Bellevue University Graduates Share Inspiring Journey of Mentorship and Mutual Success
During Bellevue University's 2023 spring graduation ceremony, student Richard Valentin walked across the stage to accept his diploma, accompanied by a Bellevue University employee who had served not only as his mentor in the beginning, but who also shared the journey as a classmate.
Now an alumnus, Valetin reflected on the milestone of graduation achieved with the support of Courtney Sutherland, a Next Degree Navigator for Bellevue University's Community College Transfer division, and the Bellevue University community.
Valentin's path to graduation was not without challenges. He encountered some obstacles along the way, including the transition from in-classroom learning to online learning and undergoing surgery at one point in his studies.
Despite these hurdles, Valentin persisted in his pursuit of knowledge. He credited his success to the support of Sutherland, the assistance of the University's Tutoring Center and his goal to one day dedicate his degree to his mom, who passed away in January of 2022. Crossing the stage with a GPA of 3.97, Valentin pointed to the sky and expressed how this was all for his mom.
“Courtney was very helpful in the enrollment and admission process, and made the transition very easy,” said Valentin. “All I know is that when it was my turn to receive my degree I felt so humbled and blessed.”
With graduation behind him, Valentin aims to leverage his education to excel in the IT field.
Sutherland's educational journey resulted in a Master’s of Arts in Business and Professional Communication. After putting her degree on pause, she recently resumed her studies, inspired by her student Richard Valentin’s motivation and positive attitude.
Sutherland and Valentin coordinated their parties so both could be cheered for as they crossed the stage.
“He motivated and encouraged me to start back in my program in 2022,” said Sutherland. “When we found out that we would be graduating at the same time, we made arrangements to meet up with one another while in Nebraska.
