Charles Lamp of Hartselle was recognized as Grantham University’s 2014 Outstanding Graduate during an awards luncheon today at the Distance Education and Training Council’s (DETC) 88th Annual Conference in Hammock Beach, Fla.

Johanna Altland, Grantham’s director of strategic initiatives & external relations, presented the award.

A three-time graduate of Grantham, Lamp received his Associate of Science in information Systems in 2008, Bachelor of Science in multidisciplinary studies in 2011 and his Master of Business Administration – project management with distinction in 2013. He currently works for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as a senior software analyst following a successful 20-year career in the Army.

“Growing up, very few of my friends and family members ever completed high school,” Lamp reflected. “It was a major personal accomplishment for me to take my own education far beyond that level. By pursuing my education, I was able to provide a positive example for my wife, co-workers, and others who considered taking that next step, but were unsure if they had the time.”

Selection criteria for the award includes a GPA of 3.5 or higher, evidence that the graduate has made significant contributions to society and his/her chosen profession, as well as an essay submission demonstrating the graduate’s application of knowledge and skills acquired in the online classroom to his/her career and community.