Dear Friend of TESU,

Greetings! My name is Elizabeth Ewing, and I am the proud first graduate of Thomas Edison State University, then College! I am very pleased to be able to share my story in celebration of the University’s 50th Anniversary.

In 1973 I was a young mother and a student at Monmouth University. Finding the time to attend class and care for my son was difficult at times, and when he had an unfortunate accident resulting in a broken leg, I was no longer able to physically attend class. I was frustrated and disappointed because I was so close to earning my degree.

A friend told me about a new state college that was allowing students to transfer credits from other institutions. Having enough credits to earn an associate degree, I transferred all my credits to Thomas Edison and graduated on June 15, 1973, at the College’s first commencement ceremony. We lined up alphabetically and with my last name being Barry at the time, I became the very first alumni.

The University has grown so much in the last 50 years, but its mission has not waivered. Today, the University is still as dedicated to providing flexible higher education for working adults as it was in 1972. With new and innovative approaches, the University is focused on responding to the needs of working adults and their employers and ensuring that the impact of a TESU degree extends into our communities.

I have been supporting the University over the years with an annual gift and am delighted to be able to give back so that others might have the same wonderful experience as I did. As part of the University’s 50th Anniversary celebration, please join me in making a meaningful gift to support the University that truly transformed my life and the lives of so many others!