For Xan Koonce, the road to graduation has been long and, occasionally, arduous. As a non-traditional student, Koonce began working on her degree some 25 years ago. She has been an employee of the University for almost 15 years, although she did not start working on her degree here until fall 1993. "At times it was challenging to work full-time, be a wife and mother and attend school, but with the encouragement of family and colleagues, I was able to finish this long-term goal," Koonce recalls.

She embraces her non-traditional student status and readily talks about the difference between real-world experience and that of the college classroom. She says, "There are many things that you can learn in the real world that cannot be taught in the classroom. There is no replacement for hands-on experience." Fittingly, Koonce sees the Paideia Program as a great stepping-stone for students because of the real-world advantages it offers its scholars.

Graduating just over a month ago, Koonce received her BA in studio arts, with an emphasis on painting. She loves abstract painting, and considers it one of her main outlets. Through painting, Koonce discovered that creativity stems from every facet of existence. "Art is more than just the paint and the brush--it surrounds us," she says.

As the assistant director of university events, Koonce truly delights in her job. Her duties are many and include planning events like Homecoming, Commencement, the Distinguished Alumni award ceremony and the President's Holiday Party. Of all these events, Koonce has found the greatest joy in preparing for Commencement. She loves the fact that she is able to facilitate the graduation celebration for so many people.

"The element I love most about my job is when there is a call for visual creativity." She explains, "It's nice to work beyond the more typical tasks of preparing menus, color schemes and floral arrangements." Such times allow her to bring her artistic passion into her job. She notes further, "Creativity seems to be interwoven into the fabric of our being." For Koonce, finding opportunities to express that creativity within her work make it all the more enjoyable.

Koonce's unique position at the University--as both a staff member and a student--provided her with a unique perspective on the SU educational experience. She is more than happy to pass along the knowledge she has gained. Koonce advises current students to make contact with the faculty and stay connected. "In my years here, I have seen many students come and go, but so few take advantage of the wonderful resources the professors have to offer."

One of Koonce's favorite professors at the University is Laura Hobgood-Oster, associate professor of religion and philosophy. "She has a passion for teaching and constantly challenges her students to think outside the box," she says. Koonce also appreciates the diversity of the University and the conversations it generates. "I think it's great that the professors and students can create a dialogue about it."

When questioned regarding her immediate plans, Koonce says, "Many of my colleagues have asked me what I will do following graduation, but it's difficult to think about doing anything besides what I do now. I love my job." She admits, however, that she looks forward to being able to paint without the interference of homework.

Koonce was born and raised in Odessa, Texas. She is married to her husband of 24 years, Joe, and has one daughter, Ashley, a recent graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Koonce graduated magna cum laude and was also a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. When she is not painting, she spends her free time working with community organizations such as the Georgetown Area Community Foundation, her church and the Georgetown Independent School District mentoring program.