ASU Online Global Security student graduates from Finland after 23 years in the military

After a 23-year military career, Stefano Guadagnuolo found himself in pursuit of a degree program that would both complement the experience and knowledge he already had and expand upon it to aid in his future career trajectory — while also being accessible from Helsinki, Finland, where he currently resides with his wife and sons.

Guadagnuolo found all of that and more in the ASU Online Master of Arts in Global Security, offered through the School of Politics and Global Studies.

Because the degree is online, it provides the opportunity for students from all over the world to connect to the program’s community of faculty, students and alumni. So even though he resides in Europe, Guadagnuolo has been able to engage in real time with the program.

“Despite being many time zones away, Stefano regularly participates in class discussions, office hours and other opportunities to engage with his classmates and professors,” said Thomas Just, an ASU teaching assistant professor for the program.

“Stefano's professional and life experiences add a great deal to our courses and the MA in Global Security program in general.”

Guadagnuolo, who was born and raised in Piacenza, Italy, moved to the U.S. at 24 years old and became a U.S. citizen in 2004, eventually spending eight years in the U.S. Army and 15 in the U.S. Air Force. During that time, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in intelligence operations through the American Military University.

By way of his time at ASU, he said that his Emerging Technologies and Global Security course, taught by School of Politics and Global Studies Professor of Practice Anika Binnendijk, was the most impactful.

“So far, I have found the course on emerging technologies to be very interesting, especially learning about the role that artificial intelligence is and will play in shaping the future of mankind, and the world of global security,” Guadagnuolo said.

After graduation, he has simple plans: a fulfilling experience in the home and the office.

“As a family, we are hoping to move back to the U.S. very soon, after almost two years in Finland. I would like to find a rewarding career in a governmental agency where my studies and professional military experience can be very relevant," he said.