A mother-son duo have carried on their family’s legacy and started a family of their own when they graduated from Albany State University together in Albany, Georgia.
According to The Albany Herald, Roderick Hubbard and his mother Yolanda Hubbard, both of whom already had bachelor’s degrees from the historically black institution, crossed the same stage at the Albany Civic Center on May 6 to receive their degrees from ASU.
Family members who attended ASU also included Roderick’s grandmother, former Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard, as well as his wife, brother, sister-in-law, uncle and cousins.
Roderick Hubbard (left) and his mother Yolanda Hubbard (right), both with bachelor’s degrees from Albany State University, crossed the stage at the Albany Civic Center on May 6 to receive their degrees. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/ WALB News 10)
“We are very proud of our daughter and grandson for their achievements,” said Dorothy Hubbard, reported The Herald. “I cannot emphasize enough the Hubbard family’s belief in lifelong learning and education.”
Roderick Hubbard received his bachelor’s degree in middle school education from ASU in 2014 and his master’s degree in educational leadership in 2021. His most recent achievement was graduating with a prestigious Education Specialists degree in Educational Leadership.
Yolanda Hubbard earned a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences from ASU in 2011. She recently completed her studies with a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on human resources.
The couple often sat around a table together, completing assignments and encouraging each other to persevere in school. Roderick even helped his mother adjust to online education.
“This was an opportunity for us to celebrate our achievements together and reflect on the hard work and dedication that has brought us to this moment,” he said, according to The Herald. “I think I’m prouder of my mother than of myself.”
Yolanda Hubbard dedicated her new degree to her grandchildren, who were thrilled to witness this momentous event.
“When school and life get tough,” she said, according to the Herald, “I can always remind them that GiGi did it way before so they could too.”
The two Hubbards are ready to use their degrees to delve deeper into the world of work. Roderick, the assistant principal at Morningside Elementary School, said he aspires to be a principal, rise to district leadership and teach at ASU. Yolanda works at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
The couple have already left their mark on Albany State and intend to continue supporting the university throughout the year.
“We come from a long line of ASU graduates,” asserted Dorothy Hubbard, reported The Herald, “and it’s important to me that our children, their children and grandchildren see these accomplishments so they can earn their degrees from ASU. “
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