Summer graduates receive diplomas

By Bob Jackson

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

For Amy Cannon, Rob Reed, Matthew Slater and Cindy Farrall, the adage “better late than never” would surely apply.

Motivated by a variety of factors, they all got on the road to their college education later in life than traditional college students. They were among those who received diplomas Saturday during summer commencement ceremonies at Youngstown State University.

Cannon, 36, is a married mother of three who took the express lane through school, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree, majoring in Spanish.

“I completed a four-year degree in 2 Ω years, and I am very, very proud of that,” the Boardman woman said, noting that she juggled a waitressing job with her responsibilities as a wife, mother and student.

Cannon said she spent six years of her youth in Bolivia, South America, where her parents, Irwin and Jan Hoover of Lisbon, served as missionaries affiliated with United World Mission.

“I learned how to speak Spanish fluently, and I decided that I wanted to do something with that,” Cannon said, explaining why she decided to enroll in college classes. She already has landed a job teaching Spanish at Youngstown Christian School but said she eventually wants to find work as a translator.

Farrall, 54, of Austintown, received an associate of arts degree Saturday. A claims specialist for 17 years with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Farrall said she is equipping herself to find a new job should hers be eliminated in Gov. John Kasich’s efforts to downsize government through privatization.

She had attended college in the past but did not complete her degree. Her union at work paid for the three classes at YSU she needed to finish up.

“If I lose my job and have to look for another one, I want to be sure I’m prepared,” said Farrall, who was wearing sneakers because they’re the only shoes she can wear while recovering from a broken foot. “I’d like to stay in the insurance industry if I can.”

Reed, 49, lives in Niles and has been unemployed since being laid off from Time Warner Cable. He went back to school, hoping that a college degree will give him a leg up on finding a new job. He received an associate’s degree in electrical engineering Saturday, and will go resume classes in the fall toward a bachelor’s degree.

“I just want to put myself in a position to seize an opportunity when one presents itself,” he said. “Plus, I just have a desire to learn and to continually improve, even at my age.”

Reed said he’s also trying to set a good example for his 9-year-old daughter, Abbey.

“That’s the only reason why I’m here today,” he said. “I’m not usually one for all the pomp and circumstance, but I wanted her to see this. She’s very proud of me.”

Slater is a 31-year-old history major from East Liverpool, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree. He started his college career at Kent State University, then transferred to YSU.

“I’m excited today because I’m glad it’s over, but I’m also kind of wondering what’s next,” he said. “I have no idea.”

He said he probably will enroll at the University of Cincinnati to pursue a master’s degree in history. He would like to eventually work at a museum or maybe at one of the Civil War battlefields, because the Civil War is his specialty.

He knows the job market is tough, especially in his field, but he’s optimistic that something will work out.

Cannon, Farrall, Reed and Slater are among a growing number of nontradional students at YSU, students between age 25 and 65. According to the YSU Alumni Magazine, there were 5,102 nontraditional students enrolled at YSU in the 2010-11 academic year, an increase of more than 6.5 percent from the previous year. The magazine said nontraditional students consistently make up about one-third of YSU’s student population.

The guest speaker Saturday was Atty. Paul Perantinides, a Campbell native and a 1966 YSU graduate. He is a partner in the law firm Perantinides and Nolan Co., Akron, and has been listed every year since 1995 in Best Lawyers in America.

“It all started here. It’s hard to believe it all started right here,” Perantinides said, noting that his life has changed dramatically since his childhood, growing up in the shadows of the former Youngstown Sheet & Tube. He said community service is an important part of his life, both personally and professionally, and he encouraged the graduates to adopt that attitude as well.

“Focus on giving, and your life will be one of service, and it will exceed your wildest dreams,” he said.