Education

Mothers of Duke students feel privileged to watch their children graduate on Mother's Day

With so many graduations falling on Mother's Day, thousands of families had two things to celebrate Sunday.

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By
Mikaya Thurmond
, WRAL anchor/reporter
DURHAM, N.C. — With so many graduations falling on Mother’s Day, thousands of families had two things to celebrate Sunday.

At Duke University, the jubilation of graduation was mixed with student’s appreciation of their number one fans, their mothers.

With so much to celebrate, Catalina Sanchez-Tarrion’s mom flew in from Peru to watch her daughter turn her tassel as she received her bachelor’s degree from Duke.

“It’s really special to me. My mom has been an incredible support system since I was little. It’s really special to get to celebrate this day with her here while I get my degree,” Sanchez-Tarrion said.

Marsha Evelman’s daughter graduated from Duke University on Sunday too, and neither mother nor daughter minded sharing their special day.

“I’m very happy that we’re here together today,” Evelman’s daughter, Lori Teroka, said.

For so many mothers, the only day that compares to the day their child was born is the day they get to see their baby achieve their dream.

“To see Lori graduate today is just the biggest honor possible of being a mother,” Evelman said.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was the speaker at Duke’s commencement and told graduates to be fearless.

“It’s in those truly trying moments that the fearless inspire us. Fearless, like the students of Parkland, Fla., who refuse to be science about the epidemic of gun violence and have rallied millions to their call,” he said.

Cook, who graduated with an MBA from Duke’s business school in 1988, went on to mention the fearlessness of the women of the “#MeToo” movement and those who fight for the rights of immigrants.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also celebrated graduation on Sunday with keynote speaker Rye Barcott, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and social entrepreneur. He told graduates North Carolina soldiers got the Tar Heel nickname for holding their ground and encouraged graduates to do the same.

"My hope for you and for us is that you do not run from the pain. Maneuver through the stuff that you can, the pain that is unnecessary, for the pain that is part of life and certainly the pain that is part of making a difference, keep the tar on your heals," he said.

During the ceremony, CEO and Chairman of WRAL's parent company, Capitol Broadcasting, received an honorary degree from UNC.

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