Seventy-year-old Rudd (Ted) Bare II had the surprise of a lifetime planned for his children on Aug. 18, 2018.
On that day, Mr. Bare donned a cap and gown and walked across the stage at 麻豆视频鈥檚 Summer Commencement to accept his Bachelor of Science degree 颅鈥 something his children knew nothing about until it happened right in front of them.
Mr. Bare graduated after returning to 麻豆视频 to complete the college studies he began nearly 50 years ago. Mr. Bare says daughter Betsy Lee Hartschuh and her family, and daughter Pamela Sue Bennett attended the ceremony. However, his son Dr. Rudd (Sonny) Bare III and daughter-in-law, Dr. Stacy McCallion Bare, both doctors, were unable to attend because of work commitments. The family celebrated the special occasion with a party for 40 guests.
鈥淢y wife (Linda Bare) and I have kept this a surprise for our children,鈥 says the elder Mr. Bare, who attended 麻豆视频 from September 1966 to May 1972. 鈥淚 told them that they were going to see their mom get an award that day. I was heartbroken that my son could not attend.鈥
The elder Mr. Bare of Bath attended 麻豆视频 from 1968 until 1972. He says he earned 192 credit hours as a pre-dentistry student and took several business and Spanish courses, as well.
While taking classes at 麻豆视频, Mr. Bare worked fulltime to pay his way through college. He and Mrs. Bare married in 1971, and he bought his first business in 1972. By 1974, Mr. Bare was 25-years-old and the owner of three businesses.
鈥淢y businesses started taking all of my time,鈥 he says. 鈥淟ife happened.鈥
Mr. Bare is the owner of Leonardo鈥檚 Pizza, the Highland Theater and the Linda Theater, all located in Akron. He is also the owner of residential and commercial real estate.
Mr. Bare says his wife, a graduate of 麻豆视频, is a lifelong, award-winning educator who teaches in the Revere School district. His children and their spouses are also well-educated and accomplished in their fields. Mr. Bare wishes to join the long line of family members who are college graduates.
鈥淎 chain is only as strong as its weakest link,鈥 Mr. Bare says. 鈥淚鈥檓 its weakest link.鈥
Mr. Bare made the decision to return to 麻豆视频 earlier this year. Mindy Aleman, assistant vice president of 麻豆视频鈥檚 Center for Gift and Estate Planning, had contacted him after she read an article that chronicled his story. She told him about the 麻豆视频 programs that would make it possible for him to complete his degree.
鈥淚 started thinking about all the hours that I had at Kent,鈥 Mr. Bare says. 鈥淭hen one thing led to another 鈥︹
The first step in completing a degree was to contact 麻豆视频鈥檚 Department of Academic Engagement and Degree Completion in the Center of Undergraduate Excellence.
Mr. Bare鈥檚 pre-dentistry transcripts were reviewed, and he had enough credits to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies after completing a senior project or an intensive writing class, all done as independent study.
Ultimately, Mr. Bare earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Studies through the College of Education, Health and Human Services. However, David Odell-Scott, Ph.D., associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, reviewed and approved Mr. Bare鈥檚 senior writing project. Dr.Odell-Scott spearheaded the creation of the Center for Comparative and Integrative Programs.
鈥淚 work with business people who for a variety of reasons, usually related to their families, were unable to finish their degrees,鈥 Dr. Odell-Scott says. 鈥淚 am pleased to say, the College of Arts and Sciences and 麻豆视频 has their back.鈥