Graduation is always a special time for students and their parents. For Rebecca Dover and her father Tom, this Decembers convocation was even more memorable.

Both Rebecca and Tom walked across the stage of the Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 11, to receive their degrees from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

It was amazing. Dad was afraid he would steal my thunder, but it made it 10 times better to share this with him,said Rebecca, who received her B.S. in psychology with a minor in communication studies after completing the degree program in only three and a half years. She is currently applying to graduate schools and hopes to work in the fields of experimental/comparative psychology and animal behaviors.

Rebeccas father, Tom, received a Master of Arts in Communication Studies through the Extended Learning program, which he completed in two and a half years.

I had a lot of work to finish at the end, and she was the impetus for me to get it done so that we could graduate together,he said.It was a thrill. I really was pleased to graduate with Rebecca.

Tom is head of Energy&Environmental Systems and Public Affairs at Bayer CropScience in Institute, near Charleston. He is also chairman of the Board of Advisors of the Community and Technical College at West Virginia University Institute of Technology and an ex officio member of WVU s Board of Governors.

Both father and daughter had family to support them as they worked toward graduation.

In Morgantown, Rebecca had the company of younger sisters Marcella, a junior business major with minors in piano and advertising, and Patricia, a freshman general studies student.

At home in Charleston, Tom had his wife, Linda, cheering him on.

My mom was really excited. She was a big support for dad, keeping him going and reminding him what a good thing he was doing,Rebecca said.

Rebecca and Tom were both honored to share the experience with each other.

It was a very special moment,Tom said.

I loved it,Rebecca added.