Douglass Capogrossi, PhD
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Opening Meditation from AU Board Members
We acknowledge and remember the contributing legacy of Dr. Douglass Capogrossi who created a platform of dedicated service and commitment to academic excellence raising the bar to reach beyond borders those underserved, forgotten, or strayed from an empowered path guided by inner wisdom.
Dearest Doug,
I come to you during this musical meditation to let you know my heart and soul
resonate to your legacy left to the family, our friends, neighbors, colleagues from Akamai University and
all those whose lives you touched with your loving presence.
Know you are remembered, and still connected to through the energy of Light and Love
from your heavenly home looking down upon us as we continue carrying your beloved worldwide contributions
A lineage that goes far and wide - to never end as the Holy Spirit will continue to help carry it forward.
Blessing and thank you - now and forever as your Divine Presence is carried on for all eternity.
I know from Doug's watchful place in heaven - he knows what is inn our hearts now and forever!
He has changed so many people in so many ways - that is awesome. Below is the new website honoring Doug foundational legacy/
Dr. MJ Bulbrook, AU CEO, President Emerita
I come to you during this musical meditation to let you know my heart and soul
resonate to your legacy left to the family, our friends, neighbors, colleagues from Akamai University and
all those whose lives you touched with your loving presence.
Know you are remembered, and still connected to through the energy of Light and Love
from your heavenly home looking down upon us as we continue carrying your beloved worldwide contributions
A lineage that goes far and wide - to never end as the Holy Spirit will continue to help carry it forward.
Blessing and thank you - now and forever as your Divine Presence is carried on for all eternity.
I know from Doug's watchful place in heaven - he knows what is inn our hearts now and forever!
He has changed so many people in so many ways - that is awesome. Below is the new website honoring Doug foundational legacy/
Dr. MJ Bulbrook, AU CEO, President Emerita
Tributes to Dr. Capogrossi:
First: Dr. MJ Bulbrook, Dr. Traian Stanciulescu, Dr. Mendani Prasad Bhandari, Dr. Christine Bair, Doctoral Student Colin McLeod, Music Celebration, Dr. George D. Stanciulescu, Meditative Song Tribute
My linkage to Akamai University was linked into the energetic knowledge that the head of Akamai University was spiritually guided to provide service in practice, education and research uplifting society in many ways over a lifetime of service. How could we abandon the foundation he put in place energetically through what I call - Heart 2 Heart and Voice 2 Voice.
My message in this acknowledgement of my experiences will be short at this point as I am innovated with the challenge of walking the path of leadership asked of me by Dr. Doug, to continue the foundation he laid for AU using my own expertise and dedication.
I do not leave any mission that spiritually I am guided to continue walking a path as I am shown how to be my best and do my best. Following a mentor and model academic led me to where I am today.
I believe whole heartedly Dr. Doug is guiding AU with the Light and Love that ememplified his world wide contributions. My role I call a discipleship vs. an ego based intention to "control" or regulact what is or should be. That is now me nor what AU stands for.
I will stop here but the Source of connectedness is not over. Pathways of Light show the way to each and everyone of us.
I salute you Doug and give you a virtual hug of appreciation that spans a life time and beyond.
Blessings to you and say hello to the heavenly host of angelic beings you have the pleasure of hanging out with in your spiritual realm!
Love,, Light, Laughter, Dr. Mary Jo Bulbrook, President Emerata, Current CEO, Dean of College of Integrated Health, Dean of College of Continuing Education, Director of Virginia Satir Center for Becoming More Fully Human
My message in this acknowledgement of my experiences will be short at this point as I am innovated with the challenge of walking the path of leadership asked of me by Dr. Doug, to continue the foundation he laid for AU using my own expertise and dedication.
I do not leave any mission that spiritually I am guided to continue walking a path as I am shown how to be my best and do my best. Following a mentor and model academic led me to where I am today.
I believe whole heartedly Dr. Doug is guiding AU with the Light and Love that ememplified his world wide contributions. My role I call a discipleship vs. an ego based intention to "control" or regulact what is or should be. That is now me nor what AU stands for.
I will stop here but the Source of connectedness is not over. Pathways of Light show the way to each and everyone of us.
I salute you Doug and give you a virtual hug of appreciation that spans a life time and beyond.
