Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award

UCEA honors adult students over the age of 25 for noteworthy achievements in the pursuit of excellence in continuing education. This year's national outstanding continuing education student awardee was selected from among the award-winning students chosen by UCEA's six regional organizations.

Mary Jane Oatman-Wak Wak

Lewis-Clark State College

Mary Jane Oatman-Wak Wak graduated from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho, in May 2006. That she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in justice studies with a Minor in Nez Perce language studies, carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.59, is impressive. But it doesn't properly frame her four years at the College, or the impact of her education on her family, community, and the state of Idaho.

"I put any fear of failure aside when I enrolled," she says. "I had already failed once at college, not quite prepared with the skills to survive in the culture of higher education. This time was going to be different-I had the motivation to succeed, not only for myself but for my husband Fred, my newborn son Jackson, and my entire family."

In four years at LCSC, Oatman-Wak Wak passionately pursued her education. During her third year, she was elected to the College's Academic Senate. The following year she was elected Student Body Vice President. She was actively involved with both the Ambassador Honor Society and Mock Trial, and served an internship as an Education Specialist providing prison inmates with college and career information. She learned the Nez Perce language, and while doing so she volunteered to teach Nez Perce history classes at Lapwai High School on the Reservation near campus. A kinesiology course inspired her to live a healthier lifestyle. And, as the first member of her family to attend college, she inspired her mother and grandmother to enroll at LCSC as well. Both have completed degrees.

"Mary is passionate about learning," says Kathy L. Martin, Dean, Community Programs at Lewis-Clark State College. "She was often faced with challenges of a non-traditional student as a wife, mother and family member. She is an excellent role model for others, and inspires them to make positive changes in their lives."

A year after graduation, Oatman-Wak Wak was appointed by Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna as the first Idaho State Department of Education Indian Education Coordinator; she serves as a liaison between the Department and Native American tribal leaders. And she is 12 credits away from earning a master's degree in anthropology from the University of Idaho, Moscow; she plans to finish the degree this fall.

"I feel honored to carry on the legacy of my family, and to proudly represent the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people," she says. "Even though I have achieved the goal of obtaining my criminal justice degree, I look at education as a lifelong journey."