Gerald Bazer Award Recipient Matt Garber Proves It’s Never Too Late to Pursue Something Important
Matthew Garber didn’t have to look far for an example of how to succeed as a student balancing family responsibility. His wife, Charity, found success navigating life as a student while keeping up with family and work.
“She encouraged me to return to school and has supported me every step of the way,” Garber said.
This May, Garber will graduate with his Associate of Arts in Education while being the recipient of the Gerald Bazer Award for Outstanding Arts and Sciences Graduate. The award recognizes a student with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who has demonstrated exceptional scholarship and achievement.
This wasn’t Garber’s first try at college. After graduating from Woodmore High School in 2002, he immediately went to college but realized he wasn’t ready and decided to step away. From there, he focused on work and supporting his family. At 39, Garber decided to finish what he started two decades earlier and enroll at Owens.
“Coming back to college later in life while managing family responsibilities makes this especially meaningful,” Garber said. “It represents a second chance and a great deal of persistence. More importantly, it allows me to show my children that it’s never too late to pursue something important.”
Matt and Charity are the parents of three boys, Zach (16), Benny (13) and Evan (10).
After graduating, Garber will transfer to Bowling Green State University, where he will complete his bachelor’s degree with the goal of becoming a history teacher.
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Published May 2026