On May 9, 2019, Karen Osher, Data Governance Analyst, Business Systems, IT Mundelein, walked the stage at Loyola University Chicago and received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with a certificate in Organizational Development and Leadership, Summa Cum Laude. Karen said, “I achieved a goal I had doubts I would ever accomplish. For my entire adult life, I put others first, raised my son alone, and paved the way for him to go to college. In May 2015, he graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana. It was now my turn. In August 2015, I started Loyola’s program. For the first time ever, I put me first.”

Oftentimes, Karen found coursework a challenge. It wasn’t rare for her to question her decision; however, she didn’t give up. She continually reassured herself that I CAN DO THIS. She said, “I pushed forward, set a goal, made a plan, then executed it. I took 4 classes a semester including 2 classes every summer, while working full-time at MacLean-Fogg. I persevered. I’m now a college graduate and so very proud of myself!”

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies at Loyola
“I selected the program at Loyola,” Karen commented, “because of its family-like feel, which mirrored my work life at MacLean-Fogg. They offered a “Prior Learning Credit” option which enabled me to obtain credits for my career experience. Loyola also offered a Fellows program for individuals with employee reimbursement benefits, and a scholarship program (https://www.luc.edu/adult-education/).”

“My program offered online classes, and every other Saturday in-person classes. I attended classes at the Cuneo Mansion in Libertyville, IL and the Water Tower campus in Chicago. Every week, I scheduled my life around work and class commitments. I usually spent my Sundays at the library and my lunch time at work studying. During JDE travel weeks, I studied at night in the hotel. I knew the sacrifices I made and late-night inconveniences were only temporary. This enabled me to keep my eye on the prize.”

Thank You to Duncan, Brian, the IT Team, and MacLean-Fogg Family
“I owe a sincere and big THANK YOU to Duncan MacLean, Brian Duffy, the entire IT team and my MacLean-Fogg family for supporting me in many ways. The understanding I received was amazing. I am forever grateful to those who asked how my classes were going, who offered a kind word and gave me frequent encouraging pep talks —You Got This.”

MacLean-Fogg Tuition Reimbursement Program
With support from MacLean-Fogg and the tuition reimbursement program, my dream came true. If you’re interested in pursuing the many benefits of a career at MacLean-Fogg, visit www.macleanfogg.com/careers.

Karen’s advice to everyone — It’s never too late to go for what you want. Never give up and always strive to make yourself better. The time is going to pass anyway, so do something awesome with it. We all have 24 hours in a day, so use yours to be amazing. I’ve always told my son to GO BE GREAT! I’d text him GbG to always remind him to do his best. Now that I’ve shared my story with you, I hope I inspired someone to go forward and fulfill a dream of your own.