Carrying Love Forward: Vicki Sherman, '98, M.S.Ed. '26, Graduates Honoring Her Son
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Vicki Sherman, '98, M.S.Ed. '26, holds a knit heart in memory of her son, Ryan, as she graduates from NIU, honoring his dream of earning a degree. (Photo: Vicki Sherman)
When Vicki Sherman, ’98, M.S.Ed. ’26, crossed the stage at NIU’s spring 2026 commencement, she wasn’t walking alone.
“He was there by my side,” she said, speaking of her son, Ryan.
Vicki earned her master's degree in instructional technology with a library specialist endorsement — completing the walk in Ryan’s memory and honoring his dream of one day earning an NIU degree.
Ryan tragically lost his life in a car accident in January 2023 during his senior year at Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois. Before his passing, he had planned to begin his college journey at Rock Valley College, then transfer to NIU to complete his bachelor’s degree. He was considering engineering, inspired by his father, Derek Sherman, ’92, M.S. ’01, an industrial engineer.
Ryan is remembered for his warm personality.
“He was just a fun-loving, friendly and welcoming kid,” Vicki said. “He loved people. He wanted to make others happy, and he touched so many lives.”
After Ryan’s death, Vicki felt herself at a crossroads. She had spent 26 years teaching preschool, a career she loved deeply, but returning to the same building where she first learned of Ryan’s accident was incredibly difficult. She finished the school year, knowing it was time for a change.
“I just didn’t have my heart in my work in the same way,” she said. “But I had always thought I would love being a librarian.”
Already an NIU alumna with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in special education from Concordia University, Vicki returned to NIU once more. This time, rooted in her love of learning and stories.
Books had always been central to her teaching. She loved opening doors for young learners, helping them discover that every book is an adventure and that, through reading, we can be anywhere.
While pursuing her degree, Vicki continued teaching full time. After switching schools, she found her way to Beyer Early Childhood Center — where her joy in the classroom was renewed.
“I absolutely love teaching again,” she said. “Meeting students where they are, helping them grow — they’re like little sponges at that age. I’m also so grateful for the community and administrative support at Beyer.”
Though Vicki no longer plans to pursue a librarian role immediately after graduation, she says returning to NIU was exactly what she needed.
“I think God wanted me to learn what I learned,” she said. “It’s something I could do later in life. And since Ryan wanted to go to NIU, I know I did part of this for him.”
Upon her return, Vicki felt embraced by the Huskie community. She credits her advisor, Judy Puskar, and her professors for their encouragement and kindness.
NIU has long been intertwined with the Sherman family story. Ryan’s grandfather, the late Homer “Tex” Sherman, served as chair of what is now NIU’s Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations.
On graduation day, Vicki wore her cap and gown — but what mattered most was a small knit heart she held close to her. A friend made it in Ryan’s honor, complete with a cross and music-note charms. Ryan was deeply involved in the Christian Youth Theater in Rockford, performing in more than 15 productions as a singer, actor and mentor. His faith and joy left a lasting impression on everyone around him.
Sherman Family Photo: Ryan, Vicki, Connor, and Derek (left to right). (Photo: Vicki Sherman)“I also wore a pin with Ryan's picture that says, ‘I’m always walking with you,’” Vicki said.
The knit heart was with her during study sessions and class days. When things felt overwhelming, she would remind herself, This is good. We’re good. I’m going to do this, Ryan.
That strength came not only from Ryan’s memory, but from a wide circle of love — her family, including husband Derek and son Connor; close friends; the Christian Youth Theater community; Westminster Presbyterian Church; and her unwavering faith.
“Everybody loves and misses Ryan,” Vicki said. “He brought Jesus’ light to everyone he met. Knowing he’s with our Savior gives me peace.”
When asked what Ryan would have said after seeing her cross the stage, Vicki replied:
“He’d say, ‘Way to go, Mom! You did it.’ Then he’d say, ‘I love you,’ and give me a big hug.”
Help carry deams forward for NIU students at NIUForward.com.