Sarah Dauphinais: Back to school at 50
It wasn't what most women her age did.
In 1971, when Sarah Dauphinais began classes at UIS (then Sangamon State University), few women nearing the age of 50 went back to school to finish college.
Sarah says she was a little intimidated by the thought of classes, tests, papers, and oral presentations.
But her husband George (now deceased) encouraged her, so Sarah gathered together her courage and enrolled in classes.
Once at the university, she was even more afraid that she wouldn't be able to keep up.
"The professors were so wonderful and encouraged me so much," she says. "We were very fortunate to have these professors at the new university.”
In 1973, she graduated from college with a degree in psychology.
She Wasn't Finished
With her husband George and her professors continuing to encourage her, Sarah began her master's degree in Human Development Counseling almost immediately. She went on from there to earn her doctorate at SIU-Carbondale.
In her 50's, freshly certified as a clinical psychologist, Sarah opened her own practice in Springfield which she ran for 15 years before retiring to Arizona where her son lives.
So Many Lives Changed
Just imagine how many hundreds of lives Dr. Dauphinais has touched through her work! She is a living example of the ripple effect that an education at UIS creates—a truly Brilliant Future.
Retired now, Sarah gives regularly to the UIS Fund.
Her own access to a university changed her life, and as a regular donor to the UIS Fund, Sarah Dauphinais is giving access to other students.
“I just want to encourage students,” she says, “and give them some help during the process of getting their education.”
The Gift of Access
We embrace access for all students, and yet many find it impossible to attend UIS without the financial support of donors.
By giving to the UIS Scholarship Fund, you can play a crucial role in providing that access to students. When you do so, you’ll be joining many wonderful donors just like Sarah Dauphinais who help to create Brilliant Futures for students.
