Alumni Stories

Unyielding Dreams

Eight graduates of Elmhurst's adult programs tell how they made their second acts the best.

BY MARGARET CURRIE   |   Winter 2012

Adult students have played an important role at Elmhurst College since 1949, when the College offered its first evening programs designed specifically for adults. Today, about one in five Elmhurst undergraduates is 24 or older.

Adult students bring a rich array of experiences and perspectives to campus. Some completed a few college credits before taking a break to raise children; others started working or launched a new business directly after high school. For some, enrolling at Elmhurst is an important step toward getting the credentials required for career advancement. For many, it’s the fulfillment of a long-held dream. And when they graduate, our adult students emerge with enhanced credentials, new opportunities and a renewed confidence in their own abilities.

We spoke recently with several graduates of the College’s adult programs to find out more about their Elmhurst Experiences. Here are their stories.

Only One Way to Do It
John Fiore ’78
CEO, Motorola Credit Union

I Invested My Severance Pay
Donna Curin BS ’96, MA ’02
Assistant Vice President to the President & Chairman, Loyola University of Chicago

I Knew It Was Time
Tina Smith ’05
Benefits Coordinator, Elmhurst College

Those Classes Broadened Me as a Person
Adam Warner ’99
President and Chief Operating Officer, Key Equipment Finance

In a Position to Do Amazing Things
Matthew Fuchsen ’03, MPA ’05
Tax Manager, DeLoitte

A Mode of Continuous Learning
Patricia Denman ’93
Executive Compensation Manager, Allstate Insurance (retired)

It Was Fun, and It Was Different
Carol White ’85
Advanced Practice Nurse, University of Chicago Medical Center

I'm Still Using What I Learned
Lori Manly-Hart ’03, MBA ’05
Demand Planning Manager, Watlow Richmond