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Return to Learn @ Madonna University
Sowing seeds for the future
Robbie Vaughn-Gavin has two part-time jobs, is the mother of three teenage boys, volunteers for
community projects, and is a senior in the Paralegal Studies program at Madonna University.
Robbie, 39, plans to graduate in April 2006 with her bachelor’s degree and continue her studies
toward a master’s degree. Her long term goal is to earn a doctorate degree and teach at the university level.
This ambitious lifestyle got Robbie noticed by Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP of Grand Rapids.
The law firm awarded her one of two academic scholarships bestowed to minority students.
Earlier this year she was also awarded an additional scholarship from the State Bar of Michigan
Legal Assistants Section.
“I am very excited and grateful,” says Robbie. “Maintaining a home and family while
working and going to school full-time has been challenging. Being awarded two scholarships
has been a confirmation for me that I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
“At Madonna, I feel as if I’m sowing seeds that will not only result in a better professional career
after graduation, but I have already started producing a good harvest in the present,” says Robbie.
“I am truly thankful and have cherished every moment of being able to go back to school.” |
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Fulfilling a lifetime goal
Oakland County Commissioner Vincent Gregory, 57, is proof that it’s never too late to go back to school.
After dropping out of Madonna University in 1978, Vincent has returned to finish what he set out to do
nearly thirty years ago – completing his degree in Criminal Justice. “After the winter semester of 1978,
due to family issues, I decided to take a semester off,” says Vincent. “This was 27 years ago.”
Retired from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as Vice President, and then President
of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Union Local 502, Vincent decided to return to Madonna University. He
contacted Barry Sherman, Criminal Justice Department Chair, to find out what classes he would need to
graduate. “Barry was encouraging and very supportive,” said Vincent, who learned that his old credits were
enough to give him senior status.
“Life experiences are a big help in my classes, which makes college easier for me the second time around,”
he said. Married with four children, Vincent’s family supports his decision to return to college.
Set to graduate in 2006, Vincent is contemplating a run for state representative or seeking another
position in law enforcement. “Certainly having a degree would help,” he said. “I have always tried to
set goals for my self and my family; short-term and long-term goals. Getting my degree would be a great
accomplishment after all this time and to resolve a long-standing goal.” |
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