Among hundreds of students that walked at graduation was Joseph Lightfoot, receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Ashford University.
In the crowd at the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois, was his mother, Claudia Cattage, watching the Sunday, May 5 morning ceremony.
Just hours after Lightfoot received his sports and recreation degree, Cattage walked in Ashford’s afternoon ceremony. She received a Master of Arts degree in education with a specialization in early childhood education.
“To be able to experience this with my mother… there’s no words to put in place for it,” said Lightfoot.
The mother and son said they’ve been working toward this day their entire lives.
Cattage said her children were here greatest supporters for her education goals.
"My three children go above and beyond to encourage me," said Cattage. "They collectively saved their allowances to send me to a spa resort for some relaxation during winter break."
She said to serve as an example to her children, the Chicago mother has committed to continue learning to benefit the lives of her children and future generations.
Lightfoot has plans to continue his education with Ashford's online master's program and pursue a coaching career.