Blessings to you and say hello to the heavenly host of angelic beings you have the pleasure of hanging out with in your spiritual realm!
Love,, Light, Laughter, Dr. Mary Jo Bulbrook, President Emerata, Current CEO, Dean of College of Integrated Health, Dean of College of Continuing Education, Director of Virginia Satir Center for Becoming More Fully Human
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Prof, Traian D. Stanclulescu, Romania
RESPECT & GRATITUDE Dear Colleagues, I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Douglass Capogrossi who contribution the the becoming of AI and therefor to all of us== was truly essential On a personal note, I met Dr. Capogrossi in 2008 when he learned about my interdisciplinary academic interests, he agreed, in his role as Rector, that I should become and associate professor at Akamai University. Thinking about it now, I believe that, together with Mary Jo Bulbrook, I am amount the longest serving members of our University For this reason, I cherish, Bachelors, Master's and Doctoral work in which we collaborated and many academic events we are experienced together. I can say honestly that some of these moments - through their deeper implications changed my life path itself. Even after his retirement from leadership at Akamai, I often exchanged thoughts and warm messages of friendship and mutual respect with Professor Capogrossi. this is why we must bow our heads in respect when our teachers, mentors and friends depart from this world. On that occasion, I wrote and recited two poems of gratitude as a humble offering to the living spirit of Professor Douglass Capogrossi. Please accept in this way my sincere compassion, extended to his family and to all who loved and valued him. |
Poetic Message #2 Dr. Trian
Shared Jan. 5, 2025 at AU Executive Meeting: DOUGLASS HAS DEPARTED Douglass has departed.. He's gone afar To bless his life his life beneath another star. He left to join the evening breeze's breath. Twin to its whisper - A spring beyond death. He left completely, caring with him, The clay that help his soul and every Limb. Turning flesh and silence wind into grace, New kind of food, with the taste of salt and honey. Douglass has departed to a higher land, To learn its tongue through strings of Light so grand - Where verses of his kind, like seeds of song, Make stones and skies in blooming earth belong. He left with everything - with sea and shore... With shells of thought and water evermore. Rising now, his body has become A vessel of life, A joy to some. Go in peace, dear Brother, weave your thread With colors from the sky, by Spirit led - To the depth and height in one accord, A melody born from the silent Lord. Take with you the prayer of your people's soul The core of you voice, leaves that made you whole and Lay them down with honor of the Father's feet So we may know, Now is the time - complete Ave IN AETERNITAS MAGISTER Traian D. Stanclulescu Following Musical Meditation from Dr. George D. Stanclulescu 
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Message Poem #3 Dr. Traian
Shared Jan. 5, 2025 at AU Executive Meeting: DOUG LASS HAS DEPARTED... ...turning his final whisper into stars, his fragile earthly shadow fading into light. He left knowing that the call from Above was the Voice of the ONE who truly saw him. From the moment he entered this world, he learned the language of the Nameless One, seeking from the Depth of Being, the Face of Consciousness as his guiding mirror He departed quietly, stepping beyond the gate, to share his thought with those chosen by destiny. to rest his spirit in the Living Light which became for him another kingdom. From the heart of the world, he life believing that the seed of the spirit will make the Earth bear fruit, that the burden of thought and the bowed head can raise being mountains - even over waters. May Heaven be gentle with you, beloved Teacher, as gentle as the words you offered at the threshold, as warm as the embrace you gave, leaving open paths in human hearts. And when, above, you teach "monism," "the logic of love, " or "enlightenment." you will know that heaven already belongs to those who rise through self-guided destiny May your sacred release be complete, Beloved Teacher and Noble Friend, Amen Traian D. Stanclulescu. Jan. 5, 2026 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WfkaGWv9__ge716Hzu2MokeAeWzKDhRC/view?usp=drive_web | ||
Other Messages Regarding Doug's Passing
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In Memoriam: Dr. Douglass Capogrossi, PhD
