Logan Wolph and Carol Schermbeck have recently been recognized for their achievements as the youngest and oldest graduates in the class of 2013.
At 17 years old, Wolph is the youngest student to graduate, and Shermbeck at 69 is the oldest. Wolph graduated Cum Laude, which means completing his degree with at least a 3.5 GPA. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and Shermbeck obtained a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies.
Both alumni said being younger or older than your typical college student has had its advantages and disadvantages, but both agree age doesn’t matter.
“There were always challenges throughout my college experience, but I don’t feel they were much different from what most students face,” Wolph said. “It was a challenge for me to maintain good grades and manage my time wisely, but I don’t think my age had much of an impact on it.”
Similarly, Shermbeck said that staying on track was the most difficult part.
“You have to discipline yourself,” she said. “You know you can’t go home and watch TV or read the paper, you’ve got to do school work.”
Shermbeck decided to work toward her liberal studies degree after working for the University’s Military Science Department.
“It’s always been a long term goal for me,” she said. “I got a job working for the University and thought, ‘Well hey, what a good way to get an education.’”
Wolph is currently reviewing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). He plans to attend dental school this fall at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
Shermbeck plans to use her degree to become a substitute teacher after her retirement in September of this year.
“I was a mentor for the Springboard program at Sylvania Southview High School, which gave me a teaching credit,” Shermbeck said. “I wasn’t going to waste that credit.”
The two students said the best part about attending the Unversity was because their fellow classmates and professors contributed to making it a great experience.
It made all that much worthwhile, Wolph said.
“The camaraderie that the University has between other employees and the staff; they’re very accepting,” Shermbeck said. “It’s surprising how some of them become good friends.”
Wolph said he enjoyed the atmosphere of the University and how friendly the students were. He said he was glad he had the opportunity to learn from his peers and professors.
For both students, their time at the University has prepared them for their future plans.
“I’m happy to be done, but then you know when you’re done you think ‘Geez, what am I going to do with all of my time now?’” Shermbeck said.
