The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
94-YEAR-OLD SURPRISED WITH GRADUATION
Homestead II nursing home in Painesville holds graduation
Virginia Rady thought she was just getting an award on June 27, but she received so much more. Staff at Homestead II, a skilled nursing facility in Painesville, planned a graduation ceremony for her.
Rady attended Ohio Northern University from September 1939 to May 1943 and earned two degrees, but only received one.
According to Melanie Hough, the university registrar, Rady majored in biology, had a minor in chemistry and completed the coursework for a bachelor of science in education.
Rady’s record shows that she earned an A.B., which is an abbreviation of the Latin name for the bachelor of arts degree, Hough said in a letter.
However, she never received the bachelor’s degree in education.
A Bainbridge Township resident, Rady shared her story with nurse April Sugalski during her short stay at Homestead II.
“At that time, it was a policy of the university that you were only able to be recognized for one degree,” Sugalski said. “This left her to have to choose which degree she would
“At that time, it was a policy of the university that you were only able to be recognized for one degree,” — Nurse April Sugalski
claim, forcing her not to be recognized for her degree in education.”
Although Rady had a successful career at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which is now known as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, she said she would have used her degree in education to be a teacher.
During a cap and gown ceremony at the nursing facility, Rady was presented a certificate from the Ohio Northern University, recognizing that she met the 1943 catalog standards of prescribed coursework to have earned a bachelor of science in education.
“I’m just overwhelmed,” Rady said. “This is very special to me.”
Hawley’s Florist donated a bouquet of flowers and Gartman Model Bakery provided the cake, said Activity Director Lisa Mandato.
Homestead II staff, residents and Rady’s family shared this special moment with her.
“I find her truly remarkable and inspiring, especially since only 3 percent of women attended college at that time,” Sugalski said. “I find her to be a true inspiration for anyone and a pioneer for women everywhere.”