Marie received a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a concentration in Management from Goodwin College's Saturday Scholars® program, Anastasia, a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education. Marie, as a commencement speaker, shared her thoughts about her undergraduate experience which included speaking about her daughter's accomplishments.

The Drexel experience began for Anastasia in September 2002, following her graduation from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She chose Drexel because she wanted to remain in Philadelphia, was impressed by its growing elementary education program, and was offered "a great financial aid package."

Marie joined her daughter as a Drexel student a year later, when she enrolled in the Saturday Scholars® program. "As an employee of the Drexel College of Medicine, the Saturday Scholars® program worked well into my already busy schedule," she says.

"I would say that the level of understanding that we both have when it comes to being Drexel students has been the best thing," Anastasia says. "Often, parents don't understand the stress being placed on their students in college, but since my mom attended Drexel, she completely understood what I was going through."

Both women have found the time to stay extremely involved with campus life at Drexel. Anastasia has been a member of the NSBE, NAACP, BSU, and DUGC. She was also a resident assistant, a charter member of the Kappa Sigma chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and has worked in Drexel's Division of Student Life.

Marie has worked as financial coordinator for the Drexel University College of Medicine's HIV/AIDS Medicine Division for 10 years. She has also been an active member of the Goodwin College's Student Council, serving as president from 2004 to 2006 and council parliamentarian from 2003 to 2004. Additionally, Marie is an active member of the Kappa Omega Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta.

Marie's future plans include pursuing a master's degree in Drexel's Global and International Education program. Anastasia will work for the Philadelphia School District as a lead teacher. She also plans to apply to graduate school and seminary.

Marie and Anastasia say that sharing their graduation day made it even more significant for both of them. "I am extremely blessed," Marie says, "because with God's guidance and grace, my daughter and I have been able to complete this phase of our academic journey. I am excited to share this milestone with Anastasia."

Marie feels it is never too late to return to school and that learning is a life-long process. "Life is a constant learning experience and the opportunities for educational enrichment are endless," she says. "My favorite quote comes from one of my marketing professors, Patricia Jefferson: 'Knowledge without application is deception.' "

Attribution - Written and submitted by Noel Sarah Dietrich, Marketing Coordinator for Goodwin College of Professional Studies at Drexel University