Mother and daughter graduate from Keele together on the same day

A mother and daughter duo are celebrating after graduating together from Keele University on the same day.
Sarah Webber, aged 52, graduated with an MA in Education Leadership and Management, on Wednesday afternoon, after her daughter Alys, 24, donned her cap and gown to receive her MSc in Technical Leadership in Analytical Science earlier in the day.
"When we found out we were due to graduate on the same day, it was a special moment. It meant we were both able to enjoy our graduation but also sit in the audience for each other's ceremony," said Sarah.
"We've told a lot of our friends and family about it, and they all think it's really cool. It's something we can share together and look back on fondly for a long time."
Despite Sarah completing her course online and Alys studying at Keele, the pair were able to support one another throughout their studies.
Sarah moved back to the UK from Bermuda last year, where she had been working as a primary school teacher at a private school. Alongside completing her degree, she is also a full-time carer for her son and is currently writing her first book.
"I've really enjoyed studying for my degree. I feel like it's got my mind going again and has helped rediscover my love for writing," said Sarah, who lives in Catterick, in North Yorkshire.
"All of my learning was done online but there were people from all over the world on the course and it was very interesting hearing their perspectives and views. And even though I was distance learning, Alys bought me a Keele sweater for Christmas, so I felt like I was really part of the University at that point."
Alys, who grew up in Bermuda and now lives in Newcastle-under-Lyme, also completed her undergraduate degree in Forensic Science and Criminology at Keele. She is now hoping to join a detective constable entry programme at Cheshire Constabulary.
She said: "One of my friends at Keele was studying the same course as my mum and they started texting each other about course work, which felt a little weird but cool at the same time. Even though mum and I were studying different courses we could still speak to each other about coursework and deadlines, and I helped my mum with things like how to reference in essays when she first started.
"I've really enjoyed my time at Keele. I grew up in Bermuda which is a small place and Keele's campus-based university was perfect for me. I've been an active part of the student life working in the Students' Union as a Network Administrator, I've been a committee member for the Keele Drama Society, and I've been a Societies Executive and made lots of friends. It's just such a welcoming environment and I'll miss sitting outside Keele Hall in the sun."
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