Alumni Share Intriguing Stories

Strayer University asked alumni to share their inspirational stories of success for the 2009 Alumni Above and Beyond Contest. The Office of Alumni Affairs received inspiring submissions that told stories of struggle, perseverance and triumph.

The contest judges looked for stories about exceptional alumni who had a unique and interesting story to share, which included making significant contributions to their profession and community.

The grand prize winner received an Apple iPod Touch for his motivating story. The runner ups, which included Lynda Green (BBA ’05) of Mechanicsville, Va., and Mark Koch (BSCN ’03) of Chesterfield, Va., received Apple iPod Shuffles.

Strayer University would like to thank everyone who participated in the Alumni Above and Beyond Contest.

Grand Prize Winner
Rodrigo Ibacache (BSCS ’04, MSIS ’05) was the first member of his family to earn a college degree. Today, the Strayer University alumnus works as an information specialist with one of the top scientific government agencies in the world, the National Institute of Standards and Technologies. Ibacache manages four databases and Web sites in addition to monitoring the computer security systems for employees in his office.

“Everything that I’ve achieved throughout my life is because of hard work and commitment,” Ibacache says. “I learned to never lose focus on my goals.”

Ibacache hopes his accomplishments will be an inspiration for his three children someday. “It means everything to me to be able to provide for my kids and ensure they get an education, which will help them succeed throughout life,” says the U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “In the future, my children will see that their dad took advantage of his opportunities, and they can do the same.”

When Ibacache is not in the office, he gives back to his local community through volunteer efforts. He is a key worker for the National Capital Area Combined Federal Campaign, which coordinates donations from federal workers to 4,000 charities. Ibacache also serves as a board member of the Standard Employees Benefit Association and participates in trash clean-ups throughout his Gaithersburg, Md., community.