Retired grandma is a mother of Dragons

Sharon Leinen’s dad and mom had a 5th-grade and an 8th-grade education, respectively. Her three siblings didn’t earn college degrees either. Yet, she always talked to her children about the value of a college education in getting a good job and achieving the goals they have in life. So, while Sharon’s three children attended MSU Moorhead, the Breckenridge, Minn., native was earning her associate of arts degree from North Dakota State College of Science. As a place-bound student, it was her only option at the time.

She says, “We were in it together! I wanted them to be proud of their mom because she had a college degree, too. I thought it was time I took my own advice.” That was in the early 2000s.

Sharon’s children, all MSUM graduates, enjoy meaningful careers in higher education inspired by their mother.  

• Heidi (Leinen) Fossen (’01, art history) later earned a second degree and is an accountant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Eric Leinen, (’02, English) also earned a master’s degree in counseling and student affairs from MSUM. He is a student advisor at Nevada State College.
• Heather (Leinen) Voorhees (’03, print journalism), earned a master’s degree in strategic communications, a Ph.D. in communication studies and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Center for Health Communication, University of Texas in Austin. She is an assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Montana.

Now, at age 69, Sharon Leinen is back in college at MSU Moorhead as a Dragon. She always had her mind set on completing a bachelor’s degree. But work and family always came first. She retired in 2019 from St. Mary’s School/Church in Breckenridge. She still lives on the family farm, tending miniature goats and steers and keeping up with a vast yard with flower and vegetable gardens. Still, retirement gives her the time and flexibility to attend classes.

“Why not keep the tradition going?” she said of her decision to attend MSUM. Her children had positive experiences, and so has she. She has three semesters left to complete her university studies major and expects to graduate in Spring 2025.

“I am proud of myself for being a first-generation college student. My kids have all been more than supportive of my decision to continue schooling. They have helped me navigate the computer system used by MSUM,” she said. “Since my son is a student advisor, I’ve relied on him for advice concerning classes. My oldest daughter bought me a planner to use with my homework assignments. My youngest daughter showed me the magic of Purdue’s OWL program for citing work and other helpful hints. They are always asking, ‘How are classes going?’”

Even though Sharon was “really scared about the online experience,” she says everyone at MSUM has been extremely helpful in navigating the university.

“I’ve relied on the tech people to walk me through things. My advisor has been so good in guiding me through class selection. And all the professors I’ve had are more than willing to help me understand the assignments or where to go to even find the assignments on the class site,” Sharon said. “Since I’m an ‘older than average student,’ I must register through the Registrar’s Office instead of online. Sue Bertsch has registered me – she’s been wonderful! Sometimes, the classes I’ve wanted have been full, but she’s talked to the professors to get me admitted. I can’t say enough about the whole process and everyone involved.”

MSUM is proud of all our students, but we are incredibly proud of Sharon’s perseverance and grit in achieving this lifelong personal goal of obtaining her bachelor’s degree.

“The best thing about my experience so far has been how easy it’s been to get back into the swing of school after all these years,” Sharon said. “I’m learning so much and having a great time doing it!”

And her advice to other prospective first-generation college students? Just do it! “Going back later is hard,” she says. “Be proud of yourself and think ahead to all the doors that will open because you have that education.”

Great advice from a mother of Dragons.