Two Couples Overcome Adversity to Graduate Together on Mother’s Day at C.W. Post

May 8, 2005 — Brookville, NY— For Anthony and Holly Toguchi and Jennifer and Christopher Rice, graduation day means matching sets of caps and gowns as the two couples receive master’s degrees from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University after years of balancing work, school, family, commuting – and life-altering events.

Anthony and Holly Toguchi of Oyster Bay started classes in Fall 2002. He wanted an M.B.A.; she wanted to earn an M.A. in Childhood Education. But their greatest challenge had nothing to do with homework or tests. In January 2003, Anthony, a former National Champion and member of the National Karate-Do team under the United States Olympic Committee, suffered major injuries in an automobile accident and couldn’t work or compete. So, Holly took a second job at the Boys and Girls Club in the mornings before coming to her full-time job at C.W. Post, where she is an Administrative Assistant to the Associate Provost for Enrollment Services – all while continuing to take classes. 

While going through rehab, Anthony continued his studies, and decided in May 2003 to begin an Internet-based small business called Tsource, Inc., seeking the advice of two professors and the Small Business Development Center at C.W. Post.  By Fall 2004, Anthony, nearly recovered from his accident, had just one last class left. Holly entered her last semester of student teaching.  They planned to graduate together in January 2005.  But in August 2004, a car hit Anthony while he rode his bicycle. He suffered a concussion and back, neck, shoulder and knee injuries, and couldn’t leave his home, except for treatment, for three months. Holly continued to work while student-teaching, and graduated in January 2005 as planned with a 4.0 GPA. Anthony took his last class in Spring 2005, and graduates with Beta Gamma Sigma academic honors. “Although Anthony and I did not officially graduate at the same time, it will be a proud moment for us to walk together,” said Holly—especially since the couple’s first child, a baby girl, is due in June.

With Jennifer and Christopher Rice having too much homework is sometimes a good thing. “We take turns taking care of the house and dog,” said Jennifer. “Whoever has the most due gets to study, the other does the dishes.” The twosome met as undergraduates in Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.—both studied dramatic arts and had dual majors: his in history, hers in French. So going to school together is nothing new. 

Jennifer, a costume designer who has worked for the Post Theatre Company for seven years, decided to pursue her master’s in interdisciplinary studies so she could enhance her teaching skills. Chris, who works for an IT company, studied history since he wanted to switch careers and become a teacher. Balancing school with their hour and 15 minute commute wasn’t easy for the Stamford, CT residents.  Jennifer also had real concerns about taking classes alongside some of her students. “I thought it would undermine my authority,” she said. “But my students were glad to see me in class.” Seeing those familiar faces even made her work harder—she didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of them. But graduation won’t end their pursuit in education, at least for Christopher, who wants to eventually earn his Ph.D.

Jennifer and Christopher Rice and Holly and Anthony Toguchi are among more 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.