Graduation from college is a major milestone in life that degree recipients will never forget. But for some, because of special circumstances, receiving a degree is especially noteworthy. Here are three stories involving Wayne State students who are graduating May 6 that may be of interest. For more information or for assistance contacting any of those listed, please call Tom Sakely at (313) 577-2150. We may be able to provide a cap-and-gown photo if you contact us by mid-day Tuesday, May 6.
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Mother and daughter from Dryden graduating together

Mother Denise and daughter Andrea Romanowski of Dryden in Lapeer County have become used to commuting and attending college classes together. Both have been taking courses toward a bachelor's degree in social work through a Wayne State extension program offered at Macomb University Center in Sterling Heights. Andrea took a heavier course load while Denise, who had begun course work earlier, slowed her pace a bit so that mother and daughter could have the experience of receiving their degrees together during WSU commencement ceremonies May 6 in Cobo Arena.

Mom and daughter used the drive to and from classes to help each other by reviewing classroom discussions and possible test questions. "The arrangement worked well for us," says Denise. "We were able to share textbooks and ideas." She admits there were a few awkward moments at first when topics regarding sexuality came up in classes they attended together.

With hard-earned bachelor's degree soon in hand, Denise hopes to land a position in geriatric social work. Meanwhile, Andrea, 21, will be pursuing a master's degree in social work from Wayne State.

Graduate student makes personal sacrifices to achieve her goal

Stephanie Hope-Cochran will soon be on her way back to Miami - master's degree in library and information science degree in hand. Earning that degree wasn't easy. When she decided to come north to Detroit to study in one of the nation's top 50 library and information science programs she realized it would mean not seeing her husband for long stretches of time and having to rely on public transportation and earning just enough money to get by.

At the time, she had set three major goals for herself: earning the master's degree, writing a book and starting a family. She's accomplished the first, has started on the second - a novel about how people cope with adversity - and time will tell on the third.

One of her biggest challenges was commuting to and from classes and her graduate assistant's job in a Wayne State library from a temporary residence on the east side of Detroit. That was especially frustrating when the bus trip (including transfers and waiting time) stretched close to three hours for classes she took at WSU Oakland Center in Farmington Hills.
Family members, including Stephanie's husband Juan, who owns a landscaping business in Miami and has an aversion to flying, will be on hand commencement night to join in the celebration of her achievement.