More than 600 graduate from YSU today; some battle adversity to do so

December 16, 2012 at 6:18p.m.

By BOB JACKSON

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Graduation day at Youngstown State University was special for Leah Williams for far more than simply the diploma she was finally holding in her hand.

“Today is a good day because it’s been a very long, hard road to get here,” said Williams, 26, of Lordstown. “I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after so many hardships.”

She was one of more than 600 graduates who received their doctorate, masters, bachelor’s and associate degrees today during Fall Commencement ceremonies at YSU’s Beeghly Center.

Her mother, Debbie, died in November 2007, at just 60 years old, while Leah was still attending high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was born and raised. Nine months later, her 68-year-old father, Leo, a factory worker, also died.

“I truly believe that he died of a broken heart,” said Williams.

The youngest of three sisters, Williams said she was the one who stepped up to take care of the business of settling her parents’ affairs and holding her family together before heading off to college at the Ohio State University, where a friend introduced her to Lordstown native Joseph Williams.

Leah transferred to YSU in 2009 to be near Joseph, whom she married in August 2012. About a month before their wedding, her oldest sister died.

“When my mom died, I just wanted to quit everything,” said Williams, who received a bachelor’s degree in general studies Sunday. “But my dad told me to keep going, so that’s what I did.”

On top of her graduation cap, Williams had printed, “For Leo & Debbie, Rest In Heaven,” followed by a Scripture reference, Jeremiah 29:11.

The verse says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

“This is my expected end,” said Williams, smiling. “Being here today, this is my expected end.”

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.