A journey filled with challenges, and countless rewards

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Nicholson_Ruth.jpg” caption=”Ruth Nicholson at Wednesday’s social sciences Convocation ceremony, where she received the J.E.L. Graham Medal for part-time students.”]One night in September 1994, 40-year-old stay-at-home mom Ruth Nicholson attended her first night class. That week, she began a long path towards a McMaster degree. It was a tough week for Nicholson as she just ended a 20-year marriage. Although things were sure to brighten for the mother of three, that first week, she wasn't so sure.
“Not only was I faced with the insecurities most mature students face — doubts about whether I was intelligent enough, whether I would fit in — I had to learn to be a student again, to write essays, exams and read at a higher level than 'Danielle Steele.' At the same time I had to build a new life for my children and myself — one that balanced family, work and academic responsibilities.”
But as she crossed the stage at Hamilton's Place this week to receive the J.E.L. Graham Medal for part-time students, she realized not only was smart enough, she was one of the smartest in her class.
The J.E.L. Graham Medal award is presented to a graduating part-time student on the recommendation of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The award recognizes a student who, on the basis of scholarship, is judged to be an outstanding member of the class of social science.
Nicholson, program manager for the Centre for Continuing Education, graduated with distinction when she picked up her honours anthropology (minor health studies) degree. With a grade point average of 10.5, she maintained a position on the Dean's Honour Roll throughout her academic studies and is a member of the Golden Key National Honour Society.
The J.E.L. Graham Gold Medal has particular significance for Nicholson, who worked with Jack Graham for 10 years while in the Department of Economics.
“Jack Graham was a senior faculty member in the Department of Economics when I started working at McMaster in 1973, fresh out business college and 19 years old. He was a very kind and patient man — I have fond memories of him. I consider it a privilege to receive an award that was set up in honour of professor Graham, one that recognizes the accomplishments of part-time students.”
Nicholson set her sights on receiving this award early in her academic career. The award joins a growing list of her other accomplishments. Nicholson also received The Anthropology Prize at Spring Convocation. In 2002, she received the Gwen George Gold Medal for academic excellence and service, and an award of recognition from the McMaster Association of Part-Time Students (MAPS) for contributions to the association. She also serves as a MAPS representative and participates as a guest speaker at the annual MAPS/Part-time Degree Studies mature student preparation day.
“It has been journey filled with many challenges, but the rewards have been countless,” she says. “My children and I have worked on our degrees together — my oldest daughter graduated from Carleton in 2003, my son will graduate from Brock in 2006 and my youngest daughter will complete her degree at Carleton in 2007.”
But Nicholson's academic journey is far from over. This fall she will begin part-time graduate studies in the Work and Society M.A. program. Again, familiar fears have returned. “I'm a little scared,” she admits. “Can I do it? Will I fit in? Can I juggle work, career and family responsibilities?”
But she's passionate, she says, then pauses briefly, “alright, maybe just a little obsessed,” she laughs. “Life is much richer and I have grown as a person through the experience. With each class I complete, I realize there is so much more I need to learn. The M.A. is the obvious 'next step' to satisfying that need.”