideas, deliver innovative programs and open new doors of opportunity."

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About Golden Gate University

Since 1901, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity.

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
10/24/16 -- Veterans Conference Calls Attention to Returning Vets' Legal Problems 

GGU Law Invites Experts to Discuss Strategies for Assisting Veterans in Their Transition to Civilian Life

Golden Gate University School of Law will hold its fourth Veterans Law Conference on November 3 in an ongoing effort to raise awareness of the legal, health, and employment issues veterans may face as they transition to civilian life.

Under the theme, "Reintegration and Homecoming: Welcoming Warriors and Saluting Service," legal experts and veteran advocates will discuss the unique skills that allow for successful transitions to the civilian world.

This year's Veterans Conference comes at a time when American Bar Association (ABA) President Linda Klein has called on the legal community to address legal issues confronting veterans, including evictions, child-custody disputes and wrongful denial of benefits. In August, President Klein launched the Veterans Legal Services Initiative to mobilize lawyers and enhance legal services for affected active-duty or former members of the military.

The Veterans Law Conference will cast light on these issues and strategies to resolve them, with keynote speeches by Renato Izquieta, supervising attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and a member of the ABA Commission on Veterans Legal Services, and Michael Blecker, executive director at Swords to Plowshares. Guest panelists include experts from the National Guard Association of California, the San Francisco Sheriff's Community of Veterans Engaged in Restoration program, Work for Warriors, the San Francisco Veterans Administration and the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center.

The conference is part of GGU Law's longtime commitment to veterans' issues through its Veterans Legal Advocacy Center (VLAC), which provides pro bono legal services to veterans seeking health care and compensation for service-related injuries. A recent alumna who worked in VLAC, Celina Holmes-Murphy (JD 16), has just been named an Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Veterans Legal Corps Fellow at Swords to Plowshares, where she will provide legal assistance to underserved veterans and their families.

As part of President Klein's initiative this year, GGU Law Dean Rachel Van Cleave has been asked to co-chair a new ABA Committee on Veterans and the Courts focused on raising awareness among judges and lawyers of the challenges confronting veterans and strategies for achieving constructive results.

 
Fourth Annual Veterans Conference
Reintegration and Homecoming: Welcoming Warriors and Saluting Service

Thursday, November 3, 2016
9:00 am -- 1:00 pm
Honorable Lee D. Baxter Courtroom -- Room 2203
Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

Registration is required and includes breakfast and three hours of MCLE credit.
To register, visit: http://alumni.ggu.edu/fourth-annual-veterans-conference
Military veterans -- no charge
Students - $10
Individual tickets - $20

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About GGU Law

Golden Gate University School of Law offers full and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. Our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment, and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
09/15/16 -- Golden Gate University Speaker Series Presents Bay Area Thought Leaders

CELEBRATING

5 YEARS

Renowned Bay Area thought leaders share advice and expertise on business leadership during the 5th annual Golden Gate University (GGU) Braden Leadership Speaker Series. The series welcomes students, alumni, and the general public to attend every Tuesday at noon through December 1, 2016 (see full schedule).

"Brain Savvy Leadership," will feature Jenifer Lippincott, a nationally recognized author who has appeared on The Today Show and NPR, speaking on September 27 about the neuroscience of leadership. Ms. Lippincott has assisted clients such as IBM, Walt Disney World, Deloitte and the Department of Defense to increase productivity and achieve leadership excellence and helped to launch saleable startups such as Identity Holdings and Kidtopia. She is also a brain-based facilitator for the Neuroleadership Institute.

On October 11 Katrina Salazar, CPA, president of the California Board Of Accountancy, will present on "Leadership, The Accounting Profession, & Consumer Protection." Before her appointment to the California Board of Accountancy in 2012 by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Salazar served as vice president and secretary/treasurer prior to her election as president in 2015. She also serves as controller for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

"Attendees can register for one Accounting or Tax continuing professional education (CPE) unit for attending all sessions," said Fred Sroka, dean of the Golden Gate University Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation and the School of Accounting. "The ability to lead has become an essential complement to the technical skill set for tax and accounting professionals, and we are excited about the high-caliber line-up of speakers and the broad spectrum of topics we will be presenting at the Series."

 

BRADEN LEADERSHIP SPEAKER SERIES

Dates: Tuesdays, noon - 1 pm
Location: Room 2202, 536 Mission Street, San Francisco
Open to Golden Gate University students, alumni, and the general public.

 

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About the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation

For the past 45 years, the Braden School of Taxation at Golden Gate University (GGU) has earned a reputation for providing the most comprehensive and applicable tax education available. Its graduate taxation program is one of largest and the most respected in the country, ranked #1 by TaxTalent and one of the top ten nationally according to Tax Hiring Authorities. GGU's School of Accounting offers flexible evening, weekend, and online classes, as well as accelerated, immersive programs that can be completed in a year. Its practice-based curriculum meets the needs of students preparing for the CPA or CMA examinations and working professionals seeking to develop their expertise or expand their career opportunities.

 
About Golden Gate University

For more than 115 years, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity.

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
09/13/16 -- Golden Gate University School of Law Celebrates Permanent Overtime Rights for California Domestic Workers 
Governor Jerry Brown Signs Bill
Governor Jerry Brown signs historic workers' rights bill.

Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. yesterday signed SB 1015, a bill making overtime rights permanent for more than 300,000 nannies and caregivers for seniors and people with disabilities. Golden Gate University School of Law's Women's Employment Rights Clinic (WERC) has served as legal counsel to the California Domestic Workers Coalition since 2010 in the Coalition's effort to extend basic wage and hour protections to domestic workers.

In 2013, Governor Brown signed AB 241, sponsored by the Coalition, extending for the first time overtime rights to domestic workers; the bill was set to sunset in January 2017. Now, with SB 1015, these overtime rights are a permanent reality. WERC provided technical and legal support to the Coalition on both bills.

"California was one of the first states to regulate long hours and impose overtime premium pay at the turn of the twentieth century. Today, Governor Brown recognized that there was no justification to exclude domestic workers from this fundamental protection," said Professor Hina Shah, director of WERC. "It has been an honor for our students and for us to be part of this grassroots, worker-led movement for dignity and fairness in the workplace."

About GGU Law's Women's Employment Rights Clinic (WERC)

The Women's Employment Rights Clinic (WERC) of Golden Gate University School of Law was established in 1993 to serve as a training ground for the next generation of ethical, competent and socially responsible professionals and to provide critical legal services and support to the community. The Clinic's mission is centered on ensuring that every worker has the right to economic fairness, equal opportunity and dignity in the workplace. Our mission is to collaborate with grassroots, community-based organizations and worker centers to enhance their capacity for systemic change. Our individual and impact cases are informed and are coordinated in partnership with broader community campaigns for economic justice.

About Golden Gate University School of Law

Golden Gate University School of Law offers full- and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. Our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment, and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
09/01/16 -- GGU Celebrates Constitution Day by Encouraging Voter Registration 
Constitution of The United States of America

Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 16th annual Constitution Day.

Staff from the San Francisco Board of Elections will be on campus September 14 and 15 from 3:30 to 6:45 pm to register voters and to answer questions about the November ballot. The table will be located in GGU's student service center (known as the HUB), located at 536 Mission Street.

GGU students, employees, and community members are encouraged to stop by to register to vote and pick up a free copy of the US Constitution.

About Constitution Day

Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17 became Constitution Day.

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08/31/16 -- Golden Gate University Ranked Country's Top University for Adult Students 

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- Golden Gate University (GGU) was named the number one university for adult students in the nation by the Washington Monthly in its annual College Guide and Rankings, Best Colleges for Adult Learners Category.

According to Washington Monthly, nearly half of the 20.2 million students attending university are over 25 years of age. This is the first time that a nationwide ranking has been published for universities serving adult students.

 
The top five four-year colleges for adult learners are:
  1. Golden Gate University -- San Francisco (CA)
  2. University of Utah (UT)
  3. Park University (MO)
  4. Concordia University -- St. Paul (MN)
  5. University of Colorado -- Denver (CO)

"It's in our DNA to serve adult students and we have been doing it for over 115 years," said President David J. Fike. "Golden Gate University has a long history in the Bay Area and nationwide as a provider of professionally focused education for working adults. Students can attend part time or full time, in the evenings or on the weekend, and nearly all programs are available online."

In recent GGU surveys, 88 percent of current GGU students said they are employed, over 91 percent of GGU graduates surveyed believe that GGU positively impacted their professional opportunities, and 97 percent would recommend GGU to a coworker with similar goals.

To compile the rankings, the Washington Monthly reviewed data for over 571 colleges from the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) survey, the department's new College Scorecard database and the College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges.

 
The metrics that determined each school's rating include:
  • ease of transfer and enrollment
  • flexibility of programs
  • services available for adult learners
  • percent of adult students (age 25+) at the college
  • mean earnings of adult students ten years after entering college
  • loan repayment of adult students five years after entering repayment
  • tuition and fees for in-district students

"GGU's rank as the best college for adult learners is a national recognition of what we have been hearing from our students and alumni for years," said Barbara Karlin, vice president of academic affairs.

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About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas since 1901. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

 
MEDIA CONTACTS
07/24/16 -- Golden Gate University Appoints New VP for Finance & Administration 

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- Golden Gate University (GGU) announces the appointment of Bill Lee as its Vice President for Finance & Administration, effective July 1.

Lee brings to GGU nearly 20 years of multinational corporate experience, having served as a country chief financial officer (CFO) for Citibank-Asia and as a co-chief financial officer and senior vice president at Visa International. For the past five years, he has held CFO positions at two Bay Area nonprofit organizations: the East Meets West Foundation and Meals on Wheels of San Francisco.

"I believe Bill's experience in both the public and private sectors is a strong match for our goals to keep growing as a nonprofit university in today's highly competitive educational environment. His forward-thinking leadership style supports our mission to continue providing the Bay Area's working professionals with a high-quality but accessible career-focused education," said GGU President Dr. David J. Fike.

In his new role, Lee oversees the Offices of the Controller and Student Accounting Services, Business Services & Facilities, as well as GGU's financial operations, legal matters and investments. His deep experience in financial planning and analysis will serve GGU well as the institution embarks on strategies to innovate and grow enrollment in new educational program offerings.

Lee succeeds VP of Business Affairs and CFO Robert Hite, who retired from GGU in April after eight years of service. He reports directly to President Fike.

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About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas since 1901. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

 

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PRESS RELEASES - 2015

11/24/15 -- Golden Gate University MS in Taxation Program Ranked Number One in the US by Tax Hiring Authorities 

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- Golden Gate University (GGU) Master of Science in Taxation program was recognized as the best taxation program in the US in TaxTalent's 2016 Top in Tax Educational Survey, listing the leading undergraduate, graduate and legal taxation programs according to tax employers. TaxTalent is an online career and leadership development portal for tax professionals that surveys corporate tax hiring authorities from across the country every year, asking them to rank up to five schools per tax program producing top tax talent.

The survey results also listed GGU among the top ten universities nationally for the following programs:
  • 6th in the Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation program
  • 7th in the Master of Accounting program with Taxation concentration
  • 7th in the Juris Doctor program with Taxation specialization
  • 8th in the Master of Accounting program
  • 8th in the Undergraduate program with Accounting concentration

Moreover, these rankings place Golden Gate University School of Law's LLM in taxation as the best tax LLM in California for the third year in a row.

"Once again, our tax and accounting programs are recognized as the finest in the nation," said Fred Sroka, dean of the Braden School of Taxation and the School of Accounting at GGU. "With our industry-experienced and talented faculty, and enduring reputation and recognition for excellence among tax employers, our tax and accounting degrees open the door to job prospects and continue to offer our graduates a rapid return on their academic investment."

About Golden Gate University

For more than 114 years, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in accounting, law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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MEDIA CONTACTS
10/13/15 -- Golden Gate University Hosts Sold Out Women in Leadership Event 

San Francisco, CA (October 14, 2015) -- Golden Gate University's (GGU) Ageno School of Business will host a sold out Women in Leadership event on Thursday, October 22 from 5 - 7 pm.

The Women in Leadership panel and networking event launched three years ago to nurture women leaders. GGU has a long history of supporting women in business, since the first women enrolled in classes in the 1920s. Throughout the years, GGU has provided women the necessary skills to excel in their careers.

Although women have made great strides in the workplace, gender discrimination and a dearth of women leaders in top levels continues today. The Women in Leadership event has tripled in size from the first one in 2013, illustrating a high demand for leadership insights.

"We are excited by the interest in our Women in Leadership event and have brought together a great group of women from diverse backgrounds and industries," said Marianne Koch, Associate Dean of the Ageno School of Business. "Our panelists will share insights on topics such as overcoming bias, utilizing mentors and global leadership."

The panelists include GGU Alumnae:
  • Melinda Dunn, Global CFO & CCO of Sequoia Capital
  • Agness Mnena Gaadi, Senior Database Marketing Analyst, AAA
  • Rebecca Prozan, Manager, Public Policy and Government Relations Manager, Google San Francisco
  • Karen M. Roye, Director of the San Francisco Department of Child Support Services
Fiona Ma, Member of the California State Board of Equalization will moderate the event.

Fiona Ma, Member of the California State Board of Equalization will moderate the event.

"I am thrilled to be involved with this important event," said CA BOE Member Ma, who has an MS in Taxation from GGU, and will moderate the event. "Although we have made progress in providing opportunities for women leaders, we still have a long way to go. GGU's Women in Leadership event gives us the chance to share insights with others in hope that more women will be inspired and have the knowledge to pursue leadership roles."

Although the Women in Leadership event sold out, a webcast will be available on October 22 from 5:30 - 7 pm, and a waitlist is available for this FREE event. Details for the webcast and waitlist are available at www.ggu.edu/women-in-leadership. Women in Leadership takes place at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, 2nd Floor in San Francisco.

About Golden Gate University

For more than 114 years, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in accounting, law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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09/17/15 -- GGU Celebrates Constitution Day 
Constitution of The United States of America

Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 15th annual Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution.

In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17 became Constitution Day.

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09/01/15 -- Listen, Learn and Lunch with Bay Area Business Leaders Every Tuesday at the Golden Gate University Braden Leadership Series 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 01, 2015) -- Renowned Bay Area thought leaders will share advice and expertise on business leadership at the Golden Gate University (GGU) Braden Leadership Speaker Series, launching today and open to GGU students, alumni, and the general public every Tuesday at noon through December 1, 2015. Attendees will be served a complimentary lunch and can register for one Accounting or Tax continuing professional education (CPE) unit for attending all sessions.

"The ability to lead has become an essential complement to the technical skill set for tax and accounting professionals, and we are excited about the high-caliber line-up of speakers and the broad spectrum of topics we will be presenting at the Series," said Fred Sroka, dean of the Golden Gate University Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation and the School of Accounting. "Our distinguished guests will share lessons learned along the journey in their field, as well as valuable insights into important topics that business leaders need to pay attention to in order to succeed in today's business increasingly competitive environment."

For the past 45 years, the Braden School of Taxation at GGU has earned a reputation for providing the most comprehensive and applicable tax education available. Its graduate taxation program is one of largest and the most respected in the country, ranked #1 by TaxTalent.com and one of the top ten nationally according to Tax Hiring Authorities. GGU's School of Accounting offers flexible evening, weekend, and online classes, as well as accelerated, immersive programs that can be completed in a year. Its practice-based curriculum meets the needs of students preparing for the CPA or CMA examinations and working professionals seeking to develop their expertise or expand their career opportunities.

Braden Leadership Speaker Series

Sep 1 - Dec 1, 2015
Tuesdays, noon - 1 pm
Room 2201
Golden Gate University Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation and School of Accounting
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Open to Golden Gate University students, alumni, and the general public.

About Golden Gate University

For more than 114 years, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
08/18/15 -- Golden Gate University School of Law Receives One-million Dollar Gift from Judge Lee Baxter (ret.) 
Lee Baxter

The Honorable Lee D. Baxter, Judge (Retired), Superior Court, City and County of San Francisco; member of the GGU Board of Trustees and alumna of the GGU School of Law (JD 74, LLD 08).

San Francisco, CA (August 18, 2015) -- Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law) will name its ceremonial courtroom after its alumna The Honorable Lee D. Baxter (JD 74, LLD 08), Judge (Retired), Superior Court, City and County of San Francisco, and member of the Golden Gate University Board of Trustees, in recognition of a $1-million transformative gift to the law school.

"Golden Gate University School of Law provided for me the means to a wonderfully satisfying and successful legal career," said Honorable Baxter. "I am forever grateful."

Judge Baxter's generous donation will help support GGU Law's nationally recognized litigation program, as well as programs that support student engagement and professional development.

"We deeply appreciate Judge Baxter's generosity and her consistent support of the School of Law.  Her gift will help us enhance our ability to support the professional success of our students and graduates -- our top priority," said GGU Law Dean Rachel Van Cleave. The unveiling ceremony will take place on September 1 at GGU Law in the second floor courtroom, Room 2203.

GGU student and alumni communities are invited to the ceremony.

The Honorable Lee D. Baxter (JD 74, LLD 08): GGU Law Ceremonial Courtroom Unveiling

Golden Gate University
536 Mission Street, Room 2203
San Francisco
September 1, 2015
5 - 6 pm

To reserve a seat or for more information about GGU Graduate Law Programs (LLM / SJD) email: GradLaw@ggu.edu.

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full- and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. Founded in 1901, GGU Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for 114 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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07/28/15 -- GGU Celebrates 50 Years of Public Administration Excellence 
Jay Gonzalez and Willie Brown
Professor Jay Gonzalez with Willie Brown

San Francisco, CA (July 28, 2015) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) will celebrate 50 years of Public Administration education on August 27 with a commemorative event featuring the panel "From Katrina to Baltimore: Effectively Responding to Emerging Public Administration Challenges." The panel will address the heightened state of racial tensions across the country and increased natural disasters impacting communities, focusing on community rebuilding, leadership creation and preparedness.

The panelists include GGU Alumni:
  • Paul Figueroa, Assistant Chief, Oakland Police Department
  • Kerry D. Jackson, Head of Security, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District
  • Carlos Sanchez, Lieutenant, San Francisco District Attorney's Office

The Honorable Ruth Astle, administrative law judge for the State of California, will moderate the discussion.

"The Baltimore riots resulted in 144 vehicle fires, 15 structural fires and 200 arrests. Natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina, displaced between 645,000 to 1.1 million Louisiana residents leading many to scramble for resources," said Public Administration Chair and Professor Joaquin "Jay" Gonzalez, who developed the panel's theme. "A discussion on prevention is necessary as most actions are based on reaction. The panelists are not only GGU alumni but also seasoned first responders. We want to take the lead in educating the minds and hearts of a new generation of law enforcers and security experts. Our role at GGU is to educate leaders who make smart and practical decisions to address real-world challenges."

GOLDEN GATE'S HISTORY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION EDUCATION

GGU's Master of Public Administration program began in the fall of 1963 and was one of the first higher education institutions in the Bay Area to create both undergraduate and graduate part-time programs for law enforcement personnel. Over the past 50 years, the public administration alumni base has grown to over 7,000 members, including many police chiefs and other community leaders. "We are very proud of our long history and tradition of contribution to public administration," said Ageno School of Business Dean Paul Fouts.

On April 25, 1980, then San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein commended the program by proclaiming that it was "Golden Gate University Day" naming the School of Public Administration's Dean Randy Hamilton "vital in sustaining close cooperation with The City in a variety of efforts to help improve management skills" and credited him and the president for the "their exemplary leadership" which had benefit the entire city.

The Executive Master of Public Administration launched in 1999 and now includes concentrations such as Law Enforcement & Security and Judicial Administration. Professor Gonzalez was appointed to the San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission by then Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. a month after the 9/11 attacks to help prevent immigrant backlash. He served for close to a decade and in 2005 was awarded a Special Congressional Recognition for public service by then House Leader Nancy Pelosi. The 50th anniversary celebration will be held from 5pm - 7:30pm at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., 5th Floor. In addition to the panel of civic leaders, the event will honor alumni and faculty from the past 50 years.

Admission is free, but space is limited. To reserve your spot, RSVP at www.ggu.edu/celebrate50

About Golden Gate University

For more than 114 years, nonprofit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing high quality, practice-based undergraduate and graduate educational programs in accounting, law, taxation, business and related professions in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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MEDIA CONTACTS
05/19/15 - Golden Gate University For the Love of Education Benefit Highlights Positive Impact of Scholarship Fund 
For the Love of Education

San Francisco, CA (May 19, 2015) - Golden Gate University hosted its first For the Love of Education gala to highlight the positive impact of education through recognition of recent scholarship recipients and alumni who have made outstanding contributions to business and the community.

The sold-out event, held at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco on April 22, brought together a diverse group of 150 business and civic leaders in support of GGU and its Scholarship Fund, which has been providing adult students juggling the demands of work and family with additional financial aid to complete their college degree.

"The funds raised by 'For the Love of Education' will help to strengthen the foundation for GGU's Scholarship Fund, opening doors to the possibility of education for those who want to make a lasting and positive contribution to business and society," said GGU's Vice President of University Advancement Tasia Neeve. "We were so pleased to see the support from our business community."

Attendees were welcomed with videotaped messages from For the Love of Education Honorary Co-chairs Senator Dianne Feinstein and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. Both leaders spoke about the role of education in creating a better future for all, with appreciation for the unique role played by GGU in preparing students for the evolving Bay Area workplace.