Founder and President Emeritus, Akamai University: Passed December 2025 I mourn the passing of its Founder and President Emeritus, Dr. Douglass Capogrossi, PhD, who made his peaceful transition in December 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Capogrossi was a visionary educator, pioneering scholar, and compassionate mentor whose life’s work transformed the landscape of higher education. As the founder of Akamai University, he was among the earliest and most courageous leaders to envision rigorous, values-driven, and globally accessible online education—long before it became widely accepted. His leadership laid the foundation for an institution rooted in academic excellence, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. Beyond his remarkable institutional achievements, Dr. Capogrossi was deeply respected for his humanity and spiritual grounding. He believed that education must serve not only the intellect, but also the soul. To his students, colleagues, and mentees across the world, he was a guide who listened deeply, encouraged courage in the face of failure, and reminded us that setbacks are not endpoints, but pathways to growth. His wisdom extended far beyond scholarship—touching lives through kindness, humility, and unwavering faith in human potential. Dr. Capogrossi exemplified what it means to be a true educator: one who empowers others, nurtures independent thought, and leads with integrity. He supported emerging scholars generously, stood beside those navigating personal and professional challenges, and consistently offered new ways of seeing—anchored in ethics, spirituality, and hope. As the great Nepali poet Lekhnath Paudyal reminds us, death spares no one—king or commoner alike—and arrives without warning or exception. Yet while life is finite, legacy endures. Dr. Capogrossi’s legacy lives on in Akamai University’s mission, in the countless scholars he inspired, and in the global community committed to knowledge in service of humanity. The truest tribute to Dr. Capogrossi is not only remembrance, but continuation—to walk the path he illuminated: a path of intellectual rigor, compassion, resilience, and service to the greater good. Though he is no longer with us in physical form, his spirit remains present in our work, our values, and our collective commitment to education as a force for transformation. With deepest gratitude, honor, and respect, Prof. Medani P. Bhandari Akamai University Dean College of Planetary Health Author of 13 Books from Nova Science Publishers |
A Tribute to Douglass
You walked with us for a while, Not to stay, But to show the way. In classrooms without walls, And conversations without fear, You taught us that falling Is not failure-- It is the shape of becoming. When the weight grew heavy, You listened. When the road disappeared, You lit a lamp of meaning. You spoke of knowledge, But lived wisdom. You spoke of spirit, And practiced grace. Now you have stepped beyond time, Leaving your footprints In minds awakened And hearts steadied. We remember-- We are here only for a moment. Guests in a passing world, Borrowing breath, Carrying purpose. What matters is not how long we stay, But how gently we touch, How bravely we serve, How faithfully we walk the path When the guide is no longer beside us. You remind us, even now: Live fully. Learn deeply. Give freely. And when it is time to go, Leave the world wiser Than you found it. Rest in peace, dear teacher, Guardian of minds and souls. Your journey continues-- In us. — Prof. Medani P. Bhandari, PhD |
From Rev. Dr. Christine Bair
I am relieved that Doug's long suffering is over and grateful for the prescient contribution he made in recognizing the future power of the internet and the potential for world-wide education it offered. His creation of Akamai University in the mid 90s was a noble first step now replicated by every major university in the world.
His continued support during his long illness spoke to his dedication toward making his dream a reality.
Working with him on the board of Akamai during its transition and re-accreditation years, his input was invaluable.
He will be missed by many., Godspeed Dr Capogrossi.
Love,
Christine Bair, PhD, ThD, RN, LPC, LMFT, APA Fellow, Director of Heart Centered Wellness
Specialist in Life Style Medicine and Stress Related trauma, Spiritual Integration and Mentoring, [email protected]
His continued support during his long illness spoke to his dedication toward making his dream a reality.
Working with him on the board of Akamai during its transition and re-accreditation years, his input was invaluable.
He will be missed by many., Godspeed Dr Capogrossi.
Love,
Christine Bair, PhD, ThD, RN, LPC, LMFT, APA Fellow, Director of Heart Centered Wellness
Specialist in Life Style Medicine and Stress Related trauma, Spiritual Integration and Mentoring, [email protected]
Musical Celtic Fiddle from Colin MacLeod
a_man’s_a_man_for_a’that__1_.m4a Click on the link to hear Colin Play the sone
Attached is a recording of 'A Man's A Man For A' That' as a contribution to honour Dr. Doug.
Translated into English. 'A Man's A Man For A' That' is 'The Honest Man the Best of Men.'
