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Scholarship recipients LaGeisha Espy and Adam Tucker achieve academic goals with help of Tyrone Thompson Scholarship

��ɫ��Ƶ celebrates the accomplishments of two of its graduates, LaGeisha Epsy and Adam Tucker, who began their journey at the University as recipients of the Tyrone Thompson Scholarship. The scholarship, established to honor the memory of the late Nevada Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson, is a full-tuition award for prospective student applicants from Nevada pursuing an undergraduate degree. Epsy and Tucker graduated from the ��ɫ��Ƶ during its Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, March 2, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, and received their degrees alongside more than 2,500 graduating students from five different countries and 48 U.S. states.

“Adam and LaGeisha have demonstrated grit, determination and optimism throughout their educational journey, following the example the late Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson set. It is a tremendous honor to bear witness to their success," states ��ɫ��Ƶ National Workforce Director Lauri Perdue. “I am incredibly proud of these two graduates and cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.”

Espy, who received the 2022 Tyrone Thompson Scholarship, began working on her accounting more than 20 years ago but put her education on hold to become a full-time stay at home mother. She knew of Thompson’s legacy in the community, and it inspired her to both volunteer with local youth and to pursue her college education. “Attaining my college degree means so much because I see it as more than a step for personal growth; it's a means to elevate others alongside me,” states Epsy. “I now believe that influencing the lives of future generations is achievable at any age, and my conviction remains strong that the most significant achievements arise in the face of adversity."

Tucker, who left high school to work and eventually earned his GED, picked up his education again when he decided to take courses in the automotive technology program at a local community college and begin working as an auto mechanic. Tucker discovered his passion for the industry and wanted to make an impact through educating others. He decided to enroll at ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Las Vegas Campus to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Teacher Education, and the scholarship covered the remaining cost of his tuition.

“For several years, I considered returning to school,” shares Tucker. “When I discovered the Tyrone Thompson scholarship, I knew I had to apply. The scholarship was founded on principles that resonated with me, including the importance of education, mentorship, and service to my community. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I felt consistently supported. My interactions with everyone who represented the university were marked by professionalism. The format of the classes was flexible enough to let me achieve my academic goals without disrupting my everyday life. I have been set up for success by everyone involved in my career as a student, and I am eager to continue as a lifelong learner.”

Nevada Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson, for whom the scholarship was established, was chair of the North Las Vegas Assembly Education Committee when he suddenly passed away in May 2019, at the age of 51. His passing inspired the creation of the Tyrone Thompson Scholarship as a way for the University to honor Thompson for years to come. Thompson, an alum of ��ɫ��Ƶ, was known as a champion in education, homelessness initiatives, public health issues and employment discrimination. Thompson delivered the commencement for the University in June 2017.

The next in-person commencement ceremony for ��ɫ��Ƶ is scheduled to take place in Detroit, Michigan, in June.

Learn more about commencement at the ��ɫ��Ƶ here.

About ��ɫ��Ƶ

��ɫ��Ƶ innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.