"Education is the best investment we can make in the future of our city," said Mayor Lee. "Tonight will make it possible for more of our residents to achieve their higher education goals and prosper."

"Golden Gate University helps to meet employers' demand by offering innovative programs that provide students with real-world experience in the classroom," remarked Senator Feinstein in her address. "The applied learning and flexibility offered by GGU are a great model to keep pace with the global economy."

The evening's program, emceed by GGU Board of Trustees Bruce Hart, Principal at Jacobs Engineering, honored two GGU alumni for their professional achievements: Elisha Finney (MBA 82), Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Varian Medical Systems, Inc., received the Alumna of the Year award; and Lane Kasselman (JD 05), Head of Communications - North America at Uber Technologies, received the Rising Star Award.

GGU alumnus and Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard Tyson (BA 82 MBA 84) also spoke about the transformational impact of a GGU education, reflecting on his own GGU experience in the Possibilities of Education video that showcased how scholarships make a real and lasting impact in the lives of individuals and society.

In addition to the inspiring testimonials of GGU students who have accomplished their academic goals against all odds with the help of the GGU Scholarship Fund, the video featured endorsements by San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President Bob Linscheid and San Francisco Business Times President and CEO Mary Huss, who praised GGU's role in developing a work force ready to match business demands and in creating the leaders of the future.

More about "For the Love of Education" Gala Event

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for 114 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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MEDIA CONTACTS
05/12/15 - Artist and Sledgehammer Games Creator Glen Schofield Opens "Icons" Exhibit at Alma Mater Golden Gate University 
Glen A. Schofield

San Francisco, CA (May 12, 2015) - Golden Gate University (GGU) announces "Icons", the first major exhibition of works by Glen A. Schofield -- a California artist, GGU alumnus, and co-founder and CEO of Sledgehammer Games -- on view from May 21 until May 29, 2015.

The exhibit will feature more than 100 black-and-white drawings and acrylic paintings by the creator of 2014's bestselling video game Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and 2011's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (co-developed with Infinity Ward Studios) -- the largest entertainment property in history. The event will open on May 21, 2015 with a hosted reception from 6 pm to 9 pm, where the public will have the opportunity to meet Schofield, hear him speak, and preview his works. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund for veterans.

"Icons" showcases Schofield's lifelong commitment to drawing, a passion that has propelled him from his beginnings as a freelance illustrator to powerhouse in the video game industry with over $3 billion in sales. The portraits celebrate the cultural icons that have inspired Schofield to push the envelope of his own creativity, and were selected from about 300 images that the artist has drawn over a two-and half-year period, working quickly and ambidextrously on paper, board, and canvas.

"I am a trained cartoonist and I had been doing caricatures all my life," said Schofield. "Then I started drawing bigger, looking for new ways to capture individual faces, cropping them in unique ways that would bring them closer. I am attracted to creative people who have made a positive impact -- actors, entertainers, scientists, musicians, other artists -- and this is how I see them, how I want to show them. I call this series ‘Icons' because each one represents a person who stands out for his or her talent and accomplishments. Some may be people you have never heard of, but they have all exhibited something that sets them apart."

Schofield chose GGU as the venue of his first show because of his long association with the university and GGU President Dr. Dan Angel. He graduated with an MBA from the Ageno School of Business in 2002 and ten years later received GGU's Rising Star Award, given to alumni who exhibit extraordinary professional achievements and contributions to the community. In 2014, Dr. Angel invited Schofield to deliver the graduate commencement address and conferred an honorary doctorate on him. At the reception on May 21, Schofield will in turn present Dr. Angel, who is retiring this year, with an art piece commemorating his tenure.

"It's an honor to come back to GGU, it means so much to me," said Schofield. "I completed my MBA attending classes half-day on Fridays and all-day Saturdays because I had a full-time job and two children at home. The MBA gave me the confidence I needed as an artist to go into a boardroom with CEOs and presidents of companies and understand what they were saying--now I am right there with them. After I got my MBA I was made VP of Electronic Arts and went from creative leader to business leader. The MBA helped me create the business plan for my studio, and it also taught me how to go deeper into research, deeper than the competition, which has helped me tremendously in the creative process."

"We are excited to welcome Glen back to GGU, to celebrate with the GGU community yet another milestone in his impressive career as an artist and entrepreneur," said GGU President Dr. Dan Angel. "We were thrilled when he accepted our invitation to hold his first solo show here at GGU."

Whether painting, drawing, working with digital media, or directing his next game, Schofield spends almost every waking moment creating. Growing up in New Jersey, he was defined as an artist at a very early age and encouraged by his parents to follow his passion. At ten he won a national Kellogg art contest, and by the time he turned fifteen he was one of the first and youngest to attend the Joe Kubert School of Comics and Graphic Arts, where the rule of thumb was to be on the board eight to ten hours a day, every day. With his work ethic and a path foreordained in art, Schofield went on to excel at the prestigious Pratt Institute of Art and Design, graduating in the top five of his class with a BFA.

Schofield's career as a freelance illustrator in New York City took off after he won an art competition at Omni magazine. By his third year in the Big Apple he had created posters for Pepsi, ads for Exxon, brochures for M&M Mars, billboards for Toyota, and a piece for the Society of Illustrators prestigious show. His portfolio of clients included ATT, IBM, Panasonic, and Parker Brothers, among many others.

Following a stint as character designer for the Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers animated series Schofield moved to video games, first as lead artist and then as art director, executive producer, and game director. He ultimately founded his own studio: Sledgehammer Games.

Over the past twenty years Schofield has worked on more than 50 video games and directed 13, including Dead Space (created and directed), James Bond, Call of Duty and Lord of the Rings. His games have won over 100 awards worldwide, including back-to-back Action Game of the Year, Best Shooter, Best Graphics and two BAFTAs. His prodigious output also spans graphic novels, comics, and collectible figures.

In addition to running Sledgehammer, directing games, and pursuing his art every day, Schofield is a sought-after keynote speaker with worldwide engagements at schools and industry events. In 2014 he was appointed to the President's Advisory Board for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where he is also a guest lecturer.

"I deeply enjoy talking about a creative life and how rich and rewarding it can be," Schofield says. "I like the idea of helping others with the same passion follow their dreams and their hearts into the career path I have chosen."

EVENT INFO

Opening Reception: May 21 2015, 6 - 9 pm
Exhibit Hours: May 21 - 29, 2015, 9 am - 6 pm
Location: Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, First Floor, San Francisco, California

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for 114 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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05/04/15 - Dr. David J. Fike Named Seventh President of Golden Gate University 
David Fike

San Francisco, CA (May 4, 2015) - The Board of Trustees of Golden Gate University (GGU) announces the appointment of David J. Fike, Ph.D., as its new President, effective August 3, 2015. He succeeds Dr. Dan Angel, who will be retiring after a nine-year tenure.

Dr. Fike is currently the president of Marygrove College, a century-old liberal arts institution in Detroit. He joined Marygrove in 2005, serving as provost for one year before becoming Marygrove's president. During his nine-year presidential tenure, Dr. Fike provided the strategic vision that recast the college's legacy as a commitment to develop students' talents, skills, and dispositions to lead in urban communities and he garnered the resources, including a three-year $1.5M curriculum development grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to support faculty in carrying out this commitment.

"This is an exciting moment in GGU's long history," said Mark Anderson, Chair of the Golden Gate University Board of Trustees. "Out of a deep pool of highly qualified candidates, Dr. Fike stood out as distinctly qualified to lead GGU at this complex time in the higher education landscape. He possesses the strategic vision, expertise and commitment to learning that will continue to build GGU's reputation as a century-old leader in practice-based higher education. With his proven leadership skills, Bay Area roots, and commitment to our mission, Dr. Fike is uniquely suited to build those important partnerships with the Board, our faculty and staff, our students and the community that GGU needs to keep growing and thriving."

Dr. Fike is not new to the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to his appointment at Marygrove, he was chief academic officer and dean of faculty at Holy Names University in Oakland, California, a position he held from 1997 until 2005. As chief academic officer, he had oversight of the $6.5M annual Academic Affairs Division budget, all academic programs, campus information technology, library services, student registration processes, learning support resources and advising services. He joined Holy Names in 1992 as a faculty member in economics, teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels and serving as a frequent guest lecturer and presenter on such topics as socially responsible investing, economic revitalization and community development.

"It is a tremendous honor to be entrusted with the presidency of Golden Gate University," Fike said. "I have always believed in the ability of education to transform lives, and I look forward to working with the campus and the local community to champion GGU's mission and values while developing a brilliant future for the school and thus, its global impact."

In describing his enthusiasm about joining GGU, Dr. Fike describes it as "icing on the cake" that his father -- Thomas L. Fike, a retired attorney and leader of Oakland's Legal Aid Society in the 1960s -- is a graduate of GGU and past lecturer at the Golden Gate University School of Law.

Dr. Fike has served as an elected official in Kensington, California, from 1994 to 1998. He has held numerous appointed positions on boards and commissions, including the BioScience Workforce Advisory Team for the City of Oakland, the Life Sciences Task Force of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, the Bay Area's Community Capital Investment Initiative, the Community Reinvestment Subcommittee of Alameda County's Economic Development Advisory Board, the City of Oakland's Sustainable Community Development Commission, the BayTEC Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of AnewAmerica Community Corporation, and the Board of Directors of the Chabot Space and Science Center.

As an economist specializing in capital markets and urban economic development, Dr. Fike has provided consulting services and research in the areas of economic revitalization, sustainable community development practices, capital access in underserved markets, and strategic decision-making. His clients have included the City of Oakland (participating in the development of the Mayor's Economic Development Strategy, among other projects) and the Community Bank of the Bay, the first de novo community development bank in the western United States.

Dr. Fike also served as part of a team sent to Central America to develop a strategic plan for the establishment of a nationally chartered bank to finance infrastructure projects for El Salvador's cooperative sector.

In 1995, Dr. Fike was granted a prestigious Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship. As a fellow, he investigated innovative public/private partnerships designing sustainable development strategies for low-income urban communities. He has presented on the topics of socially responsible investing, economic revitalization and community development, and he is the recipient of teaching awards from the University of Maryland, College Park and Holy Names University, as well as a co-author of Everything You Need to Know About Economics (Simon & Schuster, November 1999).

Dr. Fike possesses a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Dr. Fike and his wife, Sylvia Rosales-Fike, have three grown children.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for 114 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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04/28/15 -- Dave Yeske Appointed Golden Gate University Financial Planning Program Director 
David Yeske

San Francisco, CA (April 28, 2015) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) has announced that noted financial planner Dr. Dave Yeske, CFP® will become the Program Director for its Financial Planning program effective May 1, 2015.

Dr. Yeske has built a reputation as one of the most respected practitioners, academics and authors in the financial planning profession. A financial planner since 1990, Dr. Yeske holds a doctorate in finance from GGU and an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Applied Economics from the University of San Francisco. He is often quoted in national media and has appeared on CBS, CNBC, CNN and NBC News.

"Dr. Yeske's expert knowledge of Financial Planning combined with his over 20 years of adjunct faculty experience at GGU made him the perfect candidate to lead the program," said Stevenson Hawkey, the former Program Director for the Financial Planning program and a professor at GGU.

With its 35-year history, GGU's Financial Planning program is the oldest financial planning degree program in the country. Dr. Robert Bohn, the program's director during the 1980s and 1990s, was also co-founder of the Academy of Financial Services (AFS), a professional association devoted to fostering basic and applied research in financial planning. GGU's financial planning program is designed for students who aspire to become financial planners, investment advisers or money managers and can be completed both on-campus or fully online. GGU's degree program is registered with CFP Board and graduates qualify to sit for the CFP® certification exam. GGU was one of the first five universities in the country to become registered with CFP Board in 1986.

"I am thrilled to have Dr. Yeske head up our Financial Planning Program," said Ageno School of Business Dean Paul Fouts. "His passion for financial planning extends to his work with clients, GGU and the financial planning community. Dr. Yeske's insight into all of these areas brings a rich dynamic to his teaching and vision for the program."

Dr. Yeske is a principal of Yeske Buie, a wealth management firm with offices in San Francisco and Vienna, VA, and is a long-time leader in the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the profession. He served as Chair of FPA PAC in 2005 and 2006, and chaired FPA's Research Center Team and its Academic Advisory Council from 2007 to 2012. Dr. Yeske received FPA's Heart of Financial Planning award in 2012. He is also a long-time mentor in FPA's residency program.

In addition to his work in FPA, Dr. Yeske was recently appointed practitioner editor of the Journal of Financial Planning.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for 114 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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03/13/15 -- Golden Gate University Alumnus Wins 2015 SPUR Good Government Award 
Peter Dailey with Jay Gonzalez

Port of San Francisco Deputy Director and Golden Gate University alumnus Peter Dailey (right) with Professor Jay Gonzalez III, Chair of GGU's Public Administration Department in the Edward S. Ageno School of Business, at the SPUR 2015 Good Government Awards ceremony on March 11, 2015.

San Francisco, CA (March 13, 2015) - Golden Gate University (GGU) alumnus and Port of San Francisco Deputy Director Peter Dailey has received SPUR's 2015 Public Managerial Excellence Award for his leadership in managing the design, financing and project implementation of the recently opened James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27, along with his colleagues John Davey, John Doll, Elaine Forbes and Meghan Wallace. For 34 years, SPUR's Good Government Awards have recognized City and County of San Francisco managers for their leadership, vision and ability to make a difference both within city government and the community at large.

Dailey's team set priorities, aligned interests and assured financial stability for the new $100-million world-class cruise terminal, constructed using sustainable design practices in accord with Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) standards. This project represents the public's largest investment in a Port of San Francisco development project since the 1920s, and it provides the city with an opportunity for transportation, employment, exploration and recreation at the site that also converts to a premier event venue.

"I've always thought that my MBA at GGU gave me the confidence and knowledge that really fueled my professional life," said Dailey, who earned his MBA in Marketing at GGU in 1982. A 25-year Port of San Francisco veteran, Dailey is responsible for managing and marketing one of the most varied maritime business portfolios of any Port in the United States, with more than 7 million square feet of maritime industrial land and piers and marine terminals. Under his direction, notable achievements have been the successful establishment of bulk cargo terminals; a major expansion of Port floating dry-docking to handle Post-Panamax vessels; design, construction and installation of California's first shore power facilities for cruise ships; expansion of Foreign Trade Zone to enhance regional economic benefits; and expansion of Port ferry terminals--making San Francisco California's leading passenger seaport.

"Our heartfelt congratulations go to Peter," said Tasia Neeve, Vice President of University Advancement at GGU. "Golden Gate University is so proud of the impact his education, hard work and perseverance have had in our own community, and we are honored to have him as part of our GGU family."

Prior to his current position, Dailey was senior marketing executive at the Port responsible for public relations and public affairs, strategic marketing and press relations. He is a member of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission's Seaport Planning Advisory Committee, current Chairman of the American Association of Port Authority Cruise Committee, and serves as a member California Association of Port Authority's Advisory Committee.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for 114 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

About SPUR

SPUR brings people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems cities face. With offices in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, SPUR is recognized as a leading civic planning organization and respected for its independent and holistic approach to urban issues.

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02/24/15 -- New Grant Provides San Francisco Legal Association Memberships for GGU First-Year Law Students 

San Francisco, CA (February 24, 2015) - First-year law students at Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law) can receive a fully-paid, one-year membership with The Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) or the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (SFTLA) thanks to the newly established Mark E. Burton Grant for Professional Engagement. The grant, sponsored by GGU Law alumnus Mark Burton (JD 95), will offer more than 100 GGU Law students access to the broad array of educational and social activities enjoyed by BASF and SFTLA members.

"This grant offers new law students opportunities for professional development and discussion on a broad array of legal topics," said Burton, "as well as for conversations and networking with the Bay Area's top legal minds." Eligible students will be notified by email and invited to sign up for the program by the deadline of March 13, 2015.

Burton has a long history of service to the Bay Area's legal community and to GGU Law. As a partner at San Francisco law firm Hersh & Hersh and Of Counsel to Audet & Partners, he manages, prepares, and handles a diverse group of personal injury matters, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, motor vehicle collisions, and wage and hour class actions. He has a deep background in mass tort litigation, which includes cases concerning medicine and medical devices. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at Golden Gate University and on the GGU Law Dean's Advisory Board.

Burton was named a 2009 Northern California Rising Star by Law & Politics Magazine and a Super Lawyer every year thereafter. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, American Inns of Courts, The Bar Association of San Francisco, the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, and California State Bar Arbitrations.

"We are very grateful to Mark for this generous grant to support the career development of our newest students," said GGU Law Dean Rachel Van Cleave. "It is wonderful that Mark appreciates how important it is for aspiring lawyers to engage with the legal community early in their career and that he is making it possible for them to get involved."

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full- and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. Founded in 1901, GGU Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for 114 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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PRESS RELEASES - 2014

12/09/14 -- Golden Gate University Appoints Two New Deans 
Fred Sroka

San Francisco, CA (December 9, 2014) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) recently named Fred Sroka as Dean of the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation and the School of Accounting and Dr. Nate Hinerman as Dean of Undergraduate Programs.

Fred Sroka joins GGU as Dean of the School of Accounting and the Braden School of Taxation from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he was a partner and led its Venture Capital tax practice. He has extensive professional financial experience and is both an attorney and a CPA. He has taught at GGU as an adjunct professor since 1983 and has also served on the Braden School's advisory board. Fred received his bachelor's degree in economics from Santa Clara University and his JD from UCLA.

Nate Hinerman

Dr. Nate Hinerman steps into his position as Dean of Undergraduate Programs from his current role as Associate Professor at GGU. A member of GGU's teaching staff for more than five years, Nate has been heavily involved in reconstructing GGU's undergraduate degree programs to ensure that graduates are well prepared to meet the challenges of today's world. His doctorate is in Philosophy, and he is also a psychotherapist, specializing in helping people transition amidst various types of loss.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such talented people to lead these important programs," says GGU President Dan Angel. "Their talents and energy will help manage, promote and grow our tax, accounting and undergraduate programs ensuring our students are workplace ready upon graduation."

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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11/13/14 -- Golden Gate University Partners with Bertelsmann's arvarto Digital Services 

San Francisco, CA (November 13, 2014) -- The Golden Gate University (GGU) Ageno School of Business and Bertelsmann's arvato SCM Solutions recently signed an Education Learning Agreement launching a dynamic partnership in supply chain management education (SCM).

Through this agreement, arvato's 66,000 employees worldwide receive discounted tuition to enroll in GGU's highly-respected Operations and Supply Chain Management program to earn a bachelor of science, and in GGU's Global Supply Chain Management program to earn an MBA or graduate certificate. To enhance this effort, arvato will provide GGU with current case studies of its work with clients around the globe to be employed as teaching and learning tools.

"Our partnership with GGU is key to our continued leadership in the supply chain management industry," said Dominik Dittrich, arvato SCM Solutions Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Management. "Now our employees have exciting opportunities to continue their education while still working in this field."

"Today's global economy requires a high degree of competence in supply chain management and that is what we are preparing our students to create," said Richard Dawe, GGU Global Supply Chain Management Program Director. "Our successful practice-based learning approach will be greatly enhanced by arvato's real life case studies and subject matter experts."

In 2013, the Wall Street Journal noted that many universities had recently introduced MBA concentrations as well as degree programs dedicated to procurement, inventory management and global supply-chain strategy to keep up with the demand from corporations looking to fill positions in these areas.

GGU has a rich history in providing supply chain management education spanning back as early as the 1900s, when it taught clerks how to fill out railroad and ocean shipping documents. Today, the SCM program teaches professionals how to create modern, dynamic supply chains through advanced management practices such as collaborative planning-forecasting-replenishment, technologies such as robotics and cloud-based applications, and key analytics such as perfect order and economic value added.

GGU's supply chain alumni work in all types of industries around the world, and many alums have come back to teach at GGU, including Douglas Carlberg, Director, Global BPO at DHL.

About arvato SCM Solutions

arvato SCM Solutions is part of arvato AG. arvato AG is a leading international technology service provider that lives and breathes digital technology. More than 66,000 employees design and produce innovative solutions for business customers from all over the world, covering a wide range of business processes along integrated service chains. These include Digital Marketing, Financial, CRM, SCM and IT solutions, as well as all services related to the creation and distribution of printed products and digital storage media. arvato is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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10/30/14 -- Giants Parade -- Expect Transportation Delays 

San Francisco, CA (October 30, 2014) -- The San Francisco Giants will be honored for their World Series win with a parade at noon on Friday, October 31, 2014.

GGU students and employees are advised to allow extra commute time if traveling to campus.

Check the following agency websites for the latest on transit service:

PARADE ROUTE


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10/14/14 -- Golden Gate University Hosts Second Annual Women in Leadership Conversation 

San Francisco, CA (October 14, 2014) -- The Golden Gate University (GGU) Ageno School of Business will host its second annual Women in Leadership event - a panel discussion promoting women's empowerment designed to nurture women as they become leaders - on Wednesday, November 5, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Women in Leadership is part of GGU's long history of supporting women in business, evidenced by the 1970s photo of women in a management seminar. GGU has been training women to become successful working professionals for nearly 100 years, since the first women enrolled in classes in the 1920s. Evelyn Pullens and Margaret Lyons Steffan were the first two female School of Law graduates, class of 1928.

