Native of Puerto Rico, who didn't know English when she first came to S.D., among DWU graduates

Jenniffer Varona graduates with the Dakota Wesleyan University class of 2007 at 2 p.m. today at the Corn Palace, the first person from her family to finish college. Not bad for a girl from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who just a few years ago couldn’t speak a word of English. Varona, 23, will be one of 207 DWU students to receive a diploma. “It’s one of the largest classes we’ve had,” said Vice President for University Relations Lori Essig, who said graduating classes at DWU typically run 130 to 150 students. “It also will be the first time we’ll have graduates from all three of our nursing programs.”

By: Ross Dolan, The Daily Republic