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GSU Announces 2009 Pringle Scholar


Theresa Tofiga

Theresa M. Tofiga, 2009 Pringle Scholar from Governors State University. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

University Park, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Governors State University recently named Theresa M. Tofiga of Oak Lawn as the 2009 recipient of the Robert A. Pringle Memorial Scholarship.

“I am honored to earn this award and pleased to take advantage of all the services and help GSU has to offer,” says Tofiga who is studying for her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at GSU. “My window of opportunity is growing everyday.”

The Pringle Memorial Scholarship is named for Robert Pringle who helped create the original Board of Governors degree program from which the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies has evolved. The Pringle family administers the scholarship through an endowment.

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree program at Governors State University offers college credit based on learning gleaned from life experiences. It was created for students like Tofiga with work and life experience equivalent, in many cases, to college level work. Students in the program complete degree requirements within the program, often tailoring undergraduate studies in preparation for graduate work.

“We are very proud of Theresa,” said Dr. James Howley, Chair of the Division of Liberal Arts, and Interim Director of the School of Interdisciplinary Learning. “Students in our program are very determined to earn their degrees and scholarship opportunities like this help make it possible.”

“I was a single mom, worked two jobs, and raised three children. It has been a struggle. Over the years, I learned that without an education, it is impossible to maintain financial stability. Now I am setting an example for my kids and grandkids.”

Tofiga’s road to her degree has not been easy. At one point, she sold her car to help pay for her tuition, but, according to Tofiga, “I can’t help but succeed. The professors at GSU are so knowledgeable, approachable, and accepting of everyone. My college education affords me the opportunity to recognize my life experience.”

For more information about the Interdisciplinary Studies degree program at Governors State University, call (708) 534-4092 or visit www.govst.edu/sidl.


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