Sharon Bender

Co-Workers  |  Classmates  |  Instructors  |  Students  |  Advisees  |  Collaborators

Co-Workers

Sharon Bender is among the most professional educators with whom I have had the privilege to work during my years of teaching. She is gifted with the art of people skills, organizational management, and guiding learners to be the best they can be. My respect for her as an educator, colleague, and friend remains at the highest level. — Dr. Eileen Dittmar, Faculty Chair

I can personally attest that Dr. Bender's consistent performance in her role as faculty member was exemplary. She was always available and respectful to her students. Overall, Dr. Bender performed above average in her interactions with learners. She had been a model core faculty member and someone I am proud to have had on our team. — Dr. Keith Morneau, Faculty Chair

I can attest to Dr. Bender's professional acumen as always being of very high quality. The quarterly end of course evaluations submitted by her students always ranked her among the top faculty performers. Many of her students voluntarily submitted words of appreciation to the school for her contribution to their success. Dr. Bender participated in collaborative efforts with students, advisees, and colleagues in the manner expected of all faculty members. — Dr. Paul Coverstone, Faculty Director (2005, 2006)     

I believe the university owes you a big "thanks" for pushing for quality. If no one else has said it . . . "THANKS!" Keep up the good work. — Kurt Linberg, Dean/Supervisor (2003, 2004)                

I worked with Sharon Bender at Aspen University where she served as an instructor. As dean of the university I was pleased with her concern for the success of our learners. She developed a Web site that she called Student Place at which she provided resources and a number of other tools to assist learners. Our learners found it a great benefit. I'm glad she is once again providing this learning environment with her new site. — Dr. Tina Parscal

I worked with Sharon Bender in NTI at BASF. She was always creating some new way to do things and to solve problems. She developed a tracking system that was divided into three sections. It replaced a much more complicated system. The entire organization began using it. We developed a training manual together and she used some interesting ways of organizing the material as I recall. Sharon is a great influence to anyone who knows her. She is a wonderful role model. — Jamia DeFinis, Co-Worker, BASF

Sharon, thank you for your participation in the Employee Suggestion Program. The key to continuous improvement in our organization is the participation of every BASF employee. Your input is greatly appreciated! — Eggert Voscherau, Chairman & CEO, BASF

Sharon, I want you to know that the part you are playing in driving our business forward is making a tangible difference, and I want to thank you, both on my behalf and that of the KPC Executive Board for making a difference. — Carter H. Eckert, President, KPC, BASF

An important characteristic I've noticed in Sharon is an ability to establish and maintain a wide network of people with diverse interests and backgrounds. — Suzanne Banfield, Ph.D., Career Development, BASF

I remember your approaches to simplifying things back in our Knoll Pharmaceutical days in 1996. You modified our much hated SWOT analysis to three easier steps. I also remember how you suggested that I should order my family pictures and other things on my desk into groups of three items. I am going to have to use all of the concepts at your site because I think you are the MASTER of organizational concepts! — Barbara Wiesing, Co-Worker, BASF

I have served as a team member of the MECA (Management/Employee Communication Agreement) focus group in 1994 at AlliedSignal along with the team leader, Sharon L. Bender. In working through the problem in our meeting Sharon used a form of triangulation to categorize the issues presented. As a result, we rolled out MECA to the organization to launch the new manner in which employees would communicate upward. The resolution meant that managers would have a compassionate open door policy, employees would agree to bring solutions rather than mere problems to management, and the business unit would support installation of the agreement. 

— Emilia Ramirez, MECA Team Member, AlliedSignal

I was always amazed at how you managed the Japanese when they came to visit. You would run around to cater to them and they really respected you. — Shaku Patel, Co-Worker, AlliedSignal

You were always so helpful, Sharon. Whenever I needed something, you would come through for me. I knew I could call you and have my request handled, and I've called on you a lot. — David Gibson, European Representative, AlliedSignal

Sharon is a team player! She worked out problematic situations, took good directions, was always reliable, personable, and well respected by her co-workers. — Cecilia A. Jackson, Co-Worker, AlliedSignal

On numerous occasions when I've asked Sharon various departmental questions, her responses were always professional and she was quite knowledgeable of her specific area of work. — Elaine Marlow, Co-Worker, AlliedSignal

During the time we worked together in the Specialty Films group, I always found that Sharon was willing to pitch in and help me even when she had no responsibility for doing my work. — Harry W. Tenney, Jr., Co-Worker, AlliedSignal

Classmates

Sharon, it is great to finally reconnect through our class reunion undertaking. I remember chatting with you in our high school art class and really enjoying your company. I remember you as always being funny, honest, upbeat, and sincere. — Mary Wilshire

Thank you so very much for your help in our course together, and you have provided a wealth of information. You are someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting your fellow learners. I wanted to say that before our course ends...home stretch here...sincerely, Thank you! — Amberr Swanson

