On the morning of Thursday, September 6, an unusual sight could be seen at Fletcher Allen Health Care: a faculty processional lining up outside Austin Auditorium. The auditorium itself was already filled with people doctors, nurses, family and friends each of whom had come to witness a momentous event: the graduation of a very special student, Christina McCall, from the UVM College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS).
In her cap and gown, Christina watched as the processional began: President Daniel Fogel, Provost John Hughes, Dean Domenico Grasso and Professors James Burgmeier, Donna Rizzo and Mike Coleman entered the auditorium in full regalia. The audience rose in silence as Provost Hughes formally recommended Christina McCall for a bachelor's degree as approved by the faculty senate.
President Fogel responded by announcing, "I present you, Christina L. McCall, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with all of the responsibilities and obligations appended thereto."
The room burst into cheers and applause as Provost Hughes handed Christina a framed diploma.
Ten Years of Hard Work
This fall, instead of attending UVM classes, student Christina McCall found herself facing a very different challenge. After not feeling well at the end of the spring semester, a doctor's visit revealed that she was suffering from cancer.
Happily, it was also discovered that after ten years of hard work, Christina had accumulated enough credits to graduate with a degree in mathematics.
Christina's academic career has taken her in many directions within CEMS. Her original focus on engineering courses brought her in contact with Professor Donna Rizzo, who became her faculty advisor. In 2003, Christina became a counselor for high school students enrolled in the UVM/GIV Engineering Institute, assisting them in finding their own opportunities in technology careers. Her smile, soft voice, and greeting, "Hi, I'm Christi," opened doors.
Yet as credits accumulated, Christina realized she wanted to teach mathematics, which brought her a new faculty advisor, Professor James Burgmeier.
"What makes UVM great is students like Christina," says Burgmeier, "students who face challenges by assessing, evaluating and determining the best course of action, and then taking the steps to move forward." Professor Rizzo agrees: "Christina is an amazing human being who worked very hard for her degree."
In addition to studying for her degree, Christina's heart reached out to two children, one in Peru and one in India. Faithfully, Christina has provided them with support and encouragement from the United States.
Beginning Anew
And there's no stopping Christina. Her next challenge is to walk again. "It's important to do the things you love," she explains, "to get involved and don't let dark clouds stop you."
Professor Burgmeier can't help but praise his student. "Each of us will inevitably will face challenges," he says, "but not all of us are able to rise up as Christina has."
From the students, faculty and staff at UVM: "Congratulations, Christina, well done!"