Barbara Leavitt slipped into a time warp Saturday morning as she took the 83rd graduating class from Allen County Community College back almost 40 years to when she was a student there.
Her share of rent, $25 a month; gasoline, 40 cents a gallon; and a full scholarship to ACCC, $37.50 a semester — “That would not even cover one credit hour today,” she said.
Leavitt graduated from ACCC in 1973 and made a career at the community college until her retirement in 2010 after 37 years. For much of that career she helped students secure student loans.
“She has helped thousands of students access millions of dollars,” said John Masterson, ACCC president, in his introduction of Leavitt as a Distinguished Alumnus of ACCC.
It was a full house at Saturday’s 10:30 a.m. ceremony in the college gymnasium. This year’s graduating class numbered 310 students, up from 230 just the year before, said Jon Marshall, vice president of academic affairs.
Josiah D’Albini, a graduating student, delivered a brief “We did it!” speech to his classmates in recollecting his college days.
Leavitt, meanwhile, was an example of how an ACCC degree was the first of many steps that led to a fulfilling career.
Along with college came marriage and children. Her husband, Tony, is manager at Herff-Jones.
“My husband and I have both worked our entire careers for the same employer. Mine in education and his in manufacturing,” she said.
While juggling family and career, Leavitt continued her education, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Friends University in 1989 and a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University in 1997.
The higher degrees ensured Leavitt’s trajectory at ACCC.
“Through hard work, loyalty and the ability to embrace change we were able to advance from entry-level positions to fulfilling careers,” she said.
She also noted that she and her husband’s combined salaries in 1974 were $10,803 — a third less than what today’s minimum wage would bring in a year’s time.
Today the ACCC campuses in Iola and Burlingame and those enrolled online comprise more than 2,500 students — almost five times the size of when Leavitt was a student — and technology allows a student “to receive a quality education without setting foot on campus,” she said.
So much change, and yet, the same qualities are necessary to achieve success, Leavitt said.
Seek change “as an opportunity,” Leavitt said. Be willing to take risks.
COMMENCEMENT exercises were punctuated by two musical pieces performed by music program students directed by Michelle and Bryan Summers. Sabra Aguirre sang a stunning rendition of “Over The Rainbow,” accompanied by members Katie Knoblich, Jessica Truitt and Shelby Cruz. The group also sang “I Hope You Dance,” at the conclusion of handing out diplomas.