"We're sponsoring this conversation in order to help end the dearth of women in the top ranks of corporate America and stop sex discrimination," said Marianne Koch, Associate Dean of the Ageno School of Business. "Our panelists will share passionate stories to encourage women to build a strong tool kit filled with leadership know-how and support such as self-confidence, mentors, integrating their work and non-work lives, the ability to make tough decisions and more. We hope this event will promote success for women in leadership roles."

Women continue to be a small minority on Wall Street and in the executive suite, making up only 16 percent of the directors at Fortune 500 companies and 10 percent of chief financial officers at S&P 500 companies. This is despite the fact that more than half of bachelor's degrees are awarded to women. The male-driven culture often still practices both subtle and blatant sexism and discrimination in keeping women out of leadership's top spots. For example:

  • Satya Nadella, Microsoft's chief executive recently told a women's conference that they should not ask for a raise, but trust "faith" and "karma" to reward them appropriately
  • Women still earn only 77 cents for every dollar men make
  • Only 21 women lead the top 500 companies by revenue
  • Worldwide, only 22 out of 197 heads of state are women
  • Women hold only 18 percent of U. S. Congressional offices

"It's time to reverse this trend," says Paul Fouts, Dean of the Ageno School of Business, "and welcome more women into leadership."

Women in Leadership is free, but space is limited. Registration is required at http://tinyurl.com/GGUwomen. Women in Leadership takes place at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., San Francisco.

The panelists include GGU alumnae:
  • Dana Borys, Senior Tax Manager at Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.
  • Judith Coley, Vice President, Corporate & Investor Communications at Envivio
  • Mini Khroad, Vice President, HR of Talent Programs & Services at Yahoo!

Cassandra Sawyer, Director of Human Resources at RMSI, will moderate the conversation about topics including effective communication in the workplace, public-speaking, negotiation, integrating work and life, finding a mentor, strategies for networking, career-planning, constructive criticism and more.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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10/02/14 -- Second Annual Veterans' Law Conference - Thursday, October 23  

San Francisco, CA (October 2, 2014) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) School of Law hosts the second annual Veterans' Law Conference and sixth annual Chief Justice Ronald M. George Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, October 23, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill® and examining veterans' issues regarding health, education and unemployment. Legal powerhouses Major General (Ret.) William K. Suter, who served as both the Clerk for the U.S. Supreme Court and as the acting Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Army John W. Keker, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and one of the country's top trial lawyers and Marcia Coyle, Chief Washington Correspondent at the National Law Journal, among other legal experts, will participate.

The Conference begins at 9:00 a.m. with a keynote speech from Colonel (Ret.) William Gunn, who most recently served as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The subsequent panel discussion entitled "Serving Veterans in the 21st Century" explores innovative organizations and programs that support veterans' health, education, and employment.

The panel, moderated by Colonel John Haramalis, attorney, Garrison Commander of Camp Roberts and President of the California National Guard Association, includes:

  • Keith Boylan, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Services at the California Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Keith Armstrong, author and Professor of Psychiatry at UCSF and specialist in military trauma
  • Dr. Robert Owen, Military Claims and Compensation Examiner for the VA and Professor of Medicine at UCSF, where he specializes in the medical effects of military occupational environmental exposures, especially in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Vietnam (Agent Orange) and ionizing radiation-exposed veterans
  • Mary E. Wright, Partner at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC, with experience in recruitment, counseling and employment of military veterans

A keynote address by John Keker, famed litigation attorney and former Marine platoon leader, follows the panel discussion. Lunch will be served at noon. The keynote speeches, panel discussion and luncheon take place at GGU School of Law.

The conference continues at 6:30 p.m. with the sixth annual Chief Justice Ronald M. George Distinguished Lecture by Major General (Ret.) William K. Suter, former Clerk for the U.S. Supreme Court and former acting Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Army. Marcia Coyle, Chief Washington Correspondent at the National Law Journal and frequent contributor to National Public Radio, will lead Major General Suter in a conversational style interview. The lecture takes place at PG&E Auditorium, 77 Beale Street.

Advance registration for the Second Annual Veterans Law Conference is available at RGLecture2014.eventbrite.com and GGUVetConference2014.eventbrite.com Day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on October 23 in Room 2201 at GGU School of Law located at 536 Mission Street in San Francisco. All events are free, but tickets are limited.

This conference is hosted by GGU's onsite Veterans Legal Advocacy Center, which provides free support for underserved returning veterans and their families. Through the Center, GGU Law School students obtain experiential training, such as filing appeals, discharge upgrades, and benefit procurement -- opportunities typically unavailable to Northern California law students. GGU Law is considered one of the country's most veteran-friendly institutions, and GGU has participated in the Yellow Ribbon Program for six years, setting itself apart by offering coverage to 100% of all veteran applicants.

With the end of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly 60,000 troops are expected to return home by the end of 2014. According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, California is home to nearly 2 million veterans -- more than any other state in the country. While California veterans live primarily in the state's rural areas, where the cost of living is lower than it is in the San Francisco Bay Area, more than 26,000 veterans call the Bay Area home. Even those living in surrounding communities rely on services, particularly legal services, available in the Bay Area.

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. The first law school in America to have a female dean and to actively recruit female applicants, our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

About Golden Gate University (GGU)

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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09/29/14 -- Governor Signs Golden Gate University Professor's Bill Limiting State Prison Sterilizations 

San Francisco, CA (September 29, 2014) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) Professor Cynthia Chandler drafted the Prison Anti-Sterilization Bill SB 1135, which was signed into law late last week by Governor Brown after it passed unanimously through both houses of the California legislature.

The bill bans sterilizations for birth control purposes in all state prisons, county jails and other detention centers. Other sterilization procedures are restricted to treating life-threatening medical emergencies and addressing physical ailments. Women will receive extensive counseling and second opinions before being sterilized, and correctional facilities performing such surgeries will be required to post data about the procedures online.

The bill also protects whistle-blowers from retaliation for reporting violations. Since the mid-2000s, Cynthia Chandler, Director of Public Interest Programs at Golden Gate University School of Law and co-founder of the Oakland-based prisoner rights group Justice Now, actively pushed for an end to illegally coerced prison sterilizations, gathering data and firsthand accounts from female prisoners about questionable and damaging surgeries. The group has worked closely with state Sen. Hanna-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, who introduced SB 1135.

"The governor's signing of the bill is one, first, great step toward accountability in this gross instance of abuse of women. I plan to continue working as a Board Director with Justice Now to force the State of California to notify women who were sterilized that the procedures were performed, and to inform women in prison of their rights under SB 1135," Chandler said.

At GGU Law, Chandler serves as the law school's Public Interest Career Counselor, providing career guidance for students interested in law careers that serve the greater good. In 2010, she was awarded a Gevelber Distinguished Lectureship on Public Interest Law from Northeastern University School of Law.

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. The first law school in America to have a female dean and to actively recruit female applicants, our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

About Golden Gate University (GGU)

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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09/17/14 -- GGU Celebrates Constitution Day 

Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 13th annual Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17th became Constitution Day.

Review a copy of the United States Constitution

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07/23/14 -- Golden Gate University Launches Program for Aspiring Business Owners 

San Francisco, CA (July 23, 2014) -- In fall 2014, Golden Gate University (GGU) will launch its first Small Business Program designed to help its alumni become successful small business owners. The year-long pilot program is supported by a $300,000 grant from Chevron. The program is free, thanks to the Chevron grant.

"We're responding to a need for this type of programing," says Paul Fouts, Dean of GGU's Edward S. Ageno School of Business. "This is not for people chasing the start-up dream. This is a more traditional business approach serving GGU alumni who are thinking about starting a practice or small business."

Small businesses have created more than half of all U.S. jobs since the 1970s. The number of U.S. small businesses has increased 49 percent since 1982. And since 1990, as corporate America eliminated four million jobs, small businesses added eight million new jobs.

"Chevron is committed to boosting local economies, increasing incomes and improving livelihoods in the communities where we operate," says Dale Walsh (BS '81, LHD '12), President, Chevron Americas Products, and a GGU alumnus and trustee. "One of the ways we do this is by supporting local businesses. We are proud to support this program, and we applaud its efforts to develop small businesses."

The year-long pilot program starts with a 10-week workshop, led by faculty and alumni, covering the fundamentals of starting a practice or small business, resulting in a business launch plan. Each student is paired with an experienced practitioner to help guide business growth, answer questions and provide advice. The cohort meets monthly after the workshop is completed. All students are expected to start a practice or small business before the end of the program and to be a mentor in the future. The curriculum includes business planning, values and ethics, marketing, customer service, logistics, human resources, budgeting and more.

For more information, please visit www.ggu.edu/small-biz.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

About Chevron Corporation

Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company's success is driven by the ingenuity and commitment of its employees and their application of the most innovative technologies in the world. Chevron is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. The company explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and other energy products; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

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06/26/14 -- Computer Dupes Humans: Golden Gate University Professor Part of First Team to Pass Turing Test 

San Francisco, CA (June 26, 2014) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) Adjunct Professor John Denning, MHA, was part of the first team to pass the 65 year old Turing Test, organized by the University of Reading, England. Judges at the Royal Society in London believed they spent a five minute keyboard conversation with a 13 year old boy, when actually it was a computer program. Thirty three percent of the people involved in the conversation mistook the computer for a human, passing the test based on 'the father of modern computer science' Alan Turing's question, "Can Machines Think?"

Thirteen year old "Eugene Goostman" was created in the United States, Russia and Ukraine. Denning said part of "Eugene's" success was that even though the 'conversation' took place in English, the program's conversation style was written in part by non-native English speakers who needed to analyze the language and recognize its nuances. "We're now working on making Eugene smarter and improving his 'conversation logic,'" said Denning.

British mathematician Alan Turing was instrumental in cracking Germany's Enigma code during World War II, which Prime Minister Winston Churchill credited with winning the war.

Professor Denning has been teaching Budgeting, Finance and Innovations in Healthcare IT for the MS in IT Management program at GGU's Edward S. Ageno School of Business since 2010. Denning is an entrepreneur focused on solving complex problems in healthcare using artificial intelligence. To read more about Denning's current company and to experience an enhanced version of "Eugene" visit, http://wholesalechange.com/.

The Master of Science in Information Technology Management (MS/ITM) program was designed by faculty with experience in leading-edge technologies to develop professionals who will manage across IT management field. For more information about the degree, click here.

About Golden Gate University GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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06/11/14 -- Golden Gate University Students Win Awards 

Golden Gate University (GGU) and several of its top students recently earned prestigious awards and scholarships.

San Francisco, CA (June 11, 2014)

At GGU's Edward S. Ageno School of Business:

  • The San Francisco Public Relations Roundtable (SFPRRT) awarded students Hege Thorbjoernsen and Jay Rooney each a $3,000 Phillip N. McCombs scholarship, which is given to outstanding students seeking to enter the field of public relations and marketing communications. Students are evaluated on their academic performance, professional and volunteer experience, career plans for public relations and communications professions, and recommendations from a faculty member. GGU students have received SFPRRT scholarships every year in which scholarships have been awarded since 2006.

  • The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) awarded student Jin Gao its $2,000 MIQ Logistics Scholarship. CSMP provides opportunities for supply chain professionals to develop and improve their supply change management skills, identifies and conducts research which adds to the knowledge of supply chain theory and practice and creates awareness of supply chain management's significance to business and the economy.

  • The American Society for Quality (ASQ) -- San Francisco awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduate student Pornthip Duangkaew and undergraduate student Trois Hart. ASQ is a global community of people passionate about quality and is the sole administrator of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National quality Award and the founding sponsor of the American Customer Satisfaction Index, a widely watched quarterly economic indicator that rates customer satisfaction.
  • The Institute for Supply Chain Management awarded students Kevin Chen and Chenbin Zheng with the Katherine DeLucchi Award. The award was established in 1987 and is given to outstanding students in the field. DeLucchi is one of the pioneer women in purchasing. She was the first Material Manager in the University of California system and the first woman president of the Purchasing Management Association of Northern California.

GGU's Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation and School of Accounting:

  • The San Francisco Tax Executives Institute (TEI) awarded students Himani Gandhi and Lavanya Thyagarajan scholarships of $2,925 each. TEI is the preeminent association of in-house tax professionals worldwide. Its members are business executives responsible for taxation matters on an administrative or policy-making level, or whose work is otherwise primarily concerned with the challenges of business taxation.

  • The Silicon Valley Tax Directors Group (SVTDG) awarded student Kristina Abramyan a $3,000 scholarship. SVTDG is composed of representatives from leading high-technology companies in Silicon Valley. The group hosts visits of Federal, State and County tax law makers to share information about the high technology industries and enabling open dialog regarding tax policy.
About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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05/21/14 -- Golden Gate University Selected for CAEL Competency-Based Education Initiative 

Innovative program evaluates students on skills, not time spent on a course

San Francisco, CA (May 21, 2014) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) has been selected to participate in the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Competency Based Education Jumpstart program. Funded by the Lumina Foundation, the initiative helps build the capacity of higher education institutions to offer competency-based education degree programs to assist students so they can make progress toward a degree by successfully completing assessments of a defined set of competencies, rather than solely through successful completion of credit-hour-based coursework. For many, this could dramatically decrease the time and money it takes to earn a degree.

GGU is the only Northern California higher education institution selected for this program, and one of only 14 nationwide. "This innovative, competency-based approach places the focus on what a student knows and can do, not where the student learned it or how long it took to learn," said Cherron Hoppes, Dean of Undergraduate Programs. "CBE initiatives will allow our students to access new learning modes, demonstrate their college-level competencies and move more rapidly to reaching their goal of completing their degree." The move toward embracing Competency Based Education (CBE) has been growing. Many higher education officials and legislators nationwide continue to support it as an option for students pursuing a degree. President Barack Obama praised CBE in his August 2013 speech on affordability in higher education, and the governors of Indiana, Texas and Wisconsin have also supported competency-based approaches in postsecondary education.

About Golden Gate University

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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05/20/14 -- Golden Gate University Law School Students Win Awards 

San Francisco, CA (May 20, 2014) -- Students enrolled in the Juris Doctor (JD) program at Golden Gate University's (GGU) School of Law recently earned several prestigious accolades. Classes for the JD degree are taught by GGU's exceptional full-time faculty, representing expertise in high-demand and high-need areas such as litigation, environmental law, and public interest. This year's awards include:

  • Winning the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association Mock Trial Competition against area rivals for the second consecutive year.
  • Winning the American Bar Association (ABA) Labor & Employment Section Regional Mock Trial and qualifying to compete in a National ABA Labor Competition for the second consecutive year.
  • Advancing to the semi-finals in the ABA Labor & Employment Section National Mock Trial competition for the first time in the school's history.
  • Earning second place (out of 22 top schools), being narrowly edged out in the finals by Northwestern in a national mock trial competition hosted by California Attorneys for Criminal Justice -- moving up from a third-place finish in 2013.
  • Advancing to the top four (out of 20 top national schools) and earning an automatic return invitation to the national Capitol City Challenge Mock Trial Competition hosted by American University, after advancing to the quarterfinals as the No. 1 seed in 2013.
  • Advancing to the top four (out of 20 competition winners and other top advocacy programs), and being only narrowly defeated by Harvard Law in the semifinals in the National ABA Criminal Justice Section Mock Trial Competition hosted by John Marshall Law School.
  • Earning an extraordinary invitation to compete next year in the 25th-year Anniversary Champions Circle of the National ABA Criminal Justice Section Mock Trial Competition. This marks the third time in the last five years (2010, 2012 and 2014) that GGU returned to the coveted top four in this national championship.
About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. The first law school in America to have a female dean and to actively recruit female applicants, our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

About Golden Gate University (GGU)

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MEDIA CONTACTS
05/01/14 -- Honorable Marshall Whitley Named Director of Golden Gate University Law's LLM in Taxation Program Lindsay Jester appointed as Assistant Director 

San Francisco, CA (May 1, 2014) -- Golden Gate University recently named the Honorable Marshall Whitley (Ret.) as Director of the School of Law's LLM (Masters of Laws) in Taxation Program, and Lindsay Jester as the program's Assistant Director. Whitley was an adjunct professor in the program for nearly three decades prior to his promotion. He served for 20 years in the California Courts. For 10 of those years, Whitley presided over the Probate Departments for the California Superior Court in Alameda County.

Jester, prior to joining GGU, was engaged in large law firm practices as a civil litigator, handling all phases of the litigation process in a wide variety of legal areas. "We are extremely fortunate to have such talented people to lead this important program," says GGU Law Dean Rachel Van Cleave. "Their talents and energy will help manage, promote and grow our LLM program, ensuring our students are practice-ready upon graduation."

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. The first law school in America to have a female dean and to actively recruit female applicants, our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

About Golden Gate University (GGU)

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MEDIA CONTACTS
04/23/14 -- Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We Shop and Buy Award-winning consumer psychologist and GGU Professor discusses her new book 

San Francisco, CA (April 23, 2014) -- Award-winning, nationally recognized consumer research psychologist and Golden Gate University Professor Dr. Kit Yarrow shares surprising consumer insights from her new book, Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We Shop and Buy at a book signing and reception at Golden Gate University (GGU), Wednesday, May 8, 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Yarrow's second book exposes and explains the new motivations and behaviors of today's shopper and takes marketers where they need to be today -- into the deeply psychological and often unconscious relationships that people have with products, retailers, marketing communications and brands. Drawing on hundreds of consumer interview and shop-alongs, Dr. Yarrow reveals the trends that define today's transformed behavior.

Decoding the New Consumer Mind: How and Why We Shop and Buy (Jossey-Bass; March 2014; $27) will be available for purchase at the event. This event is free, but registration is required at http://tinyurl.com/15thqo2

About Golden Gate University GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MEDIA CONTACTS
04/09/14 -- Verastem's Louise Phanstiel Named Speaker for Golden Gate University's Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 

San Francisco, CA (April 9, 2014) -- Louise Phanstiel will give the keynote address at Golden Gate University's (GGU) commencement ceremony for students who've earned undergraduate degrees from GGU's Edward S. Ageno School of Business. Phanstiel is a GGU alumnus, graduating with a BA in accounting in 1985.

The commencement ceremony for the 72 graduates will be held on May 2, 10:30 am, at San Francisco's iconic Marines Memorial Theatre. A reception follows. For more information, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/m87mqmn.

Phanstiel serves on the board of directors for Verastem, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat breast and other cancers by targeting cancer stem cells. She also serves on the board of directors for Myriad Genetics and Cedar Sinai Health System. Before joining Verastem, she was president of specialty products at WellPoint. Inc.

About Golden Gate University GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MEDIA CONTACTS
04/09/14 -- Sledgehammer Games' Glen Schofield Named Speaker for Golden Gate University's Graduate Commencement Ceremony 113th graduation ceremony -- April 26 

San Francisco, CA (April 9, 2014) -- Glen A. Schofield, CEO and co-founder of Sledgehammer Games, will be the speaker at Golden Gate University's commencement ceremony for students who've earned graduate degrees from the Braden School of Tax, Ageno School of Business and the School of Accounting. Schofield is a GGU alumnus, graduated with an MBA in 2002, and is the 2012 recipient of the Rising Star award, granted by the GGU Alumni Association to recent graduates who exhibit extraordinary professional achievements and contributions to the community.

The commencement ceremony for the 420 graduates will be held on April 26, 10 am, at Craneway Pavilion on Richmond's historic waterfront. A reception follows. For more information, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/p4mfcc2.

Schofield -- who will receive an honorary degree at the event -- has been creating video games that have grossed more than $3 billion for more than 20 years. With his MBA from GGU, he says, "I went from running art teams to running a business that makes $200 to $300 million and more." He started his career as an artist and art director for Absolute Entertainment. Prior to starting Sledgehammer Games, Glen was the GM of Electronic Arts' Visceral Games Studio and was the creator and executive producer of the award-winning video game Dead Space. While at EA, Glen also produced Return of the King, James Bond, Dead Space: Extraction and Knockout Kings. Before joining EA, Glen was the VP of Eidos' Crystal Dynamics, where he directed games such as Gex 2, Gex 3 and Blood Omen 2.

About Golden Gate University (GGU)

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MEDIA CONTACTS
04/08/14 -- Golden Gate University Screens Film By Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist. Meet Jose Antonio Vargas and see "Documented"  

San Francisco, CA (April 8, 2014) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) will screen the award-winning film by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas on Saturday, April 19, at 4 p.m. "Documented -- a film by an illegal immigrant undocumented American" chronicles Vargas' journey to America from the Philippines as a child; his journey through America as an immigration reform activist; and his journey inward as he re-connects with his mother, whom he hasn't seen in person in over 20 years. Vargas outed himself as an undocumented immigrant in a 2011 essay published in the New York Times Magazine.

"Vargas is a rock star in the immigrant-rights community," says Professor Jay Gonzalez III, Chair of GGU's Public Administration Department in the Edward S. Ageno School of Business and former San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commissioner. "Shortly after his TIME magazine story on the issue of the undocumented, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it would no longer deport young undocumented residents who qualify for the DREAM act. After revealing that he had been an undocumented immigrant for more than a decade, Vargas has become immigrants' most recognizable face and advocate."

A Q&A with Jose Antonio Vargas follows the screening. Presented in partnership with Positively Filipino™, at GGU, Room 221, the screening is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required at pfpublisher@yahoo.

