Like most of the nearly 1,000 receiving diplomas from Northern Kentucky University today at Firstar Center, Maria Winkelman was relieved college is done.

        But Ms. Winkelman, 26, who earned a bachelor of science in mental health and human services, is hardly the typical NKU graduate. She twice nearly died from brain injuries suffered in a 1994 car accident. And spent much of the first two months in a coma.

        And had to re-learn to walk, talk and eat.

        Ms. Winkelman, who lives in Latonia with husband, Tim, and 15-month-old son, Brandon, did all that. She doesn't blame God or anyone else.

        “There obviously was a reason,” Ms. Winkelman said. “I can't tell you what it is. I might find out in 20 years.”

        Ms. Winkelman, a 1992 graduate of Newport Central Catholic High School, had just completed her sophomore year at NKU and had been accepted to the school's nursing program when she drove down Hathaway Road near Union on June 26, 1994.

        “It was raining very hard,” said her mom, Joan Aker. “She hydroplaned, went off the road and off an embankment ... She pulled herself out of the accident and pulled herself to the road.”

        But Ms. Winkelman was in serious trouble. Her brain began to swell, and her trip to University Hospital was delayed because the AirCare helicopter couldn't make it to Boone County because of the storm.

        “She was in the emergency room on a stainless steel examination table,” Ms. Aker said. “They told us she was wasn't going to make it (and to) tell your daughter goodbye.”

        But Ms. Winkelman survived.

        Afer two surgeries and one coma in 1994, she spent the next year at HealthSouth Northern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital in Edgewood. Friends and family helped re-teach life and study skills.

        Ms. Winkelman returned to NKU in 1995. A nursing degree was out — the accident wiped out her short-term memory — so she chose a major in which she could still help people.

        Ms. Winkelman will keep her job at Basic Trust Child Development Center for the time being — and be grateful to all who helped her.

        “I watch 2-year-olds, and I have such a a blast,” Ms. Winkelman said. “ ... You have to set a goal. It may take a while, you may have to change your goal, but you need to have something to strive for.”

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