Ryan O'Rourke, C'14
By Shelby Longland, ‘13
Ryan O’Rourke, C’14, has made a successful career in the wine and spirits distribution business. As a strong candidate for a promotion at his company, O’Rourke interviewed with many important company personnel and eventually landed an interview with the vice president of the company.
Clearly, his work track record showed that he was qualified for the job, yet he was not offered the position. There was one thing his résumé lacked: an advanced degree. He had worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder at his company, but without a college degree, could ascend no further.
The vice president of the company reminded O’Rourke about the importance of education, as well as the company’s education initiatives. He encouraged O’Rourke to “take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program offered by the company.” The VP explained that earning an advanced degree would help O’Rourke “secure his future beyond the company.”
Instead of simply being disappointed about not receiving the promotion, O’Rourke, with his boss’ encouragement, decided to look the future. He realized that, with a degree, there were possibilities even beyond this promotion.
He decided to enroll in the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies Bachelor of Liberal Arts program, with focus areas in American Studies and Literature. O’Rourke was attracted to SPCS because of the “small classes offered, the opportunity to learn with other adult students, and the quality of the University and its faculty.”
While at Richmond, O’Rourke has had the opportunity to take classes in various disciplines, including literature, law and mathematics. He has also been able to explore his passion for music in an academic setting through a class studying the literature of hip-hop. O’Rourke explains that all of his classes have “cultivated and encouraged [his] growth as a writer,” and he is eager to use these new writing and communication skills in future pursuits.
O’Rourke was also offered SPCS scholarships that allow him to take these classes full time, and ensures that he will complete his degree program in four years. On top of his classes, O’Rourke continues to work full time. He explains that it is difficult to balance work, school and life. Despite this, O’Rourke has “fully embraced school and learning.” In fact, after graduation, he hopes to increase his knowledge by attending the Robins School of Business.
Faced with the harsh reality of the importance of a college degree, O’Rourke had to make a decision: work his current job, with limited mobility, or pursue a college degree and expand his possibilities for the future. With the support of his employer, the appeal of the University, and the aid of SPCS scholarships, the choice wasn’t hard to make.