Lois Digiacomo - Class of 1990
Lois DiGiacomo Jacobson is a 1957 graduate of Timken Vocational High School and of Walsh University in 1990. She was a founding member of Stark County Town Hall on Race Relations, now known as COMING TOGETHER STARK COUNTY, an organization devoted exclusively to diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all. Lois is equally devoted to the local arts. She has written and directed plays and productions for every community sector - business, education, health, safety and government. In 2010, she created the Cabaret Production Company, which is the result of over 20 years experience creating original entertainment for all types of audiences. Caberet is a traveling ensemble company of musicians, singers, dancers, composers and playwrights.
Five words uttered by good, loving parents --"Girls don't go to college."
But it was 1957, and whether it was actually finances or just a prevailing attitude that spawned them, it didn't matter. I listened.
I married in 1961 and had five children by 1972. But, in 1986, I decided to give college another try. I enrolled in a course at Walsh and received an A. My children were thrilled and I was hooked! I graduated in 1990, Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in Theology/Philosophy and an award for being the Outstanding Senior in Theology.
I have a few memorable moments along the way, too. More than I could count, let alone write about, but I can't resist a few.
The first was learning that professors really liked us "non-traditional" students. The dog never ate our homework, we had a longer lifetime of stories to tell and questions to ask, and we didn't hesitate to let them know how much we appreciated their extra efforts for us.
Secondly, I fulfilled a dream I never knew I had. After seeing a drama notice, I auditioned, got a part and made my stage debut. My interest in theater had already led me to write a passion play and I had the privilege of producing it twice during my years on campus, once in the Student Center and again in the auditorium in the Science Center.
Third, Professors Joe Torma and John Trapani always had time to meet with me, whether I was in their classes or not. They became good friends and remain such even today. One of my most cherished memories is of the time I had the blessed privilege of seeing Elie Wiesel at Walsh. I also saw Mother Theresa when she visited Walsh before I was a student.
Another big highlight was my graduation year (Class of '90), which I shared with three of my children (Peter - also a Walsh grad - who finished at Ohio University Medical School, Patrick who graduated from Ohio University and Lia who graduated from GlenOak High School.
I was also featured in the Spring 2005 Walsh Times, which had my picture on the cover. The article was about Walsh alumni in Social Service, a vocation I owe, gratefully, to my Walsh experience!