KINDNESS IS EVERYWHERE: UNIVERSITY TAKES HARD-EARNED DIPLOMA TO VICTIM OF CANCER

Sue Braning says learning is a lifelong process and an endeavor worth pursuing, no matter the odds.

"You can't have too much education," she said. "I feel like when I'm not learning I'm stagnant."

Braning, 51, of Bonne Terre recently completed requirements to receive a master of science degree in administration with an emphasis in public administration from Southeast Missouri State University -- no small task for a woman fighting for her life.

Braning is battling cancer and is unable to participate in commencement exercises Saturday at Southeast. So university officials traveled to Braning's home to present her with her diploma. Making the trip Monday were university president Dr. Dale Nitzschke; Dr. Sheila Caskey, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning; and Dr. Marge Theobald, professor of secondary education.

"Except for birthing and babies, I've never had anything more special than this happen to me," said Braning, a former writing lab instructor at Mineral Area College. "I was just so pleased."

With a small gathering of family and friends looking on, Braning proudly accepted her diploma, which now is prominently displayed on her mantle.

"I wanted to graduate before I die," she said. "I wanted to complete what I started."

Braning, who said she had experienced good health throughout her life, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985. At that time, she underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy. The disease went into remission until 1990, when it re-emerged in her bones. Since then she has received radiation treatments in her arms and legs and numerous chemotherapy treatments at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis.

In 1994, Braning said she felt reasonably well and decided to pursue a master's degree in administration. She had completed a bachelor's degree in business administration, majoring in accounting at Southeast in 1991.

"I felt like I was kind of at a standstill with my job, and I really, quite honestly, like school," she said.

Braning would travel to Cape Girardeau two nights a week for night classes, often carpooling. She took two courses a semester and dreamed of working in administration, possibly for a state social-service agency. Braning completed much of her course work between 1994 and 1996, an experience she said she found exhilarating.

"I really enjoyed taking classes with such a diverse group from such different fields," she said. Braning said she relished the opportunity to meet classmates who were teachers, state highway patrolmen, state legislators, newspaper reporters, probation and parole officers, city officials and state conservationists.

"Working and going to school kept my spirits up," she said.

Mary Peters of Cape Girardeau, a former classmate of Braning's who graduated from the program last fall, said, "Sue is a wonderful example of the strength of the human spirit."

Braning bubbles with enthusiasm as she recalls engaging classes she took with political science, economics and mass communication professors. She credits her adviser, Dr. Peter Bergerson, chairman of the political science department, and Theobald for tending to her educational needs during trying times.

"She would call and say, `How are you doing today?'" Braning said of Theobald.

Bergerson said Braning is a strong, hard-working student. "She is a model of courage and determination," he said.

Braning's health began taking a turn for the worse in May 1996 when she had a chest tube inserted, broke her left leg, had her right leg operated on, received radiation treatments in her arms and skull, and underwent more chemotherapy. In 1996, she went on Social Security disability from her job. Last December Braning was hospitalized, and the cancer now has spread to her liver and lungs.

"The last three years have really been rough," she said.

But under Theobald's guidance, Braning last fall was permitted to take her last class, Research Methods, as an independent study course. Between e-mail correspondence and Theobald's trips to meet with Braning, she successfully completed the course. This spring Braning completed a thesis centered on a communications audit of Jefferson College. With the help of two of her sisters, Braning recently made a trip to Cape Girardeau to successfully defend her thesis.

"My family has been so helpful," she said. "I haven't had to have any outside help."

Braning gets around with a walker in her home and in a wheelchair outside her home. She is the mother of two sons, Douglas Braning, 25, and Christopher Thurman, 31. Douglas Braning lives at home. He takes care of most of her needs, including doing grocery shopping and laundry.

Sue Braning's husband died of lung cancer in 1985, just six weeks before she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has three stepchildren from her marriage. Her mother and two of her sisters also are living with breast cancer.

Later this month Braning plans to begin taking a new cancer drug called Xeloda, which she hopes will again stall the spread of her disease. Yet, she admits her prognosis is poor.

"This will probably be one of the last drugs they try me on," she said, pointing out that she already has taken about a half dozen cancer drugs. "I know I'm going to die, but there's not a darn thing I can do about it."

For now Braning is enjoying her academic feat: She graduates with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

"I think it's an accomplishment, but I'm kind of surprised at how many other people do too," she said. "No matter how bad I feel, I can look around and I can always find somebody who's in much worse shape."

Braning said no one should lose sight of their dreams. "If you want to do it, do it," she said. "No one can take that degree away from me."

Braning wants to see the birth of her first grandchild in August.

"I just want to hold that baby," she said.