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Some college students reward themselves for graduation, whether it be a car, trip or some well-deserved time off. But if you’re Ann Obermann (PhD ’17), you keep it simple by getting a cat.

Obermann, who is earning her doctorate in social work from the ���Ĵ�ý’s����(GSSW), calls the cat a “triumph” as she and her 8-year-old son, Eli, have wanted one for quite some time. With classes and a dissertation behind her, she can focus on the little things — for now.

It’s not like Obermann, a DU adjunct professor from 2009–13, has much time to reward herself in any other way. She’s already gearing up for her next gig in academia as an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at Metropolitan State ���Ĵ�ý.

As she prepares to move on to the next chapter in her life, which includes walking during summer commencement on Aug. 19, Obermann reflects on the last four years and what her time at DU has meant. It was rigorous, she says, but well worth it.

“It has just been really good. I feel like classes were accessible,” says Obermann, who spent time working with the����at GSSW. “I always got the classes I wanted, and faculty reviewed my papers. They would take time to do that and encourage me to do what I wanted to do. They really would look out for your best interest, but also really challenge you. ”

For Obermann, who always has been interested in the field of social work, having that kind of support is crucial, especially for someone who loves teaching and has a passion for helping others.

“I really love people. We’re so complex in how we interact with one another and other systems,” Obermann says. “I just love working with kids and families, especially at-risk youth.”