The journey from first enrolling at the University of Illinois to earning new credentials is long, no matter the degree program. It is filled with assignments, lessons, mentorship, breakthroughs, breakdowns, and triumphs.

And for those who complete their journey, there is the chance to step into the spotlight for one fleeting moment. To cross the stage to the sound of their name and hard-earned degree, along with a round of applause, shake the Dean’s hand and receive an Illinois diploma.

More than 50 years after her doctoral program in Educational Psychology began, one 2025 College of Education Convocation Ceremony participant finally put the exclamation point on her stellar Illinois experience. Diane Wilen, M.A. ’73, Ph.D. ’75 EPSY, in full graduation regalia, was recognized for the doctoral degree that she completed half a century ago.

Pursuing Her Passion

During her bachelor’s degree program at Northwestern University in Evanston, a young Diane began leaning toward graduate school.  “As a junior, I developed a strong interest in educational psychology and in pursuing a career in school psychology,” she says. “One of my professors at Northwestern advised me to apply to the highly-regarded doctoral program in school psychology at the University of Illinois, says Diane. “It seemed like a good fit, and when Illinois offered me a National Institute of Mental Health fellowship to pursue my Ph.D., the deal was sealed.”

Diane worked through her studies in the Department of Educational Psychology, earning a master’s degree in 1973 and transitioned into her doctorate program immediately. After marrying her college sweetheart, Barry, she had nearly completed her Ph.D. work when a great opportunity came along.

“I was sent to do a doctoral internship in Broward County, Florida, “she says, “I had to complete my dissertation in absentia.”

Distance learning is commonplace these days, but in the 1970s, it simply wasn’t done. Diane says that because of the internship, she was allowed to complete her dissertation by mailing her drafts back and forth to her advisors at the College of Education, a lengthy and tedious process. “I was one of the first students permitted to do that,” Wilen says.

Life Getting ‘In the Way’

As the College’s graduation festivities approached in May 1975, the Wilens had a tough decision to make. With Diane working an internship while finishing her dissertation and husband Barry attending law school at the University of Miami, ultimately, the young couple decided that financially the trip back to Champaign wasn’t in the cards.

The pair settled in Florida, both soon completing their graduate education. Barry began practicing law, and Diane started her career as a school psychologist in Broward County Public Schools, a position she held for 36 years. She served as a consultant for other school districts and the Florida, Georgia, and Federal Departments of Education. Additionally, Diane was an adjunct professor at St. Thomas University, Florida International University, and Nova Southeastern University. The Wilens raised two children, Craig and Jeffrey, and became active and generous members of their South Florida community.

“But I regretted not attending the graduation ceremony and getting hooded because earning the Ph. D. was such an important milestone in my life,” Diane says. “At the time, it just wasn’t feasible.”

Delayed Gratification No More

Nearly a year ago, Barry was reflecting on Diane’s lifetime of service to others and suddenly hatched a plan to give back to his wife. He knew she regretted not taking part in the pomp and circumstance for her doctoral degree.

“As you get up in years, you look for the special moments in life to remember,” he says, “All of a sudden something just came to mind and I blindly emailed the Dean of the College of Education.”

Barry connected with Aly Stephenson, the College’s event coordinator, and they began planning to finally give Diane the convocation ceremony experience she had missed. On the list of several important details: who would hood Diane for her Ph.D., 50 years later? The Wilen’s son, Craig, is an associate professor at Yale University’s School of Medicine, and Barry instantly thought a mother-son, doctor-to-doctor hooding would be amazing. Craig quickly agreed.

“I’m very proud of her. Education has always been very important to her,” says Craig. “She always put our education first, so it’s nice to have the tables turned and be able to watch her re-graduate.”

“Being able to celebrate my graduation, 50 years after the fact, brought closure to something I had always wanted to do, and it was even better because my son was with me and could hood me,” says Diane. “I thank the College of Education for giving me and my family this special opportunity. It’s never too late in life to celebrate accomplishments!”