Sharon, WOW!!! You have done so much with so little. You are a truly gifted writer. I am humbled when I see what compassion you have for other people (such as myself). I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing the "STORY OF MY LIFE." You are a very sincere, giving, intelligent, and caring person. (Take it from me it is very rare to find all these qualities within one person.) Classmates have in the past told me of your accomplishments. However, I was amazed to read all you have done with your life!! I am also amazed to see how many people's lives you have reached out and "touched" so generously, including my own. You are a special type of person. Our dictionaries fall short of adjectives when it comes time to describe people like you. Words that come within range are: Special, Omni Talented, Amazing, Great, Creative, Knowledgeable, and a few more, but they all have one thing in common --- they fall short. You have inherent qualities of "Goodness," "Niceness," "Successes" (and in from left field) --- "Extreme Accuracy." You have the desire and ability to enhance the worth of others, which you have done for me. The fact that you have done such deeds with the expectation of nothing in return is the EXCEPTION rather than the RULE!  You are without doubt a truly EXCEPTIONAL person, I am blessed to have the pleasure of knowing you. People like you are not just rare, but an endangered species! I would like to thank you again for what you have done for me. If there is anything you think I may be able to help you with, do not hesitate to ask. Most Sincerely, Mike Bianco [See Mike's story as a volunteer on ABC's Extreme Makeover show.]

Instructors

I can attest to Dr. Sharon L. Bender’s strong scholastic acumen. Sharon's time management skills and ability to set priorities is top notch. She often worked ahead in my course, demonstrating her ability to accomplish assignments quickly as well as thoroughly. Sharon has also revealed that she cares a great deal about the learning process. Her team work in the course was exemplary, as she took on the role of team leader and was able to have her team post a succinct project ahead of schedule. Her team voiced approval of the process that Sharon developed and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to work with her. — Rochelle Cadogan, Ph.D., Instructor

Students

You are amazing! I've always found it a pleasure that with all that you have accomplished, you have no arrogance about you. You sincerely care about each learner and go beyond the call of duty to make sure that we are successful in your courses. You definitely deserve high scores! — Robin Aldrich

Without your help and guidance, I may not have been able to successfully complete my capstone course. Your knowledge in project management is rare indeed. I have never before seen such a helpful, courteous, cooperative, and fine person as you. I have really enjoyed your professional demeanor. And it's a pleasure to take classes with people who know the meaning of efficiency. 

— Tariq Azad

I have been in the IT world for a good number of years. I know how rare it is to see someone in our field so enthusiastic and sincere about helping others as you have been. Your compassion for others as well as your remarkable attention to detail and the pursuit of academic excellence is exemplary. I have received several e-mails from peer learners who have recently graduated from the university stating that they don’t believe there could have been a better instructor with which to complete their studies. — Brian Jensen

I've been a learner that just listens and I don't usually have too much to say, but I want to let you know how much your capstone Web site has helped me in my capstone course, and I'm sure it will be beneficial in the future! Your site offers a wealth of information and it is a great reference! I also want to let you know, I really like the way you instruct your class, very thorough. You explain what is expected from each learner from the start and allow learners to work at their own pace provided their assignments are done in a timely manner. I was able to work ahead, and I wish all instructors worked this way! Thank you for making the capstone course the best experience to cap off my program! — Vicki Aubrecht

Dr. Bender, your approach to managing a project has made me feel like a superstar. Your templates and straight forward explanation of concepts are what I deal with on a daily basis, but your process makes life easier.  I am currently writing a proposal for which I have used every aspect of this class. I have had project management courses that deal with overarching concepts, but some are difficult to put to use. Your class and feedback really fit the bill. — Tim Bohler

More Testimonials from Students

Advisees

I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Bender on my dissertation committee, and it is an understatement to say that she carried the torch and provided the most needed structure and information in order for that endeavor to be accomplished. I admire her dedication and she maintains the most scrupulous of standards in excellence of academic performance. She is sharp, savvy, and adroit at getting her point across in a professional manner. Dr. Bender is sought after as a mentor, educator, and committee member with good reason. Dr. Bender astutely devotes her time and energy to the areas that learners need most, and it is my pleasure to know her. I recommend her highly to any person or institution fortunate enough to work with her and I wish to nominate her for the Outstanding Service Award. I believe she embodies the criteria for which it stands. —  Doctoral Candidate

You are amazing! In developing my dissertation defense, you answered my questions before I asked them and you got me thinking about the important stuff that would have otherwise slipped my mind. — Doctoral Candidate  

You have been a lifeline, Dr. Bender. My mentor reported that my dissertation is exemplary!  I am now applying for graduation, and I couldn’t have done it without you! — Doctoral Candidate  

Good news! Dr. Sharon, I just received notification of my comprehensives results. I am thankful to you for your guidance and mentoring during the comp process. You are an awesome mentor. Thank you Sharon and may our God continue to bless you. You don't just guide, you care too. Thank you Dr. Bender! — Doctoral Candidate

Sharon Bender has been an extraordinary teacher/facilitator/mentor. I had the pleasure of working with Sharon on several levels, the first in academics, and the second as my advisor during the Capstone experience. She was professional and caring. I found working with her to be very productive and I would recommend her to any and all students. — M. Neder

Collaborators

Amazing! Where does all of your creative energy come from!! Lots of great ideas and possibilities. I am grateful for the opportunity of partnering with you. You have been very generous (exceedingly so) with your talent, your expertise, and your assistance. Thanks, Sharon! — Debra Johanyak