When Billie Cruz walks across the stage to receive her diploma, it surely will go down as one of the most memorable days in her life.
Cruz is one of two OU-Online students recently awarded cash prizes for their winning essays in Ottawa University-Online’s first annual “Tell Us Your Story” contest. The money is to be used for travel expenses associated with attending one of OU’s five graduation ceremonies across the nation. Cruz will walk on May 11 during OU-Arizona’s commencement ceremonies at North Phoenix Baptist Church.
In her essay, Cruz recounts that, other than the day her daughter was born, the best day of her life was a day in 2009 when she finally decided to finish her education. “I believe that everyone at one time or another has had an ‘ah ha’ moment,” Cruz wrote. “It was then I knew I had to make some solid decisions and finally get off the roller coaster I had been on for nearly ten years.” As a result of that “ah ha” moment, she enrolled in Ottawa University-Online to complete her BA in Business Administration. She said her journey at Ottawa University has taught her a great deal about herself.
“My journey started off with a simple desire to finish something that I started – if not for my sake, then for my daughter’s,” Cruz wrote. “I was instantly met with hope and optimism and was reassured that all was not lost and I would be able to finally see my long sought-after dream realized. I have not regretted that decision for one day. What I received through my time and education with Ottawa has led me to so much more.”
The second place contest winner was Jason McCaffity who took part in commencement ceremonies at The College in Ottawa, Kansas, on May 5. McCaffity is a law enforcement official from Bedford, Texas who earned his Masters in Business Administration.
"I no longer look at a task and ask how my people can help me," McCaffity wrote. "I ask how I can help them be successful."
Commencement ceremonies for 2012 Ottawa University graduates will be:
• The College - 1:30 p.m. May 5 in the Fredrikson Chapel, 1001 S. Cedar, Ottawa, KS
• Arizona - 6:30 p.m. May 11 in the North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ
• Kansas City - 11 a.m. May 19 in the Fredrikson Chapel, 1001 S. Cedar, Ottawa, KS
• Indiana - 7 p.m. June 1 in the First Baptist Church of Jeffersonville, 2402 State Road 62, Jeffersonville, IN
• Wisconsin - 7 p.m. June 8 in the Spring Creek Church, N. 35 W. 22000 Capitol Drive, Pewaukee, WI