ATHENS, Ohio -- Kathleen Reeves is a real-life coal miner's daughter and if struggling is second nature to her, so is striving for excellence. Reeves graduated from Ohio University on June 8 with her bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

When the coal mine that employed her husband closed, the company offered former employees and their spouses an opportunity to go back to school at no expense.

"I knew it was going to be a difficult task, but my family was very supportive. If I didn't take this opportunity, I was going to miss out on a chance to expand my knowledge," said Reeves, mother of two. "Everything you learn, you can use in your everyday life even if you never use it in a profession." Reeves, 51, was one of only nine women out of the eligible 100 in the Athens area to take advantage of the free school offer. The program, sponsored by the Southern Ohio Coal Company, pays for everything including tuition, books, parking and even her cap and gown.

After initially only completing the ninth grade, she later earned an associate's degree from Hocking College.

"In my family there are 13 children and 27 grandchildren and I am the only one who's been able to earn a college degree," she said. "As a young person, I struggled to support myself on the streets. After that experience, I had learned what it took to overcome many obstacles. Because of my experiences and now with my education, I'd like to help young offenders improve their lives."

Reeves' tenacious example should be noted by the entire Ohio University community; especially her graduating class.

"It's clear that it took a lot of courage for her to attend college. Initially, she struggled with things that most of our traditional students take for granted such as using computers," said Rick Matthews, professor of sociology and anthropology. "She exhibited something that I don't see very often when it comes to students, and that is a sense of pride in her work.

"In these environments, it is very easy for students to become alienated or lost in the crowd and to just give up," Matthews added. "Kathleen is a testament to a student's desire to overcome adversity through courage."