Father and son graduate together

Fathers and sons engage in a wide variety of activities together, but graduating from college usually isn’t one of them.
Conventional practices did not deter 50-year-old Andres Lasalle from attending Plaza College, and subsequently recruiting his son Matthew Lasalle to join him there. On June 17, they will be the first father and son pair to graduate from Plaza College together and the first members of their family to receive a college diploma.
“By studying all those late nights, we made a bond with each other,” said Andres. “It brought us closer together.”
Graduating was not enough for the father and son team of Plaza College, as they are known around the school. They are also giving the commencement speech at their graduation, and each received multiple commendations at Plaza’s annual Graduates Awards Ceremony on June 2 at Terrace on the Park. Matthew won the Alumni Association Service Award, as well as awards for citizenship, typing speed and writing. His father won awards for citizenship, collegiate spirit and having a GPA over 3.7.
“They represent the finest that our school has to offer,” said Professor Jonathan Howle, director of Alumni Relations at Plaza College. “We are always saying that our college, because it’s so small, is like a family. This takes that to another level. They’re such a powerful symbol for the college.”
The elder Lasalle, who lost his job as a security manager in January 2009, decided to go back to school when he found it difficult to gain employment without a college degree.
“Since he always had a job he never had time for school,” said Matthew. “Seeing him sacrifice time to get the degree, because that’s what he needed to take care of all of us, made his work ethic rub off on me. It was great to finish this journey with him.”
Andres will graduate with his associate’s degree in business administration and is continuing his education as he pursues his bachelor’s degree. Matthew is graduating with his associate’s degree in medical assistance, and will attend medical school to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor. Through their determination, Andres and Matthew inspired Daniel Fernandez, Matthew’s cousin, to also attend Plaza College.
Andres and Matthew didn’t have any classes together, but they did share several professors. Although Andres has an excellent reputation with his teachers, it is Matthew who is graduating with the higher GPA, a fact he will surely prevent his father from ever forgetting. Regardless of grades, all who have met them expect the father and son team of Plaza to accomplish their goals.
“If Matthew says he’s going to be a doctor, he will be,” said Professor Howle. “I can see Andres running his own business and giving Donald Trump a run for his money.”