About Golden Gate University (GGU)

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

04/01/14 -- Golden Gate University School of Law's LLM in Taxation Ranked Among Top 10 in Nation 

San Francisco, CA (April 1, 2014) -- TaxTalent unveiled its annual ranking of Law School LLM in Taxation programs, naming Golden Gate University's School of Law among its top 10 in the nation for the second consecutive year. This year, GGU's program was ranked number 8 nationwide.

TaxTalent provides annual rankings of tax programs directly from the perspective of corporate tax hiring authorities. The annual rankings help bridge the gap between academia and the corporate tax world. The 2014 Educational Survey Series details the highest-regarded Law School LLM in Taxation, Undergraduate and Graduate Tax and Accounting programs. Full results are at: https://www.taxtalent.net/control/documents/pdf/2014_Educational_Survey_Series1.pdf.

"We're very pleased to earn this recognition," says Marshall Whitley, director of Golden Gate University School of Law's LLM in Taxation program. "It's a terrific honor, reflecting the expertise of our faculty, many of whom are practitioners. And it is a great testimony to the professional excellence of our alumni."

GGU Law's LLM in Taxation, taught in the heart of downtown San Francisco, offers full- and part-time options, with one of the most extensive array of tax and estate planning courses in the United States. The Tax program accepts qualifying units from other accredited JD and LLM programs.

"This honor reflects the very best of what GGU Law seeks to contribute to the legal community and its clients -- lawyers who are outstanding practitioners," says GGU Law Dean Rachel Van Cleave.

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. The first law school in America to have a female dean and to actively recruit female applicants, our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

About Golden Gate University (GGU)

GGU, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MEDIA CONTACTS
03/25/14 -- Golden Gate University Professor Leads Bill Limiting State Prison Sterilizations 

San Francisco, CA -- Golden Gate University (GGU) is at the heart of legislation recently introduced by the California Legislative Women's Caucus to limit sterilization surgeries in all state prisons, county jails and other detention centers.

Since the mid-2000s, Cynthia Chandler, an adjunct professor at Golden Gate University School of Law and co-founder of the Oakland-based prisoner rights group Justice Now, actively pushed for an end to prison sterilizations, gathering data and firsthand accounts from female prisoners about questionable and damaging surgeries. The group has worked closely with state Sen. Hanna-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, who introduced SB 1135. Chandler and her group crafted the bill's language that would ban sterilizations for birth-control purposes in all state and local correctional institutions. Surgeries would be restricted to life-threatening medical emergencies and the curing of physical ailments.

"Justice Now hopes that this bill moves attention toward ensuring all California families have a future by sending a clear message that coercive sterilizations targeting imprisoned people are not tolerated," Chandler said.

If passed, the bill would close several loopholes on inmate sterilizations and for the first time bring California law up to federal standards. Federal and state laws ban sterilizations if federal funds are used, but allow for the use of state money. Prison rules have restricted tubal ligations since 1994, but no such limits were placed on surgeries that removed women's uteruses and ovaries.

At GGU, Chandler serves as the law school's Public Interest Career Counselor, providing career guidance for students interested in law careers that serve the greater good. In 2010, she was awarded a Gevelber Distinguished Lectureship on Public Interest Law from Northeastern University School of Law.

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full- and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders. Founded in 1901, GGU's Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association and American Association of Law Schools.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
03/12/14 -- Golden Gate University School of Law Ranked Among Top 20 in Nation for Practical Training  

San Francisco, CA -- The National Jurist this month unveiled its honor roll of law schools offering the best practical training, naming Golden Gate University's School of Law among its top 20 nationwide. GGU Law ranked 19th out of over 200 ABA-accredited schools. The magazine based the rankings on the number of students engaged in faculty-supervised clinic positions, field placements, externships and simulation courses, and gave bonus points for innovative program efforts dedicated to experiential learning. "We're very proud to earn this recognition," says Dean Rachel Van Cleave of GGU's School of Law. "It's a terrific honor, reflecting our faculty's determination to provide innovative programs that give our students the experience they need and that is required by today's employers for professional success."

GGU's School of Law offers a curriculum focusing on experiential learning that blends theory and practice. Students learn from practitioner professors who are inspirational teachers, coaches and mentors. Among GGU Law's most recent innovative experiential programs are first-year lawyering electives, practice intensive courses (PICs), a nationally recognized 1st STEP program, and a new Veterans Legal Advocacy Center, which includes a Veterans Benefits Externship.

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full- and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders. Founded in 1901, GGU's Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association and American Association of Law Schools.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

01/23/14 -- Free 2013 Tax Filing Help 

San Francisco, CA -- For the sixth consecutive year, Golden Gate University (GGU) is teaming up with Tax-Aid to provide free help filing tax returns for underserved families. More than 30 faculty and students from GGU's Braden School of Taxation will be available on these Saturdays: February 1 and 22 and March 1 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bayanihan Community Center in San Francisco.

"GGU has always been committed to serving the community in which we live," said Mary Canning, dean of the Braden School of Taxation and GGU's School of Accounting. "We are proud to have this partnership to ease some of the financial challenges faced by local residents."

The program is open to families with total gross incomes less than $52,000. Clients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Clients should bring:
  • social security card or ITUN for each family member
  • W-2 forms for all 2013 jobs and all 1099 or 1098 forms
  • child care provider information
  • landlord's name, address and phone number
  • voided check for direct deposit
  • 2012 tax return, if available In the 2013 filing season
Tax-Aid's core tax program accomplished the following:
  • 914 volunteers were recruited and trained
  • prepared 4,382 returns for clients
  • these clients received over $4,388,100 in refunds
  • some refunds were over $4,500
  • the average adjusted gross income of Tax-Aid's clients is $19,477

The Bayanihan Community Center is at 1010 Mission Street (at 6th Street), Suite B, San Francisco. To volunteer there on February 1 or 22, or on March 1 or 15, please register through Tax-Aid.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

01/01/14 -- 14 New Year's Resolutions for Law Schools in 2014 

San Francisco, CA -- New Year's resolution-making isn't just for people, but should be a requirement for higher education, particularly law schools, according to Professor Wes Porter, Director of Golden Gate University's Law Litigation Center. "Law schools that continually embrace fresh teaching techniques graduate the smartest students possible," says Professor Porter.

To help law schools kick-start 2014, he offers 14 New Year's Resolutions for Law Schools:
  1. Experiential learning is required. Clinics, externships, and simulations are now mainstream in legal education and, even before it's required by the bar or ABA, law schools must offer students the opportunities for real-world lawyering.
  2. Assign lectures as homework and use classroom time for more application, exercises and problem-solving. Law schools must embrace "flipped classrooms," "blended learning," and YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/wporterable?feature=mhee
  3. Blend legal doctrine and practical skills. Law schools must weave together the law with its practical application. For example, assign students to interview a witness to decide if elements of a crime are met, or draft a letter to a client in a contract dispute outlining several defenses.
  4. Writing isn't just for writing courses. Law students must research, analyze, and write across the curriculum. If they will be "practice ready" when they graduate, then they must be ready to write.
  5. Test more. Law schools need to stop giving one final exam marked with a single grade. Students learn better when regularly assessed throughout a course.
  6. Provide more feedback. Professors should assess regular written assignments and offer students constructive feedback, just as a partner would to a junior associate.
  7. Increase immersion learning. Law schools must offer learning opportunities in addition to the typical one to three class meetings per week structure.
  8. Professors must be coach and mentor. Beyond the law, professors should teach students about learning, studying, professionalism, and professional identity and development.
  9. Shrink class sizes. Law schools must keep classes small and professor-student interaction high) during and after class. Law schools should capitalize on smaller class sizes to improve and individualize instruction.
  10. Remember that Socrates is dead. Students don't learn as well when they are stressed and they don't retain material that they reviewed out of fear. Professors must engage students in the classroom to think constructively about the material.
  11. Professors must prove they are scholars or were once lawyers. Professors should discuss their research, ideas, professional experience, and opinions on current events with the students.
  12. Help students find their place in the law. Law schools must do everything imaginable to help students reach their places in the evolving legal market and legal services industry.
  13. Fill the equal access to justice gap. Law schools must connect those who need but can't afford an attorney with the glut of under-employed new lawyers.
  14. Inspire. Law schools and individual professors must inspire the next generation of law graduates to think big, think creatively, and think of others first.
About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full- and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders. Founded in 1901, GGU's Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association and American Association of Law Schools.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 113 years. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.


PRESS RELEASES - 2013

11/21/13 -- Golden Gate University Students Win Two Gold MarCom Awards 

San Francisco, CA -- Golden Gate University's Direct & Database Marketing class recently captured two prestigious Gold MarCom Awards in the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals' annual worldwide creative competition.

The class partnered with San Francisco's Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center (APIWC) to support the nonprofit's re-branding efforts with a Direct Marketing Plan and Direct Mail Flyer. Originally focusing only on Asians and Pacific Islanders living with or at risk for HIV, APIWC is re-branding to reflect its evolving mission to serve the broader health needs of people of all races and ethnicities.

The comprehensive marketing plan won Gold in the Pro Bono category; the direct mail flyer won gold in the Direct Mail/Flyer category. The latter used a facial image made by putting pieces of a puzzle together. Each puzzle piece consists of varied skin tones and facial features, signaling the "new face" and inclusive nature of the new A&PI Wellness Center.

Direct and Database Marketing, taught by Professor Marc Hsu, covers the planning, design and execution of direct marketing programs. Twenty-five students participated in the award-winning class.

"Our partnership with GGU and Professor Hsu has been invaluable as we expand our marketing efforts," said Stephanie Goss, APIWC communications manager. "We're able to find cost-effective, creative ways to communicate our brand story thanks to the creative capital of Hsu and his students. It's exciting to work with so many future marketing professionals."

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students annually and represents 68,000 alumni.

The school's main campus is located at 536 Mission St. in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in the Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Seattle. Most degree programs are also available entirely online. Founded in 1901, GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

11/12/13 -- Golden Gate University Law School Increases Military Programming to Meet the Needs of Returning Troops 
Filling the Justice Gap With New Veterans Legal Advocacy Center; University Earns 'Military Friendly' Certification

Golden Gate University (GGU) School of Law is increasing its military-specific programming to both raise awareness of active duty and veterans' legal needs, and to teach students to help meet them. Recently the university launched a Veterans Legal Advocacy Center and received the 2014 Military Friendly School designation, recognizing its military offerings that champion the academic success of service members, veterans and spouses. GGU Law is also one of the few law schools providing 100 percent scholarships for qualifying military personnel and veterans.

With the end of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly 60,000 troops are expected to return home by the end of 2014. According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, California is home to nearly 2 million veterans -- more than any other state in the country. While California veterans live primarily in the state's rural areas, where the cost of living is lower than it is in the San Francisco Bay Area, more than 26,000 veterans call the Bay Area home. Even those living in surrounding communities rely on services, and in particular legal services, available in the Bay Area.

By launching the Veterans Legal Advocacy Center, GGU Law seeks to open the profession to veterans and to create programs that both serve law students and support the legal needs of the broader veterans community. The center offers students specialized courses, scholarships and student support organizations. Veterans Benefits Externships provide law students with invaluable on-the-job experience representing actual clients on matters relating to veterans benefits. GGU Law has also partnered with Pearl.com, which offers pro bono legal information online, to provide veterans with benefits information online. Supervised by alumnus and veteran Dan Devoy, students have just begun to fill the justice gap for veterans through this program as well as the externship.

"At a time in our country when veterans struggle to get the benefits they earned through their service, it's imperative that law students, law professors and lawyers in firms and advocacy organizations of all types work vigorously to offer solutions," says Dean Rachel Van Cleave of Golden Gate University School of Law.

GGU also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing grants of up to $36,000/year for tuition and fees. The university is in the top 20 percent nationwide of colleges and universities that have committed to this program. More than 125 veterans at GGU, in its School of Law, Ageno School of Business, Braden School of Taxation, School of Accounting and Undergraduate Programs, are now receiving educational benefits from the Veterans Administration.

For more information, please visit: Veterans Legal Advocacy Center.

About Golden Gate University School of Law's Veterans Legal Advocacy Center

GGU Law's Veterans Legal Advocacy Center seeks to open the profession to more of our distinguished veterans and to both create and partner with others to offer programs that serve our students and support the legal needs of the broader veterans community.

About Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law)

GGU Law offers full and part-time law programs that blend practical skills training with legal theory to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders, with the flexibility to respond to changes in the legal profession. Our mission is to produce a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment and moral compass to become exceptional lawyers and socially responsible members of the global community.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students annually and represents 68,000 alumni.

The school's main campus is located at 536 Mission St. in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in the Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Seattle. Most degree programs are also available entirely online. Founded in 1901, GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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MEDIA CONTACTS
11/05/13 -- Awards for Two Golden Gate University Faculty 

San Francisco, CA -- Two Golden Gate University (GGU) faculty recently won prestigious accolades honoring their work.

GGU's Ageno School of Business Professor Henry "Hank" Pruden, PhD, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA). The Lifetime Achievement Award honors the career achievements of a technical analysis practitioner who has made extraordinary contributions to the field of technical analysis. This honor goes to a technician who has demonstrated the highest standards of personal and professional conduct and who is held in great regard by his/her peers and the investment community at large.

Considered one of the nation's leading authorities on Technical Analysis education, Professor Pruden founded and developed GGU's first course in Technical Analysis in 1976. The nationally prominent graduate Technical Analysis Certificate was launched in the 1990s, making the University the first college in the United States to offer accredited courses in this field. The program enhances professional capabilities of traders, advisers, portfolio managers and brokers in stocks, bonds, derivatives and commodities. Reflecting the growing need for professional credentials, the program is aligned with and helps prepare students for either the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) or the Chartered Financial Technician (CFTe) examinations. Professor Pruden has taught at GGU for nearly 40 years.

For the seventh consecutive year, Professor Blodwen Tarter, PhD, earned an award in the 2013 Marketing EDGE Jacobs & Clevenger case-writing competition. As the academic arm of the Direct Marketing Association, the Marketing EDGE supports research and teaching of direct and interactive marketing. Written with co-author Debra Zahay-Blatz (Aurora University), their case, titled "ECB.com Segmentation and Profiling" was awarded second place. The case focuses on the use of customer data for marketing analytics, based on a 60,000-record dataset.

A full-time GGU professor for eight years, Professor Tarter teaches marketing management, direct and database marketing, digital marketing and e-commerce, as well as new product development.

"We're extremely proud of Professors Pruden and Tarter and their excellent work for our University and our students," said Golden Gate University President Dan Angel.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students annually and represents 68,000 alumni.

The school's main campus is located at 536 Mission St. in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in the Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Seattle. Most degree programs are also available entirely online. Founded in 1901, GGU is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

10/08/13 (updated on 10/18/13) -- Golden Gate University Responds to BART Shutdown 

The university urges its BART users to plan for alternate transportation and to sign up for labor strike alerts.

GGU plans are as follows:

CLASSES
  • All classes, exams and other academic programs will continue as scheduled.
  • Class or event start times may be adjusted by faculty to accommodate student arrivals and departures.
  • Any classes that must be canceled due to the strike will be made up at a later date, as arranged by faculty.
  • Announcements of any class cancellations will be made as far in advance as possible.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
  • All offices, libraries, labs, the Bookstore and the Cafe will remain open as usual, although opening and closing office hours for schools and business units may be adjusted.
NON-ESSENTIAL EVENTS
  • Events that bring people to GGU's San Francisco campus, and activities that require travel within the Bay Area, may be postponed until after the strike ends.
COMMUTING
  • Members of the GGU community are encouraged to use public transit as best they can. For those who need to drive, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Students are encouraged to rideshare with classmates. The 511 website -- http://www.511.org -- offers useful transportation information.
COMMUNICATIONS
  • Advisory messages concerning the strike will be disseminated via all means possible (e-mail, telephone, text, website and public media).
  • The BART website -- http://www.bart.gov/news/articles -- is your best source of timely, official information about BART service and operations.
09/17/13 -- Golden Gate University Celebrates Constitution Day 

Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 13th annual Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17th became Constitution Day.

Review a copy of the United States Constitution

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09/10/13 -- Insider Expertise from California's Only University to Offer a State and Local Tax Certificate 

SALT Symposium -- Wednesday, Sept. 25

San Francisco, CA (Sept. 10, 2013) -- The 2013 State and Local Tax (SALT) Symposium, presented by the Braden School of Taxation and CalCPA, will feature an expert panel sharing decades of insider knowledge on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 4 pm on Golden Gate University's Mission Street campus. GGU's nationally recognized Braden School of Taxation offers California's only SALT certificate. The school's Master of Science (MS) in Taxation program placed No. 1 (tied with DePaul University) out of 63 schools in Tax Talent's second annual survey ranking the highest-regarded college taxation programs. The Braden School's first-place ranking was based on the responses of 128 heads of corporate tax departments nationwide.

The SALT Symposium panel includes:
  • Fiona Ma, who is a GGU alumna, a CPA, a candidate for the state Board of Equalization and the former speaker of the California Assembly.
  • Michael Herbert, BS, JD, CPA. A partner at PwC, Herbert will discuss his work on Gillette vs. Franchise Tax Board, one of the most significant recent cases in the SALT arena.
  • Matthew Mandel, LLM, JD, MBA. Also a PwC partner, Mandel will explore tax traps and the complexity of new rules dealing with market-based sourcing. Speaker presentations begin at 4 pm, followed by the panel discussion and a reception. Open to the public, this is a free event. Reservations at SALT Symposium.
About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit university, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students annually and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located at 536 Mission St. in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in the Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Seattle. Most degree programs are also available entirely online. Founded in 1901, GGU is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

08/14/13 -- Golden Gate University Ranks in Top Ten in Survey 

Two Golden Gate University graduate programs have been named Best Tax Programs in a nationwide survey by Tax Talent -- with GGU's Braden School of Taxation topping one list.

The Braden School's Master of Science (MS) in Taxation program ranked first (tied with DePaul University) out of 63 schools in the second annual survey ranking the highest-regarded college taxation programs, based on the responses of 128 heads of corporate tax departments nationwide. In a similar survey, GGU's School of Law also was recognized. Tax hiring authorities ranked GGU's Master of Law (LLM) in Taxation 10th out of 31 programs nationwide. "These national survey results underscore the hard work our schools of Law and Taxation have done to create excellent master's degree programs that give our students the tools they need to become leaders," said Golden Gate University President Dan Angel.

GGU's School of Taxation recently kicked off its second annual Braden Business Leadership Speaker Series, which features renowned thought leaders including former legislators Willie Brown and Fiona Ma. The lunchtime series is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit ggu.edu/business-leadership-speaker-series.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit university, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students annually and represents 68,000 alumni.

The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles and Seattle. Most degree programs are also available entirely online. Founded in 1901, GGU is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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08/27/13 -- Golden Gate University Bay Bridge Closure Plans 

Golden Gate University is preparing now for the closure of the Bay Bridge, which will begin this Wednesday (8/28/13) at 8 pm. The bridge is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday (9/3/13) at 5 am.

The university urges those who normally use the Bay Bridge to plan for alternate transportation.

GGU's plans for the bridge closure are as follows:
CLASSES
  • All classes, exams and other academic programs will continue as scheduled.
  • Class or event start times may be adjusted by faculty to accommodate student arrivals and departures.
  • Any classes that must be cancelled due to the bridge closure will be made up at a later date, as arranged by faculty.
  • Announcements of any class cancellations will be made as far in advance as possible.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
  • All offices, libraries, labs, the Bookstore and the Cafe will remain open as usual, although opening and closing office hours for schools and business units may be adjusted.
NON-ESSENTIAL EVENTS
  • Events that bring people to GGU's San Francisco campus, and activities that require travel
    10/08/13 -- Golden Gate University Preparing for Possible BART Shutdown

    Golden Gate University is preparing now for a possible second shutdown of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. BART workers may go on strike as early as this Monday (8/5/13). While a strike is far from certain, if unions and management are unable to agree on a new contract by 11:59 pm this Sunday (8/4/13), workers could walk off the job before the Monday-morning commute.

    The university urges its BART users to plan for alternate transportation and to sign up for labor strike alerts.

    In the event of a BART strike, GGU plans are as follows:
    CLASSES
    • All classes, exams and other academic programs will continue as scheduled.
    • Class or event start times may be adjusted by faculty to accommodate student arrivals and departures.
    • Any classes that must be cancelled due to the strike will be made up at a later date, as arranged by faculty.
    • Announcements of any class cancellations will be made as far in advance as possible.
    BUSINESS OPERATIONS
    • All offices, libraries, labs, the Bookstore and the Cafe will remain open as usual, although opening and closing office hours for schools and business units may be adjusted.
    NON-ESSENTIAL EVENTS
    • Events that bring people to GGU's San Francisco campus, and activities that require travel within the Bay Area, may be postponed until after the strike ends.
    COMMUTING
    • Members of the GGU community are encouraged to use public transit as best they can. For those who need to drive, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Students are encouraged to rideshare with classmates. The 511 website -- http://www.511.org -- offers useful transportation information.
    COMMUNICATIONS
    • Advisory messages concerning the strike will be disseminated via all means possible (e-mail, telephone, text, website and public media).
    • The BART website -- http://www.bart.gov/news/articles -- is your best source of timely, official information about BART service and operations.
    within the Bay Area, may be postponed until after the bridge reopens on Sept. 3.
COMMUTING
  • Members of the GGU community are encouraged to use public transit as best they can. For those who need to drive, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Students are encouraged to rideshare with classmates. The 511 website (http://www.511.org) offers useful transportation information.
COMMUNICATIONS
  • Advisory messages concerning the bridge closure will be disseminated via all means possible (e-mail, telephone, text, website and public media).

