‘Because of you, I didn’t quit’: College of Professional Studies names Orange Gown graduate
Friday, May 2, 2025
Media Contact: Aaron Campbell | OSU-Tulsa Communications Coordinator | 918-899-4960 | aaron.ross.campbell@okstate.edu
Working professional, mother of two Abby McElroy earns Orange Gown
It wasn’t easy for graduating senior and investment manager Abby McElroy to go back to school, but for her, it was important.
Her orange graduation cap is decorated with the words “Because of you, I didn’t quit,” an homage to her two daughters, aged 15 and 19.
“I wanted to set a good example for them. Being a first-generation college student and doing it later in life shows them that anything’s possible,” she said. “I’m 40-plus years old, working full time with a full family and I can still get it done — so they can too.”
McElroy, an organizational leadership major, is the Orange Gown graduate for the College of Professional Studies.
Each spring and fall semester, one graduate from each of Oklahoma State University’s academic colleges is selected to wear this distinguished regalia in recognition of their academic achievements, participation in organizations and overall dedication to their experiences at OSU.
“Abby embodies everything we stand for,” said Craig Freeman, OSU-Tulsa vice provost and dean of the College of Professional Studies. “She has worked hard, stepped up to every challenge, and became the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Her journey shows that being a working parent doesn’t have to mean putting your education and career goals on hold.”
As the only OSU academic college headquartered at OSU-Tulsa, the College of Professional Studies’ Orange Gown graduate is the only one featured in OSU-Tulsa’s spring graduation ceremony. McElroy will lead the 2025 undergraduate class and be recognized on stage for her accomplishments. McElroy also plans to attend the commencement ceremony in Stillwater.
“It was really humbling to get the email telling me I was nominated for this, let alone that I was going to be the recipient of the award,” she said. “For me, this lets non-traditional students know there’s a place they can go that still feels like home and still get the college experience. I’m proud and honored to be the person representing that class of students.”
When she first returned to school, McElroy never imagined being in this position. In fact, the prospect of going back to school at all and taking classes with more traditional students was daunting for her.
“When I took my first class at OSU-Tulsa, I was scared,” she said. “I just didn’t know what it was going to be like so that first class was a real struggle — but then, after that, I got to see how the OSU family is so welcoming and supportive and helpful.”
Being able to take her classes online was critical to finishing her degree.
“One semester, I took 14 hours alongside my job and family, so the ability to do my classes online was a major draw to OSU-Tulsa,” she said. “It gave me the flexibility to do my classwork in the evenings and weekends as needed.”
With her bachelor’s degree completed, higher education — especially at OSU-Tulsa — no longer seems daunting. Soon, she’ll take the next step to achieve her ultimate career goal.
“I’m going to start my Certified Financial Planning certification in the fall to further my career in finance, which I’ve really fallen in love with,” she said. “That will be the path for the rest of my working career.”
Her advice to others who may be intimidated by the idea of returning to school is simple: keep going.
“It’s going to be OK. You’re going to struggle; it’s going to be hard, but stay the course,” she said. “OSU has helped me out in so many ways, to make the transition very easy for me. I don’t know that another university would do the same.”