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May 25, 2006

Three family members graduate in same class

The family that studies together stays together, apparently.

At the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Spring 2006 Commencement May 20, a mother and her two children achieved academic success simultaneously as all three graduated in the same class.

Mary Jenkins (bachelor of business administration in accounting); son, Jeremy Jenkins (bachelor of business administration in accounting); and daughter, Angela Coker (master of science in communicative disorders) did not begin their university journey with that destination in mind, but they have certainly enjoyed their cumulative success.

Coker began studies at ULM in 1999, along with her brother, though Jeremy Jenkins attended as his work schedule permitted. Mary Jenkins began her most recent course of study in 2003. She had already completed a bachelor’s in elementary education at ULM, so she enjoyed a head start concerning her basic courses.

Some children might be appalled at attending classes with a parent, but Jenkins said her son didn’t appear to mind, and in fact even partnered with her for a class presentation this last semester.

“We sat next to each other in several of our classes, and we were able to help each other,” Mary Jenkins said. “It was just a really nice blessing that we were all able to graduate together. Because of our names, I sat next to my son during the commencement. All of our friends were able to come to one ceremony, and we had a fantastic graduation party afterwards.”

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