University of Mobile

May 13, 2009

All at Once

Parents will graduate from University of Mobile on Saturday, the same day as their daughter

By RENEÉ BUSBY

Mobile Press-Register Staff Reporter

Press-Register Photo by G.M. ANDREWS

Brittney Brown stands between her parents, Glen Brown and Lona Brown, on April 29 on the University of Mobile campus. On Saturday, the trio will become the first set of parents and child to graduate from UM at the same time. Brittney will receive a bachelor's degree in communication, and each of her parents will receive a bachelor's degree in business administration.

When Brittney Brown's science class at the University of Mobile went on a field trip, her parents went along.

But they weren't there to chaperone. They were her classmates.

Four years ago, the family of three started classes together at the Southern Baptist-affiliated school. On Saturday, the Browns will be the first set of parents and child to graduate from the school at the same time, according to university spokeswoman Kathy Dean.

Brittney, 22, will receive a bachelor's degree in communication, while her parents will earn bachelor's degrees in business administration. Her father, 57-year-old Glen Brown, will graduate summa cum laude, while her 54-year-old mother, Lona Brown, will graduate magna cum laude.

Some 357 graduates will receive degrees Saturday.

"When we started, we thought it would be neat if we all graduated at the same time," Lona recalled. "We saw it was reachable, and we stepped up the pace."

But it wasn't always easy, especially for the parents, who also worked.

"It was very challenging at times, sitting in front of a computer at 1 or 2 in the morning," said Glen, who is a senior account manager at Office Equipment Co.

Glen and Lona are enrolled in the university's Center for Adult Programs, which is geared toward working adults. Lona works for the university as the center's enrollment coordinator.

Like all students, the Browns have their own college memories.

Glen said he showed his mother the first report card with A's. "She looked at it and said, 'Son, there's nowhere on here that says, 'Parent's signature.'"

Glen told her to sign it anywhere she wanted.

After she died during his sophomore year, Glen said, he was even more determined to get a degree.

Brittney recalled having Lona as a lab partner.

"To have to dissect a squid with your mother is something I never thought I would do," said Brittney, who ended up working solo.

"I wouldn't touch it," Lona said.

Brittney said there were times when she felt like the parent. "I've had to push them," she said. "It's been funny to say to your parents, 'Now, get an A on the test.'"

One of the highlights for the family was choosing class rings and getting ready for graduation together.

"Once we got the caps and gowns, it was a sense of accomplishment," Lona said.

At commencement, the Browns will be lined up together. Brittney plans to stop on stage after receiving her diploma and turn to watch her parents.

"It's going to be an emotional experience," she said recently, wiping tears from her cheeks.

Last modified : Wednesday, May 13, 2009 11:32 PM
University of Mobile