For Maggie Shepeard, earning a college degree was about more than education. It was about perseverance, determination, and proving that obstacles do not define what is possible. As a non-traditional student raising a family and managing significant health challenges, Maggie returned to college determined to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. She navigated life with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis while also overcoming the effects of a traumatic brain injury sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Maggie began her studies in Communications and Journalism at Bay College before continuing to Northern Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications at age 39. "Bay felt welcoming from the very beginning," Maggie said. "As a parent and a non-traditional student, I never felt out of place."
The support she received through Bay College's TRIO program played an important role in her success, helping her navigate the challenges of returning to school and strengthening her confidence as a student. She also valued Bay's family-friendly atmosphere and community-centered events, which made higher education feel accessible not only to her, but to her entire family.
While at Bay, Maggie gained hands-on experience through journalism coursework and involvement with the Bay Beacon student newspaper. Those opportunities strengthened her communication skills and laid the groundwork for a career spanning television, radio, newspaper, and creative writing.
Today, Maggie lives in Niagara, Wisconsin, and is a published author. Her latest book, 25 Roses, is a true-crime story inspired by a family member's experience and set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, exploring murder, family secrets, and deception. She is also preparing to release her third book, Series of Departures, which also draws inspiration from real-life events.
Reflecting on her educational journey, Maggie credits Bay College with helping her build a foundation for future success. After seeing a billboard that read "Bay is the Way," she decided to enroll and has never looked back. "Bay gave me the confidence and skills to communicate effectively and pursue the opportunities that came afterward," she said.
While proud of her professional accomplishments, Maggie considers her family her greatest achievement. A mother of six and grandmother of six, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, especially at the family's summer cottage. She is particularly proud of the many ways her children have pursued careers centered on service and leadership.
Readers interested in meeting Maggie can find her at upcoming book signings on October 7 at the Dickinson County Library and October 21 at the Niagara Public Library. She will also participate in the Ontonagon Labor Day Weekend vendor event, with additional appearances, including a Green Bay Barnes & Noble signing. (Date to be announced.)
Maggie's story reflects the resilience, determination, and lifelong learning that characterize Bay College alumni. Through every challenge, she continued moving forward, transforming her passion for storytelling into a successful writing career while inspiring others to pursue their own goals.
Program: Associate of Applied Sciences in Journalism and Communications, Bay College (2014)
Current Career: Author and Writer
Notable Works: 25 Roses and the upcoming Series of Departures
Lives In: Niagara, Wisconsin
Favorite Bay Memory: The welcoming environment, support from TRIO, and family-oriented campus experiences
About Bay College
Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success, and Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings, and professional development programs which develop skillsets, enrich individuals, and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay