Springfield woman earns STCC degree at 46; fulfills dream

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – At 46, Karyn Lawrence is achieving a long-held dream: earning her associate degree in Social Work from Springfield Technical Community College.

A Springfield native and longtime human services professional, Lawrence will graduate in May 2025, capping off a journey marked by personal resilience, career success and a deep commitment to helping others. STCC will hold a Commencement ceremony on May 29 at the MassMutual Center to honor the Class of 2025 graduates, including Lawrence who studied Human Services/Social Work and will earn an Associate in Arts.

“I was scared when I started at STCC,” said Lawrence. “I doubted myself a whole lot. But my husband and my daughter pushed me. They told me, ‘You can do this.’”

Lawrence’s path to higher education has been anything but traditional, but reflects a pathway common for many adults. After graduating from Springfield’s High School of Commerce in 1997, she began a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, inspired by her mother’s caregiving work. Over the next two decades, she advanced through the human services field – eventually becoming a program director at the Mental Health Association, Inc. (MHA) in Chicopee, where she oversees residential programs supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

In 2022, a flyer promoting a certificate program in Alcohol and Drug Counseling through STCC reignited her interest in school.

“I applied, got accepted, and that’s when I really got my head in the game,” she said.

She completed the certificate program while working full-time and raising a family, then chose to continue on to earn her associate degree. Lawrence also completed an internship at one of MHA’s recovery houses, inspired in part by her sister’s struggles with substance use.

Karyn is an incredibly dedicated student who brought her life and work experience into every classroom discussion. Ashley Pease, Professor of Psychology

In recognition of her commitment to community service and academic achievement, Lawrence received STCC’s Sojourner Truth Award and was named to the Dean’s List multiple times. She lives with severe dyslexia but, this challenge did not limit her academic success. She chose not to seek academic accommodations. “I wanted to do this on my own and prove I could succeed,” she said.

Lawrence will transfer to Elms in the fall through a bachelor’s degree completion program in partnership with STCC. She plans to earn her bachelor’s and ultimately her master’s degree to become a licensed social worker and therapist.

She juggles a demanding schedule – 40 hours a week as a director, 20 hours at the recovery house, and family responsibilities that include raising her daughter and helping care for her stepchildren.

STCC Interim Dean of Liberal and Professional Studies Steven Nelson praised Lawrence as an inspiration to students of all ages.

“Karyn embodies the spirit of perseverance and purpose that defines so many of our students at STCC,” Nelson said. “Her story shows that it’s never too late to achieve your educational goals and make a meaningful impact in your community.”

One of Lawrence’s biggest supporters on campus was Professor Ashley Pease, a professor of psychology who supervised her internship.

“Karyn is an incredibly dedicated student who brought her life and work experience into every classroom discussion,” said Pease. “She leads with compassion, and she’s truly driven by a desire to help others. Watching her grow into her potential has been one of the greatest joys of teaching.”

Lawrence encourages others, whether just graduating high school or returning to school later in life, to pursue their goals.

“For someone my age, I want them to know it’s never too late,” she said. “Society tells us we should have our degrees by our 20s. But you don’t have to do everything on society’s timeline. I’m here to prove that.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4312

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