BVU Graduate Challenges Master’s Degree Recipients to Enjoy Their Journey
10-mile run helps teacher, counselor lower stress level on eve of Commencement address
The night before Shannon Haus gave the Commencement address to those earning master’s degrees from Buena Vista University on May 7, he ran 10 miles, part of his routine.
“That run lowered my stress level,” he said.
The following morning, Haus stood before 197 master’s degree recipients and talked about the value of hard work. He knows the subject. After all, he’s a 51-year-old husband and father of four, a school counselor who began his career as a teacher and earned a master’s degree in public administration from Troy University. The master’s he earned at BVU in clinical mental health counseling represents his second BVU advanced degree in counseling.
Several years ago, he joined his wife, Jill, and sister in founding a medical-records business. They ran the firm for 20 years.
Haus has also taught social studies, worked in special education, and within talented-and-gifted programs.
President Brian Lenzmeier laughed while introducing Haus, and asked, “When do you sleep, Shannon?”
Haus laughed and replied, “Not often!”
Haus runs to maintain his health, as doctors discovered a partially blocked artery last year. After getting his lab levels at proper measures through the observance of a strict Mediterranean diet, Haus keeps running while seeking to improve upon his knowledge in a quest to serve others better. His journey to a second BVU master’s degree has been lengthy, while also fulfilling.
“Coming from very humble beginnings on the south side of Des Moines, I learned a couple of things,” he said. “First, no matter what others are doing, be kind. You’ll get much further faster. Second, as my mom, dad, and stepdad showed me not only by words but by example: Don’t be afraid to work hard and put in the long hours—if it is a short-term endeavor. Of course, don’t be naïve. Know your value and get it.”
“Relationships are the foundation upon which trust is built. Building relationships requires us, by default, to serve others.”
Shannon Haus
Additionally, he said, build relationships, a practice he learned through repetition with Renae Ogren, then BVU Interim Program Administrator in Professional School Counseling, and Dr. Kathleen Ruscitto, BVU Director of Mental Health Counseling Programs and Assistant Professor of Counselor Education.
“Both implored that, in the end, what matters most, were relationships,” he said. “Relationships are the foundation upon which trust is built. Building relationships requires us, by default, to serve others.”
Haus concluded by challenging his fellow master’s degree recipients to continue what they started at BVU, a place where graduate school enrollment sets new standards each year.
“My hopes and prayers are that you all continue, building relationships, doing the hard work, the interior work within yourself, and serving your community with the BVU spirt of ‘Education for Service,’” said Haus, who is ready for a new challenge, serving as a mental health counselor at the Ames Counseling Center.
“Do not be worried, anxious, or concerned about the winding road,” he concluded, “but, instead, embrace it as part of our own special journey.