“I dropped out of college when I was 18 years old because I had no clue why I was there,” says Lorelei. Over the years she began to realize that a degree would help her move from a job to a career, but being a single parent with three children put her education goal on hold. She told her children that someday she would go back to school and finish what she started. Lorelei’s youngest son pointed out that her children are now adults and it’s a good time for her to go back to school to pursue her dream of earning a degree.
As Lorelei began to search for a program for adults returning to school, she learned that the College of Professional Studies combined Marquette University’s great reputation with a program designed for adult learners. “There was no question in my mind that this is where I wanted and needed to be,” she remarks. She is able to balance her time by applying the multi-tasking and prioritizing skills she mastered as a single parent to her student life. “I also have an absolutely amazing support unit,” she says. “In addition to my kids, I have seven wonderful siblings who are behind me every step of the way.”
Lorelei is paying for college through a combination of financial resources including financial aid, student loans, grants, and scholarships. She was awarded the 2012 Spirit of Ignatius scholarship by the college based on her academics and demonstrated leadership reflecting Marquette’s mission. While driving with her daughter Claire to the college’s honors convocation, Lorelei had no idea what she was going to say during her scholarship acceptance speech. Her daughter said, “Mom, you’ve spent so many years being someone’s sister, daughter, wife, and mother, but now you’ve become your own person. That’s what you should say during your speech.” Lorelei realized that her daughter was right. “Through my courses, teachers and friendships that I’ve made at the College of Professional Studies I have found my voice, which has been the best experience. My education has boosted my self-confidence level to a place that I never ever knew existed!”
For the past 15 years, Willie has directed his leadership skills toward the transformation of Milwaukee’s Amani Neighborhood (bordered by 35th and 15th streets on the west and east, and Capitol Drive and North Avenue on the north and south). He also serves on numerous boards, including the Dominican Center for Women and the Milwaukee Police Department District #5 Community Outreach Committee. In addition to helping out in Ministry and community-related events, Willie spends time with his wife and three daughters (17, 13 and 11 years old) who are all involved in extra curricular activities such as sports, dance and music.
Willie always dreamed of attending Marquette University, but as he got older and experienced life’s challenges, this dream was put on hold. After becoming involved with Dr. Bob Pavlik and the College of Professional Studies’ Community Transformation Project, he was inspired to enroll in the college’s adult undergraduate program. “I thought a degree in Leadership and Organizations would help me better maximize my gifts and talents in order to create change within my community,” says Willie.
To help him achieve his dream, Willie realized he needed some financial assistance and applied for scholarships. He was awarded the Leadership Exploration Scholarship through the College of Professional Studies, and now, he says, “I’m living my dream.”
Initially, Sylvia decided to show support for her sister by going with her to an information session hosted by the college at the Southeastern Oneida Tribal Services Center. When she learned about the adult degree program in Leadership and Organizations and the flexible scheduling, she was inspired to go back to school and earn her degree.
Sylvia is a first-generation college student. After she earned her associate’s degree, she got married, had three children, and had to put her dream to earn her bachelor’s degree on the back burner. Since her son, Nakia, Jr., was 10 years old and her twins, Mia and Myles, were 9 years old at the time she enrolled, Sylvia thought they were at an age where they were a little more self-sufficient and she would have time for school. “Now that we’re doing our homework together at the kitchen table, I actually have extra time with my children and can serve as a role model,” she says.
To help balance her time, Sylvia does a lot of pre-planning and multi-tasking. “I work with my student advisor to determine what is going to be expected in my classes and plan my class schedule at a pace that is comfortable for me,” she says.
With financial support from the Oneida Tribe, Sylvia is working toward earning her degree and now feels more qualified if she would need to change jobs and re-enter the workforce in another field. “I feel that having a degree from Marquette University will be credible in the business world,” she says. Looking to the future, Sylvia plans to use her knowledge and skills to work together with her husband and start a commercial appraisal business after they retire – a second career and dream.
