Dyer resident graduates after being inspired by her son

Some students are motivated to succeed by their professors, peers, accomplished professionals or mentors, but Karen Fowers was motivated by a 9-year-old boy.

Fowers, 44, of Dyer, received a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies at Purdue University Calumet. She also is a wife and the mother of 9 and 11-year-old boys, the younger of whom has special needs.

According to Fowers, her 9-year-old has been a "catalyst" in her educational pursuit.

"As a parent I want to see that he gets the best education and quality of life," she said. "I want to help him and children like him succeed in life. I've been an advocate as a mother. Now, I want to be in there as a professional and help children and adolescents.

"Having special needs himself encouraged me to work with students who have special needs."

Fowers served internships at Northwest Indiana Special Education Center and Impact, both in Crown Point. Her plan now is to pursue graduate studies at Purdue Calumet and eventually do counseling with children and adolescents.

Fowers, who worked as a travel agent for 12 years, said she "got bored and didn't see a challenge anymore," so she enrolled at Purdue Calumet in 1997.

"It's been seven years, and I'm finally getting my bachelor's degree," she said.

Fowers has served in a volunteer position as co-coordinator of Purdue Calumet's student ambassadors program. Student ambassadors act as liaisons for the university and as peer recruiters.

"Karen actually looks to find ways that she can give back to the university," said Paul McGuinness, Purdue Calumet director of admissions and recruitment and head of the student ambassadors program. "That's why she has been an outstanding student ambassador co-coordinator.

"From the very moment I met Karen I knew she was a very special student who appreciated her educational experience at Purdue Calumet."

Fowers also has been a leader in Purdue Calumet's new student orientation program; a member of Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society, an academic honor society for students in the family studies area; and a recipient of merit scholarships.

"I've had nothing but a positive experience here," Fowers said. "I had a really successful undergraduate experience at Purdue Calumet."