Mesick senior citizen earns college degree

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Dolores Habian, 70, graduated this spring from Baker College with a certificate as a medical receptionist.

MESICK - If anyone deserved to march to the tune “Pomp and Circumstance” it was Delores Habian.

Habian, 70, participated in commencement exercises earlier this month at Baker College with graduates fifty years her junior. Her life plan hadn't included earning a degree late in life, but when the door of opportunity knocked, she walked in.

Three years earlier Habian's life was shattered in almost one fell swoop. First, she lost her job due to the closing of the Traverse City factory where she had worked for 10 years. Three months later her husband of 48 years died from cancer.

What seemed like the end became a new beginning for the Mesick woman.

“My unemployment ran out but the government offered us two years more of unemployment and college,” she said. “I decided it was a big break.”

Her initial thought was to study computers but that idea was replaced with a plan to earn a certificate in the college's medical receptionist program.

Habian hadn't returned to the classroom since graduating from Mesick High School in 1954.

“I was very nervous being out of school for 50 years and knowing I was going to be in with younger people,” she said.

She proved she could hold her own in today's learning environment. Habian made the dean's list four out of seven semesters and graduated with a 3.2 grade point average.

“I admit it was tough,” she said. “Even for the younger ones it's not easy.”

Son Craig Habian remembers some tough times his mother had with a particular class.

“She would go home upset,” he said. “But she got through it.”

Habian said his mother brings vitality to life on many fronts.

“She gets a lot accomplished and keeps going like the Energizer Bunny,” he said.

The senior citizen reached her goal with support and encouragement from friends, family and others

“Even my doctor was all for it and praised me,” she said. “My instructors were flabbergasted I was back after so many years.”

To the other students, Habian was a role model.

“She was dedicated and worked hard,” said Jackie Soltman, Baker's Career Services director. “Her work ethic was apparent to the younger students.”

Habian now applies her efforts to hunting for a part-time job. An open house is scheduled in her honor June 18 in Mesick.

sbarber@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)