Robert Walters of Friday Harbor graduated summa cum laude from Oregon State University June 14.

A 20-year island resident, Walters, a construction worker by trade, return to school to complete a degree, with the support of his wife, Gidget, and daughter, after employment in the construction field proved inconsistent in the wake of the ’08 economic recession.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources policy management through the university e-course program, completing his entire coursework online and earning the required credits while living on San Juan Island.