How Africa News
Long-standing ties between the Hubbard family and Albany State University were recently strengthened in a unique fashion when Yolanda Hubbard and her son, Roderick Hubbard, crossed the stage holding graduate degrees in hand.
The Albany Herald reports that this is not the first time a mother and son have graduated from ASU; Roderick has three degrees and Yolanda has two. The institution had also employed Dorothy Hubbard, Roderick’s grandmother and a former mayor of Albany.
“We are very proud of our daughter and grandson for their achievements,” Dorothy Hubbard said. “I can’t say enough about the Hubbard family’s belief in lifelong learning and education. They both continue a long legacy within the Hubbard family of obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees from Albany State University and accomplishing great things.”
“We come from a long line of ASU graduates, and it is important to me that our children, their children, and their children’s children see these accomplishments so they may earn their degrees from ASU as well.”
After getting a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from ASU in 2014, educator Roderick went on to complete a master’s degree in educational leadership there in 2021. According to The Albany Herald, the educational specialist degree he recently received in educational leadership is ASU’s highest degree.
Yolanda, on the other hand, first earned an allied health sciences bachelor’s degree from ASU in 2011. Then, with a concentration on human resources, she most recently received a master’s degree in public administration.
Roderick and her mother supported and motivated each other while they were pursuing their courses at the university. Yolanda even managed to adjust to online learning thanks to her son.
“This was an opportunity for us to celebrate our achievements together and reflect on the hard work and dedication that led us to that moment,” said Roderick. “I do believe I’m prouder of my mom than I am of myself.”
Yolanda also dedicated her recent educational achievement to her grandchildren. “After graduation, my grandchildren ran up to us, and said, ‘You graduated!’” Yolanda, who works at the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, recalled. “This degree is all about them for me. When school and life get hard, I can always remind them that GiGi did it much older, so they can do it, too.”
An elementary school’s vice principal is Roderick. He expressed the expectation that his most recent educational accomplishment will open the door for him to one day hold the position of principle before moving into district administration. He also mentioned how much he wanted to teach at ASU.
Yolanda and her son also said they intend to use their status as alumni to support the university. “Albany State University is the best HBCU there is,” Roderick said. “We must support ASU in every way, not only at homecoming. Our dear school is truly a union of work and inspiration.”
