For Lawna Kurtyka, director of Navigator at Newman University, the recent Ad Astra Conference — hosted at Wichita State University — was deeply personal.
The conference, which brings together first-generation students from colleges and universities across Kansas and surrounding states, focuses on building persistence and pathways to graduation. It was also an opportunity for Kurtyka to reflect on and share her own lived experience.
“I loved having the opportunity to share the journey that I took as a first-generation college student,” Kurtyka said. “My path was interesting as I started college as a non-traditional aged student who was a single parent. Sharing my challenges and my successes means the world to me because I want others who face these ‘labels’ to know that college graduation can be a reality for them as it was for me. Your labels don’t define who you are or who you can become.”
Support systems for first-generation and non-traditional students
During her conference session, Kurtyka emphasized the critical role of support systems for first-generation and non-traditional students — something she learned through firsthand experience.
“I found that learning to self-advocate is of utmost importance,” she said. “I took every opportunity to look for resources and take advantage of those resources.”
As a non-traditional, adult student, Kurtyka recognized early on that she needed additional academic support. She enrolled in a study skills and note-taking course at WSU, sought out on-campus employment and participated in cooperative education opportunities to balance work and school.
“I became involved on campus and looked for those groups who shared my passions,” Kurtyka said. “I also looked for mentors who could be a shoulder to lean on and a voice of clarity when things got difficult. That is what I want students at Newman to know now. The Student Success Center can be those things for them. We want to be a first-line collaborator to help make the journey one that is valuable and fulfilling.”
Kurtyka’s relatable learning journey
Kurtyka’s path to higher education and through her career is one that many current students can see themselves in.
After finishing high school, Kurtyka never planned to attend college. At the time, it wasn’t something she envisioned for her future, and in 1983, the type of college counseling available today simply didn’t exist. College didn’t feel like an option.
Ad Astra Conference
By age 20, she had a daughter and began working as a court clerk for the 18th Judicial District.
“I enjoyed that opportunity, but it didn’t seem to be a fit for the rest of my working life,” she explained. “This led me to think about other options, and Wichita State was what I found. I thought I wanted to do pre-law but soon discovered through a co-op educational experience that public education was an amazing fit for me.”
Kurtyka graduated from WSU with a general studies degree emphasizing education, English and journalism. She later attended Kansas Newman College, where she completed her teaching credential and licensure, launching a 34-year career in public education.
“During that time, I found my passion for working alongside students in both the academic world and the co-curricular world,” she shared. “I coached cheerleaders, sponsored Student Government, advised journalism courses and found the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. I saw first-hand how important it was to connect with students and offer them all of their options for post-secondary educational opportunities.”
Through her work with AVID, Kurtyka supported students who were first-generation, from underrepresented groups and in need of guidance as they worked toward their college goals.
Supporting Newman students
“When I finally retired, I was lucky to find a position here at Newman University where I could continue supporting students who were working toward their dream of being a college graduate,” she said. “These experiences were what I wanted to share at the Ad Astra Conference. College is full of challenges, but the successes are worth every bit of the hard work that overcoming these takes.”
For those who attended her session, Kurtyka hopes they walked away knowing that earning a college degree is possible, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
“I also hope they see that grit and persistence comes in many forms and that they can be their own self-advocate even while they need to have supports,” she said. “Universities need to make sure that all parts of campus, from staff to faculty to student affairs to athletics, all parts of campus, make students feel welcomed and meet students where they are. Students come with all sorts of demands on their time and life, but the common string is that they are all pursuing a better life and deserve an experience that makes them feel a part of something together.”
Student Support at Newman
The mission of the Student Success Center is to support all Newman University students on their academic journey.
