New grads have emotional day

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By Stephanie De Pasquale | Sunday, December 17, 2006 1:12 AM CST | () comments

Ron Daiker had a busy weekend.

He finished his college career at the St. Ambrose University’s winter commencement ceremony Saturday at the RiverCenter in Davenport after tying the knot with his high school sweetheart Friday.

The couple had planned to marry earlier this year but had to postpone their wedding Dec. 15 because their church was under construction.

“It happened to be the day before graduation and we said we’re going to do it all,” said Diane Daiker, Ron’s new wife. “He graduated and with dean’s commendation and two degrees so we had to be there.”

Ron Daiker received his diploma with “Just Married” written in white letters across his black graduation cap.

“I felt every possible emotion,” he said. “Everything has worked out absolutely perfectly.”

Daiker, who graduated with degrees in political science and psychology, is currently searching for a new job to go with his new degrees and wife.

Virginia Carner, a mother and grandmother in her early 40s, also graduated.

“I didn’t finish high school and I want to do something with my life,” she said.

She finished her bachelor’s degree in accounting in three years at St. Ambrose University. She plans to take a certified public accountants exam this spring and begin a career as a CPA.

“She’s worked hard for it,” said Rachel Adkins, Carner’s daughter. “I’m proud she’s finally made it.”

Erin Cones is also glad she has finally received her master’s degree in business administration. For two years, Cones worked and went to school full-time.

“(Everything was) crazy hectic,” she said. “It was definitely a challenge and now I have so much free time.”

Cones said her husband has been very supportive throughout her two hectic years in school. “We get to spend those evenings together that we’ve missed out on for the past two years,” she said.

One’s of Cone’s more memorable moments of graduation actually came the night before commencement when students graduating with a master’s degree were given their hoods to signify their academic achievement.

Each graduate chose his or her favorite professor to put the hood on them for the first time. Cone chose Frank Borst, professor of managerial studies, to present her with her hood.

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2450 or newsroom@qctimes.com.

Graduates

In all, 176 bachelor’s degrees, 56 master’s degrees and 27 doctoral degrees were awarded to St. Ambrose graduates.

The ceremony was the first commencement ceremony Bishop Martin Amos, of the Diocese in Davenport, presided over, and the last winter commencement Edward Rogalski will take part in before he retires as president of St. Ambrose University in June.