Polk State grad gets degree five decades after dropping out in memory of loved one
More than 50 years after dropping out of high school, Steve Gardner is prepared to walk across the RP Funding Center stage as a Polk State College graduate.
Gardner will earn his Associate in Arts as part of Polk State’s 132nd Commencement Ceremony on Thursday. Now 67 years old, Gardner serves as a testament to what’s possible when someone puts their mind to something.
“If you’ve even thought about going back to school, you probably know deep down that you want to do it and it’s very doable,” he opined. “With the support system at the College, the resources are there to succeed. I wish I would have done it a long time ago.”
Gardner was just 16 years old when he dropped out of Auburndale High School in 1973. After getting a summer job, Gardner recalls falling in love with his paycheck. Rather than finish school, he decided to enter the workforce.
A return to school, however, was always in the back of Gardner’s mind. He went to night school briefly in his 20s, but transportation issues forced him to quit once again.
For years, Gardner and Shirley Cason, his companion of more than 25 years, discussed the idea. Cason died in 2016. In her memory, Gardner made a leap of faith in 2021 and went to East Area Adult School to get his general education degree (GED).
“We had always talked about getting our diplomas,” Gardner recalled. “I thought about it a lot of times. I was driving by one day and decided to step in. This was during COVID times, so we couldn’t invite but four people to graduation.”
Gardner spent his working life as a laborer with a good portion of that time in the aluminum business. He later worked at Publix Super Markets before retiring. After earning his GED in 2021, it was the words of Pam Seely, the transition specialist at East Area Adult School, that made Gardner realize that he wasn’t done getting an education.
“When I went to turn in my cap and gown – we just rented them; we didn’t keep them – Ms. Seely asked me if I thought about going to college,” Gardner explained. “With me being on social security, she said I could probably get a grant.”
Gardner applied to Polk State in 2021 and began taking classes during the Spring 2022 Semester. With a 3.9 grade-point average, Gardner will graduate magna cum laude.
“I’ve enjoyed myself,” Gardner said. “I’ve had good professors. I know the tutors, the TLCC (Teaching Learning Computing Center) people, and the librarians by name. That was what I learned in the First-Year Experience class with Professor Carol Martinson – know who is there to help you.”
Over the last three years, Gardner has worked at his own pace and with a schedule he considers manageable. Martinson has been part of a wide support system during his time at Polk State.
“She’s always been there,” Gardner explained. “I had four classes with her: First-Year Seminar, English I, English II, and Literature. She has always directed me to the right people.
“Professor (Kim) Hess helped with my math,” he added. “Her door was always open. Pam Seely has been there as well.”
In addition to his educational support system, Gardner continues to be motivated by Cason’s memory. Each morning, he has a cup of coffee at her gravesite – something he’s done every day since her death.
“She always bragged about how smart I was,” Gardner recalled. “She believed in me and was always there for me. I’ve never missed a morning cup of coffee with her.”
As was the case when he earned his GED, Gardner doesn’t think his educational journey is complete. He plans to enter the Polk State Business Program to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Unafraid to return to work in his 70s, Gardner thinks past work experience could be useful in the future.
“When I get my bachelor’s, I might reenter the workforce,” he exclaimed. “I’m thinking about logistics. There’s so much technology now compared to when I was in the workforce. Computers do everything now, but the idea is still the same – you have to get product out to the people who need it.”
As Gardner walks across the stage, he will become the oldest member of the College’s 132nd class.
“It feels good to accomplish something like this,” Gardner concluded. “I’m proud of my accomplishment. I really love this College and how everyone here helps people. It’s going to mean a lot. Wherever she is, I know my Shirley is proud, too.”