Staff photo / Brandon Cantwell Jackson Puruczky shakes hands with Kent State University at Trumbull Dean R. William Ayres as he receives his associate degree in electrical / electronic engineering technology Friday evening. He was one of two students who received the degree.

WARREN — In a continually changing world, Jackson Puruczky is all about being on top of the newest things — and it’s reflected in his education.

“It’s cool to be into the innovation kind of deal — it’s cool to be on the more physical side of things instead of business,” Puruczky, who received his two-year degree in electrical / electronic engineering technology, said. “Being able to make and develop things is intriguing for me at least, understanding the workings of everything, how everything functions inside of the stuff that you’re buying.”

Puruczky was just one of two Kent State University at Trumbull students receiving their associate degrees in electrical / electronic engineering technology, as nearly 200 students, faculty and families filled Packard Music Hall for spring commencement Friday evening. An estimated 75 students received their degrees and certificates, which spanned the university’s Peace Officer Training Academy, and those who received a Bachelor of Science in information technology and later, nursing.

All eyes were on one student in particular, however.

University Dean R. William Ayres introduced student speaker Sarah McCulley, a 2012 Mathews graduate who decided to return to school later in life.

McCulley, who graduated with a four-year degree in nursing, explained to her peers that her career goals were put on hold when she became a mother at 20, spending the past decade raising children and building a home.

“It wasn’t until I was working as a bank teller during the COVID pandemic that I realized I wasn’t living up to my full potential,” McCulley said. “I watched customers succumb to the virus, and I felt frustrated and devastated every time I lost another friend. I wanted to do more for my community.”

McCulley explained that she went home to her husband, Brian Tingler, and told him that she wanted to go to nursing school.

“His response was immediate: ‘I think it’s a great idea, you never give yourself credit, you’re the smartest person I know — I know you can succeed at anything,'” McCulley recalled. “Those words became my motivation over the past four years.”

McCulley said her first day as a 28-year-old freshman was unforgettable, recalling an embarrassing moment that happened as she went to get food.

“I decided to head to the cafeteria to grab something. Walking out, I turned to leave and walked straight into a window,” McCulley said. Right next to the register was a large full pane window, and right beside that was the exit, and somehow I got the two mixed up.”

McCulley said the incident made her mind race, questioning what she was doing there to begin with, and giving her second thoughts.

She stuck with it regardless, and while juggling coursework and family life, became actively involved with the university’s Student Nurses Association and led the group as president this past year. McCulley plans on working in the emergency department at St. Joseph Warren Hospital to gain hands-on experience for two years before returning to Kent State to pursue a Master of Science in nursing.

As for why McCulley decided to share a story she deemed embarrassing, she explained it was a message to her younger peers that they’ll face numerous obstacles — or in her case, windows — that may hold them back.

“Never let anyone tell you that you can’t or won’t succeed; use their negativity as fuel to drive you forward,” McCulley said. “Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals, like the amazing faculty here, and the family and friends cheering you on.”

“If a mom juggling multiple part-time jobs, leading two undergraduate organizations as president, mentoring a Flashes 101 class and managing a full-time nursing program can make it, so can you,” she added.