Life-changing events spurred 1,000th 49er Finish graduate to complete his degree

Jon Venable
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Jon Venable will cross the stage during Fall Commencement to accept a bachelor’s degree in geology. This milestone was 20 years in the making, as he left UNC Charlotte in August 1998 just four credit hours shy of finishing.

Venable recounted how he quit the University to marry his college sweetheart and begin full-time work with Carpenter Company. The Providence High School graduate first began collegiate studies at UNC Asheville, before transferring to UNC Charlotte in fall 1994.

“Initially, I planned to study meteorology, but after discovering the amount of math involved, I decided to switch gears and pursue geology. UNC Asheville, at the time, didn’t offer a degree in geology, but UNC Charlotte did, so I opted to transfer,” said Venable.

An elementary school trip to the Reed Gold Mine sparked Venable’s fascination with rocks and a quest to better understand the Earth’s geological processes. He fondly recalled driving with family through the mountains and coming across rock outcroppings and thinking about how they were formed.

Earth is in a near-constant state of change; plate tectonics shift continents, raise mountains and alter ocean floors. Venable’s life also has experienced periods of flux. Most recently, the father of three children dealt with an unexpected divorce and the death of his mother both within the last two years.

Following his divorce, Venable needed to locate a new living situation for his children. His mother suggested selling her home and using the proceeds to enable Venable, his children and her to live together. For several months, Venable debated the offer before deciding to move forward in July 2017. Shortly thereafter, his mother was diagnosed with cancer, which interrupted their plans. By January 2018, his mother was pronounced cancer-free, so work resumed to combine their households, with Venable locating a new house to purchase contingent on the sale of his mother’s home.

But by June, his mother’s cancer had returned, and Venable would have to accelerate efforts to pack up his mother’s belongings and complete their plans.

During this same period, Venable had met his now fiancée, Michelle. As it turned out, she was three years behind him at Providence High School, lived in the area of the Walmart that Venable worked at in high school and college and had graduated from UNC Charlotte.

“Mom fought really hard, but she left the hospital for a rehab facility where she was placed under hospice care,” said Venable. “She did get the chance to meet Michelle, and I think my mom really respected her, because Michelle often says what needs to be said.”

Matilda Venable died in October 2018, and her son is eternally grateful for her sacrifice. He’s also appreciative of Michelle, and he credits her with his decision to finish his degree.

“For years, UNC Charlotte would send me postcards about the 49er Finish program,” Venable recalled. “Michelle saw one after she and her daughter moved in with my kids and me this past summer.

“Immediately, Michelle pushed me to find out more information. She opened up her laptop, went to the 49er Finish website and looked up a contact to call,” added Venable. “After talking with Debbie Smith, Michelle said, ‘You’re going to do this, and I am going to make sure.’”

Smith, associate director of operations/director of advising for the Office of Adult Students and Evening Services (OASES), which administers the 49er Finish program, said, “Jon needed the typical information about the number of remaining courses, costs and availability before completing a readmit application. Finding options for students who have been out for 20 years requires additional research and advising assistance from academic departments. The Geography and Earth Sciences Department responded amazingly fast, and its answer motivated Jon to move forward.”

Calculus II, the four-credit class Venable originally needed, is now a three-hour course and available online. For the final credit hour and to satisfy the University’s writing intensive and oral communication requirement, he opted for an American Studies class, Southern Foodways.

Now just days from completing his degree and crossing the stage at commencement as the 1,000th former student to return through the 49er Finish program, Venable looks forward to completing his 20-year educational journey. He knows that to be prepared for careers of the future, having a college degree will set him apart. It’s the same message he is delivering to his children.

“My daughter is already doing it, but I tell my other children that the time they invest in their studies now will pay dividends later,” said Venable. “My mom always wanted me to finish; I wish she could be here to see it.”

For the OASES staff and advisors, they will continue to seek out students who left short of the finish line and urge them to come back to complete their studies. The 49er Finish program is an award-winning initiative that began in fall 2005. Its concierge approach of service and support has been recognized by the National Academic Advising Association and the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education and was designated a Model of Excellence by University Business magazine.

“We are serious about wanting our students to finish their degrees,” said Smith. “You are still a 49er and an important part of campus.”