Snyder Gets Right Answer for MPA Assignment

By Dan Silvia, Communications Manager

Sometimes it just takes one person to say, “yes.”

Anthony Snyder was trying to solve a problem – how to connect at-risk youth with a therapeutic riding center, Hearts & Horses, that could help them develop social skills. But the kids had difficulty lining up reliable transportation to the riding center.

Even though the effort started off as part of white paper he was writing as part of his Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Bellevue University, Snyder became committed to it personally, too. He spent several weeks researching and making calls. He tried churches, schools, and just about any place he could think of that might have access to transportation. He received some polite “nos” and some less polite ones, as well.

“It was a bummer, but I was not going to give up on these kids and pushed onward,” Snyder said.

Then, finally -- someone said “yes.”

“I was researching and came across an organization in town that helps sexually abused women, Sexual Assault Victims Advocate (SAVA). I asked myself, how does their transportation work? I called the organization, and they referred me to a transportation service, heart & Soul Paratransit,” Snyder said. “I called the transportation service and explained what I had told all the other organizations before. Once I finished explaining what I was seeking the transportation service said, ‘yes.’ I kindly asked them to repeat their answer.”

Snyder set up a meeting with the organization to hash out the details and looped the therapeutic riding center into the process. Congratulations and hugs were exchanged all around.

“The feeling of accomplishment from not only completing the project, but to know I was able to help some kids out, was tremendous,” Snyder said.

Snyder earned his first degree at Bellevue University, a Bachelor of Science in Security Management, in 2017. He promptly returned for his MPA and is about halfway through the program.

“I have enjoyed every class of the cohort. I have been able to take what I have learned in class and apply it in the real world. Our first cohort term project was writing a grant proposal,” he said. “Two months later, I was asked to assist in a proposal for an upcoming contract in my career. I was able to hit the ground running. I had a grasp of the framework of the proposal and was comfortable working alongside experienced proposal writers -- an enriching experience.”

Snyder is currently a Production Manager with CACI, an information technology company that provides services and solutions in support of national security missions and government transformation for intelligence, defense, and federal civilian customers. Bellevue University partners with CACI to provide educational opportunities to its employees.

“CACI told us of the relationship they have with Bellevue University. I went to Bellevue University’s website, called the school, and enrolled. I have been delighted with the entire experience,” Snyder said.

In addition to support for his academic endeavors at the workplace, Snyder has a support structure at home, as well.

“My wife, Kristin, is my biggest supporter. She has a graduate degree, so she understands of the time I need to spend to achieve success in my pursuit of my MPA. This year was our 10-year anniversary. I told her last fall that I would need to stay home and would not be able to travel over our anniversary,” Snyder said. “My wife, being super supportive understands that we needed to make a sacrifice this year, but will take that nice vacation on our 11th anniversary.”