Damaris La-Boissiere (BS ’17) and Griselle Londono (BS ’17) have a lot in common. Not only are they mother and daughter and not only did they both earn their bachelor’s degree from Barry University, but they earned their degrees together.
La-Boissiere, who is 50, and Londono, 24, participated in this spring’s Commencement ceremonies at the James L. Knight Center. The duo earned Administration degrees from the School of Professional And Career Education (PACE). Londono began her studies during the summer of 2015, while La-Boissiere began her studies during the fall of 2015. Thanks to PACE’s portfolio program, which allows students to translate your real-life learning into college credit, the two were able to graduate together.
“As a daughter, I am extremely proud of my mother. It is sincerely a blessing to be able to graduate with her,” Londono said. “We have both motivated each other and will continue to do so; this experience at Barry University has brought us closer.”
With their undergraduate degrees behind them, both plan to continue their education. La-Boissiere plans to help her youngest daughter focus on starting college before she pursues her master’s. Londono will soon head off to law school.
“I never thought that we would graduate together, it just happened since the portfolio credits helped me catch up to my daughter,” La-Boissiere said. “It feels amazing to be able to earn my degree with my daughter at the same time. I am blessed.”