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What Did These 7 Famous Folks Major In?

What Did These 7 Famous Folks Major In?
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Adam D'Arpino profile
Adam D'Arpino May 30, 2014

Even the most famous people in the world care about their education. These inspiring, influential, and down-right cool celebrities also have some impressive majors.

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Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate

Offered By University of South Florida logo
In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Beyond Silicon Valley

Offered By Case Western Reserve University logo
Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate

Offered By University of South Florida logo
In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Beyond Silicon Valley

Offered By Case Western Reserve University logo
Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups
Article continues here

Celebrities: outside of the millions and millions of dollars, well-documented altercations with paparazzi, and high-profile arrests, they're just like you and me. Well, maybe not exactly like us, but plenty of them went to college with all of its ups and downs. Here are some of the most surprising things your favorite actors, musicians, and comedians have degrees in.

# # Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria -- she of "Desperate Housewives" and formerly being married to San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker fame -- is more than just a near-absurdly pretty face. Longoria has an undergrad degree in kinesiology, and a masters in Chicano studies. And if you don't know what either of those things are, don't feel bad because we had to Google them too.

# # Gene Simmons

Before donning makeup and sticking out his uncomfortably long tongue in front of fans that totally adore that kind of thing, Gene Simmons, of KISS game, received a degree in education. He even put his degree to practice, teaching sixth grade in Spanish Harlem for a spell before making his rockstar dreams come true.

# # Will Ferrell

Considering his affinity for yelling and his past roles in sportsy films ("Semi-pro," "Blades of Glory," etc.), maybe it's not a huge stretch to imagine Will Ferrell receiving an undergraduate degree in sports broadcasting from USC in his pre-SNL days.

# # Jon Stewart

Who ever said you can't do anything with a psychology major? Stand-up comedian, Daily Show host, director, and all-around adored person Jon Stewart switched from chemistry to psych while attending the College of William and Mary. Apparently, he was also a pretty swell soccer player.

# # Ashley Judd

Actress Ashley Judd had breakout roles in '90s flicks like "Ruby in Paradise," "A Time to Kill," and "Heat," and as of late is known for her humanitarian efforts and considering runs at public office. With an undergraduate degree in French and a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard, Judd is no intellectual lightweight.

# # Conan O'Brien

Maybe it's not a very well-hidden secret that Conan O'Brien is a complete smarty pants who got his start in comedy writing for Harvard's prestigious comedy publication, the Harvard Lampoon. However, most folks don't know that O'Brien received his degree in American History and Literature (magna cum laude, of course).

# # Dolph Lungren

If you don't know who Dolph Lungren is, you're either under the age of 25, or are completely averse to movies where people get punched and things explode. Back in the '80s, Lungren gained fame as the human embodiment of Soviet Russia in "Rocky IV." Most recently, he was featured in all three "Expendables" movies. But it turns out Lungren is more than just a bag of muscles -- he holds degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, and received a Fulbright Scholarship to attend MIT. Plus, he could still probably beat us up.

Sources:

Stern, M. (n.d.). Dolph Lundgren’s Wild Ride: From Fulbright Scholar to ‘The Expendables 2’. The Daily Beast. Retrieved May 13, 2014, from http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/08/17/dolph-lundgren-s-wild-ride-from-fulbright-scholar-to-the-expendables-2.html

Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Conan O'Brien (American talk-show host). Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Retrieved May 13, 2014, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1529116/Conan-OBrien

Hartocollis, A. (2010, July 23). Actress/Activist. . Retrieved May 13, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/education/edlife/25conted-t.html?_r=0

Gillick, J. (2008, November 1). Meet Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz (aka Jon Stewart) - Moment Magazine. Moment Magazine. Retrieved May 13, 2014, from http://www.momentmag.com/meet-jonathan-stuart-leibowitz-aka-jon-stewart/

Covert, C. (n.d.). Will Ferrell brings improv to the TV news desk in 'Anchorman 2'. StarTribune.com: News, weather, sports from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Minnesota. Retrieved May 13, 2014, from http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/236062321.html

Gene Simmons Information. (n.d.). Gene Simmons. Retrieved May 13, 2014, from http://caaspeakers.com/gene-simmons/

Saad, N. (2013, May 23). Eva Longoria graduates with master's degree in Chicano studies. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 13, 2014, from http://articles.latimes.com/2013/may/23/entertainment/la-et-mg-eva-longoria-graduates-masters-chicano-studies-20130523

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Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate

Offered By University of South Florida logo

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Beyond Silicon Valley

Offered By Case Western Reserve University logo

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