Will Rodebaugh spent a few years at Cedar Grove Christian Academy, though most of his schooling was at home and online until graduating high school in 2017 from Keystone School.
Rodebaugh, a Northwood resident who handles Asperger syndrome well, began looking at colleges.
“I wanted a smaller school because it would be the easiest way to learn, and I wanted to meet a lot more people,” he said.
Rodebaugh chose Manor College, in Jenkintown. Four years later, he’s happy with that choice.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he said.
In 2019, he earned an associate’s degree in general business administration. Last week, he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
As an added bonus, Rodebaugh, 21, was selected to deliver an address at the May 13 drive-in commencement on campus. He was excited for the opportunity.
“It’s been my dream,” he said. “I had it written in my head for a long time.”
In his speech, he spoke of challenges ranging from handwriting to shoelace tying. At Manor, he told fellow graduates and their families, he found a sense of belonging, noting the college tagline, “You Belong Here.” He described Manor as not just a college, but a home.
At the end of his speech, he received a standing ovation from Manor faculty and staff and loud honks from graduates and their families listening in their cars on 88.1 FM.
Among proud family members celebrating with Rodebaugh were his parents, Bill and Lisa, and three of his siblings.
“He’s come a long way,” his dad said. “He’s worked really hard. Everything that’s been a problem, he’s worked through.”
At Manor, Rodebaugh had a 4.0 grade point average his last semester and was an active student. He was a member of the cross country and track teams, a student chaplain, kept stats for the basketball team, served in the student Senate, was a member of the Campus Activity Board and was president of the school’s Rotaract club.
No wonder many referred to him as “Mr. Manor.”
“I thank Manor for helping me find independence and confidence and giving me drive and motivation,” he said.
As Rodebaugh looks to the future, he is looking for a job and considering pursuing his master’s.
“I really want to go into the field of marketing,” he said. ••
