Watch the surprise graduation ceremony below.
Video credit: CBS Miami
Nothing makes parents prouder than seeing their children graduate from school. Which is why one Michigan mother who was due to graduate skipped her own graduation ceremony in order to attend her son’s graduation – in a different school – which happened to fall on the same date as hers. However, the two institutions did something wonderful to make sure that the mother and son’s special day wouldn’t be wasted.
Sharonda Wilson and her son, Stephan, had studied in two separate universities in Michigan. They graduated this year but both their graduation ceremonies happened to be on the same day.
Stephan got his degree in fine arts in musical theater from Central Michigan University while his mom got a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University. Sharonda knew her priorities and decided to attend her son’s graduation even if it meant skipping hers.
A CMU spokesman said that Bob Davies, the school’s president, found out about Sharonda’s predicament after Stephan’s friend mentioned it on the morning of the graduation.
Ari Harris, the assistant communications director for the university, explained, “One of Stephan’s friends works in President Davies’ office as a student worker. She saw a post on Stephan’s Facebook page about Mrs. Wilson skipping her ceremony in order to watch Stephan walk.”
Davies then called David Eisler, the president of Ferris State University, to see how they could make things right for both mother and son. In the end, both university heads surprised the mother-and-son pair by giving Sharonda her own graduation cap, complete with a mini ceremony, during Stephan’s graduation.
“On behalf of president Eisler and Ferris State trustees … please move your tassel from your right to your left,” Davies told Sharonda to the applause of the crowd. Stephan cheered wildly beside her. The endearing moment was shared on Facebook where it quickly went viral.
In a statement, Davies mentioned that he wanted the Wilsons to get “the chance to celebrate together as a family” because it was a “milestone achievement.”
“The commencement ceremony is a celebration of student achievement and it acknowledges the passion, dedication, and enthusiasm required to earn a college degree,” he said.point 443 |
“Sharonda and Stephan both put in the long hours and hard work, and they deserved the chance to celebrate together as a family.point 111 | ”point 118 | 1
But CMU did issue a statement on Stephan’s behalf where he thanked both universities.
“Earning our college degrees has been an incredible journey for both my mom and me, and it was a blessing to stand beside her and celebrate together. I’m so thankful to President Davies and President Eisler for making this such a special moment for us,” said Stephan.
Recommended Video!
“Deployed U.S. Army Sergeant Surprises Son At His Graduation”