###

MEDIA CONTACTS
07/30/13 -- Golden Gate University Preparing for Possible Second BART Shutdown 

Golden Gate University is preparing now for a possible second shutdown of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. BART workers may go on strike as early as this Monday (8/5/13). While a strike is far from certain, if unions and management are unable to agree on a new contract by 11:59 pm this Sunday (8/4/13), workers could walk off the job before the Monday-morning commute.

The university urges its BART users to plan for alternate transportation and to sign up for labor strike alerts.

In the event of a BART strike, GGU plans are as follows:
CLASSES
  • All classes, exams and other academic programs will continue as scheduled.
  • Class or event start times may be adjusted by faculty to accommodate student arrivals and departures.
  • Any classes that must be cancelled due to the strike will be made up at a later date, as arranged by faculty.
  • Announcements of any class cancellations will be made as far in advance as possible.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
  • All offices, libraries, labs, the Bookstore and the Cafe will remain open as usual, although opening and closing office hours for schools and business units may be adjusted.
NON-ESSENTIAL EVENTS
  • Events that bring people to GGU's San Francisco campus, and activities that require travel within the Bay Area, may be postponed until after the strike ends.
COMMUTING
  • Members of the GGU community are encouraged to use public transit as best they can. For those who need to drive, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Students are encouraged to rideshare with classmates. The 511 website -- http://www.511.org -- offers useful transportation information.
COMMUNICATIONS
  • Advisory messages concerning the strike will be disseminated via all means possible (e-mail, telephone, text, website and public media).
  • The BART website -- http://www.bart.gov/news/articles -- is your best source of timely, official information about BART service and operations.
MEDIA CONTACTS
07/09/13 -- Golden Gate University Named to Best Master Degree Lists by MastersDegreeOnline.org 
MS Degrees in Finance and Marketing Deemed Best of the Best

San Francisco, CA (July 9, 2013) -- Two Golden Gate University graduate programs have been named to the Best College Programs Lists for the 2013-2014 academic year by MastersDegreeOnline.org. This leading authority for graduate degrees named Golden Gate University's Master of Science degrees in finance and marketing the "best of the best" in a list that serves as a tool for students researching colleges and universities.

"This recognition reflects the hard work our instructors have done to create superior master's degree programs that help our students become leaders," said Golden Gate University President Dan Angel.

Golden Gate University offers 15 graduate degrees, including the MS finance and MS marketing programs. Both programs are highly sought after both nationally and internationally. Students are drawn to GGU's excellence in education as well as the flexibility to complete degree programs in person, online or in a blended format. The university is currently accepting applications for fall 2013; registration starts July 15, 2013.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, a private nonprofit university, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in accounting, law, taxation, business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students annually and represents 68,000 alumni.

The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles and Seattle. Most degree programs are also available entirely online. Founded in 1901, GGU is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MEDIA CONTACTS
06/27/13 -- Golden Gate University Preparing for Possible BART Shutdown 

Golden Gate University is preparing now for a possible shutdown of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. BART workers may go on strike as early as this Monday (7/1/13). While a strike is far from certain, if unions and management are unable to agree on a contract by 11:59 pm this Sunday (6/30/13), workers could walk off the job.

The university urges its BART users to plan for alternate transportation and to sign up for labor strike alerts at http://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2013/news20130617.aspx

In the event of a BART strike, GGU plans are as follows:
CLASSES
  • All classes, exams and other academic programs will continue as scheduled.
  • Class or event start times may be adjusted by faculty to accommodate student arrivals and departures.
  • Any classes that must be cancelled due to the strike will be made up at a later date, as arranged by faculty.
  • Announcements of any class cancellations will be made as far in advance as possible.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
  • All offices, libraries, labs, the Bookstore and the Cafe will remain open as usual, although opening and closing office hours for schools and business units may be adjusted.
NON-ESSENTIAL EVENTS
  • Events that bring people to GGU's San Francisco campus, and activities that require travel within the Bay Area, may be postponed until after the strike ends.
COMMUTING
  • Members of the GGU community are encouraged to use public transit as best they can. For those who need to drive, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Students are encouraged to rideshare with classmates. The 511 website -- http://www.511.org -- offers useful transportation information.
COMMUNICATIONS
  • Advisory messages concerning the strike will be disseminated via all means possible (e-mail, telephone, text, website and public media).
  • The BART website -- http://www.bart.gov/news/articles -- is your best source of timely, official information about BART service and operations.
MEDIA CONTACTS
03/22/13 -- Golden Gate University School of Law Congratulates Katy Tang on San Francisco Board of Supervisors Appointment 
GGU Student Moves Into City Leadership Role

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- March 22, 2013 -- Golden Gate University (GGU), the 112-year old private, nonprofit university for a world-class, practical education, is proud to announce recent GGU Law student Katy Tang has been appointed by San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, representing Outer Sunset District.

Tang was finishing up two years with GGU School of Law when appointed on February 26, 2013. As her new role is a full-time one, she'll be taking a leave of absence from the School.

"We're sad to see her go, but we're so proud of Katy's great achievement as a Bay Area leader and we support her in this exciting new leadership role," said Rachel Van Cleave, Dean of GGU's School of Law. "We're very honored she chose GGU Law. And she is certainly welcome back when the time is right."

"I chose GGU Law because of its deep ties with the Bay Area business and legal communities, exceptional practicing law professors working in the field and advisors who really cared," said Tang during a recent interview. "Also it's one of the only law schools in the Bay Area that could offer me a flexible, part-time schedule with weekend and night classes."

While attending GGU School of Law, Tang was working as a Legislative Aide to former Supervisor Carmen Chu. As a working professional in San Francisco, Tang successfully completed several general law courses and was most interested in the nexus between public policy and law.

MEDIA CONTACTS
01/25/13 -- As Fiscal Cliff deal changes landscape, tax accountants deliver free service to low-income residents 
Golden Gate University lends its expertise to Tax-Aid

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- January 25, 2013 -- The Fiscal Cliff brought big headlines and resulted in big changes for taxes at the start of the New Year. And once again, Tax-Aid, along with Golden Gate University's (GGU) top-ranked tax school, is here to help.

The resolution to the Fiscal Cliff, known as the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, and new proposed regulations have resulted in a few filing changes - as well as confusion - for low-income families filing tax returns in 2013. Tax-Aid is returning for its 25th year to help sort through the confusion. It will provide free tax services to eligible low-income Bay Area residents most affected by both the additional filing requirements and recent legislation extending the otherwise expiring child tax credit and earned income tax credit.

Golden Gate University (GGU) is lending a big hand to Tax-Aid for the fifth consecutive year. Beginning January 26, GGU's top ranked Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation and School of Accounting will join Tax-Aid and Goodwill to conduct five Saturday sessions where residents can go to receive expert tax advice, file, submit and complete their 2012 tax returns for free (specific location and date details below).

"With the confusion created by the latest tax act, receiving assistance from Tax-Aid and GGU can greatly benefit families in need of expert advice," commented Mary Canning, Dean of Golden Gate University's Schools of Taxation and Accounting and a Tax-Aid board member. "GGU and Tax-Aid volunteers will ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to the highest levels of professional services when it comes to the often daunting and arduous process of filing taxes."

GGU will bring in alumni, including tax accountants from the Big Four, regional and local firms, lawyers, tax faculty and students to help these lower-income Bay Area families and individuals get through another tax filing deadline with ease.

"Tax-Aid's services not only provide support and tax assistance to the needy but also offer a service to GGU students as well. Working with Tax-Aid gives our students the opportunity to connect with local Bay Area families and take what they've learned in the classroom and apply it to practical, real-life situations," added Canning.

GGU proudly joins other institutions, nonprofits, and firms in this year's Tax-Aid campaign. They include Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.; Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass, LLP; Deloitte Tax, LLP; Ernst & Young, LLP; Fenwick &

West, LLP, the San Francisco Foundation; Hemming Morse, Rowbotham & Co., LLP; SingleStop USA; United Way of the Bay Area; Visa; Wells Fargo; and KPMG, LLP, Tax-Aid's foremost and primary sponsor.

"Tax-Aid helped more than four thousand families save $4.45 million in refunds last year," said Tax-Aid program manager Minnie Sage. "We're proud of having served the Bay Area for 25 years with this program, and we're glad to have Golden Gate University as one of our partners."

Details: Golden Gate University Supports Saturday Sessions

Saturday sessions will be held at the San Francisco Goodwill located at 1500 Mission Street, between South Van Ness and 11th Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST on the following dates: January 26, February 2, 9, 16, and 23. Tax-Aid operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so clients are encouraged to arrive early.

The program is open to all families with gross incomes of less than $51,000. Last year, approximately 1,100 Tax-Aid and Golden Gate University volunteers helped 4,202 Bay Area families receive more than $4.45 million in refunds.

About Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers a world-class, practical and affordable education. GGU has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Seattle.

About Tax-Aid
Tax-Aid, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1988 by a coalition of Bay Area accountants and lawyers with the mission of assisting, without charge, low-income taxpayers in connection with the preparation of their tax returns. All 2013 Tax-Aid dates/times/locations are detailed here: http://www.tax-aid.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/english13.pdf (includes dates when GGU tax experts will be on-site).

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PRESS RELEASES - 2012

10/31/12 -- Military Personnel and Veterans Can Get Up to 100% of Tuition Costs Covered at Golden Gate University 
Veterans' Appreciation Celebration is Nov. 1; New GGU Landing Page

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (October 31, 2012) - In a continued effort to support US military personnel and veterans interested in pursuing higher education, Golden Gate University (GGU) is reaching out to remind them that the university, working with the federal government's Yellow Ribbon Program, can cover up to 100 percent of tuition for qualified candidates.

Golden Gate University is in the top 15 percent of colleges and universities nationwide that have committed to a large grant for the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 that enables eligible veterans to start or complete their higher educational goals at little or no cost.

The latest efforts include a website update to make it easy for military personnel and veterans to see what they are eligible for and to enroll. In addition, GGU invites all military personnel and veterans to a Veterans' Appreciation Celebration luncheon event scheduled for Thurs., Nov. 1, from noon to 2 pm, on campus at 536 Mission Street, 6th floor. The luncheon will honor military, veterans and family members of those who have served their country.

"During tough economic times, it is sometimes difficult for students to justify the cost of going back to school," said Dan Angel, GGU president. "In honor and appreciation of our military personnel and veterans, GGU is committed to lightening the economic burden and supporting them in their challenging transitions back to civilian life. After all they've done for us, it's the least we can do for them."

Other GGU Benefits for the military and veterans include:

  • Flexible schedules
  • One-on-one academic advising
  • Work and life experience credit
  • Wellness resources
  • Disability counseling
  • Additional financial benefits

To R.S.V.P. for the Nov. 1 event, please e-mail studentaffairs@ggu.edu. To see if you're eligible to enroll, go here.

About Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers a world-class, practical and affordable education. GGU has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Seattle.

MEDIA CONTACTS
10/16/12 -- Golden Gate University Experts Available to Comment on Presidential Election 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Golden Gate University has faculty experts for economic/financial policies and marketing/branding of candidates available to comment on the 2012 presidential election. For assistance reaching an expert, contact Daniel Ray at daniel@mortaragency.com or 415-772-9907 ext.134.

Presidential campaign branding, advertising and marketing strategies and tactics:

Michal Strahilevitz, professor of marketing, has been quoted hundreds of times in the media and in her Psychology Today blog about topics related to marketing, consumer psychology, pro-social behavior and behavioral economics. Professor Strahilevitz has also done consulting work for both for-profit and nonprofit companies creating emotionally powerful brands. Strahilevitz can discuss the branding of the candidates, political ads, and campaign marketing strategy.

Here are some examples of insights Strahilevitz can provide:
  • First, and most importantly, the candidates need to remember that not everyone is voting based on rational self-interest. Emotions play a huge role. See latest Psychology Today blog about this very topic.
  • Obama needs to improve his image of strength. He got Bin Laden, and that helps. However, many of his supporters still feel he has let the Republicans walk all over him during his first term. It did not help that he seemed to miss opportunities to respond more assertively to Mitt Romney during the first debate. Some of his supporters wish he had appeared stronger and more comfortable with this opportunity to address some of Romney's questionable assertions. Obama needs to seem stronger, more comfortable around his opponent and even more willing to be disliked by his foes in order to reach the goals of his supporters.
  • To seem more like an authentic candidate (and person), Romney is going to have to own his mistakes, at least the huge ones. He did quite well in his first debate, but clearly has to monitor what he says during those situations where he has to say something, but is unable to rehearse and be coached in advance. He needs to think of the public, even when speaking behind closed doors. Obviously, in this era of smart phones, things said in private gatherings can and often do go public. He should work on specifics, be more consistent. He will have to work to alter his current image of being a candidate with vague and easily altered values and opinions.

Contact Strahilevitz at 415-442-7877 (office) or at marketingprofessor@gmail.com

WHERE CANDIDATES STAND ON THE ECONOMY:

Terry Connelly is an economic expert and dean emeritus of the Ageno School of Business. He's a regular blog contributor for Yahoo! Finance and The Huffington Post and his economic, investment, and political commentary is regularly featured in local and national media. With more than 30 years experience in investment banking, law and corporate strategy on Wall Street and abroad, Terry analyzes the impact of government politics and policies on local, national and international economies, examining the interaction on global financial markets, the U.S. banking industry (and all of its regulatory agencies), the Federal Reserve, domestic employment levels and consumer reactions to the changing economic tides. Connelly can comment on both candidates' proposed economic policies and potential impact they may have on the U.S., Europe, and the world.

Here are some examples of insights Connelly can provide:
  • The most important present-tense economic policy question for the candidates is what they would do "Day One" after the election -- not waiting till the inauguration -- to resolve the "fiscal cliff" -- when each has to sit down with the Party leaders on November 7, to play "Let's Make a Deal." What is each candidate's opening bid? We should know that before the election, and right now we don't and nobody is asking them, and they seem to have a mutual assistance treaty going where they won't ask each other. This brings in the debt ceiling, too, as well as what to make, financially, of Simpson-Bowles.
  • Will a Romney administration move to cut U.S. participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in terms of further aid to Europe -- Obama clearly will not, but Romney will be somewhat beholden to the Tea Party if he wins, and they will want their pound of flesh, and then some -- especially if Romney cuts a fiscal cliff deal that they don't like and only vote for reluctantly after the stock market crashes.

Contact Connelly at 650-714-5663 (mobile) or at tconnelly@ggu.edu

10/09/12 -- Golden Gate University Tax Programs Make Top 10 in National Ranking 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- SAN FRANCISCO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Golden Gate University (GGU) was recently ranked among the top schools in the country in two recent graduate tax program surveys by JobsInTax, part of the TaxTalent network, the largest online network for tax professionals. In addition to an MS Tax program consistently ranked in the top 10 by both alumni and tax hiring authorities, GGU's LLM Tax program was ranked among the top 10 in the country by tax hiring authorities surveyed.

"We're proud to be ranked with such high esteem from so many heads of corporate tax departments across the country," said Mary Canning, Dean of GGU's Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation and School of Accounting. "Congratulations to our incredibly talented and widely skilled full-time and adjunct faculty who bring our student body access to the most extensive offerings of relevant and current courses across multiple areas of tax and accounting specialization."

GGU's Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation is focused on teaching students high-end knowledge and practical skills that they can immediately apply in their jobs. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

"The hands-on experience at GGU has earned the respect of the industry's leading firms," says Bruce Braden, the alumnus and GGU trustee for whom the school is named. "Major accounting firms and businesses actively seek out and recruit GGU graduates, and they also rely on Golden Gate University for continuing education and professional training for their employees."

The rankings by JobsInTax are based on the responses of 151 heads of corporate tax departments. Respondents were asked to select up to five schools (out of 32) with LLM Tax programs that they hold in the highest regard when hiring candidates. Schools were then ranked based on the total number of votes they received.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers a world-class, practical and affordable education. GGU has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco, with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Seattle.

Links to the full surveys:

http://www.taxtalent.com/mstsurvey/2012_TaxTalent_MST_Survey_Release.pdf

http://www.taxtalent.com/mstsurvey/2012_TaxTalent_LLM_Survey_Release.pdf

09/10/12 -- Golden Gate University Celebrates Constitution Day 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 12th annual Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17th became Constitution Day.

Review a copy of the United States Constitution

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08/24/12 -- 2012-13 International Women Judges Graduate Fellow Announced 

Golden Gate University School of Law and the International Association of Women Judges Continue to Advance International Women's Rights with Woman Jurist from Bangladesh

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Golden Gate University School of Law (GGU Law) and the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) have selected their third annual International Women Judges Graduate Fellow for 2012-13. This year's Fellow is Hon. Farjana Yesmin, a Senior Judicial Magistrate in Mymensingh, Dhaka, Bangladesh who will pursue an individualized course of study and earn a graduate law degree at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. The International Women Judges Graduate Fellowship was created to advance issues involving international women's rights and the role of women in justice systems around the world.

"We are impressed with Magistrate Yesmin's unique passion for environmental law and indigenous populations. That scholarly passion, combined with her experience as both a lawyer and judge make her an ideal fit for this exciting program. We look forward to supporting her future success in the judiciary," says Interim Dean of GGU Law Rachel Van Cleave.

Golden Gate Law and the IAWJ initiated the International Women Judges Graduate Fellowship in 2010 to advance international women's rights issues as well as women's roles in the judiciary by building strong, reciprocal relationships among women judges internationally. Each year, Golden Gate Law provides a selected woman judge from a developing country with a full tuition scholarship as well as living expenses to earn a graduate degree. The IAWJ, which has vast experience and expertise in bringing international women judges to the U.S. for a variety of educational programs and in conducting judicial education programs around the world, serves as a key partner in recruitment and networking efforts for the program.

"As always, the IAWJ is delighted to be partnering with Golden Gate Law School in this program. This is a wonderful opportunity for outstanding women judges from developing countries to earn an LLM degree and to network with women judges and the entire legal community in San Francisco and beyond." says Joan Winship, IAWJ Executive Director.

This year's Fellow, Magistrate Farjana Yesmin of Bangladesh, is a Senior Judicial Magistrate in Mymensingh, Dhaka, Bangladesh. She earned her bachelor and master of laws degrees from Dhaka University. After working in law firms as a Junior Advocate, she decided that she preferred to evaluate law from both sides rather than representing one side of a case as an attorney. In 2008, after passing her judiciary examination, she was appointed as an Assistant Judge in 2008 in Dhaka Judge Court. While studying for her LL.M, she completed extensive research in environmental law from both national and international perspectives. Her research on the impact of eroded riverbanks on vulnerable populations in Bangladesh resulted in the publication of Life on a Swing: Human Rights of the Riverbank Erosion Induced Displacees, a book to which she contributed two chapters. Magistrate Yesmin is a member of several professional associations including the International Association of Women Judges, the Bangladesh Women Judges Association, the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association, the Bangladesh Bar Council and others.

"I look forward to beginning my studies and developing relationships with other students and professors who share my passion for environmental law and vulnerable populations," says Magistrate Yesmin. As part of her coursework, Magistrate Yesmin will participate in events related to her area of concentration as well as events to highlight the role of women in transforming the judiciary. Golden Gate Law plans to host small events to engage and educate the GGU Law community and local legal communities in a series of programs. Golden Gate Law and IAWJ will also provide ample networking and professional opportunities for Magistrate Yesmin with the San Francisco legal community, state and federal courts, and with Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS).

The program is sponsored by Golden Gate University School of Law in partnership with the International Association of Women Judges, with generous financial support from attorneys Elizabeth Cabraser, of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP and Robert Kaufman, former president of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and a partner at Proskauer Rose LLP.

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08/16/12 -- Golden Gate University Alum Elected Treasurer By Nation's Largest State Accounting Organization 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Golden Gate University (GGU), the 110-year old private, nonprofit university for a world-class, practical and affordable education, today announces Tim Good, GGU alumnus, was named treasurer of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). Good, who received his Masters in Taxation from GGU in 1990, will serve a one-year term, which began July 1, 2012.

"Tim has more than 25 years of experience as an accountant and is a terrific fit for this position," said Mary Canning, GGU dean of Golden Gate University's School of Taxation. "Good's selection is another example of Golden Gate University's network of professional alumni who are powering organizations reaching beyond the Bay Area."

Good received his Master's degree from GGU's School of Taxation at GGU's campus in Los Angeles. The School has been recognized as the oldest and largest tax program in the nation. It is fully accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is focused on teaching students practical skills and ensuring hands-on experience. GGU offers more tax classes at more times than any other university and has enrolled more students during the last 45 years than any other tax program in the nation.

Today, Good is a partner in the Tax and Accounting Services department for Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corporation, a Southern California accounting and consulting firm.

"CalCPA and Golden Gate are two of the secrets of my success as a CPA. GGU gave me a comprehensive and practical education that I employ in my work every day," said Good. "CalCPA provides a connection to my fellow CPA's and outstanding advocacy for my profession. The resources each organization provides are essential to every practicing CPA."

CalCPA is the nation's largest state accounting organization and the largest CPA association in California. It serves 41,000 members in public practice, private industry, education and government.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU), private and nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate degree completion and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas. GGU is California's fifth-largest private university, enrolling 5,000 students every year with more than 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Seattle and Los Angeles. With specialized internship programs that give students practical, hands-on business experience, GGU's School of Taxation has earned a reputation as one of the largest and most respected in the nation.

