June 5, 2005

Hundreds graduate from School of Graduate & Professional Programs

Minneapolis –- Craig Bretoi is among the 331 students who, as of June 5, can call themselves alumni of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota . Bretoi has a message for everyone who doesn't complete their bachelor degree on the first try: “I’m living proof that you can return to school and finish your higher education journey successfully,” he said.

The proof is in the payoff. Bretoi, a new graduate of the bachelor of science in marketing program at the Twin Cities campus, recently accepted a position as the director of communications for the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce.

"Being bachelor-prepared is much more than having a framed certificate on the wall allowing me to say that I have obtained a degree,” Bretoi said. “I believe being bachelor-prepared is being ready to live your life through the enlightenment of education.”

Bretoi took a hiatus to the "real world" after attending college for two years as an journalism student.  “I was an unfocused student, so I decided to leave school for a job in the television news industry,” Bretoi said.  “At the time, I thought I had made it big, but I eventually hit a dead end.”

Fourteen years later, Bretoi decided it was time to return to school, and on Sunday -- Graduation Day – that journey comes to an end.

Bretoi said he realized that despite years of solid work experience and an excellent track record, he still found it difficult to compete with others who had a degree.  "For me, getting my degree is an amazing accomplishment because it is something a lot of people, including myself, thought I would never do,” he explained.

Bretoi’s wife, Julie, his 4-year-old son, and 6-year-old daughter will be among the relatives and friends watching and cheering as he crosses into alumni territory.

"The family is very proud," said Julie, "especially because he had started out earlier -- a few times, in fact -- and came back to finish what he had begun."

For those thinking they could never earn a degree, Bretoi says everyone can and everyone should. He cautions anyone considering returning to school not to overlook the fact that it’s the other students in the classroom that bring valuable perspectives to help round out your education.

"My time at Saint Mary’s was an incredible experience. I learned more than the required coursework from interacting with other students. It was a very nurturing environment,” says Bretoi.

Commencement ceremonies for the School of Graduate and Professional Programs will be Sunday, June 5 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Zurah Shrine Center at