MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (June 18, 2018) — Every year, Strayer University Tampa awards and honors a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his or her professional, personal or public life.
The Outstanding Alumni Award is presented to graduates who have been recognized in their profession for their leadership contributions, outstanding humanitarian qualities, offer unique personal experiences and take time to contribute to the community.
This year, Master Sgt. Danishon R. Felder, an Occupational Safety Manager with the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, was presented the 2018 Tampa Outstanding Alumni Award during the Strayer University graduation ceremony on May 19.
Felder earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Strayer University in 2013 followed by a Masters of Business Administration from Jack Welch Management Institute in 2016.
“I grew professionally and personally,” said Felder. “I am able to build programs, educate and train others within the U.S. Air Force in accordance with directives and regulations, thanks to the skills I learned at Strayer University.”
Felder has achieved numerous certifications, honors and ranks, among them, Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s general industry certified trainer.
In the past three years Felder has promoted from a safety technician to a management position, supervising 25 safety unit representatives. In those three years, Felder was presented twice the U.S. Air Force’s Unit Effectiveness Inspections Superior Performer in 2015 and in 2017.
Along with the success in his career field, Felder also shows a great deal of support outside of the workplace by being involved in the community.
“I am involved with many different associations around the community, some volunteer projects may be quarterly,” said Felder. “I work with Grace Family Church, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity as well as with different veteran organizations.
Strayer University searches for the award candidates a year out, said Felder. Strayer reaches out to the community and local organizations to begin narrowing down their candidates for this award.
Once the university has a collection of candidates they interview and reach out to potential recipients to learn more about their leadership and accomplishments, said Felder. Strayer University started looking more into military members throughout the years.
Felder was presented this award during the graduation ceremony prior to delivering the commencement keynote speech for the fellow graduates. The speech given encouraged graduates to work hard, be humble and learn from the failures and obstacles they may encounter while striving for success.