A Degree 44 Years in the Making
62-year-old Rutgers–Camden senior returned to college later in life and is receiving her undergraduate degree
When Luegerther “Jackie” Sykes initially enrolled at Rutgers University–Camden, the campus did not look the way it does now.
“The library had books—that was our technology,” Sykes said. “The Raptor Roost in the Campus Center had pool tables, and my son learned to play pool there." It was 1980, and Sykes was a young woman just out of high school with dreams of studying economics.
Sykes remained committed to her studies, even as she married and had two children. However, in 1988, financial pressures forced her to put her studies on hold and focus on work full time. She went on to have a successful professional career in a variety of roles, eventually obtaining her paralegal certificate and landing at a local law firm.
Life threw Sykes another curveball in the early 2000s: Her son, Robert Campbell, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Because the progression of his disease quickly led him to become wheelchair-bound, Sykes decided to leave her job and seek training as a home health care aide so she could care for her son full time.
Sykes never imagined that being her son’s full-time caregiver would lead her back to Rutgers–Camden, but, in 2016, that is exactly what happened.
Jackie Sykes and her son Robert Campbell
Jackie Sykes and her son Robert Campbell
“I started to come to campus to meet with a group that focused on caregiving specifically for people with MS," said Sykes. “One day, out of curiosity, I went to the registrar's office to see where I stood with my degree, and to my surprise, I was only 11 credits shy of graduation."
Sykes reenrolled in 2016 as an economics major, eager to return to the subject that was her focus and passion so many years ago. “Economics has so many layers. It's history, politics, and finance all rolled into one,” she said.
Not surprisingly, the campus Sykes returned to was drastically different from the one she left in 1988, physically and technologically. In addition, she faced the challenge of finding care for her son so she could attend class. Eventually, she decided to bring him with her. All told, her journey to degree completion was not an easy one.
She credits the university community with helping her get to graduation day. Those who know Sykes credit her tenacity and delight in learning as big parts of her success.
“Jackie expressed unparalleled joy when she was able to overcome a difficult problem,” said Selim Cakmakli, an assistant professor in the Rutgers–Camden Department of Economics. Sykes took the course Forecasting and Business Cycles with Cakmakli in the fall of 2023 and recalled how he patiently assisted her in understanding the software needed to succeed in the class.
“Jackie has a powerful sense of purpose and service to others," said Nate Walker, a lecturer in the university's Department of Philosophy and Religion. He had Sykes as a student in two different courses as she finished her degree. “She consistently elevated our classes with her empathetic and selfless zest for life.”
And, while her joy and zest for life are likely to be on display as she crosses the stage at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion to get her diploma, what she expects to feel the most is gratitude.
“I am so grateful I will get my degree after all these years,” said Sykes. “I am a senior citizen now, and I'm just so glad I came back to Rutgers–Camden to pursue my goal of getting my degree.”
“I am so grateful I will get my degree after all these years. I am a senior citizen now, and I'm just so glad I came back to Rutgers–Camden to pursue my goal of getting my degree.”
Photography: Caroline Brobeil
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