Call to Duty Doesn’t Stop Their Studies

Jonathan Gourley’s name wasn’t called at MSU Denver’s fall 2017 commencement ceremony, but the physics major’s name was in the program, and he certainly earned his degree. He just missed the ceremony because he had to work. His work is important.

Gourley is a sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve. He was called to active duty in the Corps’ Northern Command in October, two months before he was due to graduate from college.

Thanks to open conversation with his unit commanders and faculty members, Gourley made all the necessary arrangements to finish his coursework while deployed and graduate as planned.

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