All in the family: Father and son graduate together from College of DuPage

Ten years ago, Ronald Baker Sr. began working towards his Associate in Applied Science in Management degree at College of DuPage to help him expand his skillset as a municipal water company supervisor.

With four kids at home and a full-time job, earning his degree took longer than he anticipated. When his youngest son, Ronald Baker Jr., enrolled at COD two years ago to earn an Associates in Arts degree, Baker Sr. made it his goal to return to school and graduate with his son.

"I didn't think the timing would work out because I had a few classes I needed to complete, but in the end, it all worked out," Baker Sr. said. "I remember my son called me one day and said, 'We should walk across the stage together at graduation.' I couldn't believe it. He wasn't embarrassed to walk across the stage with his old man in front of all his peers."

Baker Sr. came to COD after he became interested in moving into a management position at his company. His employer offered to pay tuition for a management degree at the community college of his choosing.

"COD made the most sense to me," he said. "COD has such flexible class schedules with an assortment of classes taught by experts in the field. It's one of the best colleges around, if not the best."

Baker Sr. dropped out of high school at the age of 16 and always regretted his decision. As a result, he was determined to instill the value of education in his children.

"It's hard to move forward without an education," he said. "And if I can go back at 54 years old, anyone can."

Knowing his father had such a good experience at the college, Baker Jr. decided to enroll after graduating high school to develop his graphic design skills before transferring to Columbia College in Chicago.

"Over the years, my dad would constantly sing the praises of COD," Baker Jr. said. "Coming to COD before transferring seemed like a no-brainer to me. It's been a unique experience because at night my Dad and I would do homework together. I knew if he was making time, I had no excuse."

COD became a critical turning point for Baker Jr. as he landed a graphic design internship at Innovation DuPage, a business incubator and accelerator connecting small businesses with the necessary resources to thrive and stimulate job growth.

"On portfolio night I had all my work on display," Baker Jr. said. "The marketing manager of Innovation DuPage was impressed with my work and offered me an interview. Through networking and making connections at COD, I already have more experience as a sophomore in college than many do."

Baker Jr. heads to Columbia in the fall feeling more prepared than ever.

"COD provides you with a strong foundation with the expert faculty, small class sizes and hands on learning."

Baker Sr. echoed his son's praise, especially regarding how well the college prepared him for useful skills in his job.

With Baker Sr.'s educational journey coming to an end, he hopes to inspire his employees to further their education as well.

As he discovered, COD offers many degrees and certificates that can help them advance in their careers.

"It was emotional for me to graduate with my son. I have that picture of us walking across the stage in my office, and I want to be able to point to that and show my employees what's possible."