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Grandmother of Nine Graduates from Bethel

Grandmother of Nine Graduates from Bethel

Mary Overcash displays her college diploma with help from her nine grandchildren. (Photo: Jennifer Overcash Leslie)

Mary Overcash graduated from high school in 1965 and dreamed of graduating from college. Nearly 50 years later, her dream was realized. While a large contingent of family cheered her on, Overcash received a degree in communication studies from Bethel’s College of Adult & Professional Studies.

After high school, Overcash attended nursing school for a year, then spent two years at Mankato State University, Minnesota. Her studies came to a halt when she married Oscar Overcash, had three kids, and continued with the busyness of everyday life. She always wondered what having a college degree would feel like, and two years ago, she decided to do something about it, enrolling in Bethel University's adult education program at age 67. She not only succeeded; she excelled. “She only got one B. Everything else was As,” says Jennifer Leslie, Overcash’s daughter.

Watch the KARE11 news story about Mary Overcash, and look for news and photos from all Bethel University commencement ceremonies in early June.