Mom and two daughters graduate from College of Saint Mary

OMAHA, Neb. – For Tammy Rivera, attending College of Saint Mary (CSM) at the same time as her daughters allowed her to become a role model for them while making her professional and personal development a priority. 

Tammy graduated with her daughters, Kaylee and Madison Rivera, during CSM's May 17 commencement ceremony. 

“I have no words. It was the most amazing experience to walk behind my daughters across the stage and be a part of the experience,” Tammy said.  

Kaylee enrolled at CSM to get her bachelor’s degree after earning an associate degree in early childhood studies at Iowa Western Community College. 

The following semester, Tammy joined her daughter at CSM and started classes to earn her bachelor’s degree. She earned an associate degree 30 years ago, but her job as the supervisor of volunteer and guest services at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy inspired her to continue her education. 

“I thought I could learn about diversity and communications and implement that in my career,” she said. “I also wanted to be a good role model for my daughters.” 

Madison, who also earned an associate degree in early childhood studies at Iowa Western, soon joined her mom and sister as a student at CSM.  

“At first, I thought it was weird, but I did like the idea after the first few weeks. Not many people can say they took classes with their mom, and I think that's pretty cool,” Madison said.  

As they each navigated their own journey at CSM, they were able to come together by passing one another in the hallways, having lunch together or taking the same classes. 

Tammy and Kaylee took a communications class together and all three of them had theology classes together. 

“Teaching Tammy, Kaylee and Madison Rivera together in several theology courses was a unique and joy-filled experience in my 27-year career as a theologian. Witnessing how they each applied Catholic social thought to their own areas of interest was particularly rewarding,” said Jennifer Reed-Bouley, professor and program director of theology. “I am grateful for the opportunity to teach the women in the Rivera family. Their mutual support exemplifies CSM’s mission to uplift women’s leadership.” 

Kaylee and Madison agreed that having their mom in classes helped them stay on track. 

"I actually liked having my mom at the same college as me. When we had the same class, she kept me accountable,” Kaylee said. “I liked being able to sit in the commons and just do homework with her by my side.” 

“It’s really fun going to school with your mom,” Madison said. “You see her in the hallway and yell, ‘Mom,’ or you high five or hug.” 

While Madison and Kaylee received support from their mom, Tammy said the support she got from her daughters, other students, her husband and her employer helped her balance working full-time while she was enrolled at CSM full-time. 

“I thought it would be hard going to college with young women who are the same age as my girls. What do I have to offer? But everybody was pretty welcoming. It really amazed me,” Tammy said. 

Tammy, who received her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, said her non-traditional college experience was good for her personally and professionally, and she’s already using what she’s learned in her position at Bergan Mercy. 

Kaylee received her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and plans to move to Sioux Falls, SD where she'll work at a daycare or assisted living facility.  

Madison, who received permission to walk the stage during the spring commencement so that she could experience graduation with her sister and mom, will complete the requirements for her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies over the summer and continue working as a paraprofessional at a school in Iowa.