Three Matching Graduation Caps: Duffy Family Celebrates a Group of Graduates in the CPS Class of 2022
At commencement ceremonies around the globe every year, wide-smiling students in caps and gowns are congratulated by proud parents. Very rarely, however, are the students鈥� parents donning a matching cap and gown, graduating at the same time.
That鈥檚 exactly what happened to the Duffy family, as husband and wife Jim and Margaret Duffy earned their degrees from 草榴社区鈥檚 College of Professional Studies at the same ceremony as their son Daniel.
The Duffy family began their journey at 草榴社区 many years ago, with Margaret serving as a staff member for over two decades. She currently serves as the Director of Finance & Administration for Falvey Library, but she has been taking courses nearly her entire tenure at the University, only taking a short break years ago as Jim survived a fight with cancer. She graduated with majors in Organizational Development & Management and Public Service & Administration, with a minor in Leadership.
She was joined at CPS in 2019 by her son Daniel, a then-20 year-old looking for his next step, and her husband Jim, who had retired from a career in sales for Frito-Lay. Jim and Dan enrolled at 草榴社区 on the very same day, starting a journey that culminated at commencement. Dan鈥檚 degree is in Organizational Development & Management (ODM), with minors in Communications and Psychology. Jim also majored in ODM, as well as Leadership.
With the shared major in ODM, the Duffys paths crossed plenty during their time at CPS. They took several classes together, though fellow students and professors weren鈥檛 always aware of the familial connection.
鈥淔or the most part, I would say most professors didn鈥檛 acknowledge that we are related,鈥� said Jim.
鈥淚 would try not to admit to it,鈥� Margaret joked.
Some professors were well aware of the relationship, like Steve Sheridan, an adjunct professor in CPS and Director within the Office of Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at 草榴社区. He taught a class that included both Jim and Dan, with Margaret taking the same class the next semester.
鈥淚鈥檝e been honored to have Jim, Margaret and Dan all in my classes. It was exciting to get to know them. They鈥檙e amazing people,鈥� Steve remarked. 鈥淭he different ways they entered school embodies the CPS mission.鈥�
He looked forward to seeing them graduate, saying 鈥淚鈥檝e never been in the same room as all three of them at the same time 鈥� only saw them in separate boxes on Zoom!鈥�
Even when they were in separate classes, the Duffys educational experience was interwoven, with all three taking classes, speaking to advisors, studying for exams and completing homework assignments under the same roof.
鈥淒an would be upstairs, I鈥檇 be in the basement, and Jim would be in the dining room, all on our computers taking classes,鈥� Margaret said of the relationship between the three students.
This family dynamic brought the three Duffys closer together, but also created a friendly competitive rivalry.
鈥�(Jim) would always compare his grades to mine. He ended with the highest GPA, but I took more classes in a shorter period of time,鈥� Dan explained.
鈥淒an finished in three years, which is quite an accomplishment.鈥� Margaret added.
鈥淎nd it took me 40 years!鈥� Jim chimed in.
All three made the Dean鈥檚 List in the Fall 2021 semester, and Jim was inducted in the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society this spring.
Despite the competition between them, each of Jim, Margaret and Dan spoke highly of the experience, which has changed their family dynamic for the better.
鈥淚t was definitely something special that the three of us had this connection and something to share. I could have continued taking classes and earned a third major, but I wanted to graduate and walk with Dan and Jim,鈥� Margaret said.
The special opportunity to don their caps and gowns together and receive their diplomas at the same time is not lost on the Duffy family.
鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 both a personal and family accomplishment,鈥� Dan told us.
The rest of the Duffy family, including Dan鈥檚 four brothers and sister, are eager to celebrate this accomplishment, planning a party for the three graduates
鈥淭he party is more so for my father than the rest of us,鈥� Dan joked.
Margaret agreed with that saying, 鈥淚 tell my other sons that Dan is the one we鈥檙e celebrating, but Jim says it鈥檚 all about him!鈥� Each of the Duffy graduates will now head to a new step on their journey. Dan is considering his options in the workforce or continuing his education. Margaret is considering 草榴社区鈥檚 Master鈥檚 in Public Administration program. Jim is looking forward to continuing retired life, with a freshly framed diploma on the wall.
No matter where the Duffy family finds itself next, Jim, Margaret and Dan have accomplished quite the feat and celebrated that achievement together.
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely going to be emotional and overwhelming,鈥� Dan said in the lead up to graduation.
CPS congratulates the Duffy family on this unique and impressive achievement!