Mom and Daughter to Graduate on Mother’s Day

Brookville, N.Y. – This Mother's Day will be filled with important milestones for Diane Harvey. After graduating from high school 30 years ago, the mother of two will don a cap and gown once again, as she receives a bachelor's degree in psychology on May 11, 2008 when the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University celebrates its 50th Commencement.

But despite the hard work, dedication and commitment to her education, graduating from college isn't the most exciting thing that will happen to Diane Harvey that day. That moment will come when her daughter Melinda Harvey puts on her own cap and gown and earns a bachelor's degree in nutrition.

“To be graduating with my daughter on Mother's Day is an extra bonus for me,” the Huntington Station resident said. “I am brimming with pride at her accomplishment and amazed I had the fortitude to lead by example when I told my children that their education is one of the most important goals that lie ahead of them.” Harvey 's son Dillon is also enrolled at C.W. Post as a freshman.

The pair plans to sit together on the Great Lawn during the main ceremonies and Diane, who will receive her degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been granted permission by University administrators to attend and receive her degree at Melinda's recognition ceremony at the School of Health Professions and Nursing.  

“I have waited her lifetime as her mother for her to receive her diploma and have her name called.  As a parent I must be there,” Diane said. Melinda is also happy for the opportunity to see her mom graduate.

“She's the parent that day, but I also have that same proud feeling,” she said.

Despite being in two different programs and taking different classes, mother and daughter tried to meet up on campus as often as possible, carpooling and having lunch when they could. Diane, a youth director at Huntington YMCA would eventually like to go back to school for her master's degree. Melinda is currently applying for graduate schools.

“I've always been close to my mom,” Melinda said. “We've always shared a connection. And going to school together was just a continuation of that.”

Commencement exercises will take place on the Great Lawn at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville , NY beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 11. The Class of 2008 includes 1,022 baccalaureate degree candidates, 1,434 master's degree candidates, 15 graduates receiving the Psy.D. in clinical psychology and 4 receiving the Ph.D. in information studies. C.W. Post's commencement ceremonies also include graduates from the Brentwood Campus, Southampton College, Southampton Graduate Campus and Long Island University at Riverhead.