DAYTON — Graduation is always a special time. But for one mother and daughter, it was extra special in Dayton this weekend.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Caterina and Gina McNamara both received their undergraduate degrees from the University of Dayton.
They became the third and fourth recipients of master’s degrees in their family.
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News Center 7’s Malik Patterson said that both graduated with master’s degrees on Saturday.
“It wasn’t planned. We didn’t know this was going to happen. It just kind of worked out that way,” said Gina. “I’d actually started my master’s a semester before her, but it ended up working out.”
Caterina told Patterson that it’s been an amazing journey.
“It’s just really exciting. I’ve grown up my whole life with her supporting me, so it’s exciting to be here supporting her too,” said Caterina.
Gina explained why she decided to get her master’s degree in business administration.
“My kids were older. I actually had the time. It’s something I always wanted to do,” she said.
Patterson said that she started by taking a few classes at Sinclair Community College in 2018. Then, she decided it was time to get her master’s.
That also inspired her daughter, Cat.
“Around my junior year is when she started her master’s program. And so when the time came, my senior and someone said, ‘What do you want to do next?’ I looked no further than my mom for inspiration,” said Caterina.
When times got hard during their program, they leaned on each other.
Gina told Patterson that it is never too late to either go to school or get back into school.
“There is no age limit on getting your degree, whether it be your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s. So, if you’re thinking about doing it, do it.”
Both graduates are deciding where they will apply their new master’s degrees.
Caterina earned her master’s degree in public administration.
Gina got her master’s degree in business administration.
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