Leah Bailey has been at UNMC for nine years, and she’s been at Metropolitan Community College for almost as long.
But on May 19, Bailey, an environmental services worker who has been at the Munroe-Meyer Institute for the past three years, got her associate’s degree in general studies from Metro at the age of 51, after eight years of working full-time, being a parent, and taking classes.
“I did it to prove a point,” said Bailey, who has a daughter who is also attending college. “I always wanted to go to college, but I used to think I didn’t have the ability to do it.”
Working at UNMC, surrounded by bright young students and co-workers who were supportive of her goal, Bailey found she had not only the ability, but the determination.
“The people here have been like my family,” she said. “If I felt stuck in something, they always helped me.”
“It’s great that Leah achieved this,” said Janet Henry, one of several MMI staffers Bailey mentioned as being especially supportive. “I think she’ll be great at whatever she’s going to do.”
“Special thanks to Becky Gilbert, Emily Ziskovsky, Janice Flegle, Barb Berg Glover, Dr. Mike Leibowitz, Kim Bainbridge, and Nicole Hackendahl,” Bailey said. “Your kind words encouraged me to push on.”
“The Environmental Services department is extremely proud of Leah, and we look forward to celebrating with her when she graduates with her bachelor’s degree,” said Paula Nenneman, general manager, environmental services.
After three years at MMI, as well as 20 years of experience working with children at daycare and Head Start programs, Bailey would like to work with kids, particularly youth 12 to 18 — perhaps even someday at MMI.
But first?
“I want to get my bachelor’s degree,” Bailey said. “I’m thinking UNO.”
Congrats Leah and best wishes as you work on your bachelor's degree!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Love this lady!!! Way to go, Leah!
Leah – congratulations!
Congratulations Leah!
What a fabulous story! Congratulations Ms. Bailey!
You are an inspiration to us all. Wonderful job!
Way to go!
Congratulations!
Congratulations!! What an effort – inspiration to all!! Wishing you the best in the future.
Congratulations Leah! Keep up the good work in everything you do!
Fantastic achievement! Congratulations!
Congrats, Leah! You go, girl!
Congratulations!
Congrats Leah!! Keep it up!!
Congratulations Leah, I am proud of you and your daughter. I had the opportunity to provide social work services to you and your family.
Keep preservering! and enjoy the rewards.
Linda Lemon
Congratulations, Leah! I've been attending UNO for nearly 15 years (one class at a semester) going for my bachelor's (and take a class at MCC now), so I can attest that they are both very good for adult learners. Keep it up! You can definitely do it!
As an organization of higher education, you uplift us all by your commitment to lifelong learning. YOU are an excellent role model of the commitment, courage, and tenacity that is needed in today's academic medical center and our communities. BRAVO!
MMI and Environmental Services–Outstanding support for education!