Mother-daughter duo will graduate from Texas A&M University-San Antonio together

All in the Family:
Mother-daughter duo will graduate from
Texas A&M University-San Antonio together

SAN ANTONIO (May 9, 2017)—Debbie and Danielle Saldaña, a dynamic San Antonio mother-daughter duo, will deepen their bond on May 19 when they both become alumni of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Each will earn a bachelor’s degree on May 19 during the university’s Spring 2017 Commencement Ceremony.

As a mother of three, a full-time student and a longtime employee of H-E-B, Debbie wears several hats. After years of balancing work, family and school, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree.

“Going back to school was always a goal of mine,” Debbie noted. “It is never too late to achieve your goals!”

Danielle, who recently accepted a position with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is also graduating with a BBA. She noted that she and her mother took several of the same business courses together while at A&M-San Antonio.

“It was a blessing to have my mom as my classmate,” Danielle said. “It was nice to have someone to study with who is in the same household.”

Debbie expressed a similar sentiment: “It was our version of dorm life. We spent many late nights completing assignments at our kitchen table. Danielle was always there as a source of encouragement and motivation.” 

Debbie and Danielle didn’t plan to graduate together. “It just worked out that way,” Danielle said.

“I am so proud of my mom. She wanted this for herself and never took the easy way out. I try to emulate her every day.”

Mother and daughter plan to sit together at commencement while sporting their recently received class rings and ornamented graduation caps—although Debbie is still toying with the idea of donning a bedazzled mortarboard. Danielle plans to cross the stage ahead of her mother because Debbie wants to relish the moment of seeing her daughter receive her diploma. 

A crowd of family members and friends will be on hand at the Freeman Coliseum to cheer on the ladies. Debbie knows that her brother—the late SAPD Detective Benjamin Marconi who was killed while on duty in 2016—will be there in spirit.

“He inspires both of us,” Danielle said. “We want to be more like him because he was one of the most genuine people you will ever meet.”

With their family’s love surrounding them, Debbie and Danielle will cross the stage while cheering each other on as proud Jaguars—a mother and her cub.

The Spring 2017 Commencement Ceremony is Friday, May 19, 4 - 6 p.m., at the Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78219.

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

With a nearly 700-acre Main Campus to expand into, the Military Embracing™ university welcomed its inaugural class freshman class in August 2016 and is now a comprehensive four-year university. Currently enrolling approximately 5,500 students, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available for the lowest university tuition in San Antonio for a variety of in-demand fields, including teacher preparation, business, information technology, and cyber security. To learn more, visit tamusa.edu.