McGregor:

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I graduated in 1976 from Sinclair Community College with an associate’s degree in Accounting and Finance. I’m an accountant with Hobart Corporation Food Equipment Group and I’ve worked there for 30 years. ^Top

Why did you choose McGregor?

One hundred percent because it was on Saturdays only. I did not realize at the time of my selection about the high quality of education that I was about to encounter at McGregor.

I thought, you could take one day, set it aside and use it as a learning day. And the other days during the week you could do your homework as you felt the need.

But once I started, I found the professors at Midwest actually believe in the students. They listen to you. They listen to you during your networking. They talk to you afterwards.

The group projects and interactions were amazing. You gain the opportunity and the ability to sit back and listen to other people's perspective and try to understand. To delve into your own perspective and come to a great compromise that makes it successful for all. There was a realization. Everybody has an opinion and mine's not the only right one. The group interaction played a very important piece. It enhanced my life and my work experience. ^Top

How did Midwest help you professionally?

I’ve been with the same employer for 30 years. I have seen a lot of change there. By going to Midwest I have been able to deal with that change and deal with it effectively. I used to be one of these people who said, “This is the way we've always done it and this is the way it's going to stay.” Now I'm one of the advocates of stepping back and looking for the possibilities.

Prior to the degree, I was doing the job and they didn't have to pay me what I was worth because I didn't have "the paper." Plus, I didn't feel complete doing the job. People would look at me and say “Well, he doesn't have a degree….”

Being 50 years old now, and being a Senior Staff Accountant, I'm working with a diverse age group of people who are making major decisions and they're listening to me. Now they're listening to me more, because I took the time to educate myself and to better myself and broaden my horizons.

It has enhanced my think out of the box capabilities and the “what if's". I'm not nearly as afraid to take risk now. I've proven myself. And I've proven myself basically because of my senior project. That was one of the major contributors. ^Top

How has Midwest impacted you personally?

My education from Antioch University Midwest has given me the ability to discover a person within me that I never realized existed.

I found out since I have been to Midwest – and I'm not just blowing smoke, I'm being totally serious – I have found out personally that I am a more effective person where I work, in my daily life, and in every aspect of my life.

I was arrogant before when I said I didn't need that piece of paper. I'm passive, happy and respected since I have my degree, not only by other people, but by myself.

The impact on my life has been… it has taught me how to adjust to other people's styles. By being able to do that, I can be a valuable tool in finding a solution or helping someone pick an ultimate solution.

So it was just a totally inclusive learning experience: work, life. It was just amazing. ^Top

Did you have an ‘Aha Moment’ at McGregor?

I think it would have to be my senior project.

In my senior project, I realized that what Midwest had taught me through the years had enhanced my capabilities to think out of the box, to take a chance, to solidify the chance and to actually sell my ideas to people. There's nothing – I am solely convinced now, that there's nothing – that can be given to me that I can't accomplish after graduating from McGregor.

That’s what this education has done for me. I don't just mean at work, but I mean in any facet of life. You can do it. You just have to put the effort forth. ^Top

What advice would you give to a new student?

To go ahead and to realize that what you put into your education at Midwest is what you'll get out of your education at McGregor. It's not going to be handed to you. You're going to have to work hard at it. It's just as simple as that. Don’t expect to just get that piece of paper and get out of there.

The experience of going back to school was scary because I was 45 years old when I started back. Everybody was telling me that I could go ahead and go to school and transfer my credits and get my degree in two years. I told myself I'd been through enough stressful things in my life.

But I just decided I was going to do this, and I was going to take my time doing it. I took my time and I made this learning – this education experience at Midwest – a pleasure.

By making it a pleasure and taking my time, I have twofold benefited from my education as far as application in life and work. It's been wonderful. It truly has. I got something that I didn't think that I needed.

At the everyday college level, all they do is just tell you to read a book and that's it. But at McGregor, I had the more personal experience of sharing with people and listening to people share with me. It really helps you think differently about your work, about your daily living. It's amazing.

And, you know, it was not as scary as I thought it would be. ^Top