Graduation Becomes a Family Affair as Sisters Walk in Cap and Gown Together

May 8, 2005 — Brookville, NY—For the past three years, the Bertalon family has spent Mother’s Day watching the graduation ceremony at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. First, Jackie Bertalon, received her B.A. and M.S., and then Jennifer received her B.A. This year, both 32-year-old Jennifer and 30-year-old Jessica, receive master’s degrees. “I know our mom is proud of us,” joked Jessica, “but I’m sure next year she’ll be happy to have her Mother’s Day back.”

Jennifer encouraged her sister to come to the school with her. She had attended C.W. Post in 1990, leaving the school after a family emergency. She returned in 1999 and finished her undergraduate work in psychology and enrolled in the Earth Science Education M.S. program in 2003. Currently a science teacher at Farmingdale High School, the Seaford resident enjoyed meeting her sister for dinner before classes. Long Beach resident Jessica, an Occupational Therapist in the Syosset School District, entered the M.S. program in School Counseling. Both, of course, were familiar with the school since their sister Jackie had received her B.S. and M.S. there. In fact, when Jennifer investigated an undergraduate major, it was Jackie who collected all the brochures for her.

Jessica, who completed her undergraduate work in Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, enjoyed C.W. Post, but wasn’t as familiar with its campus as her sisters. Not always the best with directions, she’d sometimes call her sister while looking for different buildings. “I’d say, ‘I’m walking past Kumble Hall, where am I?’ and she’d tell me where to go.” The sisters also provided a support system for each other. Both worked full-time and balanced school responsibilities with family and friends. “We both understood each other’s schedule and that made things easier,” said Jessica.  

But school isn’t completely finished — at least for Jennifer, who intends to take graduate and professional development courses over the next two years for both professional and personal development.

The Bertalon sisters will be two ofmore than 2,200 students who will don their caps and gowns on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8, 2005 for the 47th annual commencement exercises of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. The Campus has awarded more than 90,000 degrees in its 50-year history, through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.