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07/26/12 -- Golden Gate University School of Taxation Gets a New Name 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Golden Gate University (GGU), the 110-year old private, nonprofit university for a world-class, practical and affordable education, today announces its newly named Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation. The school, which has been recognized as the oldest and largest tax program in the nation, dedicated its name after Bruce Braden, a successful business owner/operator in the oil and gas industry, who is an alumnus, former instructor, and serves on the board of trustees at GGU.

"Bruce is a staunch supporter and friend of GGU. We are delighted with this opportunity to show our deep affection and appreciation for his dedication, support, and leadership," said Dan Angel, President at GGU. "The naming of the School of Taxation translates all of those attributes into an indelible footprint on GGU."

"Golden Gate University's newly named Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation has enrolled more students during the last 45 years than any other tax program in the nation," said Mary Canning, Dean of the school. "We're honored to name it after star alumni Bruce Braden, and we're so appreciative of his contributions to our school as well."

"As the nation's leading tax school, GGU offers more tax classes at more times than any other university. We have an incredibly talented, widely skilled adjunct faculty base that gives our student body access to a greater variety of relevant classes within multiple areas of specialization," continued Canning.

Fully accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), GGU's School of Tax is focused on teaching students practical skills and ensuring hands-on experience. "The hands-on experience at GGU has earned the respect of the industry's leading firms," said Braden. "Major accounting firms actively seek out and recruit GGU graduates, and they also rely on Golden Gate University for continuing education and professional training for their employees."

Braden received his MBA with a concentration in taxation from GGU in 1974, was a tax instructor from 1978 to 1981, and continues to serve the GGU board of trustees. He has been an owner/operator in the oil and gas industry for more than 25 years and was most recently the CEO of Braden Enterprises LLC, a small, independent oil and gas company based in Fort Worth, Texas.

"I'm a big believer in education and am very excited about Golden Gate University," said Braden. "I'm very impressed with everyone that I have met that is involved with the university. GGU ensures our nation's businesses across industries have access to some of the most well-rounded and versatile tax professionals in the country. We couldn't run our businesses quite so successfully without them."

Before Braden Enterprises, Braden was the founder and major contributor to four successful companies in oil and gas industry -- NEOK Energy, L.P., Stroud Oil Properties, Inc., Pinnacle Technologies, Inc., and Stroud Energy, Inc. Prior to his graduate work, Bruce completed his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and served in the U.S. Army. His professional career began with Touche Ross from 1974 to 1978, followed by partnerships with Frederickson & Co and Alexander Grant & Co. until 1985.

The formal dedication of the new school name will take place at the 45th Anniversary of GGU's School of Taxation on November 15, 2012. The university will also make a formal announcement at the October 17, 2012 alumni awards event.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU), a private nonprofit university, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Founded in 1901, Golden Gate University School of Law offers a variety of programs for beginning law students and practicing lawyers. GGU Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California and is a member in good standing of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). Golden Gate University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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07/26/12 -- Professor Rachel Van Cleave Takes the Helm at Golden Gate University School of Law 
Professor Rachel Van Cleave Appointed Interim Dean of GGU Law for the 2012-13 Academic Year

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- Golden Gate University is proud to announce the appointment of Rachel Van Cleave as Interim Dean of the School of Law. A Fulbright Scholar, GGU Law Professor since 2004 and GGU Law Associate Dean of Academic Affairs since 2008, Van Cleave brings extensive experience as an international scholar, professor and law school leader to her new role.

"Rachel has been an outstanding administrator and professor," said University President Dan Angel. "Her ability to augment the substance of our work as educators with the innovative leadership needed in the 21st century bodes exceptionally well for our law students."

Dean Van Cleave earned her BS at Stanford and JD at UC Hastings College of the Law. She clerked at Baker and McKenzie and after graduation served as a federal clerk for Fifth Circuit Judge Sam Johnson. In addition to early roles as a legal research and writing instructor at Santa Clara and a Teaching Fellow at Stanford Law School, where she also earned her JSM, Van Cleave was a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law and UC Hastings College of the Law.

"I am delighted to serve as Interim Dean and look forward to continuing Golden Gate Law's long tradition of high quality, practice-rich education. Working with our talented faculty, staff and alumni, as well as local and national professional organizations, I will seek to foster even stronger connections among our students and the amazing constellation of legal professionals in the Bay Area," Van Cleave said of her new appointment.

In 1995, Van Cleave received a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct research at the Italian Constitutional Court on changes to the Italian criminal justice system, and later returned to Italy to research reforms in Italian rape law. She has published 15 law review articles and four book chapters. In addition to her scholarly acumen, Van Cleave has spearheaded recent curricular reforms to provide GGU Law students with even more skills training.

Specifically, in addition to teaching core courses, Van Cleave has designed and taught original seminars that integrate research and writing with real world problems -- courses like her Katrina and Disaster Law Seminar. Teaching in GGU Law's unique Law and Leadership program, she has helped law students to develop and exhibit leadership through meaningful projects. Her leadership on assessment of both core curricula and newly designed experiential courses has been critical to ensuring GGU Law students benefit from cutting edge pedagogy without compromising academic rigor.

"Rachel is just the type of leader GGU Law needs in these challenging times for legal academia" says Eric Christiansen, Professor of Law & Faculty Chair. "With her wealth of experience in legal education and her impressive accomplishments as a scholar, teacher, and senior administrator, Rachel has the trust and confidence of the faculty and staff of the law school. We expect great things for the law school under Dean Van Cleave's guidance."

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU), a private nonprofit university, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Founded in 1901, Golden Gate University School of Law offers a variety of programs for beginning law students and practicing lawyers. GGU Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California and is a member in good standing of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). Golden Gate University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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04/03/12 -- The Real Power Behind the Bay Ignites Critical Conversations 

San Francisco, CA -- Golden Gate University (GGU), the 110 year-old nonprofit University for working professionals, announces today the launch of its new global website that includes a social media spotlight on local and national issues and trends. The new "conversation channels" are intended to connect GGU's thousands of faculty, graduate and undergraduate students with the University's 68,000 plus alumni, including local, national and global working professionals.

The University invites the community at large to join in the ever-evolving critical global conversations facing our world today as GGU amplifies its role as "The Real Power Behind the Bay." Conversation starters and joiners are welcome to use the hashtag #GGUpowersthebay.

"The Golden Gate University community is a unique network of thousands of professionals who are pivotal in running the business, economic and political infrastructure of the Bay Area, and beyond," said Dan Angel, president of the University. "Our new social and web channels give working professionals, including students, faculty and alumni, a place to connect, share and receive expert knowledge, and shine further at the workplace and in the community." Visitors to the newly launched Golden Gate University website, completely redesigned for two-way conversations and aligned with the University's SHINE campaign, can tap directly into a wealth of information and knowledge from GGU experts themselves.

Who are GGU experts?

GGU experts include students and faculty, the majority of whom are working professionals outside the classroom as well as alumni working at some of the top organizations in the Bay Area, nation and overseas. They are serving the world with contributions in business, economics, technology, politics and law and driving change, innovation and justice across limitless markets and industries. The new GGU site launches with four critical global issues. Several GGU faculty, students and alumni weigh in and invite visitors to as well. Debate topics include: * Can IT fix US healthcare? #GGUhealthcare to join in, or start a new conversation on the topic.

  • Where are all the green jobs we were promised? #GGUgreen
  • Should the US be doing more to regulate business? #GGUforensic
  • Are high-tech patent wars stifling innovation? #GGUpatentwars

If visitors take a closer look at the current high-tech patent wars conversation, for instance, several GGU law experts weigh in. GGU professor and law practitioner William Gallagher takes a constitutional stance for patent laws, Kevin Kitcey, IP law student, discusses future inventor patent protections, and Chester Chuang, associate professor of law at GGU chimes in that patent laws have been a windfall for lawyers.

Each conversation offers perspectives throughout Golden Gate University's community of professional experts. "Our classrooms are filled with working professionals coming and going from the University -- or our advanced cybercampus -- on a daily basis," continues Angel. "Our experts are a giant part of the professional fabric of the Bay, not to mention the world. We are delighted they are contributing to the conversations being led by our University."

GGU leaders and alums take

"Golden Gate University's graduate programs in tax and accounting prepare students for immediate entry into the profession. Our firm regularly hires MS in Taxation and Master of Accountancy graduates -- and they excel from their first day of practice. A GGU education is an outstanding path to career success," said Robert A. Docili, CPA Partner, Hood & Strong LLP in the Bay Area. "Looking forward to connecting with students and graduates in new ways via GGU's new conversation-based website."

"The new GGU website facilitates dialog among the Bay Area's leaders in business," said Cherron Hoppes, Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Golden Gate University. "I will definitely be using it as a way to shine a light on local higher education issues that impact the nation. For instance, it's time for public policy to fully acknowledge the ever-growing diverse and dynamic non-traditional working professionals going back to school today. Be prepared to join that discussion soon."

"Another discussion we're addressing (soon to be online) is the $1 trillion in student loan debts our nation currently faces," said Terry Connelly, Dean emeritus of Golden Gate University's Ageno School of Business. "GGU has created accelerated programs and an advanced cyber-campus that gives students some of the overall lowest cost paths to completing their degrees. The new website further showcases the transparent way we do education too. Students won't be blindsided by hidden costs."

"Golden Gate University's culture of ideas and innovation needed an outlet to express itself," said Tim Spry, Creative Director and Partner at Mortar Agency, the agency that designed GGU's new website and conversation channels. "Our intent was to create channels that make it easy for all GGU leaders, students, faculty and alumni to come together, share their knowledge and expertise, and connect with others in the Bay and nation that care about the same topics. It gives everyone a way to chime in on leading higher education, business, economics and political conversations of the day."

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University (GGU), a private nonprofit university, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas for more than 110 years. GGU enrolls 5,000 students and represents 68,000 alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Founded in 1901, Golden Gate University School of Law offers a variety of programs for beginning law students and practicing lawyers. GGU Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California and is a member in good standing of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). Golden Gate University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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01/19/12 -- As Occupiers demonstrate for economic justice, tax accountants deliver free service to low-income residents, Golden Gate University lends its expertise to Tax-Aid. 

San Francisco, CA - In the wake of the late January "Occupy" demonstrations planned for San Francisco's financial district, Tax-Aid will once again make its own contribution to equality by providing free tax services to Bay Area residents who can't afford an expert tax professional or accountant. Golden Gate University (GGU) is lending a big hand again this year. Beginning January 28, Golden Gate University's School of Taxation and School of Accounting has teamed up again with Tax-Aid and Goodwill to conduct five Saturday sessions where residents can go to file, submit and complete their 2011 tax returns for free (specific location and date details below).

"The Occupy movement has certainly succeeded in bringing issues of economic inequality to the forefront of national consciousness," commented Mary Canning, Dean of Golden Gate University's Schools of Taxation and Accounting and a Tax-Aid board member.

Golden Gate University is bringing in alumni, including tax accountants from Big Four, regional and local firms, lawyers, tax faculty, and students to help lower-income Bay Area families and individuals get through another tax filing deadline with ease.

"Golden Gate University and the many volunteers of Tax-Aid are giving their time to make a difference. We are committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of income, has access to the highest-levels of professional services when it comes to the often daunting and arduous process of filing taxes," added Canning.

GGU proudly joins other institutions, nonprofits, and firms in this year's Tax-Aid campaign. They include Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc., Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass, LLP, Deloitte Tax, LLP, Ernst & Young, LLP, Fenwick & West, LLP / Association of Corporate Counsel SF Bay Area Chapter, Hemming Morse, Rowbotham & Co., LLP, SingleStop USA, United Way of the Bay Area and KPMG, LLP, Tax-Aid's foremost and primary sponsor. "We are grateful to all these talented professionals for their dedicated and skilled participation," said Tax-Aid executive director, Louise Carroll. "What a tremendous gift to individuals and families who are struggling in the current economy."

Details: Golden Gate University Supports Saturday Sessions Saturday sessions will be held at the San Francisco Goodwill located at 1500 Mission Street, between South Van Ness and 11th Street, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT on the following dates: January 28, February 4, 11, and 18. For those who can't make it earlier, the final Saturday session is on March 31, but note it may be the busiest one too. Tax-Aid operates on a first-come first served basis so clients are encouraged to arrive early.

Last year, approximately 1,200 Tax-Aid and Golden Gate University volunteers helped 4,145 Bay Area families receive more than $4.9 million in tax refunds.

About Golden Gate University: Golden Gate University (GGU), private and nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas. GGU is California's fifth-largest private university, enrolling over 5,000 students and representing 67,000+ alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Seattle and Los Angeles. With specialized internship programs that give students practical, hands-on business experience, GGU's School of Taxation has earned a reputation as one of the largest and most respected in the nation.

About Tax-Aid: Tax-Aid, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1988 by a coalition of Bay Area accountants and lawyers with the mission of assisting, without charge, low-income taxpayers in connection with the preparation of their tax returns. All 2012 Tax-Aid dates, times, and locations are available at http://www.tax-aid.org/need-tax-help/ (includes dates when GGU tax experts will be on-site).

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PRESS RELEASES - 2011

10/12/11 -- Internship Leads to Industry Presentation for Students and Professor 

San Francisco, CA - Vivian Li and Jason Ha, graduate students in the Operations and Supply Chain Management (OPSCM) program at Golden Gate University (GGU), presented along with their faculty advisor, Dr. Richard Dawe, at the Bay Area's first ever Solar Supply Chain Conference in Sunnyvale on September 22.

The trio shared the findings of an internship research project on supply chain practices in the solar power equipment industry in California. Topics included sourcing, logistics, assembly, and installation services such as repair and returns. As part of their research, the students sent an on-line survey to more than 300 industry executives and professionals, and then compared the results with practices of mature industries with similar product life cycles such as the computer and high-tech industries. A final report will soon be distributed to the industry. Key findings of the survey and benchmark research were:

  1. that the industry is advancing in technology on a similar pace to 'Moore's Law' in microprocessor technology, predicting that market growth will be huge;
  2. production of solar equipment is expanding to international sources more rapidly than the computer industry did when it began in California, putting more emphasis on supplier management;
  3. inbound logistics is becoming a major challenge, and most solar equipment companies are not prepared to manage it;
  4. the use of supply chain service providers such as freight forwarders, transportation brokers, and third party logistics companies is much less prevalent in the solar equipment industry than in the mature computer or consumer electronic industries, suggesting this is a practice they should explore; and
  5. the plan to service the solar equipment after installation is not well developed including repair, replacement, and recycling, indicating the industry has not begun planning for this eventually as installed products begin to reach the end of their 25-year serviceable lives.

The internship was sponsored by MIQ Logistics, with Rick Underwood, VP of Regional Sales, serving as mentor. The project will become the baseline for further study of the improvement of the supply chain operations. Anyone interested in a copy of the final report can contact Dr. Dawe at rdawe@ggu.edu.

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09/10/11 -- Golden Gate University Celebrates Constitution Day 

San Francisco, CA (Sept 10, 2011) - Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 11th annual Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17th became Constitution Day.

Review a copy of the United States Constitution

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06/07/11 -- Golden Gate University Renews Participation in Yellow Ribbon Program Under Post 9/11 GI Bill® to Subsidize Education for Veterans: Up To 100 Percent Tuition Costs Covered 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (June 7, 2011) -

In a continued effort to support military personnel and veterans interested in pursuing higher education, Golden Gate University (GGU) announced today its renewed participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Between 2010-2011, the number of veterans enrolling in various programs at GGU has doubled compared with the 2009-2010, and the support features 100 percent tuition coverage through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

For the third year in row, all of GGU's campus locations including the award-winning CyberCampus will award grants for tuition costs for veterans. GGU will match the government grants awarded to qualified veterans under the new program guidelines.

Beginning August 1, 2011, the new program guidelines from the Veterans Administration (VA) will include a lump sum to be used first in the amount of $17,500 as Post 9/11 benefits. The $17,500 must be used first then the Yellow Ribbon benefit will kick in to cover a portion or 100 _percent of tuition costs. Starting August 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, GGU has increased the maximum grant up to $7200 per semester or 50% of tuition costs whichever is less for up to 1000 veterans eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Benefit. The VA will then pay a matching amount to the university.

The VA will also award basic housing allowances as well as book stipends directly to the veteran if eligible under the Yellow Ribbon Program.

It is important for Veterans to check with the Veterans Administration for clarification on their eligibility. Veterans may be eligible for Post 9/11 benefits anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of the benefit but not eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits.

Passed by Congress in under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and set to take effect nationwide in August 2009, the Bill is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill® was passed in 1944. The Department of Veterans Affairs officials estimate 460,000 veterans to participate during the first year of the program, as well as a 20 to 25 percent increase in the total number of applications for veteran's educational programs.

Eligible veterans include those who served an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of at least 36 months or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service- connected disability and served 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001. The Veterans Administration determines eligibility and issues a certificate which must be submitted by the applicant to the University.

Golden Gate University has a long-standing reputation for supporting military personnel and veterans. Traditionally, the most popular areas of study among military personnel at GGU include Public Administration, Information Technology, Business and Management, Operations, Accounting and Financial Planning.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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03/09/11 -- APICS Operations Management student chapter presents Sustainability event at GGU 

San Francisco (March 9, 2011) -

On March 3, 2011, Golden Gate University's Advanced Productivity, Innovation, and Competitive Success (APICS) Operations Management Student Chapter conducted a very successful event on Sustainable Supply Chains in collaboration with the APICS and Institute for Supply Management local chapters; plus the GGU Students for Sustainability chapter at GGU.

The speaker was world renowned speaker Cathy Rodgers, vice-president Global Opportunities at IBM and GGU alumna. Cathy discussed sustainability and Supply Chain Professionals' key role, as well as provided first hand case study data from her various global sustainability business operations.

Cathy's passion regarding the importance of sustainability as an integral component for a successful operation in supply chain management was absorbed by those in attendance. The dynamic presentation at Golden Gate University by Cathy Rodgers clearly made it known why she is one of the most sought after executives on the topic of sustainability. The presentation was also taped for a future class use in Golden Gate University's new MBA Concentration in Sustainability.

Attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner from Sorrento Catering replete with sustainable products along with networking opportunities with operations and supply chain professionals, faculty, students from both GGU and the UC Berkeley extended education program and various other professionals.

In keeping with the spirit of sustainability, Cathy informed the attendees that she would plant one tree for each participant in attendance as part of her sustainability goal! She then challenged everyone in attendance to think of their own personal sustainability goal.

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03/02/11 -- Online Service Prepares Students for Job Interviews 

San Francisco (March 2, 2011) - Golden Gate University is proud to announce InterviewStream, a self-service, on-line tool allowing students to engage in practice job interviews. The service includes tutorials to guide users through the interview process and to practice their responses to any of 2,500 included questions. Interviews can be customized by industry or job, and can include basic interview questions, behavioral questions, and even case interview questions. Students can record their practice interview and request feedback from professors, career advisors, friends or family members.

GGU students and alumni can access the service by going to ggucareers.com, clicking "Log into GGUCareers" under the Students and Alumni section, and then clicking on the InterviewStream icon on the right side of the page. A computer with a Web cam and microphone is required.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
01/29/11 -- Free Tax Preparation Event Aims to Empower San Franciscan: Local and National Nonprofits Team Up to Offer Free Services to Lower-income Taxpayers 

San Francisco (January 29, 2011) -

With many San Franciscans struggling to make ends meet, a group of nonprofit organizations has joined together to offer free tax services for lower-income taxpayers this Saturday, January 29 at Goodwill Industries (1500 Mission Street) from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Event sponsors include Tax-Aid, United Way, Golden Gate University, Goodwill Industries, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation. Saturday's event officially launches the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! tax assistance program, which is operating more than 200 free tax assistance sites across the Bay Area through April 18. The event also coincides with Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. EITC is a federal tax credit available to lower-income individuals and families. Depending on income and family size, claiming the EITC could help families get as much as $5,657 back from the IRS this year. Yet, many taxpayers are unaware of the EITC. In 2009, an estimated 800,000 Californians, about one in five who are eligible, failed to claim $1.2 billion in EITC refunds. On average, families not claiming the credit would have received $1,400 more on their refund.

"I'm thrilled that all of these partners have come together this year in providing free income tax preparation services to the community. It's a real pity that almost $80 million of tax credits went unclaimed in the Bay Area last year. That money could have been used by taxpayers for their savings or used for groceries or gas. We want to make sure low and moderate income families get a full refund this year!" said Louise Carroll, Executive Director of Tax-Aid. During this one-day event, taxpayers will have two ways to prepare and file their taxes: they can elect to have volunteer tax experts prepare their returns, or they can prepare their own taxes using TurboTax® Freedom Edition (TTFE) software. Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation donates TTFE through its Tax Freedom Project and through the IRS Free File (www.FreeFile.irs.gov) and Free File programs sponsored by 21 states. TTFE empowers taxpayers by helping them understand-in simple language-many of the complexities of their own taxes and finances. Employees from Intuit, a California-based company and maker of TurboTax, will be on hand to guide taxpayers in using the software.

"People need to be financially literate in order to survive in this tough economy," said Margaret Lyons, spokesperson for CCIA. "By preparing their own taxes, people feel more in control, and that sense of control is very empowering. That feeling of 'I can do it myself' gives them the confidence to find new and better ways to manage their money. And a larger tax refund can help them at a time when they urgently need the extra money."

