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Patty Kruse: Starting over after a family crisis
Pine Technical College
Class of 2005
In 1997, Patty Kruse was facing dismal odds. Rick, Patty's husband of 27 years, had suffered a massive stroke and doctors did not expect him to live. While Rick conquered the odds and survived the stroke, he would have to relearn life's basic functions-walking, eating, getting dressed. With her husband unable to work, Patty knew the income she earned as a waitress would not be enough.
"I had to make some decisions, explained Patty. "We needed to have a future ahead of us."
Determination alone could not resolve Patty's dilemma, as she realized that they would either have to borrow money or use credit cards to cover her tuition.
With scholarship support from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation, Patty also received a new lease on life.
"Now I can graduate without a hefty bill hanging over my head".
