Sharon Mosley, a 2-time business administration graduate at Baker College, reached out to the graduation committee with a heartfelt concern. As a first-generation college student and graduate in her family, she knew with the commencement ceremony on the other side of the state, it would be impossible for her ailing brother to witness her walk across the stage.
“As hard as I have worked, the commencement didn’t have much meaning to me without having my brother witness it. My brother coded last year for 12 minutes. He is on dialysis and sometimes has other complications,” she said.
Understanding the significance of this milestone for Sharon and her family, Baker College arranged a special ceremony to ensure her achievements were celebrated. This intimate gathering included a meet-and-greet and a photo opportunity with Dr. Jacqui Spicer, Baker College President and CEO. Sharon donned her cap and gown, surrounded by her loved ones, creating a memorable moment for everyone involved.
“This private commencement meant everything to me and my family,” Sharon expressed. “Traveling to Muskegon was going to be costly, and my brother’s health made the trip impossible. Baker College’s thoughtful arrangement allowed him to be there, which was incredibly special.”
Sharon’s journey to graduation has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Balancing her studies while caring for her mother and raising her children, Sharon faced numerous challenges. “During 2011-2015, while pursuing my associate degree, I faced heartbreaking losses, including my Mom to Alzheimers, brother to leukemia, and great-nephew to a peanut allergy. Despite these challenges, I graduated Cum Laude thanks to the incredible support of my professors at Baker College. Their assistance allowed me to navigate difficult times without dropping a single class. My faith and God’s strength sustained me throughout this journey.”
Sharon’s story is a testament to her resilience and the support she received from Baker. She credits her success to the encouragement of her professors and advisors, particularly highlighting the guidance of her academic advisor and Career Services staff. “My professors were phenomenal– working with me through difficult times,” Sharon shared. “Chris Hoerauf was essential in navigating my courses, and Matt Corbin’s mock interview preparation helped me secure a promotion.”
Looking ahead, Sharon is excited to apply her education to her career and continue encouraging others. She plans to advance within her company, Comerica Bank, aiming to achieve a Corporate Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) certification and eventually move into a Vice President role. “My core plan is to help my granddaughter succeed in school and to inspire others to achieve their goals,” Sharon said.
Sharon Mosley’s journey and the special commencement highlight Baker College’s commitment to celebrating the achievements of its students and supporting them through their unique challenges. “Baker didn’t just throw something together, they made everything special and sacrificed their Saturday to make it happen. We will never forget that day, Sharon said.”