Stalcup winner sees success in career change

The work was worthwhile to make daughter proud

For all the excitement around Laramie County Community College’s commencement on May 11, the day’s most memorable moment came after the ceremony for graduate Kathryn Masters.

Masters, a single mom, was out to lunch with her daughter just after leaving Storey Gym, LCCC’s temporary commencement venue. While eating, Masters’ 16-year-old told her that she’d been “bragging” to a stranger about her mom’s graduation.

"She's never said anything like that before,” Masters said. “I'm sure she's been proud of me before, but to have her say that she was just talking to a random stranger and bragging about her mom; that was pretty special."

As a graduate of LCCC’s Health Information Technology Management Program, Masters, who is 55, already had a lot to be proud of. But in recognition of her outstanding performance as a student and community member at LCCC, she was named the 2024 recipient of the Jan and W.M. Stalcup Excellence Award.

The Stalcup Award is an annual honor recognizing a student who has significantly engaged with the LCCC community, focusing on service rather than solely academic performance. The award includes a cash prize with no stipulations, allowing the recipient to use it as they wish. This award celebrates students who exemplify dedication, community involvement and a commitment to making a positive impact.

"To me, the honor of being selected for the award is what truly matters,” Masters said. “The cash award is secondary. I would have been completely happy just to be honored by the award itself."

Balancing a full-time job as a proctor in the exam lab at LCCC and a demanding course load, Masters maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively engaging in community service, including volunteering at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. Her dedication to her studies and her supportive role as a proctor made her significant to LCCC and her program in the Health Sciences & Wellness Pathway. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year institutions that recognizes outstanding students.

Through it all, Masters said her relationship with her daughter was at the center of her life. It’s always been just the two of them, forming a close-knit team. Whether they’re volunteering together, venting about school assignments or traveling for her daughter's volleyball team, she said it’s a unique and special bond that has made her life full.

"I believe my daughter and I have a unique relationship,” she said. “I've always been honest and open with her, which has strengthened our bond. She knows she can come to me about anything without fear of judgment. We've always had a good relationship because of that."

A new start

Serving in the U.S. Army for 23 years, Masters, a Florida native, retired in 2014. Her final move from the service brought her to Wyoming, where she sought a place with fewer people, clean air and less traffic compared to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, where she’d spent much of her military time.

“I just love the mountains and the West and wanted something different than I had been doing,” Masters said.

It wasn’t clear what Masters should do after retirement, she said. Before her military service, she earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in computer information systems during her time in the Army. While Masters could have pursued a high-stress career post-retirement, she preferred less demanding jobs to spend quality time with her daughter, supported by her retirement pay.

The opportunity to work as a proctor in LCCC’s Exam Lab presented itself. Financial barriers had previously hindered her existing interest in pursuing the HITM Program, but working as a proctor at the college enabled her to overcome these challenges.

Throughout her time at LCCC, it was always a game of balancing work, school and her personal life. To maintain her 4.0 GPA while taking six classes in her last semester, Masters followed a weekly plan to manage her time effectively. She prioritized completing homework and assignments before the weekend to spend quality time with her daughter. By setting specific goals each day, she ensured that her academic responsibilities were met without compromising that time.

Whatever she had going on, Masters said she managed to keep everything in balance.

"I always make a weekly plan to ensure all my homework and assignments are completed before the weekend because weekends are dedicated to spending time with my daughter,” she said. “We're often busy with activities, so having everything done ahead of time is essential. I find that having a structured plan helps me stay on track.”

The LCCC chapter closes

For Masters, it really hit her that the LCCC journey was coming to a close when she turned in her final project in the Health Information Technology Management Program. She worked to identify security gaps in health information systems. With her background in computer information systems, the project allowed her to combine her expertise in computers with her interest in health information.

Improving healthcare systems by focusing on the privacy and security of patient information, particularly in areas involving remote workers, is a top priority for Masters, and her work makes her feel like she’s making a contribution. Closing her time at LCCC this way, she said, was a remarkable feeling.

As she prepared for commencement, Masters felt both relieved and excited. The culmination of all her hard work brought a sense of relief, but she was also eager for the next chapter. With her daughter applying to colleges, including those in Florida where Masters' family lives, she anticipates a possible move to be closer to family.

In his commencement address on May 11, LCCC President Joe Schaffer highlighted the graduates' remarkable journey, marked by hard work, dedication and growth. He encouraged them to reflect on the unique paths that led them to this significant moment as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“Each one of you has embarked on a journey that is distinctly your own,” he said. “From the late-night study sessions to the moments of self-discovery, you have navigated through the twists and turns of academia with resilience and courage. Your accomplishments are a testament to your individuality, your strength, and your unwavering commitment to success.”

The feeling of accomplishment was personally gratifying for Masters, but perhaps the most important aspect of the day was setting a strong example for her daughter.

“She’s seen me work hard, face challenges and still persevere,” she said. “She used to think I did everything perfectly, but now she understands that I’m human and sometimes struggle too. Seeing me pursue and achieve my goal has shown her the value of determination and resilience."