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Southwest Tennessee Community College Graduate Defies the Odds to Reach Special Day

Overcoming a major health scare, one standout graduate embodies the spirit of SWTCC

For more information, contact Diana Fedinec, Southwest Tennessee Community College Director of Public Relations and Media, at 901-333-4247 or dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu.

(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — As Southwest Tennessee Community College prepares to celebrate its 2025 commencement, one standout graduate—Mary Ann Fleij — is proving that there’s no single path to success, and that perseverance and passion can redefine what’s possible at any stage of life.

Fleij’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

A mother of six, Fleij enrolled at Southwest in fall 2022—just weeks after her 19-year-old daughter started at the college. Inspired by her daughter’s path, she decided to revisit a long-held dream of finishing her education. What she didn’t expect was to begin her medical laboratory technician (MLT) coursework from a hospital bed.

“I had two heart attacks days before starting the MLT program,” Fleij said. “I began my first two classes while in bed.”

That kind of determination left an impression on faculty and students alike.

“Mary was more worried about completing her coursework than recovering from her heart attacks,” said Dr. Shilpa Desai, chair of Southwest’s Allied Health Department. “She’s a very determined student—always prepared, on time, and a true leader in the classroom.”

Fleij not only kept up with her studies, she thrived—leading peer review sessions, tutoring classmates, and motivating others to succeed.

“Southwest challenged me to defy all the odds,” Fleij said. “I never imagined a hospital bed would become my classroom, but that’s where I found my greatest strength. With support from the faculty and my own drive to help others, I made it. It’s proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

Fleij will graduate with an associate degree in medical laboratory technician and has already begun working as a medical lab technician at Baptist Memorial Hospital.

“Mary’s story is more than inspiring— she embodies the very heart of what Southwest represents,” said Tracy D. Hall, president of Southwest Tennessee Community College. “From first-time students to career-changers, our graduates demonstrate the power of opportunity  and determination.”

Fleij will be among 1,295 candidates in the Class of 2025 as the college confers 1,312 associate degrees and certificates during its commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at the Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, Mississippi.

*Interviews available with the student. Please contact Southwest’s Office of Marketing and Communications at 901-333-4247.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young will deliver the 2025 commencement address. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the college’s Facebook page at @SouthwestTN and made available for on-demand viewing on Southwest’s YouTube channel. 

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