A Montgomery mother and daughter realized a dream on Friday as they both walked across the stage at Troy University’s Trojan Arena to receive their diplomas.

Kelsey Donohue Hargrave and Denise Donohue were all smiles as a they prepared to share the milestone together, but they weren’t the first in the family to do so.

“My aunt – my mother’s sister – and my grandmother graduated together from Huntingdon College,” Hargrave said. “So, it is really cool that we get to share this moment together too.”

Hargrave, Donohue’s oldest daughter, received her degree in global business and marketing. Donohue, who earned her associate in nursing from TROY in 2010, completed the University’s RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

“I didn’t get to go back to college until I was an adult,” Donohue said. “Being able to share this with my daughter means everything.”

The two shared in the University’s commencement breakfast reception and had their picture taken with TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and commencement speaker, Italian Sen. Massimo Mallegni before making their way to Trojan Arena for the ceremony.

While both currently work, Friday’s trip across the stage to receive their diplomas represented steps toward expanded opportunities.

“I currently run a retail store in Atlanta,” said Hargrave, where she now lives with her husband, Evan. “I would like to do something in advertising or marketing in Atlanta.”

Donohue currently serves as a manager at Jackson Hospital, but plans to continue to pursue her education.

“I will be pursuing a master’s degree in nursing leadership and nursing education so I can teach,” she said.

The two joined nearly 700 graduates representing 22 states and 13 nations to take part in Friday’s commencement ceremony at the Troy Campus.