At just 17, Lisa found herself on her own, aging out of the foster system while juggling long work hours and night classes. “No child should ever be on their own at such an early age,” she reflects, “but I now realize I was never truly alone — I had a divine protector always nearby.” Decades later, she returned to Governors State University, where she proudly earned her degree Magna Cum Laude at age 59, closing a 40-year chapter and proving that “it is never too late.”
Lisa describes GovState as the place where “the fragments of my academic life came together.” As a nontraditional student, she found a welcoming community that valued her experience, nurtured her creativity, and helped her connect education to real-world goals. “Other institutions gave me pieces,” she said. “But GovState offered a holistic environment that met me where I was and became my launching pad.”
Several GovState professors played pivotal roles in her journey. Professor Chris Greiner helped her find her voice as a writer, while Dr. Laura White guided her toward publication in GovState’s Reconstructed Art & Literary Journal. Dr. Delisa’s Women in Philosophy course inspired Lisa’s intellectual growth, and Professor Mary Lanigan and Dr. Uday Shinde helped her turn classroom projects into the foundation for her nonprofit, Lyn’s Heart Cancer Support Center. Dr. Frank Czuba further amplified her impact by inviting her to present during Wellness Week, giving her the platform to share her initiative and deepen her ties to GovState.
Lisa’s time at GovState also gave birth to her debut book, Anchored in His Presence: A Heart Set on Him in Devotion and Song. Born from grief after losing five siblings to cancer, the book became a reflection of faith, healing, and hope. “Writing became both therapy and testimony,” she said. “This book is a call to action — a reminder that even in grief, life is for the living.” With the editorial support of fellow alumna Kaleigh Swinford, recommended by Dr. White, Lisa transformed her private reflections into a published devotional. “It was a beautiful symphony of creativity,” she shared. “Kaleigh refined my words while preserving my authentic voice — it showed me how deeply connected the GovState community truly is.”
Today, Lisa continues to serve as a federal government employee, nonprofit leader, and community advocate, with a focus on helping people feel “seen, heard, and empowered.” Through Lyn’s Heart Cancer Support Center, she provides psychosocial support for families affected by cancer, with plans to expand the organization nationally. She also continues to write, speak, and lead workshops that combine faith, healing, and purpose.
Her advice to others — especially nontraditional students — is both simple and profound:
“Your time is your time. Purpose has no expiration date. Whether you’re 19 or 59, it’s never too late to finish what you started. Anchor yourself in faith, surround yourself with encouragers, and remember that resilience transforms hardship into legacy.”
Lisa Sweeney’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and purpose — a shining example of how the GovState spirit turns adversity into impact.
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator