“She is a very dedicated student, but manages to balance her school work with her family obligations as well,” said Ivy Tech Academic Dean Debbie Halik. She is a single mother who returned to school after sixteen years and has had to balance life of family, community involvement and school adds Halik.

Boyd maintains a GPA of 4.0 and is involved in several extra-curricular activities. She is chairman of Phi Theta Kappa, president of the Student Government Association on the Gary campus, vice-president of Kappa Beta Delta, involved with the Student Leadership Academy at Ivy Tech, secretary of her church, volunteers within her community precinct organization and serves as a mentor in her subdivision community organization.

She also won the 2005 Chancellor’s Scholarship, received a leadership certificate from the national Kappa Beta Delta organization and was selected by her instructor to receive the computer specialist award.

Tamara Roberts, academic advisor said, “Her dedication to excellence comes through in every phase of her life. Cynthia often manages several projects at once and makes it appear effortless.”

Darrell Riddell, assistant professor of computer information systems said he has witnessed her mentoring fellow students who were having problems with their class work. “She possess keen communication skills, computer skills and leadership traits, qualities that successful companies and educational institutions value.”

“Making the decision to return to school after sixteen years has been a rewarding challenge and has made me proud of all the achievements that I have accomplished,” said Boyd.