A designer degree

Spirit Women- inspired by Prof. Jolly

As my students and my own daughter graduate high school, I've been thinking a lot about my own education.   My undergraduate degree is what I refer to as a designer degree.   As a Loyola grad, I've come to realize the university has an easily recognizable name which carries with it some status. 

But the university which has been most valuable to me in my professional endeavors has been Chicago State University. This is where I earned my teaching certificate and discovered that Chicago State University's art department is truly a hidden gem..   This is where I met not only a working artist, but an artist with clout, Professor Marva Jolly, whose spiritual centeredness bid me to change my medium from painting to clay.   This is where I met the kindness of Professor Weitz, who was then the art department chairperson, who took time from his busy schedule to write out an itinerary of must sees for me when I traveled to Florence. This is where I met the insightful Alain Gavin, another working artist, who developed my practical understanding of educational theories and would discuss and debate them with me at great length.  This is where I met the wonderful Professor Dawson, the current art department chairperson, who talked about other educational opportunities with me.  And this is also where I met the amazing Professor Joyce Owens, yet another renowned working artist, who was voted one of the most influential people in Chicago, and who continually presented me (and still does) with opportunities to show my art, to meet people active in the art community, and with mentorship.

This is what has made my experience at Chicago State University really invaluable and it models how education should be.  The professors there care and mentor their students, and give their time generously while still staying active in the art community.  As my students and daughter begin their college careers, I hope they find the same experiences I did at Chicago State.