For Better or Worse: Military Couple Graduates Purdue Global Together
The Favrettos celebrate their graduation together during an October ceremony at Purdue University’s West Lafayette location. (Purdue Global photo/Kelsey Lefever)
Rachel and Steven Favretto are moving forward with a Juris Doctor and a cybersecurity degree
As married couple Rachel and Steven Favretto reflect on the years of teamwork that led up to their Purdue Global graduation, their pride in one another is unmistakable. Rachel (Juris Doctor ’25, Purdue Global Law School) says law school has been a long journey, but Steven (BS cybersecurity ’25, Purdue Global) insists his wife’s discipline and drive were always going to win out over any obstacle.
“I took a job across the country, and this one sitting next to me over here ... ,” he says, smiling. “She did her master’s when we were living in an RV, using hot-spot Wi-Fi."
Rachel says the support around her made all the difference.
“There’ve been quite a few times that if it wasn’t for my husband, my family or my study group, I wouldn’t have made it,” she says. “Anyone in law school — we’ve all said, ‘I quit; I can’t do this.’ But it creates an inner strength.”
Steven had his own unusual homework scenarios. A Marine, he continued his cybersecurity degree during deployments in Kuwait and Iraq — even joining seminars at 2 a.m. local time.
“The culture within Purdue Global is very military-friendly,” he says. “Many classmates were military; some were deployed like I was. Even a few professors were retired service members. I definitely felt understood.”
Now traveling from California to cross the stage together at Purdue University’s West Lafayette location, they see an extraordinary future for their family.
“Being a lawyer gives me the access I need to actually help people,” Rachel says. “My JD will allow me to play an active role in my community.”
Steven agrees. “I’ll handle policies, risk management — and use this degree as a steppingstone for future certifications, too. I’m set up for success.”
For now, they pause to celebrate everything they’ve overcome — and to cheer on those still in the thick of it.
“As much as you might want to quit sometimes, don’t quit,” Rachel says. “Fight! Stay strong. Create the opportunities you want.”