Michelle Cygan (BA '18)
A ‘Walk the Talk’ kind of mom!
Michelle Cygan, a paralegal in Caterpillar’s Legal Services Department, an SCPS Fellow, and a single mom raising two wonderful boys, has all the qualities of hard-work, zeal and perseverance that we at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies treasure most.
Michelle, a BA in Management graduate from 2018, was one of the early recipients of the SCPS Fellows Scholarship, a tuition assistance program that matches an employer’s tuition reimbursement up to $5,250. This means that Michelle had strengthened support – not just from Caterpillar, but from Loyola SCPS – as she undertook her journey to graduation.
“Loyola’s SCPS Fellows program allows for generous financial support toward my tuition expenses. It is through Loyola’s partnership with my employer that I have been awarded substantial support in tuition assistance. Without Loyola’s alliance with Caterpillar, my pursuit for a higher education would probably have been delayed and more burdensome.”
What is even more wonderful, is the tremendous support and motivation she gets from colleagues and her manager.
“I have received continuous encouragement from my supervising attorney, Liz LeBaron. It helps me to remain focused and driven. In fact, some of the real-world skills I have learned, like project management and public speaking, have been recognized by my employer through a promotion.”
Managing a demanding career, a commanding academic schedule and two young boys cannot be an easy task. But Michelle instills in her boys – the same profound faith that helps her connect to Loyola’s Jesuit mission of seeking God in all things.
“I lead by example so my boys will also learn and grow from their challenges. My hope is that they will experience life to the fullest, never using fear to hold them back. I want them to know that there is no right age to pursue your dreams. And their support and excitement does wonders for helping me take one day at a time and accomplish those small victories that lead to the bigger award.”
Michelle’s incredible belief in her faith, combined with the support she received at Loyola and Caterpillar, topped of course by her indomitable spirit and passion, is an inspiration to adults returning to school.
“It is reassuring to know that Loyola’s staff and professors are truly invested in my future and success. Coupled with their unwavering drive, the tuition assistance program, and Caterpillar’s backing – I am able to keep my eye on the prize and realize that I too, will soon have a sense of pride and accomplishment associated with being a graduate.”
Michelle graduated from SCPS in 2018, and her enthusiasm and determination has made us proud that she chose Loyola’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies as a route to her dreams!
A ‘Walk the Talk’ kind of mom!
Michelle Cygan, a paralegal in Caterpillar’s Legal Services Department, an SCPS Fellow, and a single mom raising two wonderful boys, has all the qualities of hard-work, zeal and perseverance that we at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies treasure most.
Michelle, a BA in Management graduate from 2018, was one of the early recipients of the SCPS Fellows Scholarship, a tuition assistance program that matches an employer’s tuition reimbursement up to $5,250. This means that Michelle had strengthened support – not just from Caterpillar, but from Loyola SCPS – as she undertook her journey to graduation.
“Loyola’s SCPS Fellows program allows for generous financial support toward my tuition expenses. It is through Loyola’s partnership with my employer that I have been awarded substantial support in tuition assistance. Without Loyola’s alliance with Caterpillar, my pursuit for a higher education would probably have been delayed and more burdensome.”
What is even more wonderful, is the tremendous support and motivation she gets from colleagues and her manager.
“I have received continuous encouragement from my supervising attorney, Liz LeBaron. It helps me to remain focused and driven. In fact, some of the real-world skills I have learned, like project management and public speaking, have been recognized by my employer through a promotion.”
Managing a demanding career, a commanding academic schedule and two young boys cannot be an easy task. But Michelle instills in her boys – the same profound faith that helps her connect to Loyola’s Jesuit mission of seeking God in all things.
“I lead by example so my boys will also learn and grow from their challenges. My hope is that they will experience life to the fullest, never using fear to hold them back. I want them to know that there is no right age to pursue your dreams. And their support and excitement does wonders for helping me take one day at a time and accomplish those small victories that lead to the bigger award.”
Michelle’s incredible belief in her faith, combined with the support she received at Loyola and Caterpillar, topped of course by her indomitable spirit and passion, is an inspiration to adults returning to school.
“It is reassuring to know that Loyola’s staff and professors are truly invested in my future and success. Coupled with their unwavering drive, the tuition assistance program, and Caterpillar’s backing – I am able to keep my eye on the prize and realize that I too, will soon have a sense of pride and accomplishment associated with being a graduate.”
Michelle graduated from SCPS in 2018, and her enthusiasm and determination has made us proud that she chose Loyola’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies as a route to her dreams!