July 8, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photos submitted
After serving 20 years in the Army, Â鶹¹ÙÍø graduate Timothy Sifuentes was ready for the next chapter of his life, and Â鶹¹ÙÍø at Grandview Plaza’s program helped him on his journey to complete OSHA certifications and an associate degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security.
While already employed as a safety professional, Sifuentes wanted to take his credentials and knowledge base to another level.Ìý
“I felt obligated to continue my studies, and my focus on a career in the safety field worked out well for me as Â鶹¹ÙÍø offers OSHA classes and an Emergency Management/Homeland Security degree,†he said.Ìý
The Fort Riley LSEC program was also a benefit to him as he was able to complete most general education classes for the degree at no cost.
“The Fort Riley community is supported by Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s excellent professors and fantastic timetable,†he said.
Sifuentes received his associate of applied science in Emergency Management/Homeland Security in December, and he credits Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Grandview Plaza program, which offers select OSHA classes for active-duty soldiers, their dependents, veterans, and Department of Defense employees at no cost, with getting him certifications as well as mitigating elective credit hours for the EMHS degree.
While Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s location at Grandview Plaza is a satellite campus there is also a site on-base at Fort Riley. ÌýSifuentes said the whole team of support staff on base and at Grandview Plaza was a great benefit to him.
“My advisor was one of the best academic advisors I have ever worked with, in my honest opinion,†he said.
Sifuentes has no plans of stopping. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security.
“I work in the safety industry currently, and I want to expand my experience, education, and skill set,†he said. “My ultimate objective is to pass my Certified Safety Professional exam and submit my application to the Board of CSPs.â€
Sifuentes encourages others eligible to take advantage of Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s opportunities.
“For people who want to advance their careers and professional growth, Â鶹¹ÙÍø is a fantastic place to start,†he said.
Visit ÌýÌýorÌý for more information about Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s many programs and services to the public and soldiers at its Fort Riley and Grandview Plaza campuses.
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