Oldest OHIO Online Scripps College of Communication graduate plans to inspire others with her degree

Mary Stephan is shown in commencement robe, holding her cap, standing with Scott Titsworth and Ann Bainbridge while they stand next to balloons and a blow-up figure of Rufus wearing a Scripps College of Communication shirt

Scripps College of Communication Dean Scott Titsworth (left) with Mary Stephan (middle) and School of Communication Studies Director Ann Bainbridge Frymier (right)

Mary Stephan is still basking in the glory of reaching a bucket list goal. The 69-year old from Navarre, Florida recently completed her communication degree through OHIO Online, a degree she originally began in the fall of 1974.

“I am originally from northwest Ohio, born and raised in Fremont,” said Stephan. “I came to Athens to get my degree, but life got in the way. I tried to go back a couple of times, but then I had kids, elderly parents, and job changes to deal with and it never happened.”

Stephan works in the travel industry and one day attended a conference where the speaker encouraged those in attendance to make a list of what they wanted to do in their life.

“He made me think about what I wanted to accomplish,” said Stephan. “And that gave me the motivation to finish my degree. Finishing my degree was at the top of my list.”

Stephan started online in the fall of 2022. She came in with two years of credit. Even though she was about halfway through her degree, it wasn’t easy to come back to college.

“It’s been a long road and a long journey. It was difficult going back 50 years after not being in school. I had to relearn everything to learn,” said Stephan. “The technology changed. The first paper I wrote, the professor told me I was not putting my authentic self into it. It was a totally different way of thinking and learning between 1974 and now.”

But Stephan figured it out. In fact, she made Dean’s List twice and President’s List once.

Mary Stephan's keys to going back to school

“I’m not going to lie, working and going back to school is hard,” said Stephan. “You have to have good time management skills and a good support system.”

Stephan was so excited to graduate this spring that she traveled to Athens to walk across the stage at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 3.

“There was a virtual graduation for the online program on Thursday and then I traveled to Athens for the in-person ceremony on Saturday,” said Stephan. “I hadn’t been on campus for 45 years. It was such a great feeling to walk. I’m still on a cloud from graduation. I’m a lifelong learner and I like learning. It makes you feel good. Walking across the stage, I felt so good about myself, like I could conquer anything.”

“We recognized Mary at our LEARN Pillar award ceremony in mid-April, but it was so special to see her walk across the stage at commencement! Indeed, Mary is a testament to the value of lifelong learning, persevering, and reaching your goal,” said Scripps College of Communication Dean Scott Titsworth. “I’m so happy for her and proud to call her a Scripps College alumnus!”

“For many, earning a college degree is a lifelong goal, and we are so proud of Mary for returning to complete hers,” said Vice Provost for OHIO Online Kari Lehman. “Her determination is truly inspiring and reflects exactly why we are so dedicated to supporting our students in achieving their goals.”

Now that she has earned her bachelor's degree, what's next?

Even though this chapter is now finished, Stephan says she might not be done with her college education.

“I applied for graduate school at OHIO Online,” said Stephan. “I don’t want to go to any other school. When I stepped on campus, it felt like I was home. There is such a great support system. I want to be an inspiration for people my age. It’s never too late and you are never too old.”

You can learn more about Scripps College of Communication online programs here.

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