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Lavorette Preston ’00, M’03, D'25 describes her college journey as “an emotional rollercoaster ride unlike any other found in an amusement park that ended up being the most rewarding ride of my lifetime.” That ride began years ago in NDMU’s Weekend College program, where she balanced a full-time job with her coursework. A human resources professional for more than two decades, she has spent much of her career hiring and mentoring young workers. It’s this experience that fueled her doctoral research in youth workforce readiness.

Mackenzie Lookingland will be graduating early from NDMU, needing only three years to complete the undergraduate portion of a program which will allow her to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education. Despite the shortened timeframe, Lookingland has filled her schedule with more activities than most students could manage in a typical four-year experience, serving as vice president of NDMU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, president of Gators Teach, and a Resident Advisor in Doyle Hall. In recognition of all her efforts on campus, she was the recipient of the University’s Legacy Award in February.

For close to three years, Amelia King worked a 4:30 to 9:30 a.m. shift at Amazon before heading to NDMU for her classes. She also mixed in a second job selling insurance for State Farm on the side. All in all, King worked six days a week for a majority of her college career, using her one “off day” to catch up on coursework and her personal life. Her perseverance, however, paid off in the end, as she already has a full-time job lined up at an accounting firm downtown where she interned this semester.

What started with an AP Psychology class in high school became a lifelong calling for Rebecca Becraft '25. At ��������, she built a foundation for empathy and understanding. Now Rebecca is ready to make an impact in mental health care and inspire the next generation.

Growing up in Nigeria, John Jegede, Pharm.D.'25 always knew he wanted to be a doctor. After the heartbreaking loss of his sister who was studying pharmacy, John found a calling to carry her legacy forward. Even through the many challenges John faced as an international student, he met it all with unwavering faith. “God has been faithful through turbulent seasons,” he said. Now, as he graduates, John sets his sights on a future in transplant pharmacy.