U is for University graduates: My parents finish college. No. 21 of 26 posts in the April 2024 Blogging From #AtoZChallenge. Theme, My Life: The Prequal (in Snapshots) — adding my parents’ story to the family history mix. Please join me on the journey.
When my parents Norm and Peg (Laurence) Charboneau graduated from college in the late 1940s, they made history in their respective families – the first in their generation to earn bachelor’s degrees.
Mom graduated first on June 9, 1947, with a bachelor’s degree as a music supervisor from New York’s Potsdam State Teachers College, Crane School of Music.
Mom launches her music career
Mom’s love of music – which stemmed back to childhood – flourished at Potsdam. She even made the Dean’s List senior year, an accomplishment that appeared in a front-page article in the college’s newspaper The Racquette on Oct. 4, 1946.
Mom left college equipped for what would be a long career in Music Education – enhanced later by master’s and doctorate degrees.
In the fall of 1947, Mom started her first professional position as a vocal teacher at Atlantic City Junior High School in New Jersey.
Dad begins his technical career
Dad graduated with his bachelor’s degree the following year, on Feb. 22, 1948, having resumed electrical engineering studies at Clarkson Tech in Potsdam, N.Y., after Navy service during WWII.
During college he set a life pattern by joining some engineering professional groups – the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE).
Dad remained active in similar associations throughout his career as he moved from electronics to quality control at several major corporations. Within months of graduating, Dad started his first job at DuMont Television Laboratories in New Jersey.
College activities & proud graduates
My parents’ senior college yearbooks show their varied activities. Mom was active in areas besides music, including Student Council and the Finance Committee. Dad was focused on career networking, but also participated in intramural sports.
Completing college clearly meant a lot to each both. Among their papers, I found carefully saved invitations to their respective graduations – ceremonies I am sure were attended by their proud parents.
Of course, to get to college my parents had to complete high school — so let’s see how they did during their teen years! Up next, V is for Valedictorian and Graduation Pianist. Please stop back!
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