Dion is a Property Management Specialist for the U.S. Marshals Service, and is responsible for the custody, management, and disposal of assets seized by federal and local law enforcement agencies. He is a Desert Storm Vet, having served as a U.S. Marine from 1987 – 2007. As a Marine, he initially served as a Tank Commander and held subsequent Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) of machine gunner, Supply/Logistics Chief, and Senior Drill Instructor. After retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7), Dion worked for several years in the commercial real estate field as a property manager of retail, manufacturing and commercial office buildings.
“I’ve always believed that education is important,” says Dion. “In addition, transitioning from one career to another in the middle of an economic downturn made obtaining a degree absolutely vital.” Dion chose Marquette’s program because of the university’s good reputation and commitment to community service, as well as the convenient class scheduling. His military service has provided the benefit of full tuition through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.
“Having a family and full-time job can make it challenging to go back to school, but I’ve found that being organized and proper planning helps me to stay on track,” says Dion. “My Marquette degree will help me be a more valuable asset to my organization, expand my options and be better equipped to make a difference in the world.”
Randee initially chose Marquette University’s College of Professional Studies and the Leadership and Organizations program because Harley-Davidson encourages employees to expand their education through the college’s leadership program. “After I started taking classes, I realized what a great fit the program is for my busy life,” says Randee. “I like all of the instructors and working with the advisory staff. For the first time ever, I really enjoy going to school!”
To help juggle the multiple responsibilities of attending school, working full-time, taking care of her family and home, Randee schedules her days and weekends to include time to study and conduct research for her assignments. “Sometimes I have to give up social activities, but I try to reward myself when I accomplish my goals,” she says.
While the program is allowing Randee to apply new skills and knowledge to her career, the main purpose for continuing her education is to expand her understanding of the world around her. “I find that the varied curriculum of the program has helped me gain new knowledge and skills that I can apply to my everyday life,” remarks Randee.
As a manager, Mario realized that having an education is a very important part of building a career. After learning about the college and the undergraduate degree in Leadership and Organizations at a career fair, he was motivated to go back to school and earn his degree.
“When I started the program, I began to see the return on my investment by the knowledge and skills I received through my classes that I could bring back to my workplace,” says Mario. “I have to admit that I was a little nervous about going back to school at first, but I now feel confident due to the great support I receive from my student advisors, faculty and classmates. Also, the smaller class size promotes a good learning environment because I get attention from each instructor and I can participate more in class discussions. You’re not just a number here.”
The eight-week-sessions and flexible class scheduling allow Mario to balance his time. “When I have business travel coming up I can plan eight weeks ahead and choose to take Saturday or online classes,” says Mario. “It also gives me time to continue to give back to the community by tutoring elementary children through a program at Manpower.”
“Growing and developing is important to me,” remarks Mario. “Overall, my focus is to continue to improve my leadership capabilities and enjoy the leadership component of my job. I believe my performance coupled with my education will allow me to gain more opportunities in my career.”
While he was working in the banking industry over the past ten years, Byron enjoyed going out to schools and counseling people about banking and credit scores. He began to apply his financial knowledge and experience to starting his own business buying and managing rental properties in the Milwaukee community. In addition, Byron was elected to the board of directors of the East Side Alano Club, a non-profit corporation established for the primary purpose of providing social opportunities for recovering alcoholics and their families.
In 2008, Byron decided to combine his love of counseling and basketball, and started REBOUND (Recovery Through Athletics) to provide an outlet for men in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction in the Milwaukee area. A group of men meet every Tuesday night at a church gym to talk about issues, help each other out and play basketball. “People appreciate something a little different and something else to do when they are working on getting their lives together,” says Byron.
With a true passion for counseling adults, Byron began to work toward earning a degree so he can transition into a new career. “After I earned an associate’s degree from MATC in liberal arts, I gained confidence and caught the fire for education,” remarks Byron. Knowing that a Marquette degree holds weight, he searched the university website and learned about the adult degree program in Psychology.
“I like the evening and weekend classes with an accelerated format because it is easier to adjust my schedule and plan for the future,” says Byron. To fund his education, Byron has received loans and tuition reimbursement through a former employer as well as study grants awarded by Marquette. “My goal is to pursue a master’s degree and continue as a lifelong learner, applying my education to all aspects of my life.”
