By Ashlee Larrison
GCU News Bureau
Watching a loved one graduate with their master’s degree is an exciting moment for any parent, but just imagine getting to graduate right next to your child.
Well, that was a reality for Melodee Breazeale as she sat along side her son Patrick Jr. as they both graduated with their Master of Science degree in Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology on Friday morning at Grand Canyon University spring commencement.
The pair both received their bachelor's from GCU as well, Melodee graduating in 2016 and Patrick in 2017. They decided on their major because of the demand.
“There’s a lot of emphasis on corporations right now where they have a very high attrition rate and we found that that was going to be the best opportunity for us to be able to go into different fields,” Melodee said.
Melodee works at Chase and hopes her master’s degree will help her make a difference within the company. Patrick, who works for the state of Arizona, said his goal is show people within the government what it means to put taxpayers first.
Side by side in their cap and gowns, the pair go to walk up to the stage together and get a closeup view of each being handed a diploma.
“I actually got to see my son right next to him while he was graduating. You can’t get any closer than that,” Melodee said. “I was proud the whole time I was sitting there.
“I cried up there, I cried coming back, like, ‘Oh my goodness, my son. I’m so proud of him.’”
Patrick will never forget the experience, either.
“It’s very surreal,” he said. “It’s not something you get to do every day. I really proud of her and all of her hard work.”
Contact Ashlee Larrison at (602) 639-8488 or [email protected].
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