Even cancer diagnosis couldn’t keep Baylor senior from graduating

For many members of the Class of 2015 who received their Baylor diplomas this past weekend, Commencement was simply the next step in their lives — perhaps one even taken for granted as they plotted out their next moves, whether entering careers or graduate school.

Joy Ramey fit into that group — until she was diagnosed during spring break with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects the immune system.

“When I got the news, my first feeling was, ‘Am I gonna be able to finish school?’ remembers Ramey, an apparel merchandising major.

The answer? Absolutely.

“We will make it happen, and we will do whatever it takes to get you graduated,” came the response from Dr. Lorynn Divita, one of Ramey’s professors in the Department of Family & Consumer Sciences.

Ramey completed the final six weeks of classes while traveling back and forth to her hometown of Tyler, Texas, for chemotherapy. Her family, professors, staff members and classmates all rallied around her to assist with travel, homework and assignments, and just about anything else she needed.

[See photos from Spring Commencement || New graduates describe their Baylor experiences in one word || Faces of Baylor’s Class of 2015] 

She has another six weeks or so of treatment remaining, and the cancer fight has put her job search on hold. But holding true to her name, Joy isn’t worried.

“I’m not sure what’s next for me, but I know that God’s brought me this far, and he’s gonna get me to the next thing.”

Sic ’em, Joy and the Class of 2015!