Christina and Michelle Pezzulo, mother and daughter from New Castle, will graduate from Westminster College Saturday, May 19.

Westminster College will conclude the 2000-2001 academic year with a baccalaureate service at 10:30 a.m. in Orr Auditorium, and the 147th annual commencement at 2:30 p.m. on the Senior Terrace of Old Main.

"Everyone we know is going to be here when we graduate," said Christina, a 42-year-old mother of three. "Wherever we go or whatever we do after commencement, it will be a party atmosphere. I want to run through the streets of New Castle."

Michelle claims her mom lived her life backwards. "She never left us kids when she was young, but now that we are grown, she's having fun and graduating from college."

"I thought about not graduating with my daughter, but I stepped things up so that I could," said Christina. "We've been through some bad times together, so I thought we should go through the good times together, too."

"I decided to come to Westminster because I just wasn't ready to leave home yet," said Michelle. "I knew Westminster had a good academic reputation, and I like the small-class atmosphere."

Christina claims that friends helped her to make the decision to go back to school. "My friend Louise Geer convinced me that I was intelligent enough to go back to school," said Christina. "Soon after that I met Carroll Shaw in a beauty shop. She was then working at the Westminster financial aid office. When I told her my daughter was registered there, she told me how much fun she had in classes, and that I could probably qualify for a financial aid break if we both came. Well I got that financial aid break, so I came, and I knew after my first grade that I could do it."

"Everyone is supportive at Westminster. Dr. Sprow (English professor) and Dr. Mitchell (public relations professor) have guided me every step of the way, and Carol Yova (Lifelong Learning Program director) always has time for me," said Christina. "If I couldn't meet a deadline because of something in my personal life or at work, the professor would extend it. If I didn't understand something, the professor would explain it. I even passed math."
The duo had only one class together. It was a public relations class. "Mom liked it, but I didn't," said Michelle. "She likes to talk a lot in class, but I prefer to just listen. Mom said she really didn't talk as much in our class as usual because she didn't want to embarrass me."

Christina will graduate with a bachelor's degree in English major with a minor in public relations and hopes to be an event planner, coordinate seminars, or maybe even go into fund raising.

"It took me a while to decide what my major was going to be," said Michelle. "I decided on business because it's versatile. Everyone thinks all smart people come to Westminster, and I hope that will help me to get a job soon after graduation."

The twosome even went to Fort Lauderdale on spring break together this year. "We took homework, but never opened it," said Christina. "We spent the days on the beaches and shopped or went to the movies at night. It was great."

"The official' graduation party will not be right after Michelle and I graduate from Westminster," said Christina. "It will be after my youngest son, Dominic, graduates from Mohawk High School this year. Then all of us, including my oldest son, Michael, are going to South Carolina for a week's rest and relaxation."

The fun does not stop at spring break or graduation. "My mom has more fun than I do," said Michelle. "She takes me to all the concerts. We've been to see Bon Jovi, Springstein, Clapton, Matchbox 20, and more."

"My mom (Dorothy Caldararo from Hillsville) thinks Michelle and I are the greatest duo ever," said Christina. "She made it easier for all of us though and deserves to be thanked. When ever I was overwhelmed with work, home and school, she would come in and do things like getting my groceries or doing the laundry or anything else that needed done."

"This whole school experience has brought the family closer together. I'm glad we did it," added Christina.