1,173 graduate Southeast on Saturday

Southeast Missouri State University will award 1,173 degrees Saturday during spring commencement exercises.

While many of the graduates took a traditional path to their degree, some were faced with obstacles.

Sikeston, Mo., native Melissa McDowell was 8 years old when she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a chronic disease affecting the secretory glands and causing lung infections and other severe complications. It has been a constant impediment in her 10-year pursuit of a degree.

"My health has always been the biggest obstacle I have had to overcome for anything that I have achieved. The numerous hospital stays are just the tip of the iceberg. I've had two port-a-cath procedures that allow for IV access to allow for the eight to 10 hours of IV antibiotics a day [I would take] for typically three weeks at a time," she said.

During college McDowell underwent her ninth sinus surgery, a liver biopsy and several other medical procedures. Another threat to her health is that colds are more severe for cystic fibrosis patients.

"If there was a particularly bad virus or something going around, I would likely miss class. A simple cold for someone else could mean something worse for me," she said.

Last year she was hospitalized during finals week due to complications from a cold.

McDowell said there were times she questioned why she was so determined to receive her degree. However, she said, she had always pictured herself as a college graduate and relied on her family for support.

She will receive a bachelor's degree in general studies but said if a cure for cystic fibrosis is discovered during her lifetime, she will return to school for alternative certification or another degree in order to become a full-time teacher.

Richard Dowd of Glenallen, Mo., will receive a bachelor of science degree with a major in agribusiness, horticulture. After quitting high school in 1986, Dowd said, he never thought he would graduate from college. Even after earning his GED in 2005, college was still not on his mind.

"I didn't intend to go to college. I was just going to get my GED, but I scored high enough to get a scholarship," he said.

Dowd admits meeting the demands of college after being out of a classroom for 20 years was difficult, but his wife and two children provided constant encouragement.

"Several times I'd like to have quit, but my wife, Torita, kept me going," he said.

He said he hopes his success inspires others in similar situations.

"Go for it. If you've got any kind of ambition at all, you can do it," he said.

The commencement address will be delivered by Michael Braun, former chief of operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Braun is the managing partner for Spectre Group International LLC, an international security consulting firm. He is considered an expert on the increasing relationship between drugs and terrorism.

Neal E. Boyd, 2001 Southeast graduate and 2008 winner of "America's Got Talent," will perform the national anthem and alma mater at commencement. For him it is a special appearance because it will allow him to witness his good friend and fraternity big brother, Jason LeGrand, receive the Young Alumni Merit Award, along with five other recipients.

"This award is a long time coming. He has always given back," Boyd said. He said he enjoys getting the chance to perform at his alma mater.

Commencement will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Show Me Center.