Reflections on a Journey Back to Harvey Mudd

Many of us have started something meaningful—a project, a dream, a degree— only to set it aside when life pulls us in a different direction. If you’ve ever wondered “What if?” regarding an unfinished goal, this conversation with Phil Lockwood ’95 (and ’24) about his decades-long journey to revisit an aspiration will resonate with you.

How close were you to completing your degree before life took you in a different direction?

I was two classes short of finishing my bachelor’s degree in engineering. I needed one class in Thermodynamics/Chemical Reactions and one in Mechanics/Statics/ Dynamics. During my senior year, I was offered a dream job in Seattle at Midisoft working on music sequencer software. I was burned out on school, out of time and out of money. So, I leapt at the opportunity and left in 1995 without completing those two classes.

How did that work out?

I was at Midisoft for about six months. I later was offered a job in the Bay Area, also in music software, that offered more money and was an exciting early stage startup. But, the company folded shortly after I joined. I then transitioned into a career in software development within the internet and web services.

Was completing your degree something you thought about often over the years?

Absolutely. I had always wanted to finish my degree, but it wasn’t feasible to uproot my life from the Bay Area to physically take those classes on campus in Southern California.

How did you finally get a chance to finish?

Last Christmas, I decided to reach out to the college again. I received an email from Sharon Gerbode, associate dean for academic affairs, explaining there was a path forward as a transfer student: If I could find equivalent courses at another ABET-accredited school, successfully petition to have them accepted and earn at least a B in each, I could transfer the credits and finally graduate from Harvey Mudd. I found two classes near me at San Jose State University that fit the criteria: a Strength of Materials class and a Thermodynamics class.

What obstacles did you face?

For starters, the Mechanics class was fully booked. I couldn’t officially enroll but kept attending lectures and doing homework anyway, hoping a spot would open up. Meanwhile, I had to review an entire Statics course online to prepare. Thermodynamics was even tougher. I realized quickly that I had major knowledge gaps. When my daughter, Beatrice, was born just a month into the semester, I had even less time and energy. I failed my first Thermodynamics midterm with a D, and it was incredibly discouraging.

How did you manage to push through?

I found online tutors in Pakistan and India who helped me with chemistry and thermodynamics for hours each week; it narrowed the gap. At the same time, I kept attending the Mechanics class and doing the work, even though I wasn’t officially enrolled. A spot finally opened, and I was able to add the class. Diana, my wife, was also instrumental. She supported me while caring for Bea, especially in those early months. Without her, I couldn’t have managed everything.

How did you feel heading into finals week?

I was nervous but determined. I knew the material, but I was slow—especially in Mechanics, where the final exam was packed with problems. I scored a 65% on the final, but the class average was just 50%, so my overall performance held up. In the end, I earned a B+ in both classes, which was enough to fulfill the requirements.

How does it feel to close this chapter after all these years?

I sent my transcripts to Harvey Mudd College and received my diploma in the mail—nearly 30 years after I originally started my degree. It’s a huge relief and incredibly satisfying. This journey took longer than I ever expected and was harder than I imagined, but I’m so grateful for the second chance.

What advice would you give to others wanting to finish something they started long ago?

If you get a second chance, savor it. Don’t be afraid to take that leap—you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.