UHart Grad Student and Son Earn Degrees One Day Apart

A local mother was thrilled to cheer for her son in May when he graduated college. The very next day, they traded places—when Toccara Whitaker M’23 graduated from the University of Hartford with her master’s degree. 

It was quite the weekend for the family, having both mom and son officially earn their college diplomas at their commencement ceremonies. News 12 recently highlighted the unique moment.

It’s been a long journey for Whitaker, who had her first child at 16 years old, and was determined to continue her education no matter what it took. She pursued a bachelor’s degree online, setting an example for her children of persistence, confidence, and hope for the future. 

She then worked as a paraprofessional in a school, and was approached by leadership about expanding her role. Whitaker decided to further her education in preparation for an elevated career path and chose UHart’s online program. With support of her village, she became a student once again.

Whitaker praised the encouragement she received from UHart professors, sharing that being in virtual classes did not affect their level of support.

Looking back on her academic career, what does she wish she could have told her younger self as she was just starting out?

“I would tell her keep going, keep pushing, everything happens for a reason. When the balloons were let go during Commencement, I let them fall over me without moving because in that moment, I realized I never imagined myself earning a master’s degree,” Whitaker says. “UHart does not understand what it meant for me to graduate on Mother’s Day weekend.” 

Now, her son is following in her footsteps and pursuing his master’s degree. Inspiring youngsters is one reason Whitaker loves being a mom and working with kids. Everyone needs someone to believe in them, she says, and she wants to be that person for the next generation.