At Shenandoah University, Yes You Can . . .

At Shenandoah University, the phrase "Yes, You Can," speaks to our optimistic educational philosophy. This page is a showcase of just a few of our students' "Yes, You Can" success stories.

Yes, You Can dance in a blockbuster summer movie.

Shenandoah Conservatory student Shane Simpson ’09 appeared as a dancer in the hit 2007 summer musical comedy “Hairspray,”released by New Line Cinema. Simpson played the role of Skillet, one of the kids in detention at a Baltimore high school, who helped the movie's heroine dance her way to success and happiness. “He immediately captured our attention," said Erica Helm, chair of the Dance Division at Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University. "Shane has a huge passion for movement that comes through in his dancing . . . it's like a fire burning inside of him that lights him up from the inside. You cannot help but appreciate the enthusiasm and energy he brings to the creative process."
Yes You Can become a global citizen.

Amanda Alvarado ’09, a mass communications major, loves to work with children and has set her sights on a career in public relations. “During my senior year of high school, I was overwhelmed with the college search process. My guidance counselor recommended I consider Shenandoah University. The minute I arrived on campus, I got the feeling this was where I was meant to be. I traveled to South Africa and Swaziland during spring break my freshman year. It was a life-changing experience. Shenandoah has opened the world to me and provided me with opportunities to become a stronger, more focused person.”
Yes, You Can fast-track to your graduate degree.

Autumn Apsey ’10 is a pre-occupational therapy major enrolled in a 3+2 model fast-track program toward her master’s degree. “When I came to Shenandoah, I was amazed by the facilities and equipment and felt it was the best place for me to get an education in occupational therapy. Campus is a friendly place where you can feel comfortable learning and living the college experience. I’m a pre-health professions fast-track student, so I will get a professional degree within five years. I will complete my undergraduate degree in three years, and then apply to the graduate program. I hope to work with children as an occupational therapist in a school system.”
Yes, You Can become a Broadway superstar.

J. Robert “Bobby”Spencer ’99 Spencer, a Shenandoah Conservatory alumnus, plays Nick Massi in the Tony-award winning musical “Jersey Boys.” He is a successful Broadway actor, musician, writer, producer, director, and most importantly, husband and new father. His accomplishments include a third appearance on stage at Carnegie Hall as part of the Young People's Chorus of New York City benefit concert “A Decade of Dreams: Shaping Lives Through Music,”songwriting and film and directing projects. For some people, Spencer’s hectic schedule would be considered burning the candle at both ends, but he sees it as his chance to share the light of his creative energy through sound, stage and screen. “I still can’t get over the success of this show. It’s been such a crazy ride. I’m so blessed that ‘Jersey Boys’has opened some doors for me to other things I love.”
Yes You Can study with students from around the world.

West African Souleyman Konate of Mali is an international business and management student in the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business. “I met Shenandoah faculty and students who traveled to Mali as a part of the Global Citizenship Project. I chose the BBA program at Shenandoah because West Africa needs educated people who understand business and who know how to manage. I’m studying business because I want to bring international business and management expertise back to Mali. I’m a member of the International Student Association on campus, and I’m also looking forward to studying abroad with Shenandoah students and faculty in order to gain additional perspectives on international business culture and practice.”
Yes, You Can personalize your course of study.

Todd Bowman ’06 majored in criminal justice, religion and sociology. He played football and served actively in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Campus Crusade for Christ and the Political Science Society. “The main reason I chose Shenandoah was the opportunity to study multiple subjects. My senior paper on religion and crime enabled me to incorporate all three areas of study into one project. I also interned with the chaplain of the local police department. It wasn’t easy to triple major because of the academic demands, but I was still able to get involved in campus activities.