Lawrence Tech hands diploma to 74-year-old Warren man

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

SOUTHFIELD — When Oleh Cieply enrolled in graduate courses at Lawrence Technological University nine years ago, he was already employed as a teacher at the private college.

He had already spent 28 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, after immigrating to this country as a teenager just after World War II. He had already raised a family; worked for years as an engineer; retired; and un-retired, agreeing to a part-time job.

Proving to everyone around him that “it’s never too late,” the 74-year-old Warren resident has just earned his master’s degree.

Cieply is believed to be the oldest master’s degree recipient in the history of the College of Engineering at Lawrence Tech, according to Eric Pope, a school spokesperson.

“Mr. Cieply’s remarkable achievement shows that it’s never too late to gain knowledge,” said assistant professor Elin Jensen, the director of civil engineering graduate programs at Lawrence Tech, in a statement. “It was inspiring to see how much enthusiasm and energy he brought to his studies.”

The accomplishment means the world to Cieply.

“It’s something of a personal goal,” Cieply said. “It’s something I wanted to achieve. I didn’t want to be the least educated person in my family. My wife has a master’s degree. My son has a Ph.D., and my daughter has a master’s degree. Where does that leave Daddy?”

After retiring nine years ago from a career with Wade-Trim Associates Inc. in Taylor, Cieply enrolled in graduate courses, right around the time he also agreed to work part-time for Environmental Engineers in Southfield as a registered professional engineer reviewing plans for new developments in Livingston County.

“I think it’s very rewarding,” Cieply said of work and of continuing his education. “It’s a challenge. It’s very satisfying. Those that know me real well were very happy for me. Those that don’t wondered, ‘Why?’ Others said, ‘I think you’re stupid.’”

He can laugh about it all he wants, but few have come as far as he has in his lifetime.

Born in western Ukraine, Cieply was raised in Poland and Germany while his father worked as a doctor in displaced persons camps during World War II, and the family immigrated to the U.S. in 1949, joining relatives who lived in Toledo, Ohio. He was named salutatorian of his high school class, and he graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1958.

Cieply never walked the stage to obtain his diploma the first time — his father did the task for him as Cieply was already in the Army. He served in the reserves for 28 years, working as a teacher in the Army Corps of Engineers reserve school for 16 years, and graduating from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he later taught courses at various posts throughout the country. He retired in 1985 as a lieutenant colonel.

Since then, Cieply has also taught surveying and hydrology as an adjunct professor at Lawrence Tech and at Wayne State University.

He walked the same halls as a teacher and as a student simultaneously at Lawrence Tech. He’s focused his graduate studies on hydrology and hydraulics, and defended his graduate project dissertation on July 29, marking the completion of his master’s degree in civil engineering. His accomplishment comes exactly 50 years after he earned his first college degree.

“How ‘bout that?” Cieply laughed when he took note of the time-frame. “It’s never too late. I am very happy.”

But this isn’t it for the man who is active with the Ukranian-American Veterans Group and sings with the Golden Bells.

“What my next goal is, I don’t know,” Cieply said. “I’m going to relax, and find out what to do next. I have some things in mind.”

Traveling is definitely in his future, as are plans to write an autobiography.

“It’s been an interesting life,” he said.

Cieply’s wife of 11 years, Alberta, is proud of her husband.

“I encouraged him all the way,” she said.

You can reach Staff Writer Jennie Miller at jmiller@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1108.