Submitted
Today, a special milestone will unfold at Fort Hays State University as Jessica McGuire, 46, and her daughter Hannah Harris, 24, cross the graduation stage on the same day—each achieving an academic dream years in the making.
Jessica will receive her Bachelor's degree in Business Education–Talent Development and plans to return to FHSU this fall to pursue a Master's in Liberal Studies with a focus on Corporate Communication.
Hannah will graduate with her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, completing her program while also caring for her 11-month-old son.
"Attending college at the same time as my mom has been such a unique and exciting experience," said Hannah. "She used to help me with my homework and cheer me on through school, and now I get to watch her chase her dreams and succeed. I'm encouraged by her commitment to her studies and cannot wait to walk across the stage on the same day!"
Jessica credits her success to her husband Jeremy (FHSU, Class of 1998) and their three children. "I could not have reached this accomplishment without their support," she said. "Whenever it got hard, I would imagine my kids cheering me on as I walked that stage at Gross, and it kept me going even when I felt burnt out."
In what is truly a family celebration, Gabriel McGuire, Jessica's son and Hannah's brother, will also graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Media Arts–Filmmaking from Wichita State University the very next day.
"I'm incredibly proud of my kids," Jessica shared. "I'm impressed every day by their commitment to their studies and how they balance all their responsibilities. Experiencing this with them has been eye-opening and something we'll never forget!"