Set to Graduate Together in May
 | Article Courtesy MOC Public Affairs Dept.
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They haven’t decided how they will celebrate yet, but the Whaley family knows a big party will be in order for May 9, 2009. That is the date that Lisa Whaley and her daughter, Morgan, will both graduate from Mount Olive College.
Morgan, a 21 year old an English and English communication double major, was the first in the Whaley family to enroll at MOC. An East Duplin graduate, she came to the private liberal arts college to play softball. In addition to her athletic scholarship, Morgan is also a Herring Scholarship recipient. She is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, an English Honors Society and on the staff of Trojan Voices, a literary magazine.
“My life has been transformed by MOC because it has allowed me to grow into myself,” Morgan shared. “My outlook on new ideas and the way I look at others has also been transformed. I am confident that I am on the right track.”
Taking note of Morgan’s positive MOC experiences, her mother, Lisa, decided it was time for her to “finish what she started.” Working as a Home Health Services Director at Carolina East Home Care and Hospice, Lisa was looking for a program that would fit with her busy lifestyle and allow her to advance her career. She found what she was looking in the Health Care Management program at Mount Olive College. She enrolled in the program in October of 2006.
The 52 year old wife and mother of two has gained a lot from her studies, but perhaps the most important lesson learned is something she found out about herself.
“I discovered that age does not matter, and that I didn’t wait too long,” she stated. “It is never too late to go back to college.”
Although mother and daughter have never shared any of the same classes, they often meet on Monday evenings, before Lisa’s class begins. It gives the pair a chance to discuss their current assignments and just catch up with one another.
“Majoring in English, I have become chief editor of my mother’s papers,” Morgan laughed. “She likes me to check for errors.”
The mother and daughter duo have a lot more than just college in common. In addition to looking alike, both also like to shop and watch American Idol and What Not to Wear.
“My mother is beautiful, loving, smart, talented, and one of the best friends I have,” Morgan said. “She is a great role model.”
Lisa feels a mutual appreciation and admiration for her daughter.
“Balancing an academic schedule with an athletic schedule can be very trying as I have seen over the years,” Lisa stated. “Morgan has handled all of it and has grown in the process. She always gives more than 100 percent in everything she does, and has proven herself to be a very special, dedicated individual. She will graduate on time as a double major, along with playing softball all four years. All of these things really show the character that she has developed, of which I hope I can take some credit.”
So what’s in store for the Whaley girls after graduation? Morgan plans to attend graduate school. Lisa plans to continue her current work with a renewed energy, an expanded vision, and more confidence in her abilities. As for the graduation celebration, the Whaley girls have some ideas.
“We will probably have a huge party with all our family and friends,” Lisa says.
“Or, we might gift ourselves with a shopping day, we love to shop together,” Morgan added.
