Donna Gentry, who was recently named by USA Today as one of the top community college students in the nation, enrolled this fall in NEIU’s Inner City Studies Program. Gentry graduated from Olive-Harvey College in Chicago in 2007. As one of the top 20 students chosen by USA Today from more than 1500 nominees, Gentry received a $2,500 cash award and offers for full scholarships at other four-year schools. However, Gentry was certain she wanted to attend Northeastern.

Her decision to attend came after learning about NEIU through her son’s high school research project on colleges and universities. "From the moment I discovered Northeastern, I liked what I saw," said Gentry. "The Carruthers Center, a curriculum grounded in African culture, the diversity of faces of color merging together on the main campus all of it made me feel so alive. And I knew that this was an environment where I would be able to thrive."

A resident of the West Pullman neighborhood and mother of five children ages 12-24, Gentry began college upon graduation from high school. However, soon after starting, she dropped out to get married and have a family. As a parent, she always told her children about the importance of education and staying in school. Eventually inspired by her family, she decided to complete her own college career.

When she enrolled in community college in 2005 she was already in her 40s. "At first I was worried and a little scared," said Gentry. "I'd been away from school for so long. I felt like I was too old. Some of my own children were already in college. But," she added, "I'd made up my mind that I wanted to better myself and lead by example."

While at community college, Gentry excelled. Among other achievements, she maintained a straight A average, served as student government president, initiated a talent show involving students and community members, and helped raise thousands of dollars in scholarship prizes for talent show performers.

Now that she's enrolled at Northeastern, Gentry plans to pursue a double major in inner city studies and psychology. Eventually she would like to work with young people and perhaps join the ranks of her oldest child, who is already a teacher in the Chicago Public School System.

"I feel very proud, and very lucky that I've come this far," says Gentry. "And now, with the help and support of my family, I'm looking forward to meeting all the new challenges that lie ahead."