Dawn Weaver first came to Ohio State’s Columbus campus during the summer of 1994. She was studying for an alternative license to teach cosmetology classes at a local career center. After obtaining her full license, she began working as a cosmetology instructor at South-Western Career Academy. But she wasn’t ready to stop. Since 1998, Weaver painstakingly has taken one class each semester to earn a bachelor’s degree. Caring for her family and the death of both parents took her out of school periodically, but she always returned.

This spring, Weaver earned her degree in workforce development and education. Her family cheered from the stands. She pays back for the support that EHE has provided by mentoring new career and technical education teachers as they begin their careers, just as she did 23 years ago.