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Steven Ross came back to Western Illinois University after 31 years to complete his degree.
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Ross as a member of the Western Illinois University football team in the early 1990s.
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Fulfilling a Promise: Ross Returns to WIU 31 Years Later to Finish Degree

December 22, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - After 31 years, Steven Ross is able to say he kept his promise as he walked across the graduation stage at Western Illinois University.

Ross originally attended WIU from 1990 through 1994, but never completed his degree. His mother made him promise to go back and finish. This summer and fall, Ross started taking online classes and finished the hours he needed to achieve a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and was able to come back to Macomb to participate in the Fall 2025 commencement ceremony.

"I made a promise to my mom before she passed that I was going to finish my degree," Ross said. "Western is my home. I wanted to keep that promise to my mom."

Ross credited his family for their support as he finished his degree.

"I'm older and have a better support system than I did before," Ross said. "My family was excited and helped me along.

He hopes other people who didn't finish their degree see his story and are inspired to reach out and utilize the resources available at WIU to see how they can do the same.

"The instructors really were helpful," Ross said. "They were always working with me and had great communication. I'm not computer savvy, but it was easy for me to do things online. It was so helpful and I would encourage anyone to finish their degree. It's worth it."

Ross began attending WIU in 1990, playing football for the Leathernecks under head coach Randy Ball after transferring from Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, KS. Ross was an honorable mention All-Gateway Conference wide receiver in 1992 and remembers his time as a Leatherneck fondly, including the Florida native's first ever snow game.

"Everything has changed so much," Ross said. "I love the Union and seeing the food court - they didn't have that when I was here. I just love being back on campus. I love the college life."

Ross currently works for the Manatee County School District in Bradenton, FL, as a behavior technician, assisting special needs students and other duties for the district.

As Ross prepared to walk across the graduation stage, he couldn't help but feel the emotions well up inside as his children and grandchildren watched.

"I'm nervous and anxious - I'm excited," he said. "I finished something and I'm excited to share this with my family."

To learn more about WIU's online programs, visit wiu.edu/online.

For more information on restarting your degree, visit go.wiu.edu/4s8qlNx.

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing