From the time I was a little girl, I couldn’t wait to go to school. I was eager to learn, and I still remember the exact moment I read my first sentence at five years old. That passion for learning has stayed with me ever since.
My mother attended Spelman College in Atlanta, and growing up with her stories and yearbooks, I dreamed of experiencing college life for myself. Instead, I chose to travel, marry, and start a family. But the dream never faded.
When I began working in higher education, my desire to return to school was reignited. A colleague often spoke highly of her daughter’s experience at the University of La Verne, which led me to explore the Campus Accelerated Program for Adults (CAPA). At the time, I had three young children—one with special needs—and a marriage that was struggling. Despite all of that, I decided to apply.
When my acceptance letter arrived, I was in disbelief. I kept it on my nightstand for a couple of months, unsure how I’d manage it all. But eventually, I reached out to Admissions, enrolled, and attended my first class. That moment confirmed what I needed to know—I was in the right place. I was home.
Although I transferred 18 credits, I was essentially starting fresh as a non-traditional student in my 40s. My first year exceeded every expectation. It was the year the university welcomed its first female president, Dr. Devorah Lieberman. We were
even inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society at the same time. I found a close-knit group of classmates who became not just study partners, but lifelong friends.
Life didn’t slow down. I became a single mother working full-time. I’d help my kids with their homework in the evening and complete my assignments once they were asleep. As they got a little older, they’d sometimes read along with me, just long enough to satisfy their curiosity before heading to bed.
One of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey was studying abroad in Costa Rica, which expanded my worldview and advanced my career. Another standout aspect of my time at ULV was the support I received through academic advising. I especially looked forward to class registration each semester—collaborating with my counselor, Peter Centeno ’91, MEd ’00, to build a schedule that supported both my family responsibilities and educational goals. That level of thoughtful guidance was instrumental to my success.
Graduating with honors was a moment I’ll never forget. I celebrated in a big way, knowing it wouldn’t be my last connection to ULV. This university shaped me into a more resilient, thoughtful, and strategic version of myself. It became family—something you never outgrow.
Later, I joined the Alumni Advisory Board, eventually serving as secretary and then as president. My term ended this summer, but this experience has been invaluable. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students, guest lecturing, speaking at multicultural ceremonies, supporting fellow alumni through career transitions, awarding my daughter her degree, and—one of the most unforgettable moments—throwing out the first pitch at an Angels game. These experiences have enriched my life in ways I never imagined.
Though my time as board president has come to an end, my journey with ULV is far from over. This university isn’t just where I earned a degree—it’s where I found a community. It will always be home. And now, as a proud parent of an alumna, my daughter graduated in the spring of 2024, and with my son, who began ULV this Fall, this special place has taken on even deeper meaning. Sharing the ULV experience with my children has made my connection to this community even more meaningful and profound.
My love for learning began as a child, but ULV gave it new life as an adult. It reminded me that education isn’t bound by age or stage—it’s a lifelong journey. And for me, that journey will always lead back to the University of La Verne.