Robert Donohue IV, Vicksburg, MS, a member of the Golden Key Honour Society at Ashford University, recently received the Golden Key Education Debt Reduction Award. This award, valued at $5,000.00, will provide financial assistance towards his student loan(s). 

“This is quite an honor for Robert,” said Dr. William Woods, advisor of Ashford’s Golden Key chapter. “Almost 500 individuals applied for the award worldwide but only nine were granted.” 

Donohue graduated summa cum laude from Ashford University in April 2012 with a bachelor's degree in organizational management and a final GPA of 3.92. He was also invited to join the Alpha Sigma Lambda international honor society. The 45-year-old award winner has been married for 23 years and has a son in college and a daughter in high school. He is a security manager at Ameristar Casino. 

“The challenges of graduating college online were many but most of all, the biggest challenge is still to come with having to figure out how to pay the college loans while maintaining my children's education,” he said. “This award from Golden Key helps me to pay off the loans that are the last hurdle to achieving my degree.”

Golden Key is the world's premier collegiate honor society, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and connecting high-achieving individuals locally, regionally, and globally with lifetime opportunity, reward, and success. The organization was founded in 1977 to recognize academic excellence and encourage scholastic achievement among college students across all academic disciplines. Golden Key has more than 400 chapters at universities and colleges in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, The Bahamas, and the United States. 

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.