Since the partnership began in November 2011, DeVry University has provided higher education opportunities at undergraduate and graduate levels for more than 180 Team USA athletes.

As of today, six new athletes have graduated, with four additional ones expected to do so in December.

These graduates include three-time Olympian in luge Tony Benshoof; 2016 Olympic rugby hopeful Ryan Carlyle; and Olympic track and field athletes James Davis and Tim Harden.

"For me, going back to school has been a balancing act," said Will Brady, a recent DeVry University graduate and modern pentathlete who was one of the original six student athletes to enroll in November 2011.

"It's included juggling school projects and deadlines during competitions abroad, maintaining a rigorous training schedule, working and finding time for my family, including my young daughter.

"At times it was a struggle, but that is what made this journey such a rewarding experience.

"I am proud of myself for going back to school and thankful for the support I've received along the way from DeVry University and the USOC."



To encourage their fellow classmates to finish strong, the graduates have teamed up to provide their personal reasons to finish in a video featured on Team USA's and DeVry University's social and digital platforms.

"We take great pride in educating our Team USA student athletes and are proud to see them ready to pursue their career goals," said Robert Paul, President of DeVry University.

"Graduation is a milestone in one's career journey.

"We hope the stories of our student athletes inspire others to never give up on their educational pursuits - that graduation is the springboard to a lifetime of success.

"We offer our sincerest congratulations to all our graduates for persevering and achieving their educational goals."

Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, who oversees athlete career and education services as the USOC's chief of organisational excellence, added: "We are incredibly proud of all the Team USA athletes who pursue higher education opportunities, and thankful for DeVry University's partnership in helping many of them achieve their goals".

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