By Maria Riley

Flo Purdy
Back in the mid-80s, leg warmers ruled, Tom Cruise was Top Gun, and Bret Michaels rocked music - not reality TV. Lake Mary resident Florence "Flo" Purdy was 21 when she decided to quit school after completing her junior year at NC State University.
"I just got involved in living life," says Flo, who was just a few classes away from graduating with an accounting degree.
More than 20 years later Flo graduated with that accounting degree. But it won't stop there. Accepted into the MBA program, Flo started grad school this summer.
Why would a 46-year-old wife and mother with a busy full-time career return to school? "I had hit a point in my career where not having finished my degree was holding me back," admits Flo. "There were going to be limits to what else I could do because of a piece of paper."
Flo is not alone. Over the past couple of years, enrollment in many graduate programs has increased by as much as 10 percent. Deborah Straubinger, community relations coordinator for the Webster University's Longwood North Campus, cites several reasons for this increase, including personal enrichment, improving performance or pay in current field, and networking.
"Although we have no data on this yet, many colleges that cater to the working adult professional are seeing a big increase in enrollments and inquiries as people are experiencing layoffs and cutbacks," says Deborah.
For Flo, keeping a schedule allows her to maintain a sense of control over all areas of her busy life. "I have become quite a list keeper," she says with a proud smile. Her handy notebook/calendar not only includes her work and school schedule, but also her 13-year-old daughter Kristine's schedule.
"With most adult learners juggling work, the demands of home life, and education, they have different needs than a traditional college student," says Deborah. Professors recognize the number of priorities non-traditional students bring to the classroom. The Webster program and others like it are sensitive to their unique student base.
"The teachers there are very understanding that school is not our first priority," says Flo. "The staff is phenomenal."
In addition to school and family, Flo receives encouragement from her coworkers at SunGard Higher Education, as she was most recently promoted to accounting manager. It's common to hear a coworker ask, "Did you get your homework done?" Although Flo maintains a 3.8 GPA, she still manages to find downtime, cross-stitching and keeping up with her beloved '80s teen idol, Johnny Depp.
Flo's oldest daughter, Michelle, follows along her mother's busy path. She attends Seminole Community College, majoring in interior design and works part-time. Michelle's friends continuously ask Flo questions about her college experience. Flo's advice is simple:
"Anytime you can learn something you didn't know before, it enriches your life."

William Riley
At 17, William Riley wanted to be all that he could be and enlisted in the U.S. Army, eager to travel the world. He had graduated in the top of his class at Penn Hills High and planned to eventually attend college, counting on the Army's promise that he could do both. While stationed in Germany, William enrolled at the University of Maryland campus in Karlsruhe, but military commitments stood in his way at every turn, forcing him to drop out midway.
"It's hard to sit in a pup tent at two in the morning and do homework," says William. "This was the early '90s, before the distance learning era."
After several more false starts, William left the Army, married, started a family, and returned to school, utilizing his GI Bill. He's been in college ever since.
"You have to be willing to make school a priority," William advises. While working full-time, William earned an associate's degree from Seminole Community College, a bachelor's at Columbia College, and a master's degree in international business at Webster University, all with highest honors. Later this year, he will graduate with an MBA.
"I don't think I would have survived as a traditional student. I just didn't have the discipline to do it," admits William. "Now that I am older, I am more disciplined and my grades reflect it."
There is an art to balancing home, work, and school. Colleges and universities recognize their role in supporting multi-tasking students, who more often than not maintain hectic schedules. Programs offered today include distance learning, evening courses, and accelerated class schedules. "It's gotten to the point now where there's no excuse not to advance your degree, to benefit your company, and most importantly to benefit yourself," says William.
Although he took numerous online classes, William opts for the in-house experience. One of his favorite courses, cross-cultural management, encouraged a diverse group of students to share their own cultures in depth, allowing for a unique peer-learning practice. This has influenced William's future plans for retirement.
"I don't want to retire-I want to re-teach, giving back. Education is my passion," says William, who joins Valencia Community College in the fall as an adjunct professor.
He acknowledges the fact that his family sacrifices on occasion by missing out on the little things, like regular vacations, because of class scheduling conflicts. Yet, William sees how his determination has made a lasting impression on his 12-year-old daughter, who dreams of attending Harvard.
"I'm proud of my dad," says Jordan, a sixth grader at Markham Woods Middle School. "His going to school makes me realize how much education really matters." Prior to donning his new title as Professor Riley, William understands he's been teaching all along, providing essential life lessons to the one student who matters most.
Glenda Taylor Spell
College students lead incredibly active lives fueled by term papers, jobs, community service, and jam-packed social calendars. Glenda Taylor Spell, a Seminole Community College student, welcomes the hustle and bustle of her fast-paced lifestyle. Recognized for her academic accomplishments, she was inducted recently into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the largest higher education honor society in the U.S. In February, she completed a 50-mile Tour de Cure Benefit Ride for the American Diabetes Association. Glenda is 67.
"My goal is to stay very active, continue my education, and to be a good influence on young people," says Glenda, a long-time Longwood resident. "I advise anyone who did not have the opportunity to fulfill their desire to attend college, no matter what age, to go back and do it!"
Only a class away from earning an A.A., Glenda continues at SCC, working towards a liberal arts degree from the University of Central Florida. SCC partners with UCF, encouraging students to earn credits towards higher education at either campus.
"SCC is just the best place ever to attend," says Glenda. "The classes are small enough for a lot of interaction. The instructors have been very receptive to older students, and spending time with the young students is really a lot of fun."
According to Kendall Litton Jensen, SCC communications specialist, approximately seven percent of SCC credit-seeking students are aged 45 or older. "Enrollment for this segment has increased nearly 13 percent in the last year," Kendall says.
While in her early 20s, Glenda attended Orlando Junior College and worked as a legal secretary. Soon after her long-time sweetheart James returned from duty in the Air Force, the two were married. Glenda decided to support her husband's education and dreams. They both focused on his goal of completing pharmacy school at the University of Florida. Glenda worked for the university president, had her first baby, and "attempted" classes here and there.
Glenda's energy and curiosity provide her with diverse interests that continuously keep her mind and body active. In her 40s, after having her second child and enjoying time as a stay-at-home mom, Glenda became interested in bodybuilding, competing professionally for several years. Over the past 15 years, Glenda has earned a living modeling and making commercials. "Central Florida is a good market for the mature age model," Glenda says with a smile.
James, now retired, and Glenda lead Bible studies for young couples, travel, and spend time with their children, Scott and Suzanne, and their grandchildren. Aware of diseases, such as Alzheimer's, which strike later in life, Glenda strongly believes in the healing powers of education. "If I live long enough, maybe I will get a degree with one of my seven grandchildren," says Glenda.


The Army picture of William: William (center) with 3rd Platoon 362 Engineer Co, Afgooye Somalia, Africa