As mother and son, Jenny and Kodi Thomas have shared many milestones, but none quite like this. On the same day, they each walked across the stage at St. George’s University’s Grenada Commencement Ceremony, earning their degrees side by side. Their journey, marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering support for one another, serves as a moving testament to the strength of family and a deep-rooted commitment to education.
Proudly hailing from the village of Tivoli in St. Andrew, Grenada, Jenny received her master’s degree in international business, graduating with a 4.0 GPA from SGU’s School of Graduate Studies; and Kodi, a Bachelor of Science in information technology, with highest honors from the School of Arts and Sciences.
“Graduating alongside my son was one of the most humbling and fulfilling experiences of my life,” said Jenny, a long-time educator and director of the St. Patrick’s Campus of T.A. Marryshow Community College. “Kodi started at SGU before I did, and watching his journey inspired me to begin my own. Walking this path together allowed me to support him not only as his mother, but also as a fellow student. Sharing that achievement with him was a moment of legacy, resilience, and purpose.”
For Kodi, who graduated summa cum laude with a 3.96 GPA, the day was equally unforgettable.
“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he shared. “It symbolized the strength of our bond and the value our family places on education. Graduating alongside my mother made an already special day extraordinary.”
A journey of balance, growth, and determination
A full-time educator for over two decades, Jenny enrolled in SGU’s part-time graduate program while balancing her demanding roles as both lecturer and campus director. She credits SGU for providing the platform she needed to sharpen her leadership skills, expand her academic toolkit, and reaffirm her passion for national development.
“My experience at SGU was enriching and transformative,” she said. “It reignited my sense of purpose and strengthened my resolve to continue impacting higher education in Grenada. I leave not just with a degree, but with renewed vision and direction.”
Kodi’s journey was equally focused. His fascination with technology, nurtured from a young age, led him to SGU where he immersed himself in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. Though he juggled a rigorous academic schedule with long commutes, he remained committed to excellence, and his results showed it.
“Maintaining my GPA wasn’t easy, but it proved that discipline and consistency pay off,” he said. “SGU’s curriculum and support system helped me thrive academically, and I’m grateful for the guidance of my lecturers and peers along the way.”
Looking ahead: A shared commitment to impact
Now, Kodi plans to pursue IT certifications like Security+ and build a career as a cybersecurity analyst, with the long-term goal of contributing to safer digital environments across the Caribbean.
Jenny also has her sights set on the future. Equipped with new strategic insight, she hopes to pursue executive-level opportunities in higher education and beyond.
Both graduates expressed deep appreciation for SGU’s role in shaping their paths and didn’t hesitate to recommend the University to others.
“SGU equips you to grow not just academically, but personally and professionally,” said Jenny. “If I could complete this journey while leading a campus and raising a family, others can too.”
Their joint achievement served as a powerful reminder that success knows no age limit, and that the most meaningful milestones are the ones shared.
