Simpson University ASPIRE student shows value of hard work

For Immediate Release

05.05.2010

REDDING, Calif. – During the first six months Tim Martz was in Simpson University’s ASPIRE program, he logged 1,400 miles every other weekend in order to attend classes.

A Yucca Valley resident at the time, Martz, 55, learned about Simpson’s degree-completion program from his son, Blake, a junior at Simpson. The weekend format of the Organizational Leadership degree fit his schedule, and after praying about it, he decided to enroll.

“I’m sure there were places in Southern California that offered this type of program, but God led me up here,” he said.

Martz was among 186 graduates at Simpson University’s spring commencement on May 1, including 47 from the Adult Studies (ASPIRE) program.

In his first half-year of ASPIRE’s 16-month program, Martz would work four 10-hour days, drive to Redding on Friday (or fly to Sacramento), attend classes on Saturday and drive back on Sunday. Ten months ago he moved to Anderson, but his weekday job was laying conduit and fiber-optic cable at Camp Pendleton, about 120 miles away. He spent many nights doing homework in a hotel room.

“Self-discipline is difficult,” he said. “Prayer and time spent with God was the only way I finished the program.”

Martz said he tried to be an example to younger students he met at Simpson that age and other difficulties don’t matter – there is always opportunity to improve yourself.

“Hard work will eventually pay off,” he said. Martz said he pursued his bachelor’s degree because of missed job opportunities.

Martz and his son are working with former Simpson soccer coach Darby Anderson to plant The Way church in Anderson.

Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson’s academic programs includes ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. Simpson’s recent curriculum expansion includes degrees in biology, nursing, outdoor leadership, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

 

Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737