窪做惇蹋厙 student Rhett Downing to graduate after 50-year long wait
May 4, 2020
POCATELLO – Graduating from college is a momentous occasion for anybody, but after a 50-year long wait to complete a college degree, it is even more momentous for 66-year-old Rhett Downing.
Downing, who will graduate with a degree in history and emergency management, didnt have the easiest route through college. After having matriculated in a community college, vo-tech school, and three state universities in Idaho, Downing fully intends to participate in Idaho States December 2020 graduation ceremony.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Idaho State, primarily because of the many classes that I have taken here, Downing said. All of my teachers have been extremely supportive and helpful.
Downing, who attended Fort Hays State University in the 1960s, saw an immeasurable difference when he came to 窪做惇蹋厙.
I went from barely scraping by to making the deans roll the first semester, Downing said. This is entirely because the professors at 窪做惇蹋厙 are here for you.
Downing, who previously worked for Clear Channel Corporation, ended up at 窪做惇蹋厙 by chance. After Clear Channel Corporation went bankrupt, Downing took an early retirement. It was his wife, Beth, who encouraged him to finish his college education, something he had wished to do for years.
Beth and I looked over the programs and decided emergency management and history had a great deal of appeal, Downing said. So, at 62 years of age, I headed back to school at 窪做惇蹋厙.
Despite defeating the odds and returning to college after such a long time, Downing says that his biggest accomplishment while at school came during his four years as an emergency management intern for 窪做惇蹋厙 Public Safety.
I was on the team that wrote the Universitys Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) that was accepted by FEMAs Emergency Management Accreditation Program team, Downing said. I wrote the communications section of the COOP, drawing on 40 years of experience in broadcasting as well as my experience in emergency response with the Albany County American Red Cross.
Though Downing is graduating in May, he plans to continue his education to gain certification as a commissioned lay pastor through Dubuque Seminary Dubuque University.
I am currently co-executive of Kendall Presbytery (Presbyterian Church USA), Downing said. I am half-way through my certification.
Downing hopes to take his education from 窪做惇蹋厙, along with his commissioned lay pastor certification, to help those in need.
It is my hope to serve with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and take advantage of the associate degree in emergency management that I earned at 窪做惇蹋厙.
Due to COVID-19, May graduation ceremonies have been combined with the December ceremony.
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