At Saturday's event, taxpayers can also meet with representatives of a number of other nonprofit organizations that offer financial literacy services. Taxpayers also will be urged to visit Web Connector (http://www.webconnector.net/WebConnector/), an online benefits calculator developed to inform people of their eligibility for California public benefit programs, including: California Alternative Rates for Energy, California Lifeline Program, Low Cost Auto Insurance, and Cal Fresh. This online resource is hosted by the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation and is a part of former First Lady Maria Shriver's WE Connect campaign to connect Californians to programs and resources that can put money in their pockets.

"We are pleased to partner with Tax-Aid, Goodwill, Intuit and CCIA to help and empower low-income taxpayers file their own taxes, and do it at no cost," said Kelly Batson, director of Earn It! Keep It! Save It! " We encourage low- and moderate-income taxpayers to take advantage of these fantastic workshops, or to get help at the more than 200 free tax sites operated by the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Coalition, which will be open throughout the Bay Area during the next several weeks."

In addition to free tax preparation, families and individuals will be able to visit a financial empowerment resource fair to get learn about even more programs and services available within their community to help them gain financial health. The resource fair will include WE Connect, SF Works, San Francisco College Access, Bank on San Francisco, One Economy and Financial Planning Association. For more information about other free tax assistance help at more than 200 sites in the Bay Area and throughout California over the coming months, please visit http://www.tax-aid.org/tax-help.html, www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org or www.intuitempowers.com.

Over the next few months, CCIA will sponsor free tax assistance events in other cities across California. To make an appointment for any of the following dates or locations listed below, please call 866-577-1231.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

PRESS RELEASES - 2010

12/16/10 -- GGU's Graduation Rates: Why the Chronicle of Higher Education Got it Wrong 

San Francisco, CA (December 16, 2010) - The inclusion of Golden Gate University in The Chronicle of Higher Education's recent report on graduation rates is based on an erroneous identification of the University's category outlined by The Chronicle's own characteristics requirements for inclusion, as well as misleading data from an irrelevant and small sample size which is counter to the population GGU serves and the institution's mission.

As we currently see it, and based on The Chronicle's own "About The Data" section, GGU should have been excluded from this specific data set in the first place and its inclusion offers a skewed, even wrong, perception of who GGU is and its place in today's sensitive higher education climate.

Here are some top-line counter-points to the study:

1) GGU's undergraduate student population is not in line with the research methodology used by The Chronicle of Higher Ed. The Chronicle calculated the statistics of "all first-time, full-time students entering in the fall seeking bachelor's degrees who completed bachelor's degrees within six years." GGU's undergraduate population by definition are all part-time students coming in with transfer units. In fact, this trait for applicants is an admissions requirement for GGU's Undergraduate program tailored specifically to the population GGU serves- working adults in need of flexible scheduling.

2) Since 2003 GGU has had only a total of six "full-time, first-time" enrolled students, a negligible sample size.

3) GGU is a private, nonprofit university but by no means a "private research institution", which the article states is another characteristic of Universities under analysis. There are no studies or research being spearheaded by faculty, no scholarships awarded for such independent work that faculty performs. GGU's Carnegie classification is Master's Colleges and Universities - private.

4) The undergraduate population GGU serves is directly counter to the mission of comparative Universities in this study, who are mostly traditional, four-year institutions. GGU is a nonprofit, private university whose mission is to serve working adults through flexible scheduling, online access for the purpose of career advancement, giving students the resources and support to achieve their undergraduate and graduate degrees at their own pace and in tandem with an ever-changing marketplace.

GGU's Undergraduate Graduation Rates are actually quite strong; approximately 50% of the students who have enrolled since 2003 have graduated with their bachelor's degree. Actual graduation rates for our undergraduate students who began prior to 2007 are, on average, 15% two years after program start, 29% three years after program start, 37% four years after program start, 42% five years after program start, and 47% six years after program. For a part-time adult population with life always interfering, this is something to be proud of.

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11/15/10 -- Golden Gate University President Dan Angel Honored as One of the Bay Area's Most Admired CEOs by The San Francisco Business Times 

San Francisco, CA (November 15, 2010) - Golden Gate University President Dan Angel will be honored as one of the Bay Area's Most Admired CEOs by the San Francisco Business Times at an annual gala event on Thursday, November 17 awarding top business leaders in Northern California.

Dr. Angel will be the recipient of an award in the Turnaround category for recognition of his outstanding leadership in achieving unprecedented benchmarks for the nonprofit university, which is also California's fifth largest private institution. Since coming to GGU in 2007, Angel helped close a multi-million dollar deficit, balanced the budget and created an operational surplus for the University who, also under Angel's strategic direction, has experienced a growth in enrollment after a fifteen year decline.

An independent panel selected the winners based upon leadership style, philosophy, successes, financial performance, community involvement, philanthropy, and their work towards fostering diversity, a positive work environment and innovation.

"We are all working amidst a significant era within the business sector right now, and the caliber of awardees I share this honor with is a testament to the strength, innovation, and adaptability of Bay Area industries," said Angel. "I am very honored and humbled to be counted among them and to be doing our part as a higher education institution to contribute to growth and progress in the workforce.

Dr. Angel's earned his BA and MBA from Wayne State University and his PhD at Purdue University. His career has included five other presidencies: Marshall University (WV), Stephen F. Austin University (TX), Austin Community College (TX), Citrus College (CA) and Imperial Valley College (CA). He was elected to the State Legislature in Michigan and served as a Special Assistant to a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C. Angel was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus at Wayne State University, Public Administrator of the Year (Austin, TX) and invited to the Oxford Roundtable in England.

Angel will be joined by fellow award winners George Halvorson, Chairman & CEO, Kaiser Foundation; Michael Mendes, Chairman, President & CEO, Diamond Foods; James D. White, Chairman & CEO, Jamba Juice; Burton Goldfield, President & CEO, TriNet; William Butler, CEO, W.L. Butler Construction Inc.; Kim Kaselionis, President & CEO, Circle Bank; Cary Rosenzweig, CEO, IMVU; Uri Eliahu, President & CEO, ENGEO Inc.; Mark Laret, CEO, UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital; Jane Graf, President, Mercy Housing California; Nicole Taylor, President & CEO, East Bay Community Foundation; and Sean Marx, CEO, Give Something Back Business Products Inc.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
11/10/10 -- Golden Gate University Business Professor Dr. Hank Pruden Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Market Technician's Association Education Foundation 

San Francisco, CA (November 10, 2010) - A recognized global expert in the field of technical analysis, Hank Pruden, PhD, professor of business administration at the Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University was honored with the Michael Epstein lifetime achievement award from the MTAEF at an event held in New York this week.

The award is presented to practitioners who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to technical analysis in academia and in practice. The first recipient was Andrew Lo, Ph.D., director of laboratory for Financial Engineering and professor of finance at MIT Sloan School of Management.

Dr. Pruden began teaching at Golden Gate University more than 30 years ago, becoming the first institution of higher learning in the world to offer courses in technical market analysis. In 1998, encouraged by both international and national interest in the subject, the university once again demonstrated its leadership in the fields of education and technical analysis by offering a graduate-level Certificate in Technical Market Analysis, the first such certificate ever offered by a university. Today, GGU is the only regionally accredited school offering a certificate in technical analysis as part of an MBA program.

Dr. Pruden is dedicated to the study of technical analysis and is an industry-recognized expert in the Wyckoff Method.

The Mike Epstein Award recognizes a lifetime of accomplishment and academic achievements, which has taken Dr. Pruden around the world, helping to increase the credibility of technical analysis in countries throughout Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The MTA Educational Foundation was founded in 1993 to create and fund educational programs in the field of technical analysis. The mission was later expanded to include the creation and support of a complete technical analysis curriculum to be taught for credit in colleges and universities around the world.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
09/16/10 -- Golden Gate University Now Offers Courses in Healthcare Data Utilization and Analysis 

San Francisco, CA (Sept 16, 2010) - Golden Gate University (GGU) is proud to offer three timely courses that offer students the opportunity to attain desirable skills in utilizing healthcare information systems to manage the use of patient data, for purposes of competitive analysis, data security, and improved patient care.

Students will have available a large set of Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPOD) real patient data, made available for purposes of education and research to selected entities.

The data is being made available to students via a database and delivery application developed through an in-house project between GGU Educational Technology Services (ETS) and the Operations and Information Technology Program.

Developing custom applications is necessary because of the unique requirements of making patient data available to students in a secure environment. ETS's role is to design the database and application structures capable of housing and protecting the patient records, as well as making them available to students.

Lyle Rochon, infrastructure and operations manager, is aware of the opportunity this project represents for GGU to continue to provide cutting edge educational experiences for students. He notes that GGU is one of very few universities that will have such a database, and courses that will use that database for focused educational purposes.

"Our ETS team is committed to providing service offerings to the Healthcare programs," says Rochon. "This is good for everyone, but particularly good for ETS, because we are able to collaborate on infrastructure and application development."

Manu Kodiyan, applications development manager, is enthusiastic as well. He mentions that the project represents an opportunity for ETS participants to develop new skill sets. "We are also interacting with faculty in a productive way; we may even aspire to become faculty members ourselves."

The instructor for these courses is John Morales, a GGU alumnus who is senior trainer, business intelligence training and communication, actuarial and analytics, for Blue Cross of California. Morales's considerable expertise in the healthcare business intelligence and training arenas convinced him that there is a need for courses that enable students to understand healthcare data and systems.

Morales says, "We will now have access to medical records for everyone who's visited a California hospital from 2006 to 2009." Students will be able to "slice and dice" data to determine positioning among providers and competitors. In the second and third courses, students will work with data so as to have a better understanding or patient records from content and technology perspectives.

"Students will be managing healthcare-related projects at work," Morales says, "and they need to understand content at a deep level so as to be able to manage records effectively and provide actionable analytics that benefit organizations and patients." As a result of coursework, students will develop skills in cost based analysis and forecasting, with the ultimate goal of bringing those skills to healthcare workplace projects and programs, as well as to their daily work.

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09/10/10 -- Golden Gate University Celebrates Constitution Day 

San Francisco, CA (Sept 10, 2010) - Golden Gate University joins thousands of others around the country in celebrating the 10th annual Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge and thus September 17th became Constitution Day.

Review a copy of the United States Constitution.

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08/06/10 -- Golden Gate University's Forensic Accounting Certificate to be Offered Completely Online for Fall Semester 

Evolving practice, job market projections and boom in demand triggers decision to expand online classes

San Francisco, CA (Aug 6, 2010) - Beginning this fall, Golden Gate University, California's fifth largest private university and a nonprofit institution, will offer its Forensic Accounting Certificate completely online starting fall semester 2010. Classes begin the week of August 29th.

The move to bring forensic accounting courses completely online will broaden access worldwide and allow students who typically lead busy lives and demanding work schedules flexibility for completing the program on their own time. Students local to the San Francisco Bay Area will still have the option to attend class in-person as well as online.

The course is primarily structured towards forensic accountants, accounting professionals, and litigation attorneys looking to expand their forensic accounting expertise. Forensic accounting work is heavily intertwined with the investigative and litigation process and has played a significant role in some noteworthy cases such as the Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme, Goldman Sachs SEC Investigation, Lehman Brothers Bankruptcy, Enron, AIG's ongoing litigation, Siemens' FCPA violations, and a myriad of other fraudulent accounting investigation and litigation matters.

"The recent string of high profile corporate blunders and white-collar crimes has certainly brought mainstream cache to forensic accounting, but the practice is more diverse in its practical application as well, " explains Mary Canning, dean of the schools of accounting and taxation at GGU. "Assessing economic damages from the BP oil spill is a more recent example, but the practice touches on everything from marital and family law to financial claims, fraud, royalty audits and more."

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the accounting field is expected to grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, resulting in more than 270,000 new jobs. Moreover, forensic accounting is identified as a specific field for growth in the industry.

"The practice has been something accounting professionals have traditionally 'learned on the job,' but a trend we're seeing from employers now is a desire for more candidates with working knowledge of the practice and the skill-set to meet the demand," says Canning.

The Forensics Accounting Certificate program at GGU debuted in Jan 2009 as part of the School of Accounting's curriculum and in response to a 2008 decision by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) which authorized the specialty credential: the "certified financial forensic" (CFF). GGU's advisory board is comprised of top national subject-matter practitioners from boutique and leading national forensic accounting firms that designed the forensic accounting curriculum, which includes courses in fraud, forensic accounting in family law, economic damages, forensic valuation, bankruptcy and insolvency, construction claims, lost wages and employment litigation, disputes in mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, financial statement investigations, complex discovery and data management, expert testimony, role of the expert, allegation of audit failure, post acquisition disputes, valuation and lost profits.

To find out more about the forensic accounting program at Golden Gate University call 415-442-6559.

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PRESS RELEASES - 2009

10/13/09 -- Golden Gate University Teams Up With Intel, McKesson And Amgen To Examine Biotech Supply Chain Solutions 

San Francisco, CA (October 13, 2009)- From October 19-20, 2009 over 100 practice and thought leaders are expected from 80 companies and universities to teach, learn and network around providing solutions For Marketing, R&D, Risk Management, HR, Finance, Sales and Supply Chain Professionals at the BIOTECH SUPPLY CHAIN ACADEMY 2nd ANNUAL CONFERENCE at the South San Francisco Conference Center.

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PRESS RELEASES - 2006

11/30/06 -- Golden Gate University Welcomes New President Dr. Dan Angel 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - (November 30, 2006) - Dr. Dan Angel, Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Leadership at Marshall University, has been elected president of Golden Gate University effective January 1, 2007.

Dr. Angel brings a depth and breadth of leadership service to GGU, having served as president of two universities and three community colleges in California, West Virginia and Texas over the past 28 years. He is a former Michigan State Representative and a former staffer to a US Senator in Washington, D.C.

"Golden Gate University has met the needs of working adults for more than 100 years through the highest quality programs designed for real-world business situations," Dr. Angel commented. "I am honored and excited to join GGU and look forward to advancing our well deserved reputation and commitment to excellence."

The author or editor of 12 books and 3 dozen articles, he has also served on the Dallas Federal Reserve Board.

"Dr. Angel joins Golden Gate University with an impressive track record in the field" observed Curtis Burr, chair, GGU board of trustees. He was the unanimous choice of the trustees. We are proud to welcome him as our new president."

Dr. Angel earned his PhD in Communications from Purdue University and his MA and BS in Education from Wayne State University.

Honors accorded Dr. Angel include: Public Administrator of the Year" by the Austin Society for Public Administrators; "Pacesetter of the Year" by the National Council for Community Relations; "Honorary Life Member" Texas Ranger Hall of Fame; "Distinguished Alumnus" Purdue University School of Liberal Arts; and "Distinguished Alumnus" Wayne State University.

He is married to the former Patricia Anne Schuster of Dearborn, Michigan and has two adult children.

Angel succeeds Dr. Phil Friedman, who served as GGU president from 1999 and will be completing his leadership role in a successful capital campaign for GGU before returning to faculty next year after a sabbatical.

About Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, taxation, technology and law. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Monterey Bay, Seattle and Los Angeles as well as online through the university's award winning CyberCampus.

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PRESS RELEASES - 2005

11/30/05 -- Golden Gate University Moves Walnut Creek Teaching Site 

Larger, Commuter-Friendly Space Reduces Strain For Contra Costa County's Working Adults Returning to School

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (September 30, 2005) - Golden Gate University, Northern California's premier school for working adults, is moving its Walnut Creek teaching site to the One Ygnacio Center Annex Complex. Evening and weekend classes will begin in the newly constructed classrooms, research hall and computer laboratory on October 31. The new teaching site is close to downtown Walnut Creek, is easily accessible from I-680 and is located across the street from the Walnut Creek BART station.

Located at the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Road and California Street, the site covers 10,133 square feet of space in the 500,000-square-foot complex developed by Pembroke Real Estate, the global real estate development and management unit of Fidelity Investments. Colliers International of Walnut Creek represented both Pembroke Real Estate and Golden Gate University, with Jeff Weil representing the university.

"Our new teaching site continues to fulfill our promise to provide excellent education in a time and place that suits the needs of working adults," said Dr. Phil Friedman, president of GGU and long-time Walnut Creek resident.

The new teaching site will be able to serve up to 126 working adult students, is more public-transit friendly, provides easier access to parking and is closer to local restaurants. GGU chose this site partially due to feedback from a recent student survey conducted in fall 2004.

"Ygnacio Center lends itself well to a university use that caters to commuters," said Edward C. Johnson IV, senior vice president, North America, for Pembroke Real Estate US. "Golden Gate University's new location is not only close to BART and I-680 but also benefits from the park and walking paths that provide a campus-like setting. We are pleased that a university, in addition to high-profile businesses, can benefit from our prime location and high-quality buildings."

The new Walnut Creek teaching site offers weekend and weeknight classes that meet once weekly over 10 weeks. Five 10-week terms per year allow faster degree completion. Additionally, specialized corporate non-credit or certificate training, either on-site or in corporate facilities is available in most business-related subjects. Small class sizes ensure that students receive individual attention.

The Saturday MBA program permits completion of GGU's MBA program through classes scheduled only on Saturdays.

The new Walnut Creek teaching site is equipped with seven classrooms, business resource halls and a computer lab. Each of the lab's 20 computers has high-speed networked Internet access, Microsoft Office, Web-authoring software, Oracle for Windows and many other applications.

The research hall at GGU Walnut Creek is connected to the main university library, enabling access to one of the finest business collections in San Francisco without leaving the East Bay. Through a computerized search system and the support of the full library staff, students can borrow books and periodicals, research topics and retrieve materials necessary for course work.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, taxation, technology and law. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Los Angeles, Seattle and Monterey Bay, as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

About Ygnacio Center:

Ygnacio Center is a 500,000-square-foot complex developed by Pembroke Real Estate, the real estate development and management unit of Fidelity Investments. With its East Bay location and proximity to the BART station and major area highways, Ygnacio Center, which includes One, Two and Three Ygnacio Center and constitutes an entire city block, continues to be a highly desirable employment destination. The facility's Walnut Creek locale and the opportunities for on-site expansion make it a popular alternative to downtown San Francisco and surrounding suburbs.

About Pembroke Real Estate:

Pembroke Real Estate, a Fidelity Investments company, is a global real estate company specializing in the acquisition, design, development and management of signature properties in major metropolitan areas worldwide, including projects in London, Tokyo, San Francisco, Dallas and Boston. The firm seeks development opportunities with high-quality, high-profile, well-located properties in the office and residential sectors. For more information, visit the company's Website at www.pembrokere.com.

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10/19/05 -- Golden Gate University Honors Susan Rutberg with Community Service Award 

Law Professor Recognized for Pivotal Community Leadership

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (October 19, 2005) - Golden Gate University honored Professor of Law and Northern California Innocence Project at GGU (NCIP/GGU) Director Susan Rutberg with its annual Community Service Award at the school's annual Alumni Awards luncheon on October 19. The award recognized her exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to the community.

Recently honored as a "local hero" by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Professor Rutberg has not only changed the face of GGU's law program, but has touched numerous Bay Area lives. Rutberg worked with Supervising Attorney Janice Brickley and GGU students to prove the innocence of Lodi resident Peter Rose, who had spent 10 years in jail due to a wrongful rape conviction. Due to their efforts, Rose was released from prison in 2004 and declared "factually innocent" in early 2005.

With a lifelong devotion to improving her community, Rutberg pursued her passion for law through GGU, joining the law program after graduating from Cornell in 1971. Shortly after graduating from GGU, Rutberg became a staff attorney with the Bayview-Hunters Point Community Defender. Later she worked as a public defender for Alameda and San Francisco counties. By the late 1970s Rutberg had already left her mark in the local community: As co-director of the University of San Francisco (USF) Law School's Criminal Law Clinic, Rutberg persuaded the San Francisco Bench to permit state bar-certified law students to represent clients in court under practicing-attorney supervision, a practice that continues today.

"I am extremely honored to be recognized by an institution that has made it possible for my dreams to come true," said Professor Rutberg. "I look forward to continually expanding GGU's top-notch law program and providing students with the direct tools to make a difference in their community."

Among Rutberg's greatest achievements and contributions to GGU's law program are the development of the Lawyering Skills: Homeless Advocacy class, a collaboration with the Bar Association of San Francisco's Homeless Advocacy Project and the development of the NCIP chapter on campus. The NCIP was begun by Professor Kathleen Ridolfi, at Santa Clara University in 2001. GGU's NCIP office, which operated from 2001 to 2005, permitted GGU students to participate in the examination of factual evidence in cases of alleged wrongful conviction under the supervision of a practicing attorney.

Professor Rutberg has been recognized for her exemplary work multiple times throughout her career including: Award for Outstanding Service in Defense of a Client (California Attorneys for Criminal Justice's, 1986), Outstanding Law School in Public Interest Award (Bar Association of San Francisco, 1997), the Career Achievement Award (Criminal Trial Lawyers Association of Northern California, 1998) and a Fulbright Scholar Award (2002), where she taught law courses at the Charles University Law School in Prague in the Czech Republic.

In addition to her work with GGU, her experience includes San Francisco public defender (1980-1987), co-counsel in the murder and conspiracy trial of civil rights attorney Stephen Bingham (1985-1986), co-director of USF's Criminal Law Clinic, professor and co-director of The City University of New York's (CUNY) defender clinic, co-director of Santa Clara University School of Law's Criminal Law Clinic and professor at Charles University in the Czech republic.

