Mother and Son to Graduate from C.W. Post with Master’s Degrees on Mother’s Day, May 14

Brookville, NY - Despite living in the same house in Hicksville, NY, working at the same family-owned company, and even attending the same university, mom Joanne Turnier and son Jason don’t see very much of one another during the week.

But hopefully they will get to spend some quality time together this Mother’s Day when they are both awarded master’s degrees – Joanne an M.S. in nursing and Jason an M.B.A. – at the 48th Annual Commencement Exercises at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.

Aside from working full-time as a stroke nurse coordinator at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, Joanne, 51, along with her husband Gary, and son Jason, run Camps ‘R’ Us, a family-friendly, affordable summer day camp with five locations on Long Island. Add a full-time master’s level course load with required certifications and work hours and you have one busy lady.

“When I get my diploma, I’m going to tear it into four pieces,” laughs Joanne. “One for myself, and one each for my son, daughter and husband. I could never have done all of this without their support.”

Jason, 24, enrolled in the M.B.A. program at C.W. Post after his mom encouraged him to check out the campus. With a bachelor’s degree in history under his belt, Jason was looking for a place to continue his education. Since his mom was doing so well at the campus, Jason decided to give it a look and enrolled in the Fall 2004 semester.

Although enrolled different programs, mother and son found ways to have a shared college experience. “It was nice having someone in the house going through the same thing,” Jason said, adding that he and his mom would trade stories about what was going on in their respective classes. Although they never crossed paths while at school, they would help the other out when they could – Jason even ordered his mom’s cap and gown for her.

The education both received helps them with their family business, Camps ‘R’ Us.  Joanne and husband Gary founded the camp in 1993 after discovering a lack of affordable summer day camps in the area. Joanne says the combination of the trio’s background – her nursing, Gary’s education, Jason’s business – helps the camp flourish. Over 14,000 students ages 3-15 will be enrolled this summer, and each will only pay approximately $4 per hour.

As Jason worked toward his M.B.A., he began analyzing the business end of the camp business and helped to tighten and improve the way the business is run. Now in charge of Operations, he oversees the day-to-day issues of the camp.

As they look toward the future, Joanne sees more education. “I’ve been a student for all of my kids’ lives,” she says – in the form of certifications and possibly a doctorate. But that’s a while off. For both, the camp will be a priority, especially over the summer.

And as for the present – it’s time for mother and son to take a break – and spend some time together.

Joanne and Jason Turnier will be among more than 2,300 students who will graduate on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 14, 2006 at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University’s 48th commencement exercises.