Commencement to Be Especially Memorable for Mother and Daughter

As relatives gather this weekend to cheer on the graduates at Commencement, none may be cheering louder than the Skinner and Cooke families. They will be cheering for two candidates for graduation in the Saturday morning ceremony.

Mother Janis Skinner, age 62, will be joined by her daughter Janis Cooke, age 30, in the College of Education Ceremonies scheduled to take place at 9 a.m.

Originally Cooke was going to graduate at 4 p.m. with the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. After contacting university officials Cooke was given the approval to graduate with her mother during the morning proceedings.

"I just cannot wait to see my mom graduate. She needs to go first, before any of her children. Technically I want her to go first then I will follow," said Cooke.

While attending UTSA together, they were able to share several classes over the last four years. Both are earning teaching degrees and look to land a job in education.

Both took the non-traditional route raising families first, then getting their degrees. Both Skinner and Cooke look forward to teaching and working with children.

Janis Skinner said,"It was a lot of work. It was a good experience. I had a lot of fun going to school with my daughter."