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IU Kelley School of Business at IUPUIGo from Moment to Momentum

Overcoming all obstacles: Mom of five graduates

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Teresa Mackin

Dawna Howle, BS’21, has officially finished what she started.

As a mother of five children, 46-year-old Dawna went back to school in 2013 to finish her bachelor’s degree. She started at Ivy Tech, made the dean’s list, and graduated in 2016 with an associate degree in business. She then transferred to IUPUI and was accepted to the Kelley School of Business.

“To be accepted to the Kelley School of Business was a huge accomplishment for me,” said Dawna. “My major life goal has been to graduate from college. I started college after high school but, then, got married and started a family. I just didn’t have time to finish. To be here now — to wear a cap and gown and to graduate with a business degree from a renowned school — that’s a dream. I’m so proud.”

It’s been quite the year for all students: Classes moved online or hybrid with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dawna not only had to adjust to the delivery shift, but she also had to adjust to seeing her interpreter on Zoom.

Dawna is deaf — as are four of her children.

Dawna and her family stop for a photo

“I want to show my children they can be successful. Whatever their goals are, whatever path they decide to take in life, I want them to know they can do it,” she said.

So during the pandemic — amidst helping with online school for her kids — she pushed through.

“The pandemic had a big impact on me from the beginning,” said Dawna. “Of course, helping my children with their online schooling required focus at the same time I was working full time and going to school.”

She made it — with the help of Kelley professors who became mentors along the way. Dawna is graduating with majors in human resource management and management.

“Professor Darrell Brown was so friendly and helpful, and Kim Donahue also was so compassionate,” she said. “The class material isn’t easy. I just kept telling myself: You can do this. And I did it! I kept going with support from my family, as well.”

For other students thinking about returning to school or with big goals, Dawna says: If you want it, you can do it.

“You just have to be serious about it,” she said. “You have to really want it, and if you do, you can. It definitely was a challenge to balance family, work and school, but it’s doable! It required a lot of studying, a lot of projects and a lot of team work. I had to figure out a schedule and made it work.”

And as she wears her cap and gown at the IUPUI ceremony Saturday, Dawna couldn’t be more proud. She’s off to pursue a job in human resource management and looks forward to the future.

“No matter the obstacles in your way, you can overcome them,” she added.

Filed under: Kelley Indianapolis Undergraduate Program, StudentsTagged dawna howle, graduation, graduation 2021, kelley indianapolis undergraduate program

6 Comments

  1. Patricia Leak May 13th, 2021

    Dawna, I am so proud of you, my daughter. I hope you find the job of your dreams and have a wonderful future. You have been a good mom for your children, and I am so proud of what they have become with your guidance. I love you so very much. Congratulations!❤️

    Reply
  2. Shannon leak May 13th, 2021

    Go dawna!. That’s my little sis. She has made me so proud. I love her so.

    Reply
  3. Kathy Ware May 19th, 2021

    You are inspiring! Congrats!

    Reply
  4. Lynn Alan Heath June 4th, 2021

    I thought I had commented, but apparently not.
    I am very proud of your accomplishment🤟🤟 I have unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet you, but you are still family. You have overcome a “disability” (not sure if it is a disability for you, but certainly a hindrance). My mom and dad (rip) have spoken very highly of you. My God watch over you and your family, always.🤟

    Reply
  5. FM June 9th, 2021

    This was such and inspiring story! Thank you so much for sharing. Self-motivation and a good support system make all the difference. So proud of your accomplishment. Congratulations!

    Reply
  6. Jon December 10th, 2021

    Great job! Very inspiring!

    Reply

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