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This week, ����ɫ��ҹ University at Trumbull will celebrate a special milestone for its graduating class and for Sarah McCulley, a proud member of the Class of 2025 and student speaker at Friday's commencement ceremony. A Mathews High School graduate and mother of two, McCulley's path to her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is one of perseverance, purpose and personal growth.

McCulley’s journey was anything but traditional. As a young adult, she focused on raising her children, Carter (11) and Gracelynn (10), with her husband, Brian Tingler. When the pandemic hit, her children were older, and she began reevaluating her future. She realized it was her turn to pursue a lifelong dream: becoming a nurse.

“I’ve always worked with the public in retail jobs, but during the pandemic, I realized I wanted to do more. I wanted to truly help people in my community,” she said.

McCulley’s academic path began with a series of phone calls. Originally planning to attend another college for nursing, she found herself needing to complete several prerequisites first. That’s when she reached out to ����ɫ��ҹ Trumbull, unsure what she would find. Each time, it was former admissions counselor and BSN graduate Melissa Kuneli who answered the phone, and each time, she helped McCulley navigate course options.

"By the fifth call, I thought to myself, ‘If Melissa is this kind, then the rest of ����ɫ��ҹ Trumbull’s faculty and staff must be just as wonderful.’ That same day, I applied,” McCulley said.

Four years later, she will stand before her graduating class not only as a nurse but as a voice of inspiration.

While juggling coursework and family life, McCulley found a second home at ����ɫ��ҹ Trumbull. She was actively involved with the Student Nurses Association and led the group as president this past year. The group contributed to local volunteer efforts and helped McCulley grow both professionally and personally. Now, she is preparing to take the next step, working in the Emergency Department at Mercy Health’s St. Joseph Hospital.

McCulley plans to spend the next two years gaining hands-on experience before returning to ����ɫ��ҹ to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing. “I’m so grateful to ����ɫ��ҹ Trumbull, the Regional Campus System and the College of Nursing for an amazing academic journey and four unforgettable years,” she said. "I couldn't have done this without our amazing faculty. I’m especially grateful to my husband and children for their constant love and support — without their dedication and sacrifices, I wouldn’t be celebrating this achievement.”

When she takes the stage Friday night, McCulley will offer a message of resilience to her fellow graduates: “Let’s remember what we’ve learned, the good times we’ve had, and the friends we’ve made. The future is open, so let's strive to always be a better person and never give up on our dreams.”

United Way of Trumbull County President and Chief Executive Officer Christine Cope will deliver the commencement speech.

 Cope is a lifelong resident of Trumbull County, Ohio. She grew up in Warren and resides in Cortland with her husband, Michael. They have one grown daughter, Jennifer, who also resides in Cortland. A graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School, Christine earned a B.A. in Business Administration and Accounting from Hiram College, magna cum laude, after beginning her pursuit at ����ɫ��ҹ Trumbull.

����ɫ��ҹ Trumbull's 2025 Spring Commencement will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, May 9, at Packard Music Hall. For more information about the event, contact Bill Burgess at 330-412-7490.