and come out with a new career that pays as much as they were earning after 10 or 20 years in manufacturing is a very appealing investment. “I just wanted to get away from manufacturing altogether,” said James Tupper, 37, who was laid of twice in 10 years and is now studying to be a registered nurse, earning a 4.0 GPA in the fall semester. He and his wife, Kirra, worked together, were laid of together and now are students together at Mercyhurst North East. They were so impressed with the campus setting and surrounding North East community, they decided to relocate there with their children.
It’s exciting, said Kirra Tupper, who went to college at 18 but admits she is a much diferent student now at 34. “At this point in my life I’m thrilled for the opportunity, and have much more desire and determination,” said Kirra Tupper, who is studying to be an occupational therapy assistant. Michelle Hoover feels like losing her job wasn’t the end, but the beginning of a new path. She chose the business administration and accounting degree program to build on previous college credits and enhance management skills and employment experience she had already acquired.
45, of Harborcreek. “There’s more time to access the teachers for questions or help and it’s easier to get to know fellow students.” There’s also a feeling that the faculty and staf really care and want you to succeed, said Ben Custard, 31, who commutes from Meadville for classes in the medical laboratory technician program. While the TAA students may not have known each other before arriving on campus, camaraderie and a support network have developed as they go through classes and the ongoing paperwork required to maintain their benefts.
with support,” said Williams, who is also in the MLT program.
’ Top: Ryan Irish, left, Michelle Hoover and Anthony Mazzone found Mercyhurst North East s small campus and accessible, caring faculty like Randy Rinke eased their transition back into the classroom. Bottom Left: James and Kirra Tupper worked together, were laid of together and now are students together at Mercyhurst North East. Here they are studying anatomy, a common course of their nursing and occupational therapy assistant programs. ’ Bottom Right: Kevin Williams, 49, of Harborcreek was laid of after fve years at GE. He s retraining at MNE through the TAA program to become a medical laboratory technician.
“I like the fact that Mercyhurst North East is smaller,” said Hoover,
“We’re all going through this together and provide each other
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