Susan Grace Reaches Lifelong Dream

Breast cancer and the loss of her older brother emboldened Susan Grace, Union Institute & University (UI&U) student, to fulfill her lifelong dream of completing her master’s degree.

“I finished treatment in 2015 and then my brother passed away, what was I waiting for?” said Grace.

Returning to school as an adult is different from being 20 and a first-time college student.

“When I was an undergrad I was young and broke. I needed a paycheck so I wanted to finish college as fast as I could,” said Grace. “This time I was returning as an adult learner, for the enjoyment of learning. I had the curiosity and patience to want to dig deeper, to be invested.”

Maturity has its advantages.

“My studies have changed my life in the way I think about things,” said Grace who graduates with a History & Culture major in the Masters of Arts program on October 28 at UI&U National Commencement. “My classes opened my eyes to issues. I have learned to not think of things on the surface. My knowledge has empowered me to speak out. I understand my place in the world. I wanted to prove to myself I could do this. I have completed a lifelong dream.”

Grace is already living the UI&U mission of transforming lives and communities through service and social responsibility.

She is a volunteer at Findlay Market giving historic tours and working special events. She has served as the Education Chair of the Friends of Findlay Market board for the past five years. She also is a story-teller for American Legacy Tours in Over the Rhine on the Queen City is Haunted tour.

Grace joins more than 75 adult learners who will receive their undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degrees and join the UI&U 53-year legacy of highly motivated adults positioned to pursue professional goals and a lifetime of learning, service, and social responsibility at the National Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Netherland Plaza in downtown Cincinnati.