Each member of the Alumni Association proudly holds an American College designation or degree. These educational credentials serve as an emblem of quality for consumers seeking the advice of qualified and knowledgeable financial practitioners committed to a code of ethics.

"At a time when other organizations in our industry are experiencing membership challenges, it is encouraging to know that new organizations can, in one year, be launched and attract more than 18,000 members," stated American College President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Larry Barton. "This is a real tribute to the new energy underway at The College. It also demonstrates the desire of our graduates to connect with one another- in both informal settings and in forums where we help them with career advice, professional networking and educational content."

The celebrated 18,000th member of The American College Alumni Association is Mr. Tom Tillery, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Paraklete Financial Inc., a fee only financial firm in Kennesaw, Georgia. Tillery earned several designations and degrees of distinction through The American College, including the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®).

"The best decision I ever made during my career in financial services was to use The American College as my educational anchor," stated Tillery. "Throughout the years, the knowledge I gained has proven itself to be a rock solid foundation for my practice. Simultaneously, the College's educational programs create a foundation that grows with my practice, and gives me the confidence to move outside my comfort zone."

Tillery also completed his LUTC Fellow designation, Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) degree and Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certification education through the institution. He joined the Alumni Association on May 8, 2007.

Financial professionals that earn the CLU® and ChFC® designations must complete a rigorous curriculum of study and examinations. They must also fulfill stringent experience and ethics requirements.

The CLU® and ChFC® programs cover retirement and tax planning, economics, financial statement analysis, insurance, investments, and estate and gift tax planning. An individual who holds both a CLU® and a ChFC® can provide expert advice on a broad range of financial topics including financial planning, wealth accumulation and estate planning, income taxation, life and health insurance, business taxation and planning, investments, retirement planning, pension planning, insurance law and group benefits.

The American College Alumni Association is devoted to benefiting alumni of the institution. The goal of The Association is to advance the education and ongoing professional development that is critical to a successful financial services career.

Alumni involvement and support are critical to the ongoing fulfillment of the College's mission and vision. Members benefit from networking and career opportunities, continuing education and active involvement in the Association. In addition, members receive the Alumni Association newsletter containing College news and events.

American College Alumni who have not yet joined the Alumni Association may become official members by contacting alumni @ TheAmericanCollege.edu, or visiting the Alumni Association website at www.TheAmericanCollege.OnlineCommunity.com. There is no charge to become a member of The American College Alumni Association.

The American College is dedicated to leadership in innovative training and development that helps financial services companies and their employees succeed. As a non-profit educational institution holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others for 80 years. The American College's faculty represents some of the financial services industry's foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit www.TheAmericanCollege.edu

Certified Financial Planer Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP (with flame logo)®, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.