empowering employees - a real story ...

Rose Pennycooke, Supervisor Purchasing and Reprographics Los Angeles, California

Oxy’s Educational Assistance program offers qualified employees a general educational assistance program that provides up to 100 percent tuition and fee coverage to complete work-related courses, degrees and programs at accredited institutions.  Rose Pennycooke is an inspirational beneficiary of the program.   

Rose began working for Occidental in 1984 as a secretary in the Los Angeles office.  At the encouragement of her boss, Rose entered the MBA program at Pepperdine University in 1991.

Three months into the program her husband Ian was killed in a car accident.  Rose and her then 12-year-old daughter, Anika, were devastated. “It was so traumatic,” said Rose.  "I didn’t know how I was going to raise my daughter as a single parent, balance my job responsibilities and finish the MBA program, but I was determined to see it through.  I did not want to quit.  I wanted to set an example for my daughter.” 

Rose recalls bringing Anika with her to class, study groups and the library, but she persevered and managed to complete her MBA in two years, as scheduled.  “Without Oxy's Educational Assistance Program I would never have earned my MBA."  

Today, Rose is Supervisor of Purchasing and Reprographics and manages the corporate copy center, travel back office, office supply procurement department and the corporate credit card program. 

Anika earned her bachelor of science degree from Cal Poly, Pomona in 2002.  Following her mother’s strong example, Anika is preparing to begin  the Pepperdine University MBA program. 

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