Cum Laude

On May 7th, 2010, Jon graduated from Salt Lake Community College With Honors and with 2 Associate Degrees. One in general education and the other in Speech Communications. And I couldn't be prouder of him. He worked so hard for those grades. It was a nice day and all of his family could be there. His older brother, Reuben, flew in just for the occasion. His dad is a Dean at the college, so, it he already had to be there. And his sister, Daniele, and younger brother, George took some time off work to be there.



Let me give you a little background......



Jon started at the community college in 1994. He took a few classes and then went on his mission. When he came home, he started up again, started dating me and we had gotten married. Our goal was for him to continue his education after we were married. However, 6 months after our wedding, March 1998, he had to have back surgery in September 1998. This was a huge blow to the both of us and seriously messed up our plans. But we pushed forward and Jon was determined he would return to school. However, every time he went back, he had a setback. Eventually, we both gave up.



Two years ago, a manager of Jon's came to him and gave him a "come to Jesus" talk. He told Jon that he had so much more potential in him than just to be working a customer service accountant at Marriott for the rest of his life. He explained to him how important his education is and all the doors that could be opened for Jon. That was in the summer of 2008. Fall of 2008, Jon enrolled in school and took classes year round to finish his Associate's. With straight A's I might add. The last week of school was pretty stressful because he didn't think he would get an A in one of his classes which would make him fall short of a 3.50 GPA to graduate With Honor's. However, one of his professors posted the grade early and of course, it was an A.



Now that chapter of our lives is closed, and starting May 17th, Jon will be headed to the University of Utah to work on his Bachelor's.



He has worked so hard for this and we are so grateful for the support and encouragement from friends and family.

Reuben and Jon

Reuben, Jon, and Dean

Sally and Jon

Little Max

Daniele, Ashley, and George

Little Max with Grandma. That boy slept through the whole thing.

Sally and her graduate

Jon and his brothers

George and Reuben

Jon with his mom and dad

The Williams Men and Dixie