For most families, Mother’s Day weekend is a time to reflect and appreciate. For Marnatha Ternier and Hillary Pierre, it became a celebration of both motherhood and academic triumph, as they graduated together from Barry University.

This duo walked the stage side by side during the School of Business and Public Administration’s commencement ceremony, each receiving their master’s degrees. Ternier earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA), while Pierre received her Master of Business Administration (MBA).

“Graduating alongside my daughter is one of the most meaningful milestones of my life,” Ternier said.

While the joint graduation felt like a storybook moment, it wasn’t something they planned. The two applied to Barry University independently, never imagining they’d end up completing their graduate journeys at the same time. But once their paths aligned, they became each other’s biggest support system. “It was never easy, but having each other there made it worth it,” said Pierre.

Their journey was rooted in determination, and deep admiration for one another. Pierre spoke of her mother as a role model, someone whose strength and perseverance shaped her own path.

“Just seeing what my mom has gone through and how much she’s worked so hard for everything she has right now, it’s pushed me to not only be a boss lady like her, but even go beyond that and set a legacy for our family,” she said.

Walking the graduation stage together became a moment of both reflection and celebration, not just of academic achievement, but of a shared journey across generations.

Both graduates are looking ahead with ambitious plans. Ternier is currently seeking opportunities to serve communities, particularly with a focus on her homeland of Haiti. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in governance and policy, aiming to deepen her expertise in leadership and public systems.

Pierre also has her sights set on a doctoral degree. In the meantime, she continues her work at the CARE Center, a community mental health clinic powered by Barry University.