The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!
A mother and son are both set to graduate from Alabama State University in the same weekend, HBCU Connect reports.
Mom, Lauren Salter, and her son, Courtney are both scheduled to graduate from ASU this weekend. Montgomery natives, the Salter’s have a long legacy of ASU graduates in their family, including Salter’s mom and aunt and Courtney’s father.
“I was born with a love for Alabama State University, not only because I had so many family members who attended here, but I was physically here on campus during my early formative years at all kinds of special events,” Courtney said. “Not to mention that I attended ASU’s Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Learning Center from kindergarten through my third-grade year.”
Salter graduated from high school in 1984, going on to attend Auburn University Montgomery before transferring to Trenholm State Technical College. She received several degrees from the school, graduating with her dental assistant’s degree and embarking on a 28-year career in the dental sector. Her son’s graduation from high school in 2016 and his plans to attend ASU inspired Salter to return to college.
“A light bulb literally went off in my brain when my son entered school [at ASU], and I decided then and there to also enroll and graduate from ASU,” Salter said.
The two had no idea that they would graduate simultaneously, much less walk across the stage in the same weekend. As a result of the pandemic, spring commencements were rescheduled with promises to allow students to walk in the fall. Now, Courtney, a member of the spring 2020 class, will graduate on Sunday, November 22nd, just two days after his mother Lauren, a member of the fall 2020 class, graduates on Friday, November 20th. For Salter, the date is extra special because it also happens to mark her 55th birthday.
“I couldn’t have asked for a more incredible birthday gift than to graduate on the same weekend with my son Courtney from the greatest school ever, The Alabama State University,’ Salter said. ”[This] is the second best thing to ever happen to me…the first one being having given birth to [Courtney].”
The pair both said that their love of ASU is one thing they will always cherish as they prepare for the next stages of their lives, and are grateful to have the opportunity to cheer each other on as they collect their diplomas and walk across the stage.
Salter is graduating with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, and her son Courtney will be graduating with a degree in finance.
Congratulations to you both!
Photo Courtesy of HBCU Connect