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First two Marauders graduate from Rock University

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Two Marauders now have the distinct honor of being the first graduates of Rock University and they have their certificates to prove it.

Tech. Sgt. Leda Brienza, 386th Expeditionary Operations Group administrative assistant and Airman Daniel Hudspith, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation journeyman, became the first two Airmen to complete the requirements for graduation and were presented with their certificates by former Command Chief Master Sgt. Geoff Weimer and Top III members at their work centers June 19 at The Rock.

Brienza said that her goal was to complete the program before her redeployment to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. On the other hand, Hudspith, who deployed here from McGuire AFB, New Jersey and is a native of Roxbury, New Jersey, wanted to focus on his education.

"I took the classes to better myself and I am proud of achieving that," said Hudspith.
In addition to completing the program, Hudspith also completed five College Level Examination Program courses towards his Community College of the Air Force degree.
The Rock University professional development program is a comprehensive and rigorous program that requires aggressive participation from its graduates. It has only been in existence since the beginning of April.

"The university was developed much like an acquisition project with major milestones, along the way, that were met on time and was successfully implemented," said Weimer. "The icing on the cake was presenting the first two certificates."

Weimer said that although there were over a dozen strong contributors to the development of the Rock University, he credits the majority of the technical wizardry accomplished in making it come to fruition to Master Sgt. Porfirio Castillo from the 386th Expeditionary Communication Squadron.

Brienza and Hudspith both deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and were required to complete eight core classes and 10 elective classes in order to graduate from Rock University. The core courses offered matched courses taught at most home stations.

"The development team wondered initially if the requirements for graduation might be overly aggressive, but it proved to be a worthy and achievable challenge that future Marauders can use to further incentivize their personal and professional growth initiatives," said Weimer.

The courses offered at the Rock University are provided to Marauders by various organizations and agencies from around the base. They also align with the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program and the mental, physical, social and spiritual pillars. Any credits received at the Rock University can also be transferred to the deployer's home station's Leadership Pathways program.

Those interested in attending the Rock University can access it on the share point site at https://portal.asab.afcent.af.mil/afcent/wings/386/Rock%20University/Leadership%20Pathways.aspx for a list of the classes offered.