For a long time, Tricia Lowe had to put higher education on hold. When she was 16, her mother died of breast cancer. At 18, she became a mother herself.

“I originally went to TCC [Tulsa Community College] right out of high school. I went for a whole year, and then that’s when I had my [first] son,” Lowe said. “For me, there was just no way to balance being a full-time mom and a wife while in school and working.”

Now, after seeing both of her sons earn their bachelor’s degrees, it’s her turn. On May 11, Lowe will graduate with a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in Health Care Administration from the College of Professional Studies at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa.

Lowe said the decision to go back to school came “on a whim” one January, close to the registration deadline.

“I remember them saying, ‘If I can’t get you enrolled in time, we can just do it in the summer or the fall,’ and I said, ‘I promise you. If I don’t do it now, I won’t do it. Dead serious,’” she said.

She was able to start that same semester, and her diligence carried her all the way to graduation, complete with a special distinction: Lowe was named a spring 2026 Orange Gown graduate of the College of Professional Studies.

Each spring and fall semester, one graduate from each of OSU’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.

For Lowe, this honor recognizes her hard work, integrity and focus.

“This recognition reflects the endless late nights, sacrifices and moments of pushing through even when life appeared heavy,” she said. “During my journey, I have sought to excel not simply for myself, but to set an example for my children and others, showing that it’s never too late to pursue your goals with passion and commitment. Receiving the Orange Gown affirms that my persistence is rewarded and inspires me to keep striving for excellence in every area of my life.”

Lowe’s higher education ambition doesn’t stop there. As the first Health Care Administration graduate in OSU’s 4+1 program, which allows students to work towards a master’s degree in their senior year, she is currently on track to graduate with a Master of Science in Health Care Administration at OSU Center for Health Sciences in December.

“Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like because you didn't have the same groundwork as somebody else or the same support system that you can't make it,” she said. “You can still accomplish what you want to do in life.”

Now, as she prepares to represent her college as the Orange Gown graduate in OSU-Tulsa’s spring commencement ceremony, she is reflecting on the work that paved the way. Her neatly decorated orange cap serves as an expression of her journey, featuring a reference to the Bible verse Proverbs 16:9, stating “I chose my path, but God ordered my steps.”

“Delayed does not mean denied. I can pray, and God guides my steps. But I have to do the steps too,” she said. “There’s no shortcut that you’re going to take to success. You have to do the work.”