Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) hosted its 2023 Spring Graduation on Friday, May 12, at the Berry Center in Cy-Fair, honoring the achievements of over 1000 students who successfully completed their academic programs.
Graduation day can evoke many emotions, but for two local mother-daughter duos, the commencement ceremony on Mother's Day weekend became an extraordinary celebration of academic achievement and unbreakable bonds.
Olivia Moody, a dedicated mother, earned her Associate of Arts (AA) in Business, while her daughter, Lauren Moody, obtained an Associate of Science (AS) with plans to pursue nursing. Their journey at LSC-University Park was marked by resilience and determination as they triumphed over personal challenges and excelled academically.
"I initially enrolled back in school in 2003, the year Lauren was born, in hopes of finishing long before now, but Lauren was very sick with life–threatening asthma," said Olivia Moody. "The last time she was in ICU at Texas Children's Hospital, I received a call that her brother, my son, had a brain tumor. So, my life had been a little too hectic to focus on home, work, and school. To be able to finally graduate alongside my daughter is quite special for me."
Despite facing formidable obstacles as a mother, Olivia Moody easily conquered academic hurdles, even overcoming her struggles with math, thanks to the flexible teaching style of a math faculty member at LSC-University Park.
"One of my best memories is taking college algebra in the fall of 2019 with Professor Nicole Rich. I used to loathe algebra, but Professor Rich understood how to teach and modify her teaching style to accommodate the various learning abilities of her students," said Olivia Moody. "When Lauren was still in high school, she even came to a class I had with Professor Rich. She got a taste of Lone Star's culture, which was why she decided to begin her education with Lone Star."
Olivia Moody considers graduating alongside her daughter one of her most cherished memories.
"Attending college alongside Lauren has helped us sharpen each other," Olivia Moody said. "We've always been extremely close, but Lauren will often tell me she's proud of me – so while I'm doing it for myself – I sometimes forget that my daughter is still watching me accomplish goals I've set for myself despite her being an adult. It has created a deeper bond between us."
Another inspiring mother-daughter duo, Larissa Hernandez and Jocelyn Watkins, were also among the graduates honored at the ceremony. Hernandez earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Administration, while Watkins obtained her Associate of Arts (AA). Their decision to attend college together was unexpected but became a transformative journey of courage and determination.
"My daughter was feeling nervous about going to the college to do placement testing," Hernandez said. “I told her I would go do testing with her. I have not been in school in 20 years, so I told her we could be nervous together.”
This act of solidarity sparked Hernandez's desire to pursue her own educational dreams.
"I thought I was being a supportive mother testing with Jocelyn, but it turns out she was helping me feel the courage to start college," said Hernandez. “Lone Star College-University Park has been a blessing in our lives. LSC has given me the courage and drive to move forward."
Hernandez and Watkins plan to pursue bachelor's degrees in management and psychology, respectively, at the University of Houston-Downtown. Hernandez's associate degree has already opened new employment opportunities. She now works in the Veterans Financial Services department at Lone Star College (LSC). 
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy. For information on taking fall or summer classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281.290.2600 or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. Academic advisers are available to assist students with questions about course selection, degree plans or the registration process.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2022 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.