Graduation Spotlight: Linda S. Hon, Ed.D.

To celebrate Union Institute & University's National Commencement, we are highlighting a few of the recent graduates. Each participant was asked to write a response, in their own words, to the question “How has your Union experience changed your life?”

Linda S. Hon
Ed.D with a specialization in
Educational Leadership, 2013
Twinsburg, Ohio

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams -Eleanor Roosevelt

It was this thought that encouraged me to fulfill my dream of earning my doctorate in education, becoming a college professor, and teaching pre-service teachers. So, as I neared the end of my elementary school teaching career, I began to look for a doctoral program and found Union Institute and University. I am so glad I did.

From the beginning of my first July residency at Union, there was an impression of warmth and caring, along with the perception of tough challenges ahead. Both were true, and the warmth and caring of the professors and cohort members carried me through the challenging coursework.  Union exemplifies what university education should be—theoretical and practical applications, cooperative and independent learning, varied assessments, professors imparting their vast knowledge, who are available for assistance at all times, and who also have become friends and mentors, and cohort members who have been so supportive and intellectually stimulating. This experience has given me insights and direction for my future career as a college professor.

As I pursue the next part of my dream, university teaching, I am so grateful for what I have learned and experienced, and the new colleagues and friends in my life. Wayne Gretzky, a famous hockey player, said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”  I took a “shot” on Union Institute and University, on my education, on my future, and I won.

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Dr. Linda S. Hon received her bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio State University and her master’s in education from Kent State University. The Ohio native taught for 35 years in the Twinsburg City School District.

Dr. Hon recently achieved her dream of earning a doctoral degree. Her future plans include teaching at the college level and instructing pre-service teachers. She is married and is the proud parent of one daughter.

Learn more about Union Institute & University's Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program.

Read more National Commencement graduate stories:
Annette Aron, Ed.D.
Kenzia Carpenter, Ph.D.
Lisha Lungelow

Graduation Spotlight: Annette Aron, Ed.D.

Union Institute & University's National Commencement is October 12, 2013 in Cincinnati. To celebrate, we are highlighting a few of the upcoming doctoral graduates. Each participant was asked to write a response, in their own words, to the question “How has your Union experience changed your life?”

Annette Aron
Ed.D. with a specialization in Educational Leadership, 2013
Georgetown, Texas

What began as an interest in obtaining a doctorate degree became a full endeavor for me as I returned to graduate school in my mid-50’s to earn my Ed.D. with a specialization in Educational Leadership (Pre K-12). I wanted to be part of a program and school community that was committed to the academic scholarship of students while offering them an opportunity to shape their lives as practitioners. I came away with so much more. I completed my Ed.D degree, I am graduating with a 4.0 average, and I researched and wrote my dissertation The Attrition of African American and Hispanic Students in Advanced Placement: Implications for Retention.

Early in my experiences, I recognized that the complex ideas and issues of social justice would become a common thread in everything I learned. I became part of a community of learners that modeled and practiced the principles of justice. The study of compelling topics, research, writings, internships, dialogue with cohort learners and faculty, reflective practice, technological innovations, dissertation, and a host of other learning experiences helped to shape my experiences as an authentic school leader. My enriched and unique experiences at Union Institute & University taught me the relevance of understanding self and my role as a change agent. I understand that a big factor in creating change comes from taking a leap of faith and having the moral courage to do so. I developed the skills and attributes of an authentic school leader and educator—empowering me to shape school reform, teaching practices, and innovations that are necessary to provide an inclusive education for scholars built upon the principles of equity, fairness, and quality for all children. I am able to visualize a future filled with new possibilities that unite us in the preservation of the world we live in.

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Dr. Annette Aron has more than 35 years of experience in the field of education, including serving as a school administrator for the Austin Independent School District in Texas. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in education from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas. She later earned an M.B.A. from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos before pursing her Doctor of Education at Union Institute & University.

Dr. Aron is an active member of several organizations including the Pi Omega Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Round Rock, Texas; Phi Delta Kappa, Chapter 12 of Austin, Texas; Austin Area Alliance of Black School Educators; Association of Secondary School Principals; National Black MBA Association; and the Jarvis Christian College Alumni Association.

Learn more about Union Institute & University’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program here.

Read more National Commencement graduate stories:
Kenzia Carpenter, Ph.D.
Lisha Lungelow
Linda S. Hon, Ed.D.