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Graduates Of PHCC Best Challenges

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - There were numerous success stories mixed in with the pomp and circumstance when Pasco-Hernando Community College awarded another group of students with degrees Thursday.

Some 300 degrees and certificates were conferred at the commencement, and more than 900 summer and fall graduates were eligible to participate.

"This year's winter graduates include many students who have shown tremendous determination in earning their degrees by balancing classes, work and busy family lives," a college news release said. "Many will be going on to complete bachelor's degrees or careers in their field of study."

Here's a quick look, provided by PHCC, at some of their stories:

•Ivan Schere, 65, of Homosassa, planned to retire after he sold his personnel recruiting business in 2003. However, he returned to school to complete his associate's degree and pursue a career as a math teacher.

•Hannah Newhall, 19, of Land O' Lakes, played volleyball for two years while attending classes full time and working part time, and also belonged to the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Newhall plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of South Florida.

•Susan Taylor, 47, of Brooksville, is a volunteer with the National Federation for the Blind and served as president of the PHCC student organization Caring and Strength Together. Taylor, who is visually impaired, attended classes with her guide dog. After getting an associate's degree in human services, she plans to take more classes via her voice-activated computer.

•Shirley Merson, 38, of Port Richey, juggled a full class load, participation in a work-study program and parenting three children, which she did for a year while he husband was deployed overseas. Merson accepted a job with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in her home state of Oklahoma, having finished studies for her associate's degree in paralegal.

•Dawn Matos, 36, of Port Richey, is a single mother of four and the first in her family to attend college. The PTK honor society member received an associate of science in registered nursing. She plans to return to PHCC to complete an associate's degree in arts and then work toward her bachelor's degree at St. Petersburg College.

•Sheila Kennedy, 30, of New Port Richey, left Thursday's ceremony with an AutoCAD Foundations certificate. Kennedy is expanding her hobby of designing floor plans and intends to pursue an associate's degree in drafting and design technology. She will exhibit her work at the Drafting and Design Exhibit in January at the PHCC art gallery. She volunteers at a free health clinic and works part time.

•Georgia Hudson, 39, of Brooksville, became a PTK honor society member while earning her associate's degree. Hudson participated in PHCC's new mentor program, in which students learn about campus resources, majors and careers. She expects to pursue her bachelor's degree in business management.

•Holly Bliss, 41, of Brooksville, secured her spot in the PTK honor society with a 4.0 grade-point average. A married mother of four, she worked part time in the North Campus Learning Lab while completing requirements for her associate's degree. For two years she was on the staff of Mobius, PHCC's literary and arts magazine.

Bliss was one of the commencement speakers, as were Irvin Homer, district board of trustees chairman; Jeanine Brice, Faculty Senate president and associate professor of nursing; and Bill Magoulis, professor of business administration.

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