Simpson Student First in Family to Earn College Degree

For Immediate Release
January 7, 2008

REDDING, Calif. - When Laura Sumner walks across the stage to receive her diploma during Simpson University's winter commencement on Saturday Jan. 12, she will be the first in her family to earn a college degree.

Sumner recently completed her B.A. in Organizational Leadership from ASPIRE, Simpson's degree-completion program which allows working adults to earn their degree in 16 months. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average, making her eligible for Alpha Sigma Lambda, a national honors society for ASPIRE students who receive a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

"When I attended Simpson's new student orientation I remember hearing about Alpha Sigma Lambda and wondering if that was something I could achieve," she said. "I put a lot of effort into earning a 4.0."

Sumner recalls a lot of studying taking place in her home.

"My husband attends Shasta College and my three youngest kids are all in school. There were many evenings when we would all be doing our homework together. I've tried to set a good example to my children and teach them that college is a natural progression in a person's academic achievements."

Many times Sumner attempted to earn her college degree but she said, "life got in the way." When her family moved to Trinity County from the Bay Area four years ago, she heard about the ASPIRE program and knew it would be a good fit for her.

Her motivation to finish college came from wanting to fulfill her life goal of being the first in her family to earn a degree. Sumner said she couldn't have waited any longer because her oldest son is in his junior year in college.

While completing her degree, Sumner worked as a social worker for the Trinity County Child Protective Services where she continues to work today.

Among her fellow classmates, Sumner earned the distinction of "Exemplary Organizational Leadership Student."

Sumner plans to apply for graduate studies in the fall and earn an M.A. in Social Work.

Simpson University, located at 2211 College View Drive in Redding, is a Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson's academic programs also include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit http://www.simpsonuniversity.edu/.

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Contact: Wendy Matthews
wmatthews@simpsonuniversity.edu
(530) 226-4126