Here is a link to the background to the song: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Man%27s_a_Man_for_A%27_That
The song made its first appearance in a letter Burns wrote to George Thomson in January 1795. It was subsequently published anonymously in the August edition of the Glasgow Magazine, a radical monthly.[1] Thomson later included it in the fourth volume of his Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs, giving it the title "The Honest Man the Best of Men".[2]
Scottish folksinger Sheena Wellington sang the song at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in May 1999.[3][4] Midge Ure did the same in July 2016.[5] The song was also sung at the funeral of Donald Dewar, the inaugural First Minister of Scotland. "Trotz alledem" [de], a German translation of the song written by Ferdinand Freiligrath, was widely used during the Revolutions of 1848.
The words "pride o' worth" appear on the crest of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Translated into English. 'A Man's A Man For A' That' is 'The Honest Man the Best of Men.'
Here is a link to the background to the song: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Man%27s_a_Man_for_A%27_That
The song made its first appearance in a letter Burns wrote to George Thomson in January 1795. It was subsequently published anonymously in the August edition of the Glasgow Magazine, a radical monthly.[1] Thomson later included it in the fourth volume of his Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs, giving it the title "The Honest Man the Best of Men".[2]
Scottish folksinger Sheena Wellington sang the song at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in May 1999.[3][4] Midge Ure did the same in July 2016.[5] The song was also sung at the funeral of Donald Dewar, the inaugural First Minister of Scotland. "Trotz alledem" [de], a German translation of the song written by Ferdinand Freiligrath, was widely used during the Revolutions of 1848.
The words "pride o' worth" appear on the crest of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
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AU Transition Newsletters
Nov. 2021 Click here Jan. 2022 Click here April, 2022 Click here Akamai University Press Release July 2022 March 2023 Newsletter click here Native Arts & Heritage Academy Nepal Jan. 2024 Newsletter Nov. / Dec. 2024 Newsletter |
Founding History
Akamai University was founded in Hilo, HI 2002 and has provided excellent educational opportunities throughout the world both online and in person. Of note, one of the documents that outline the founding history is here in Dr. Capogrossi's own words. AU was built on the philosophy of passion branding here.
AU has moved its administrative headquarters office to Durham, NC. The transition under the AU board was completed in the spring of 2021. AU will continue to have its main headquarters office in HI with Dr. Steven Rosenblatt as Administrator of the HI Office until September 2024.
Dr. Douglass Capogrossi completed his presidency as of January 31, 2021.
Akamai University was founded in Hilo, HI 2002 and has provided excellent educational opportunities throughout the world both online and in person. Of note, one of the documents that outline the founding history is here in Dr. Capogrossi's own words. AU was built on the philosophy of passion branding here.
AU has moved its administrative headquarters office to Durham, NC. The transition under the AU board was completed in the spring of 2021. AU will continue to have its main headquarters office in HI with Dr. Steven Rosenblatt as Administrator of the HI Office until September 2024.
Dr. Douglass Capogrossi completed his presidency as of January 31, 2021.
University Historical Newsletter - Click Here
Historical Graduation Newsletter in Hawaii with Dr. Capogrossi
Dr. Capogrossi International Contributions
News letter describing his many trips overseas bring forward the heritage of linkage with the mission and goals of Akamai University Worldwide.
Akamai University
Educational Transformation Text Available on line through Xlibris published 08.01.2019. Book Details Language : English Softcover Dimensions : 6x9 Page Count : 320 ISBN : 9781796048957 Format : E-Book ISBN : 9781796048964 |
About the Book - Educational Transformation is a discussion of the advancement of higher education for the betterment of the human condition and sustainability of the planet. The authors are fully committed to this mission and have addressed elements in this book which will assist likeminded professionals in their contributions toward human advancement. Akamai is dedicated to the betterment of the human condition and sustainability of the planet.
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Summary of Dr. Capogrossi's Biography
Douglass Capogrossi, Ph.D.
AU Founding President, Professor Emeritus, - Passed at Home with Family Present, In Care of Hospice, Click Here for Tribute & History
Dr. Capogrossi earned his Ph.D. in Adult and Continuing Education from Cornell University, where he completed an extensive dissertation investigating the effectiveness of the American education system. He also holds a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and Bachelor's in Business Management from Cornell University. Dr. Capogrossi has directed a variety of successful formal and non-formal education programs including trade apprenticeships, work experience projects and on-the-job training within industry and the human services, and adult job training through center-based programs. He has served as President at other distance learning institutions and has provided leadership in achieving recognized institutional accreditation.
