SU Welcomes Frostburg Degree Student in Special Graduation

SALISBURY, MD---When their twin daughters, Suzanne and April, went off to college, George and Suzanne Carley of Newcomb, MD, were filled with pride. When both announced their graduations this year, however, the Carleys were filled with dread. Suzanne stayed on the Eastern Shore to pursue a business management degree at Salisbury University. April headed west to Frostburg State University, where she enrolled in the recreation program with a concentration in park management. This year, both universities scheduled their commencement ceremonies on the same day. “Both of our girls have made their parents happy and proud,” said George Carley. “They made good choices and gave their education 110 percent. Graduation was a day we didn’t want to skip for either of them.” The Carleys contacted both schools to see if special arrangements could be made. The result: for the first time in history, Salisbury University welcomes a Frostburg degree student during its commencement. When April receives her Frostburg diploma, she will receive it with her sister at SU. “The whole part of commencement is to celebrate the students’ achievements, and we were happy to help the family do that,” said Jacqueline Moran Maisel, SU registrar. Not only is this a first for SU. Maisel said she believes it may be a first for the University System of Maryland. For SU student Suzanne, the circumstances make commencement even more memorable: “Originally, April was not going to walk at all. She was going to come to Salisbury and watch me walk. I was sad that I wouldn’t get to see her graduate. To share this big event with my sister is special for me. We both are very excited.” Her mother shared that sentiment: “For them to share this moment together is very special. It was important to them.” While the ceremony will bring the sisters together for graduation, their reunion will not last long. After receiving her degree, Suzanne plans to return to Talbot County to pursue paralegal certification and a career that mixes business and legal studies. April will move back to the Frostburg area, where she plans to work for the Savage River Lodge resort. As for their parents, they will have to re-adjust to life without college students. During the past four years, they have become immersed in the university lifestyle, attending SU events including Sea Gull Century and Homecoming, and supporting their daughter’s work as a residence assistant on campus. However, come graduation day, May 21, the will have one final opportunity to bask in their daughters’ achievements at SU and Frostburg. “It’s a very special day for us, just as it will be for every student and parent at the ceremony,” George said. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.