All adults look back on their youth and regret some decisions that, at the time, didn't seem important at all. Rick Yeager is one of them.

Nearly thirty years ago, while married, working full time to pay for school at KU, and expecting a child with his wife, Karen; Rick earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Quite an accomplishment in itself, but as Rick notes, "It was kind of overwhelming and I decided not to attend commencement services."

He's regretted that ever since. "I felt empty when I received my degree in the mail," Rick said. "I worked so hard to make my dream come true and I did not get a chance to take time and enjoy my accomplishment. It wasn't until my daughter's KU graduation that it really hit me."

"It would have been so much better if I could have gone to my own ceremony."

In the years following, Rick worked for various companies in different engineering positions. In 2003 when Merriam, Kansas–based Lucent Technologies relocated out of the area, it left Rick without a job and with a decision to make. Now was the time to go back to school, advance his degree and have a real graduation.

When Rick began working full time at Honeywell FM & T, an engineering and manufacturing services provider in Kansas City, Mo., he entered the Engineering Management degree program at the KU Edwards Campus, which enabled him to gain experience and eventually mentor and lead other engineers.

"I really like the real–world instruction, being in contact with all kinds of people, and the ability to take care of my current engineering responsibilities without losing out on the lectures by using the Internet," he said. "One of the best experiences at the Edwards Campus was the first time I met Parveen, the Engineering Management program advisor. I was worried about being older and wondered if my background would allow me to get into the program. She helped me calmly work through the process," he added.

Now, just on the horizon after he finishes his final class in the program is that elusive graduation ceremony. "I hope this spring to get a two–for; I'll get to celebrate both my master's and my B.S.," Rick said.

He's really glad he chose to go back. "When I finally graduated from KU as an undergrad, I was so tired that I thought I'd never go back to school."

 "Now, after sending my daughter to KU and working many years, this is one of my proudest accomplishments," he said. "And I look forward to one more walk across the campus."