Unlike most parents, who watch their child graduate from the audience, Dana Maulfair ’22 donned the cap and gown and walked the stage on the same day as her daughter, Jayln Maulfair ’22 during Elizabethtown College’s 119th Commencement Exercises on May 14.

Dana and Jayln’s journey to commencement began with Dana’s role as Accounts Payable and Purchasing Card Coordinator for the Business office at Etown, where Dana’s coworkers introduced her to the idea of pursuing her bachelor’s in business administration from Etown’s School of Graduate & Professional Studies.

Soon after, Jayln, who had just started pursuing her bachelor’s in biology-allied health, was not the only Maulfair to join the ranks of Blue Jays as Dana also began taking classes at the College.

Finishing their journey together was something that both Maulfairs had on their radar.

“Once I started to believe in myself, I set a goal to graduate with my daughter who just started her first year at the College,” Dana said.

Jayln was more than happy to share her graduation experience with her mother.

“Sharing Commencement Day with my momma was truly amazing, and something I will always remember,” Jayln said. “She’s my best friend, role model, and number one supporter, so graduating with her was so special for me. I am so proud of her. She worked so hard these last four years and inspires me so much.

“She also began working at Etown to help pay for my education, so Commencement Day was incredibly special because I got to express how thankful I was to her.”

For Dana, commencement was a celebration of both her academic achievements and her newfound bond with her daughter.

“I felt such a sense of pride for not only my daughter’s accomplishments, but also my own,” Dana said.  “I was flooded with a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness for completing my journey and for all the things I learned in the process. To accomplish this goal side by side has furthered our bond and deepened the love and respect we have for each other.”

While Jayln is attending Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in pursuit of a master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies, her experiences at Etown are not something she’ll forget.

“I loved Etown and it will always have a special place in my heart,” Jayln said. “I met my best friends at this school, and I have so many memories.”