Date: May 20, 2008
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, May 20, 2008 – On June 7, Carol Milhous of Chicago Heights will not only earn her Master of Arts in Communication Studies, she will also earn the satisfaction and joy of completing what seemed impossible at one point in her life.
Milhous and 600 other graduates will celebrate their success at the Governors State University Spring 2008 Commencement ceremony at the Tinley Park Convention Center. As student commencement speaker, Milhous will have the opportunity to congratulate her fellow graduates, share their joy, and look to the future.
The journey that brought Milhous to this point is typical of many GSU graduates.
“I would see the sign on the highway that said come to GSU to finish what you started. After I was downsized for the third time, I decided it was time I finished what I had started,” explained Milhous who earned her bachelor’s degree from the GSU’s School of Interdisciplinary Learning in 2006, and graduates with a master’s and a 4.0 grade point average.
Milhous’ return to higher education at Governors State University was both a leap of faith on her part and a great success. While she had guided her daughter through undergraduate and graduate school, she had not been a student for many years.
“It was hard to juggle my family responsibilities, go to school, and work part time, but I knew that this was where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do.”
Milhous also feels she is a better parent to her teenage nieces and nephew, of whom she has guardianship.
“I learned from my experience and understand the pressures of going to a university. These are valuable lessons. I want them to use me as an example. Knowledge is power.”
Prior to attending GSU, Milhous worked in the investment and banking industries. Her current degree and her previous experience have helped her get a job in the university’s Office of Financial Aid.
