Student completes degree while deployed in Iraq
-- Patrick Loch
Published February 2010
Ever felt like you’ve had a lot on your plate while completing your degree? Try doing your senior year while being deployed in a combat zone!
On Dec. 15, 2009, Specialist Lina Knox of the Minnesota NationalGuard graduated from Metropolitan State University with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and she did it while stationed in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, via online classes when she wasn’t on missions delivering fuel to bases in Iraq.
In her senior year, Knox completed her last seven courses, a total of 22 credits, while overseas. Unable to accept the degree in person, her mother, Joyce Knox, accepted the diploma for her. Meanwhile, in Kuwait, Knox received her diploma from her senior leadership in front of her peers.
“Completing a bachelor’s degree is always a significant accomplishment,” said Veterans Affairs Coordinator Bruce Holzschuh. “Finishing your senior year while deployed to a combat zone is an extraordinary accomplishment and inspirational to other students.”
Specialist Knox is set to return from her deployment sometime in April 2010.