Wayne State University holds commencement ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in Cobo Arena. Among the 3,200 students who make up the spring graduating class are those noted below.

Warren mother and 2 daughters to graduate together

They didn't plan it that way when they began studying for their bachelor's degrees, but as graduation year loomed on the horizon Monica Wisniewski and twin daughters Michelle and Melissa began thinking, "Wouldn't it be neat if we could graduate together from Wayne State?" That's just what the Warren family trio will do May 3 when mother and daughters join the commencement procession into Cobo Arena as part of the spring graduating class.

Monica Wisniewski, a registered nurse at Providence Hospital, will receive a bachelor's degree in nursing. Michelle will receive a bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, in economics and a bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, in psychology. Melissa will receive a bachelor's degree, cum laude, in psychology and a bachelor's degree, cum laude, in criminal justice.

One reason the daughters opted to pursue two majors was to delay graduation just long enough so mom, who works full time, could be in the same graduating class. The daughters have already enrolled in the graduate studies program at WSU. Michelle will work toward a master's degree in economics and Melissa will take advanced studies in criminal justice.

The family has another Wayne State connection: Monica's sister, Judy Lechvar, is an adviser to students in the computer science department, where Michelle and Melissa work part time as student assistants. "Judy is one of our biggest fans," says Monica.

Serious illness doesn't prevent Detroit resident from earning degree

After being rushed to a hospital in 1997 following a seizure Rachel Coleman was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. During the weeks that followed, continuing college and completing requirements for a degree seemed like a very remote possibility. But on the evening of May 3 the 25-year-old Detroit resident will march proudly across the stage at Cobo Arena to accept her bachelor's degree in social work. With the cancer in remission following treatments, and doctors monitoring her condition regularly, Rachel plans to begin course work at WSU in June toward a master's degree in social work.

Impressed by the kindness and support she has experienced from medical professionals and counselors, Rachel wants to assist others in a similar way. She plans a career in a medical-related field, where she can advise and comfort other persons who are coping with cancer. Each summer, she is a volunteer counselor at a weeklong recreational camp for children with the disease. She also has done volunteer work at a major cancer treatment center in Kentucky, where she lived before moving to Michigan.

Rachel's mother, Kristine Miranne, associate director of WSU's Skillman Center for Children, is justifiably proud of her daughter's achievement. "She has overcome incredible odds already," she observes. She and relatives from four states will be on hand at commencement to cheer and congratulate a courageous young lady on her accomplishment.