The Remarkable Story of Cheyney’s 60-Year-Old Valedictorian Who Lived on Campus

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Rhonda Davis, left.

Rhonda Davis, 60, a grandmother of 11, moved into the dorms at Cheyney University to complete her education and became the Class of 2019’s valedictorian, writes Susan Snyder for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Davis decided to move from her Philadelphia apartment to the Cheyney campus after her husband left her when she told him she was going back to school. The tab for living in the dorm was mostly covered by her full scholarship to the honors program, which she earned by excelling at the Community College of Philadelphia.

She continued to thrive at Cheyney, graduating from the nation’s oldest historically black college with a 3.97 GPA and two bachelor’s degrees, one in fine arts and the other in graphic design.

Davis also provided support to other students, tutoring them, giving them advice, and encouraging them to go to class.

“She’s such an inspiration, not only to the students, but to all of us,” said Elisabeth Burton, executive director for campus life and student affairs.

Davis plans to move back to Philadelphia and has already started a business hand-painting jewelry boxes. She also plans to write and illustrate children’s books and pursue an online master’s degree in fine arts.

Read more about Cheyney University’s valedictorian in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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