Accomplishing her goals
My mom graduated with her Doctoral Degree in Higher Education from Capella University. How cool is that?! What amazes me most is how she could manage the grueling doctoral course work and writing her dissertation let alone managing a full-time career as a college provost at Eastern Florida State College. She has worked in higher education at EFSC for forty plus years now. One could say she has grown up at the college because she got her start at the age of 16 while still in high school.
She is a real inspiration to my brother and me as she has always put her family first and encouraged us to follow our dreams. My parents have always instilled a strong work ethic in the both of us. The values of balancing a career, family, and our passions are what we hold true to our hearts.
Graduation Ceremony
Last month there was a graduation ceremony in St. Paul, Minnesota. As this is an event you could not miss being a part of my boyfriend, dad and I made the trip for this special occasion. The Doctoral Commencement ceremony for Capella University held at the Convention Center at the Hyatt Place downtown, where we also stayed while in town. And what a lovely place it was!
This is the newest hotel in town. The establishment itself is a blend of 83 years old tradition and modern architecture. The main building was originally built in 1933 as a Customs House, and now it is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It is established along the Mississippi River to include many of the cities historic attractions such as St. Anthony Main, Cathedral of St. Paul, Historic Fort Snelling, Basilica of St. Mary, and the Minnesota State Capitol. Each of the rooms ath the Hyatt Regency, has a pair of 13-feet windows to provide a view of the busy downtown with beautiful views of the city skyline and Loring Park.
It’s a very nice facility with a really large space for meetings and conferences. They offer rich alternatives in their food menu. There are coffee and cocktail bars. And guess what, they will give you a complimentary hot breakfast every day!
Though the climate is a bit unyielding over there at this time of the year, fortunately, we managed to go out for a stroll. On our list of “To see,” number one position was held by the Mall of America. So we gave a visit to there. And my goodness, what place it was!
I was baffled that they have an entire theme park in there. Could you imagine? A theme park! It’s owned by the Triple Five Group from Canada. They also own another one, West Edmonton Mall. It has a gross area of 96.4 acres, enough to fit seven Yankee Stadium’s inside. The entire mall is nearly symmetric and is organized into four different zones, each with its own decorative style. This place has establishments like Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life Minnesota, Hard Rock Cafe, and the ever renowned Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Remember the movie, Forrest Gump!)
I had to go more places, but the situation didn’t allow us. But if you’re going to Minnesota, don’t miss the chance to visit places like Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Science Museum, History Center, Cathedral, Xcel Energy Center, James J. Hill House, And Ordway Center for Performing Arts. These places have a lot to offer to you. And if you have children (how wonderful), try paying a visit to Minnesota Children’s Museum. There are more places like State Fairgrounds, Summit Avenue, Grand Avenue, CHS Field, Fort Snelling, the Landmark Center, Alexander Ramsey House (built in 1872) and much more.
All of these places bear heritage from our forefathers who built this fine country. Because of the continental climate, the city may feel disrupting at times, but trust me, this city has many things to offer to its visitors.
Thanks to my mom for whom we had the opportunity to visit St. Paul, Minnesota as we’ve not traveled as far north as Minnesota. Oh, and love you, mom. Congratulations on achieving your Doctoral Degree at Capella University in Higher Education! We always knew you could do it!
Cheers, Deana