A total of 76 Associate of General Studies degrees were awarded May 9 during WSC's Spring 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremony.
Wayne State College awarded its first Associate of General Studies degrees May 9 at its undergraduate commencement ceremony as part of its ReEngage Program, which is designed to help students with some college credit but no degree return to complete a degree or credential.
Wayne State conferred a total of 76 Associate of General Studies degrees, with six students walking across the Willow Bowl stage to receive their credential, which they earned by completing more than 70 credit hours at Wayne State before stopping out for a variety of reasons.
Students who participated in the commencement ceremony May 9 included Emily Faith Hein of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Ezra Elliott Jude of West Point, Neb., Samantha June Coffin of Vermillion, S.D., Bennett John Lamplot of Thurston, Neb., Courtney Elise Neill of Little Sioux, Iowa, and Michael Paul Pierick of Whiting, Iowa.
The ReEngage students who were on hand to receive their associate degree saw the credential as validation of their efforts and an opportunity to renew their push to earn their four-year degree.
“It is an honor to be able to receive this degree,” said Sara Marie Lovejoy of Columbus, Neb. “It means so much to be able to participate in the commencement here at Wayne State College. It feels great to know that all of the hard work paid off in some way.”
“Receiving a diploma for the work I put in years ago not only brought a wave of closure upon me, it sparked a new interest in pursuing my bachelor’s degree again; which I believe was the goal of the program in the first place,” said Bennett John Lamplot of Thurston, Neb. “I appreciate the opportunity WSC is providing for us ‘untraditional’ students.”
“After Wayne State reached out to me to tell me I had enough credits to receive an associate degree, I saw this as a steppingstone to what I would like to do next,” said Courtney Elise Neill of Little Sioux, Iowa. “The thought of going back to college and finishing my degree, even after six years has gone by, had always been in the back of my mind and this opportunity opened a new door and resurfaced that for me! I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me, even now as a mom of two!”
“This has granted me opportunities to be the first child in my family to graduate college and start the best life for my son as a single mother,” said Emily Faith Hein of Lee’s Summit, Mo. “This degree came into my life after waiting for almost five years after taking a break my junior year due to life challenges at the time and COVID-19 struggles made it hard for me to continue school. I almost lost hope of getting my degree and education thinking my credits would expire and at the time I was pregnant and unsure if school would ever be an accomplishment I could go back to. However, one day in the mail I saw a letter saying I was able to get my associate degree from all the hard work I thought had disappeared. I am so blessed and happy. Now I have had my kid who turns 4 months old on this graduation day, and I plan to continue my education with the foundation laid by Wayne State College in the future and my goal is to become an ultrasound technician. Thank you, Wayne State, for giving me hope.”
Designed to help more Nebraskans return to higher education and complete a degree or credential, ReEngage takes a multi-pronged approach to guide each student through the process of reenrolling and succeeding in college. The program includes acceptance of credit from other institutions, credit for prior learning, intensive advising, and a plan for completion.
Participating students receive individualized coaching designed to help them clarify their goals, rebuild confidence, overcome logistical and financial barriers, reestablish a connection to the college community, and ultimately overcome obstacles to returning.
“It is incredibly rewarding to hear the stories of students receiving the Associate of General Studies degree,” said Dani Eskens, lead navigator of the ReEngage Program. “Their appreciation for this initiative is inspiring, and it has given them a renewed perspective on the dedication and hard work they have invested in their education.”