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Mother and daughter graduate together

Pair celebrate family milestone at commencement

It was an extra special Mother’s Day weekend for a mom and daughter from South Haven who not only celebrated together, but graduated together.

The pair were among the nearly 2,500 Central Michigan University graduates to receive their degrees during the 2026 spring commencement ceremonies in Mt. Pleasant.

Mother and daughter graduates Sheena and Alondra pose for a photo while holding their personalized graduation caps — Alóndra Northern (left) and Sheena Northern-Espinoza (right) at CMU's 2026 spring commencement ceremonies.

On Friday, May 8, mom Sheena Northern-Espinoza was awarded her master's degree in human resource administration. The following day, daughter Alóndra Northern received her bachelor’s in psychology. While Alóndra completed her degree in Mt. Pleasant, Sheena earned her master’s through CMU Online.

For the two, this moment is even more memorable being able to celebrate their milestones together.

"Doing this journey together means so much because it's my baby. And I can't think of anyone else I would love to graduate with," said Northern-Espinoza.

Daughter Alóndra agreed.

"It has definitely made us a lot closer," she said. "It has made our relationship and our bond so much stronger because we attended the same school at the same time, took the same courses...it's just really exciting. I think we've definitely made our relationship a lot stronger."

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