Lana Moorman

Lana Moorman, a 59-year old behavioral science major who graduates this Sunday, says she did it for herself, no one else.

Moorman, a successful entrepreneur in the cosmetics industry, "always regretted that I didn't finish (college). I always felt ‘less than,’" she says.

Though her role as account executive with Guerlain at the beginning of her career required her to exude a measure of confidence while traveling across the U.S. to work with clients such as Macy's, Nordstrom and Dillard’s, Moorman said she has gained even "more self confidence" working on her degree.

While it was “really scary returning to studying,” Moorman tackled math, her least favorite subject, head on by purchasing a math book and seeking tutoring. She successfully passed the math placement test required for students to register for math classes at Metro State. "Not having [had] math for 40 years, I was determined not to take a remedial class,” she says.

"From professors to staff, Metro State is a fine educational institution and I will always cherish my time at Metro,” says Moorman, whose daughter is a ’99 alumna of the College.

Moorman, who attended the University of Northern Colorado from 1969-71 with the intention of being a special education teacher, says she’ll continue to run her business, but "may volunteer time doing advocacy work for children."

Deborah Fanning

Deborah Fanning, a 31-year-old integrative therapeutics practices graduate, has a plan: After graduation she’s going to Disney World. In January, she begins a full-time job at Colorado Genetics Laboratory (CGL). In a year, she says, she will be eligible to become a cytogenetic technologist. After that, she’s eyeing a master’s program.

“I never would have thought when I came in spring 2008 that I would have a full-time job at a genetics lab. Being here (the College) has guided me to places I didn’t know about. I’ve just been exposed to so many things," says Fanning, who started at CGL as an intern cleaning and sterilizing lab glassware, but quickly progressed to conducting research in the lab that does chromosome analysis to find genetic abnormalities.

"It was a difficult decision to come back to school," says Fanning, who has an associate’s degree in science and a background as a loan officer. "But it was a really good experience with the Metro State advisors sealing the deal. So I took the plunge to go back to school."

Deborah Ahrens

Promoting the positive experiences nursing homes can provide is a mission for 47-year-old health care management graduate Deborah Ahrens.

“I’m very committed to improving life for people living in long-term care facilities,” says Ahrens, who has a minor in gerontology. "I’ve always had a love for elders. It’s been a challenging field. It was deplorable (decades ago). That’s why there are all the regulations now.”

She adds, “It’s a myth that nursing homes are a place to die. You might, but people can also live (long, healthy lives) while they are there. There are pets, plants and children.”

Scott Bolt

Political science graduate Scott Bolt, 41, says his degree will help him see the world “as a whole,” but through his job and grassroots activities he can work toward solutions little by little. A former FedEx driver, Bolt said he turned to Metro State when he was laid off and realized he had skills only to apply for driving jobs.

In fall 2006, he started classes at Metro State and a new job with Comprehensive Community Based Services (CCBS) as a counselor, mentor and advocate for people with disabilities. With CCBS, he helps about 10 clients a week learn how to live independently through job coaching, grocery shopping and even testifying before the legislature. Every Friday, he and his clients donate time to World Vision, packing items, such as clothes and shoes, to be sent around the world.

“It’s one of the few times they can say ‘I help others,’” says Bolt, who has plans for a master’s degree and a run for public office. “It’s a real confidence builder. It gives them a since of accomplishment.”

Commencement keynote
Lt. Gov.-elect Joe Garcia will deliver the keynote address to an expected graduating class of 1,144, at the 2 p.m. fall commencement ceremony at the Colorado Convention Center.

More information on commencement:
http://www.mscd.edu/commencement/index.shtml.

View ceremony live online:
http://www.mscd.edu/streaming/webcast/.