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For AnnMarie Kulis '20 '24G, walking across the stage at Õ¬ÄÐƵµÀ's (SNHU) Fall 2024 Commencement was more than a celebration — it was a statement. After earning her bachelor's degree during COVID and being unable to attend a ceremony, she was determined not to miss this one. But more than that, she wanted her children — her college-age son and two younger kids — to see that perseverance pays off.

While standing among rows of graduates in Manchester, New Hampshire, Kulis said she felt emotionally overwhelmed but had a sense of belonging. "My row, we've been chatting and making friends," she said.

Earning her master's in healthcare administration wasn't just a personal goal — but a career aspiration after she finished her bachelor's at SNHU. "(As a hospital educator) it was required that I got my master's degree," she said. "So I was looking at what (program) would further develop my skills."

"The price was very reasonable, and for my bachelor's, they transferred a lot of credits in for me," she said. "So continuing on to my master's was just very easy."

Reflecting on her experience at SNHU, Kulis highlighted the value of the support system. "The advisors calling you regularly to check in on your progress in your course was always a welcomed phone call," she said.

Her favorite course — the capstone, the culmination of her academic program — stood out as a defining moment.

"I think it was very well-positioned to have us take a look at all the things that you were expected to learn from a degree," Kulis said. In her role now, as a manager in a healthcare setting, she said she applies that knowledge daily.

"I have more confidence," she said. "I have confidence in having the knowledge to back up what I'm saying when I'm doing my job."

Reflecting on her experience, Kulis offered encouragement to others considering earning a degree. "It seems like a lot ... but it's all attainable," she said. "It was definitely worth it."

Nicholas Patterson ’22 ’25MFA is a writer based in West Michigan with several years of experience as a content creator in higher education. He’s an alumnus of Õ¬ÄÐƵµÀ (SNHU), where he earned both his bachelor’s in English and creative writing and his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. When his head’s not in novels, you can find him outside dreaming up his own stories. Connect with him on .