Feature: A mother’s wish
Monday, February 12, 2007
I am very proud to be an Olivet alumnus. Going back to school and attaining my MBA at Olivet has changed my life, and the happy memories of my Olivet experience have kept me going through sad times and good times.
Back around 1989, I had been out of school for about six years, and I happened to take a ride with my mother in the car to go shopping in and around the Kankakee County area. We happened to drive by the Olivet campus [and my mother said] …. she wished I had gone to that school, and if and when I would want to continue my education, I should consider Olivet. I remember her saying that a graduate level education could help me attain a more prestigious job.
Years passed, and my mother got sick. I considered going back to school to earn an MBA, but medical bills and work obligations prevented this from happening at the time.
Finally, in the year 2000, I enrolled in the MBA program at Olivet’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. My mother continued to inspire me, even though she was weak and ill. My father took care of her while I was at work or at school.
One night, when I was coming home from school in the fall of 2000, I had the WONU radio station on in the car, and I heard the song "Deep Love" by Michelle Tumes. I had some rough times at work as I was laid off a few days before. When I heard that song, I accepted Christ Jesus as my Savior and became born again. To this day, I listen primarily to WONU and contemporary Christian music.
My Olivet MBA years were wonderful. I met some outstanding, caring instructors and great classmates, many of whom I still keep in touch with. The study group sessions helped me learn from others and helped me see the essence of cooperative teamwork.
Finally in May 2003, I graduated. My mother could not attend the graduation ceremony because she was too weak and severely handicapped. I had to go by myself because my father had to stay home to take care of her.
I bought the audio tape of my graduation a few weeks later, and my mother was inspired hearing it, especially the part when my name, "Joseph M. Panozzo," was called to pick up my diploma. That tape of my graduation kept her going a little longer than doctors expected. She would always say, "Play it again."
My mother died in 2005, so it is just myself and my father now. But I continue to have happy memories of Olivet experiences. I read business publications and magazines with a passion much more than before. I draw from the classroom memories of my wonderful instructors and classmates who continue to inspire me to this day. I continue to be moved by the ministry of contemporary Christian music. That song by Michelle Tumes on WONU really did change my life. Christ Jesus loves you, through good times and bad.
My dream is to work in a Christian organization where I could put my faith and knowledge to better use. I would like to inspire others just like I was inspired. I continue to inspire myself by drawing on the happy memories I have from Olivet. I pray someday my dream will come to fruition, and my mother's wishes will come true.