Most parents dream of being able to watch their children graduate – but not many get to do it at the same time.
For Diane Cleves, next week will be extra special as she and her daughter both graduate from Teesside University.
And the pair have enjoyed their courses so much, they have both enrolled to continue studying at Teesside from September to gain additional qualifications.
Diane, from Redcar, graduates with a Certificate in Education and will continue onto the BA (Hons) Education. Her daughter Kirsti Bushby, 27, is due to pick up her BA (Hons) Graphic Design and is progressing onto the MA Future Design.
“I am incredibly proud to be graduating, but even prouder that Kirsti has gained her degree,” explained Diane.
“Nobody from our family has ever been to university, so to be collecting our qualifications together will be extremely special.”
More than 2,500 graduates and their families will celebrate their success at Teesside University next week, with 11 ceremonies spread across five days. The ceremonies have moved from November to July to allow for a summer celebration and the full use of the University campus, which has been the subject of more than £260m of investment in recent years.
Kirsti, herself a mother of two, harbours ambitions to one day start her own design company, but first wants to make the most of the opportunities at Teesside University.
She said: “I am interested in corporate branding and would love to start my own business one day.
“The course at Teesside has been fantastic and I have learnt so much. I think that progressing to a postgraduate degree will allow me to build on the knowledge I have already gained.
“The University is great and has a real family atmosphere. To be graduating at the same time as my mum just makes it extra special.”
Diane has had an eclectic career, enjoying stints as a mechanical engineer and a DJ, but has always wanted to try teaching and she is currently putting her skills into practice as a full-time Engineering lecturer at Middlesbrough College.
“This is something I have always wanted to do and the course has given me those opportunities. The whole experience has been amazing and I can’t wait to start my degree.
“We’ve both enjoyed university life so much and are thrilled to be staying on to continue our journey together.”