Joyce Langlas

As a single parent of three teenagers, Joyce began her college career in the fall of 1976, commuting 80 miles daily, round trip, to and from Kirkwood. The "wind beneath her wings" was her part-time employer, Judge Harold Swailes, who told her no one is too old to attend college, and that Kirkwood emphasizes lifelong learning. In addition to being a full-time student, Joyce worked two part-time jobs.

After graduating from Kirkwood, she continued her education at Mount Mercy College (now University), where she double majored in Business Administration and Criminal Justice Administration. Both Joyce and her youngest child graduated the same weekend in 1980.

Joyce eventually returned to Kirkwood as an employment coordinator and counselor, funded by
the U.S. Department of Labor. Her work included caseload management of several hundred clients categorized as structurally unemployed. She assisted in obtaining employment and educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, welfare recipients, populations with income beneath the federal poverty guidelines, and residents of local corrections facilities. In 1996, Joyce was awarded the Governor's Award by Gov. Terry Branstad for "Outstanding Service to the People of Iowa."

Joyce has created the Joyce Langlas Wings Scholarship in her estate plans. This scholarship allows Joyce to pay forward the encouragement and support she received in continuing her education and establishing her career.