The Happiness Issue
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
 

PHOENIX FOCUS
is produced monthly
by University of Phoenix
Alumni Association.

Senior Vice President
Arra Yerganian

Vice President
Kathleen Fern, MBA ’99

Executive Director
Nikki Sandoval, MBA ’03

Editorial Director
Jenifer King, MBA ’11

Senior Editor
Amanda Flatten

Features Editor
Lee Jonsson

Assistant Editor
Lindsay DeChacco

Senior Writer
Julie Wilson

Online Communications Manager
Bridget Gutierrez

Online Community Manager
Amy Wilson

Design
P.S. Studios

Photographer
Bruce Racine

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happiness

 


Each new year fills me with optimism. Perhaps it’s because having a fresh start on the calendar gives us the chance to think bold thoughts and set new personal and professional goals.

 


Whatever the reason, celebrating the past year’s achievements and establishing a plan for the next 12 months always makes me happy.

Every January, my husband and I set a goal together along with our personal goals. Having a formal plan helps us make decisions throughout the year, which is essential to keeping equilibrium in our home. In “Balancing act: Calming the work-life chaos,” you’ll find tips on how to keep all the moving parts of your life in harmony, which is something we all can feel happy about after the busy holiday season has passed.

This New Year, I am inspired by the optimism of our alumni. One shining example is Michael Johnson, MBA ’04, who overcame incredible obstacles while growing up in the roughest parts of Chicago. Today, he is a true champion for children, offering them hope for a better life through his role as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County in Wisconsin.

Here’s to a New Year filled with hope and happiness!

MarCom 2011 Awards

Awarded by the American
Association of Marketing and Communication
Professionals, Phoenix Focus
won six MarCom 2011 Awards:

Platinum—Communication/E-Magazine

Platinum—Writing/Feature Article
“The psychology of clicking”

Gold—Magazine/Association

Gold—Photography/Magazine

Gold—Writing/Magazine

Honorable Mention
Design (Print)/Magazine Interior

Nikki Sandoval, MBA ’03
Executive Director, Alumni Relations
University of Phoenix
alumni@phoenix.edu

Nikki Sandoval
 
PHOENIX FOCUS | January 2012 | THE HAPPINESS ISSUE

contents

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Features


Happiness examined: A four-part feature
- The habits of happy people
- What are the happiest countries?
- Happiness through the years
- Is happiness genetic or a choice?


Perks that work: Free and low-cost ways
managers can boost morale


On the cover: A champion for children
Michael Johnson, MBA/GM ’04

In this issue

Your Career

Alumni Profiles

Charlotte Phillips: A lifetime of self-discovery

Steven Gold: Clearing the way for disabled students

Emily Garcia

Sharon Maloney

The Buzz

Published by alumni

Recognition

Extra! Extra!

Your University

University news

Campus news

Community relations

Opportunities

Everyone has a story to tell

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