Professor Rutberg is also a member of CACJ, NACDL and Women Defenders, an organization of Bay Area women criminal defense practitioners, and is a frequent speaker at lawyer training seminars. She lives in San Francisco with her daughter, Ana.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, taxation, technology and law. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Monterey Bay, Los Angeles and Seattle as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

Photo available upon request.

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10/19/05 -- Golden Gate University Grants Distinguished Service Award to Tony Branch 

Administrative Dean Recognized for Exemplary Service

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (October 19, 2005) - Golden Gate University honored Tony Branch, recently retired regional administrative dean, with its Distinguished Service Award at GGU's annual Alumni Awards luncheon on October 19. The award is granted to a GGU faculty member or administrator in recognition of exemplary leadership and outstanding service.

While working at Ohio State University, Branch decided to return to his native Golden State and was drawn to GGU as a key academic institution in the Bay Area. As one of the few education professionals who had served in the military, Branch offered unique expertise and joined GGU in 1975 as associate dean of military programs. He was responsible for almost half of the school's enrollment at this time.

Today, after 30 years with the school, Branch has contributed to GGU in numerous areas serving as associate dean and dean of the graduate college, academic vice president and dean of administration of regional sites in the North Bay, East Bay and Sacramento. Branch has served under three university presidents and facilitated GGU's transition to a faculty-governance model resulting in continual enhancement of the university's offerings such as the opening of regional sites throughout California.

"I have seen thousands of students succeed immensely in their careers and lives after their time at Golden Gate University," said Branch. "I am honored to receive this recognition by an institution truly building our next generation of leaders in the Bay Area community and throughout California."

Prior to joining GGU, Branch was an instructor at Ohio State University and the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). Branch holds a BA in history from Stanford University and earned his MA and PhD in history from UCSB. He also has an EMBA in business from Claremont Graduate College. He has co-edited a readings text on 19th century American and European intellectual history and has written articles about business history and censorship in modern America. He is chair of the Oakland Higher Education Consortium and currently is an advisory board member for Strategies to Reach Independence via Education (STRIVE) in Sacramento, as well as an advisor to Microgreen Polymers Inc., an environmental packaging start-up in Washington state.

He currently lives in Sacramento.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, taxation, technology and law. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Monterey Bay, Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

Photo available upon request.

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10/19/05 -- Golden Gate University Names Alumnus of the Year 

Adobe's Murray Demo Honored as one of the Nation's Top Executives

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (October 19, 2005) - Golden Gate University honored Murray Demo, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Adobe Systems Incorporated as Alumnus of the Year at GGU's annual Alumni Awards luncheon on October 19. The award is given to alumni for outstanding professional accomplishments and contributions to the community.

As executive vice president and chief financial officer of Adobe, one of the world's largest, most diversified software companies, Demo has worldwide responsibility for the software company's finance, investor relations, information services, facilities, purchasing and global supply-chain management organizations. .

Following in his father's footsteps, Demo originally began to pursue a career in engineering, but quickly realized this wasn't his passion. He was then drawn to business and economics, and landed his first job in the corporate financial-planning department of Santa Barbara Research Center, a subsidiary of General Motors Hughes Electronics Corp. He soon realized an MBA was integral to his professional advancement and enrolled with GGU in Santa Barbara. Demo says he was immediately impressed by the caliber of the professors and the direct value of the skills he was learning. Today, he credits GGU's focus on real world business problem solving and effective communication as giving him the advanced skills he needed to become a business leader.

"I am honored to receive the Alumnus of the Year Award from a school that allowed me to advance to the next level in my career," states Demo. "With over 100 years of experience and a focus on real-life skills, GGU is truly a treasure for working professionals across the US."

Demo earned an MBA from GGU in 1987 and in 1989 he relocated with his future wife Marie Russo to the Silicon Valley. After working for subsidiaries of First Financial Management, Dun & Bradstreet and United Business Media, Demo was hired by Adobe in 1996 as director of operations finance. He was quickly promoted to corporate controller in 1998 and senior vice president and chief financial officer in 2000.

Earlier this year he was promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer.

In addition to his work with Adobe, Demo serves on the board of directors for Citrix Systems Inc., the largest software company in the Southeastern United States, and is the vice chairman of the national board of AEA, the nation's largest high tech trade association.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, taxation, technology and law. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Monterey Bay, Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

Photo available upon request.

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10/19/05 -- Golden Gate University Honors Norman Ascherman with Amicus Award at 2005 Alumni Tribute 

Former Dentist and Community Philanthropist Contributes Vastly to GGU

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (October 19, 2005) - Norman Ascherman was honored for his continual contributions to and support of Golden Gate University at the university's annual Alumni Awards luncheon on October 19. He received the Amicus Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the university's resources and educational capabilities over the past 40 years.

Ascherman began his pursuit of a law degree while working as a dentist in San Francisco during the 1960s. Ascherman wanted an in-depth understanding of the legal system, yet never intended to pursue a career in the field. However, a law education provided him strong analytical and problem solving skills, which he could apply across all professional and personal avenues. GGU's small class size and flexible schedule allowed Ascherman to pursue his education while continuing his dental practice. In 1968, he earned his JD.

"As one of the oldest Bay Area institutions, GGU truly offers a unique experience for working professionals," states Ascherman. "I am honored to receive the Amicus Award from GGU and contribute to their mission of enabling all professionals to expand their educational backgrounds."

Currently retired from his dental practice, Ascherman now devotes his time to philanthropic and intellectual pursuits. He is a fellow of the College of Legal Medicine, has facilitated the development of a program on Jewish culture at the University of Illinois and supports the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. He is an annual donor to GGU and a generous supporter of GGU's Centennial Campaign.

He currently lives in San Francisco.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, taxation, technology and law. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Monterey Bay, Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

Photo available upon request.

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04/19/05 -- Golden Gate University's Environmental Law Program Ranked 18th by US News & World Report 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (April 19, 2005) - This week earth conscious citizens across the globe will celebrate the 35th annual Earth Day, recognizing the importance of continually striving for a greener planet. Golden Gate University is one institution making a difference, with its law school training top environmental attorneys through its JD and LLM degree program in environmental law. The program, which provides hands on experience with national and local environmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and law firms, was ranked 18th in the nation by US News & World Report's latest survey and ranks number three in California behind Boalt and Stanford.

"We strive to offer top programs with cutting edge curriculum," states GGU President Dr. Phil Friedman. "Our environmental law program is just one example of our goal to ensure students gain real-world experience and leave our classroom with the skills to better their community."

GGU's environmental law expertise was evident this April as students Robert Fletcher and Philip Krayna won the 2005 Environmental Negotiation Competition. Sponsored by the Environmental Law Section of the California State Bar, this year's competition had a record attendance with 26 teams including Boalt, University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, Davis and Hastings. The GGU team was coached by Kristin Henry, a GGU alumna now working at the Sierra Club.

GGU's environmental law program provides students with a unique opportunity to combine advanced study of US and international environmental law with the practical experience of working with top environmental practitioners. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities such as GGU's Environmental Law and Justice Clinic, which represents low-income and minority communities burdened by environmental issues. The environmental clinic and LLM programs are directed by Alan Ramo.

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PRESS RELEASES - 2004

11/02/04 -- President Phil Friedman to Serve Through August 2006 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 2, 2004 - Curtis Burr, chairman, Golden Gate University Board of Trustees, has just announced that the board has asked President Phil Friedman to extend his term of service as president.

"This is a critical and exciting time for Golden Gate University (GGU) and the board believes that the university, led by President Friedman is in an excellent position to make significant strides in educational effectiveness, enrollment and fund-raising.

We are delighted that President Friedman has accepted our offer and will continue to serve. Our confidence in his leadership is high and our hopes for the institution are many."

President Friedman has served GGU in his current capacity since 1999 and will continue to serve at least through August 31, 2006. "I am very happy the board shares my belief in GGU and the direction we are heading," says Friedman. "I have a large measure of confidence in our future born of respect and pride in our mission -- we help people change their lives through a top quality professional practice education. It is an amazing job and I am delighted to continue my work with faculty, staff, administrative colleagues, students, alumni and the Board of Trustees to ensure that generations of people will benefit from our services."

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08/31/04 -- Golden Gate University Recognized As One Of The Top 100 Agile Companies In CIO Magazine's 2004 CIO 100 Awards 

Framingham, Mass. (August 31, 2004)-IDG's CIO magazine today announces Golden Gate University as a recipient of the 2004 CIO 100 award. The annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT). This year's theme is the "Agile 100," which recognizes those executives and organizations that respond quickly to changing business environments. Winners demonstrate measurable results in how they used IT to enable and support agility in their organizations.

"With the economy rebounding, companies will seek out and capitalize on new opportunities as they emerge," says Abbie Lundberg, editor-in-chief, CIO. "Those best positioned to succeed are the agile enterprises, able to move and change quickly; to create advantage in a world in flux. This year's CIO 100 winners have all the hallmarks: agile operations, technology, staffing and governance models. We celebrate their achievements and expect to see great things from them in the years ahead."

GGU transformed its e-business as a critical part of the university's strategy to manage new competition, revenue pressures and a fluctuating economy. Starting in 2001, Chief Technology Officer Anthony Hill and his team designed and implemented new enterprise architecture, revamped IT services delivery and implemented employee training programs. Results include improved ability to meet student and staff needs and reduced operating costs.

"GGU leadership articulated a visionary set of goals for the role of information technology (IT) at GGU. Based on this vision, we have implemented a comprehensive e-business strategy, a flexible and adaptable technology architecture based around open-standards, new applications and websites, and have overhauled the way IT delivers services to the GGU community. We are completing a ground-up transformation of information technology and related capabilities at the university. These new platforms and IT capabilities provide GGU significant new flexibility and growth options for the future," says Anthony Hill, chief technology officer for GGU.

"The CIO 100 judges looked at how we aligned IT with the realization of key business goals. GGU has restructured educational offerings, implemented a formal decision support model, a portfolio approach to managing a large number of projects towards a common goal, and business process reengineering, all contributing to the university's renewed profitability," says Jeff Bialik, CFO and vice-president of operations. "These efforts, facilitated by information technology contributions, were recognized in the achievement of the CIO 100 award for business agility."

A CIO 100 award is an acknowledged mark of excellence. In a survey by PRWeek magazine, CEO's named the CIO 100 among the top 10 most influential corporate scorecards anywhere, compiled by any publication or organization.

"GGU's Turnaround Plan depends on the continued transformation of information technology as a key enabler of business and academic change. GGU's use of technology today is at the forefront of higher-education institutions, allowing us to better service our students, alumni, staff and faculty," state's Dr. Philip Friedman, economist and Golden Gate University president. "We're very proud to receive this recognition by the technology industry."

The 2004 CIO 100 Awards will be presented at The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on August 24 during the sixth annual CIO 100 Symposium® and Awards Ceremony.

About The CIO 100:

The recipients of this year's CIO 100 award were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their agile practices in both business and IT. Next, teams of CIO magazine editors and writers reviewed the applications in depth, looking for unique practices and substantial results. Finally, the teams met for a day-long meeting to debate the merits of each nominee and vote on the final 100. To provide a vision of ever-changing business trends, the focus of the CIO 100 changes annually. Complete coverage of the 2004 CIO 100 Awards is featured in the August 15 issue of CIO magazine and at www.cio.com.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University (GGU), private and nonprofit, has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas. GGU is California's fifth-largest private university, enrolling over 5,000 students and representing 67,000+ alumni. The school's main campus is located in San Francisco with additional teaching sites in Seattle and Los Angeles. With specialized internship programs that give students practical, hands-on business experience, GGU's School of Taxation has earned a reputation as one of the largest and most respected in the nation.

About CIO Magazine

CIO magazine (launched in 1987) is published by CXO Media, Inc. In addition to CIO magazine, CXO Media publishes www.cio.com, CSO magazine, www.CSOonline.com, The CIO Insider CMO magazine, www.CMOmagazine.com and darwinmag.com. CXO Media serves CIOs, CSOs, CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CMOs and other corporate officers who use technology to thrive and prosper in this new era of business. The company strives to enhance partnerships among C-level executives, as well as create opportunities for information technology and consumer marketers to reach them. In addition to magazines and websites, CXO Media produces Executive Programs, a series of conferences that provide educational and networking opportunities for corporate and government leaders.

-more- CXO Media is a subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading technology media, research and event company. A privately-held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers, including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, CMO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific websites with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo®, Macworld Conference & Expo®, DEMO®, and IDC Directions. IDG provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com.

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07/26/04 -- Golden Gate University Names New Dean of School of Technology 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 29, 2004 - Terry Connelly, attorney and former chief executive of Cowen & Company's investment banking business, has been named dean of the Edward S. Ageno School of Business, according to Golden Gate University President Phil Friedman. Friedman cited Connelly's record of accomplishment in an unusually broad range of professional services including law, investment banking, consulting and participation on governing boards as the qualities that made him the ideal person to assume the dean's post.

"We are pleased to have someone with such proven leadership skills and such deep ties to the Bay Area business community on our team," said Friedman. "I am confident that he will serve both the school and the university well."

Connelly began his professional career in 1968 as an attorney with the prestigious New York law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore where his experience included corporate, securities and litigation in New York and London. This was followed by 18 years of service with the Salomon Brothers investment banking business where he became a managing director and chief of staff in 1987. There he was responsible for revenue and expense allocations, professional hiring and evaluation processes, strategic planning, knowledge management, regulatory compliance and budgeting and cost management functions.

From 1995 through 1998, Connelly served as chief executive of Cowen & Company's investment banking business which focuses on the life sciences and technology industries. He then moved to Ernst and Young Australia where he became the director of strategic advisory services. While in Australia, he taught a strategies course at the Graduate School for Business of Queensland University of Technology. In addition, Connelly has served in the capacity of member and chair of a variety of associations including the Corporate Finance Committee of the Securities Industry Association, the Program Council of the Center for International Studies and Liberal Arts at Connecticut College, and the Dean's Advisory Council for the New York University School of Law. In New York City, he served on the staff of the New York City Council, was an officer of a community planning board, was vice chair of the board of the Trevor Day School, and served as president of The Burden Center for the Aging.

Connelly earned his law degree from the NYU School of Law in 1968 where he was a Root-Tilden Scholar and articles editor for the Law Review. He holds a BA degree from The Catholic University of America.

Connelly will assume the dean's post on April 1 of this year. Golden Gate University has been educating professionals in the Bay Area since 1901.

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PRESS RELEASES - 2003

11/06/03 -- Golden Gate University Names New Dean of Law School 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 6, 2003 - Frederic White from Cleveland State University has accepted the post of dean for Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, and will begin officially as of June 1, 2004. He will be replacing the existing dean, Peter Keane, who will continue to teach as a professor of law for Golden Gate University.

White received his JD from Columbia University School of Law in New York and brings expertise in administrative law, land use control, local government and wills and trusts and property to his new position. He has served as the associate dean for Cleveland State University's School of Law, as well as being extensively published in both legal and non-legal writings. He has also been recognized for excellence in teaching and has been listed in Who's Who Among Black Americans since 1988. Peter Keane, whom he will be replacing, says, "Fred White is a talented administrator, gifted scholar and a warm, congenial person. He is the perfect choice for the Golden Gate University School of Law."

White is also active in the American Association of Law Schools (AALS) and the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and has served on site inspection teams for the former. "We are proud and delighted that Professor White will be leading our Law School and joining our team. His energy, focus and commitment to legal education is an exact fit for what our university has represented for over a hundred years and promises to be as a quality, urban, professional school," said Dr. Philip Friedman, president, Golden Gate University.

"I feel that the similarities between our law schools make this a natural progression," says Professor White. "For over 100 years, both Golden Gate and Cleveland State University law schools have been providing access to a first-rate education in law where there might not otherwise be any. GGU is a good school and I hope to help make it great."

White will serve as a consultant to the university in the role of acting dean starting in January 2004 through the end of May 2004. On June 1 he will formally assume the position as dean of the School of Law.

Golden Gate University has been educating professionals in the Bay Area since 1901.

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07/23/03 -- Golden Gate University Names Mallory Financial Planning Program Director 

SAN FRANCISCO (July 23, 2003) - Madelyn Mallory, president, CEO, and founder of Oakland-based Catalyst Financial Planning and Investment Management, Inc., has been appointed director of the Financial Planning Program at Golden Gate University's Ageno School of Business. According to Ageno School of Business Dean Larry Abeln, Mallory's appointment will begin September 1, 2003.

"Madelyn was selected for her experience in the financial planning profession, her academic background and her success as an entrepreneur, all of which are highly valued by our business school and the university community," said Alben.

Mallory, who holds an MBA with a concentration in finance from Golden Gate University, has been a practicing investment consultant for more than 17 years. Prior to founding Catalyst, Mallory served as a stockbroker at Dean Witter and established the North Pacific investment advisory practice for the accounting firm, KPMG/Peat Marwick. Mallory has been an instructor and member of the advisory board for the certificate programs in finance and personal financial planning at UC Berkeley. She holds a BS (with honors) in political economy of natural resources from UC Berkeley. She is a member of the board of directors of the Financial Planning Association of San Francisco and also serves on the Planned Giving Committee for the East Bay Regional Parks Foundation. She is also a founding member of Environmental Entrepreneurs, a group of Silicon Valley business owners and entrepreneurs focused on environmental issues. Mallory is a licensed Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in taxation, law, information technology, and business and management. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek and Monterey Bay, as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

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05/01/03 -- Golden Gate University's Ageno School of Business Announces New Faculty Positions 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., (May 2003) - The Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University has appointed Dr. David Kent as the director of the Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) program. He will also serve as chair of the school's Management Department. Dr. Walt Stevenson will assume the role of cyber development chair for the business school. Kent has taught at Golden Gate University since 1998 and is the faculty director of GGU's Bridge Program for international students. "David will continue to be a valuable member of our team," said Lawrence Abeln, dean of the Ageno School of Business. "We are appreciative of his willingness to take on these new responsibilities." Nearly one third of the business school's students are enrolled in the BBA program, a popular choice for working professionals who wish to complete an undergraduate degree. In January, an online option was implemented through GGU's acclaimed CyberCampus, making the BBA program fully available on the Internet as well as being offered at GGU's San Francisco campus and regional locations in Sacramento, San Jose, Walnut Creek and Monterey Bay.

Stevenson has taught at GGU since 1971, previously held the Nagel T. Miner chair, and has overseen the BBA program for several years. In his new position, he will develop and enhance the school's online course delivery strategy, including working with adjunct faculty and the CyberCampus team of online instructional designers to take existing courses online. "We will benefit greatly from Walt's expertise and enthusiasm to assist us with a very important part of our strategy," said Abeln.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in taxation, law, information technology, and business and management. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek and Monterey Bay, as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

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02/18/03 -- Golden Gate University Selects Oracle on Linux; Consolidates Disparate Systems on to a Single Software Platform 

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., (February 18, 2003) - Oracle Corp. (NASDAQ: ORCL), the world's largest enterprise software company, today announced that Golden Gate University, provider of undergraduate and graduate degrees for adult professionals, has standardized on Oracle9i Application Server and Oracle9i Database to consolidate the university's 12 disparate systems into a single software infrastructure on Linux. As a result, students, faculty and staff, as well as 57,000 alumni, are expected to have access to relevant university information through highly personalized, user-friendly interfaces built on infrastructure software from Oracle.

The built-in portal software included in Oracle9i Application Server enables Golden Gate University to provide a portal that will serve as an online resource for users to obtain current and valuable content including course descriptions, class schedules and registration. Through the university portal, users can efficiently retrieve and display data from information that is stored and maintained in Oracle9i Database, which has built-in business intelligence capabilities. Non-technical users including administrators and faculty will be able to manage content, create new online pages and share ideas to maximize communication and the availability of information.

"Golden Gate University's strategic objective is to provide access to information, transactions, curricula and learning resources via a Web browser to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends," said Jeff Bialik, vice president of operations and CFO. "We selected Oracle for its leading edge, single database platform and its commitment to the education sector. Oracle's dynamic portal functionality will support self-service features that empower our users to be self reliant and more in control of their information and processing needs."

In addition to Oracle9i Application Server Portal, Golden Gate University is using two additional Oracle9i Application Server features, Oracle Internet File System and Oracle Internet Directory. Developers used Oracle9i JDeveloper and Oracle's Internet file management capabilities to create an application that enables users from seven learning sites between Los Angeles and Seattle to quickly and easily view, upload and store documents and files within the portal. Oracle Internet Directory is the LDAP v3 compliant directory included as part of Oracle9i Application Server that will help enable the university to cost-effectively and securely manage access rights for 50,000 students, faculty and alumni.

Golden Gate University will also utilize Oracle9i Application Server Web Cache to accelerate the performance of their websites and portal pages and thus help maximize user productivity. For powerful text search and intelligent document management capabilities, Golden Gate University decided to implement Oracle Text and Oracle InterMedia. Golden Gate University plans to make the portal publicly available in Spring 2003.

About Golden Gate University:

Golden Gate University offers quality educational programs designed to meet the needs of working adults, with undergraduate and graduate degrees in taxation, law, information technology, and business and management. Day, evening and weekend courses are available year-round at the San Francisco location and at other teaching sites in San Jose, Sacramento, Walnut Creek and Monterey Bay, as well as online through the university's CyberCampus. For more information, go to www.ggu.edu or call 800-GGU-4-YOU.

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