Graduate determined to get education - The Daily Gleaner
Author: Communications
Posted on Jul 20, 2010
Category: UNB Saint John
All Alicia Walker wanted to do was prove everyone wrong.
The Fredericton woman completed her degree from the University of New Brunswick in May after attending university for six years. Unfortunately, she was nine months pregnant when the graduation ceremony was scheduled and couldn't attend.
Her stepfather, Steve Gilliland, thought his stepdaughter should be rewarded for six years of struggle, life changes and perseverance.
On Sunday afternoon, she accepted her bachelor of arts degree in a special ceremony held in Gilliland's backyard.
All he had to do was build a new deck, plan the surprise and invite UNB president Eddy Campbell.
Read the full story