On the Summit’s Horizon: Cicelle Beemon

By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer

“I met Cicelle when she served as a Scholar Corps member for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. I quickly recognized and appreciated the way Cicelle successfully balanced her work and family life. Cicelle was and still is organized, creative, quick to share new ideas, and eager to help students and families move toward their academic goals. She has maneuvered valley and mountaintop experiences, learned lessons and knows there are more challenges to address. As Cicelle pursued her career and obtained her post-secondary degree, she never lost focus of what is important in her life-her boys; her eyes light up just talking about them said, Dr. Verleaish Jones, Northeast Indiana Regional Outreach Coordinator, Twenty-First Century Scholars.

Beemon shared the following about her experience as a Twenty-First Century Scholar Support Specialist: “I discovered my professional voice which provided comfort for students while breaking down complex information and supporting families through the collegiate process. The opportunity helped me move past my “imposter syndrome” and help others who were dealing with the same issue.”

Dr. Mayank Saxena defines imposter syndrome as a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite external evidence of their competence, those with imposter syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds, and do not deserve all they have achieved. Individuals with imposter syndrome incorrectly attribute their success to luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent than they perceive themselves to be.

According to an article in the Mentor: An Academic Advising Journal published by Penn State’s Division of Undergraduate Studies, “Scheduling conflicts for single-parent students are a great concern. Extra requirements for classes, such as night meetings and group work, can conflict with picking up children from day care and going to their children's school functions. It is difficult for students to dedicate a sufficient amount of time to studying while taking care of their children's needs as well.” (Tehan, 2007)

Beemon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies with minors in Communication and Human Services from Indiana University. She also has a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Administrative Leadership from Purdue University Global. She can also be seen in a commercial that airs via Facebook promoting Purdue Global. Beemon shares that she is also interested in pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education. “At one point in time I didn’t think I would pursue my master’s degree, but now I look forward to earning a doctorate. I would be the first of my mother’s children to accomplish this goal.”

Beemon is inspired by her late mother, Michelle. “She taught me to make something out of nothing. Great things could come out of nothing. My Mother didn’t have much, but she made it seem like it was everything. She taught me to maintain my faith and to persevere through life’s challenges. My Mom also taught me to create communal wealth with a rich and unique blend of contacts and resources that not only bless me but others.”

“When I arrived at PFW, I met Cicelle as she was one of my direct reports. As an amazing mother, hard worker and determined student, Cicelle has broken many barriers and persevered to complete her master’s degree while working full-time and raising two young kings. Cicelle’s impact and encouragement has influenced PFW students to reach their goals,” said Dr.. MarTeze Hammond, Chief Diversity Officer, Purdue Fort Wayne.

Beemon is the proud mother of Deshawn, age 13 and Ka’Lawn, age 12. “They are distinctly different in personalities; one is an introvert, and the other is an extrovert, but my educational experiences have enriched my parenting tremendously. Hence, the young men are well-rounded and have been exposed to different cultures. “I have also shared the importance of research. Our conversations are intuitive and philosophical. My Mom always told me to read every contract before you sign. Therefore, I have passed this advice on to my children.”

“There were times that I wanted to flip over a table and throw in the towel during my master’s degree. However, I had to remember all of those who were watching me including my sons, family members and colleagues. I was reminded that “I am in the room for a reason,” said Beemon.

“Cicelle is an incredible young woman. While working full-time running the Women’s Center at PFW (Purdue Fort Wayne), raising two exceptional young men and volunteering in the community she was recently able to complete her master’s degree at Purdue Global. She works hard to support students who identify as women or students with families. She is a valuable asset to Purdue Fort Wayne,” said Rhonda Meriwether, director of the Multicultural Center, PFW.

“Cicelle serves as a realistic role-model to other single parents that goals can be accomplished, networking is valuable, mentoring is available. As a single Mom, Cicelle never lost sight of her priorities: first her boys, then everything else,” said Jones.

As the Program Assistant in the Women’s Center, Beemon is proud of the many ways that the department supports students in their matriculation. She highlighted the Jingle Jubilee where she partnered with a Senior Lecturer in Sociology Curt Hosier to implement a program, Adopt-A-Don where faculty and staff could adopt a student and family for Christmas. The program is similar to Toys for Tots and the students receive the gifts during the Jingle Jubilee.

“From the time she entered the University until today, Cicelle has demonstrated the best of human dignity, perseverance and determination to improve her life and that of her children. While we often live up to the names of schools and achievement, the name of Cicelle Beemon is synonymous with the words: woman of excellence and character, which has less to do with what she has accomplished and everything to do with who she is as a person,” said Kenneth C. Christmon, vice chancellor of external affairs, Indiana University East and Pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church, Fort Wayne. Christmon is the former Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne.