Dr. Anthony D. Ribera

I was always a hard worker, but I had never been in an academic setting before. I had an AA degree from City College and had just made Sergeant in the police department in 1972. A fellow officer told me about Golden Gate University and its federally-funded Criminal Justice Program. I set up an appointment and was told I was eligible for the GI Bill too. I was in an academic mode and was excited to start my journey at GGU. Everyone was helpful and the teachers were good. I had some classes I had trouble with, but the faculty was willing to help. Harry Knight worked with me one-on-one on my writing skills, and a professor gave me her home phone number so I could call her with any problems. I had a family to support, but my funding ran out when I completed my master's program. Then, I ran into Rodney at the police academy. He told me about a scholarship from the Officers for Justice, which I wasn't a part of, but he said they wanted to see me get my PhD. I was so grateful for the opportunity, and the rest is history. I graduated on the stage for my mother, who was ecstatic. I was the first in my family to earn a PhD, but education runs in the family. My three kids are all successful in their own right. My oldest is a successful attorney, my second is a PhD and administrator in a middle school program, and my third is a PhD and administrator at Marion University. GGU was a great experience for me. I was so thankful for the faculty and staff who supported me and the scholarship that allowed me to pursue my dreams. Education is something I will always value, and I'm proud to have been part of the GGU family.