Dr. Capogrossi facilitated development of the New York State Rural Literacy Initiative, a state-wide community- based project initiating adult literacy and community development ventures in the poorest counties, funded by the Community and Rural Development Institute at Cornell University. He holds permanent teaching credentials in commerce and social studies with special certification to teach the emotionally disturbed.
Dr. Capogrossi has held leadership roles with two major federal pilot studies identifying effective models for educating at risk youth outside the traditional school environment. He has coordinated innovative community-based education projects for troubled youths through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services in New York State. He also served as Instructor with the Office of Continuing Education at Cornell University, where he developed and instructed distance-learning courses in basic and corporate accounting for career track employees.
Dr. Capogrossi is an experienced human service administrator, having worked as Executive Director of South Valley Collective, The League, and the United Minority Coalition, Assistant Director of Tompkins County Economic Opportunity Corporation and Director of Planning with the Community Service Organization in San Jose, California.
Dr. Capogrossi has held top management positions in industry, serving as General Manager of Micrographic Systems, a medical camera-manufacturing firm in Santa Clara, California. For a number of years, he operated America Builders, a successful licensed general contracting firm in California.
Dr. Capogrossi has extensive community volunteer experience emphasizing implementation and development of nonprofit organizations, preparing founding documents and serving as an officer of the Board of Directors. He was instrumental in developing an international professional membership organization dedicated to the amelioration of major world problems, a community legal center serving moderate-income communities, a human service coalition, an emergency service corporation, and an athletic league.
Dr. Capogrossi has authored papers and textbook chapters with focus upon assurance of academic quality and meaningfulness or missions in higher education. He has taught programs in parenting effectiveness, anger management, transition to the community, job readiness training and basic education for many years within correctional facilities in East Hawaii. Most recently, Dr. Capogrossi has collaborated with leadership in the local Christian Community to structure a dynamic Christian Parenting Program.
AU Founding President, Professor Emeritus, - Passed at Home with Family Present, In Care of Hospice, Click Here for Tribute & History
Dr. Capogrossi earned his Ph.D. in Adult and Continuing Education from Cornell University, where he completed an extensive dissertation investigating the effectiveness of the American education system. He also holds a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and Bachelor's in Business Management from Cornell University. Dr. Capogrossi has directed a variety of successful formal and non-formal education programs including trade apprenticeships, work experience projects and on-the-job training within industry and the human services, and adult job training through center-based programs. He has served as President at other distance learning institutions and has provided leadership in achieving recognized institutional accreditation.
Dr. Capogrossi facilitated development of the New York State Rural Literacy Initiative, a state-wide community- based project initiating adult literacy and community development ventures in the poorest counties, funded by the Community and Rural Development Institute at Cornell University. He holds permanent teaching credentials in commerce and social studies with special certification to teach the emotionally disturbed.
Dr. Capogrossi has held leadership roles with two major federal pilot studies identifying effective models for educating at risk youth outside the traditional school environment. He has coordinated innovative community-based education projects for troubled youths through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services in New York State. He also served as Instructor with the Office of Continuing Education at Cornell University, where he developed and instructed distance-learning courses in basic and corporate accounting for career track employees.
Dr. Capogrossi is an experienced human service administrator, having worked as Executive Director of South Valley Collective, The League, and the United Minority Coalition, Assistant Director of Tompkins County Economic Opportunity Corporation and Director of Planning with the Community Service Organization in San Jose, California.
Dr. Capogrossi has held top management positions in industry, serving as General Manager of Micrographic Systems, a medical camera-manufacturing firm in Santa Clara, California. For a number of years, he operated America Builders, a successful licensed general contracting firm in California.
Dr. Capogrossi has extensive community volunteer experience emphasizing implementation and development of nonprofit organizations, preparing founding documents and serving as an officer of the Board of Directors. He was instrumental in developing an international professional membership organization dedicated to the amelioration of major world problems, a community legal center serving moderate-income communities, a human service coalition, an emergency service corporation, and an athletic league.
Dr. Capogrossi has authored papers and textbook chapters with focus upon assurance of academic quality and meaningfulness or missions in higher education. He has taught programs in parenting effectiveness, anger management, transition to the community, job readiness training and basic education for many years within correctional facilities in East Hawaii. Most recently, Dr. Capogrossi has collaborated with leadership in the local Christian Community to structure a dynamic Christian Parenting Program.
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