Family’s Legacy a part of Commencement

By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — When it comes to earning an engineering degree from Tennessee State University, the Buford family isn’t settling for just one-they are aiming for three. Shawn Buford will proudly graduate with her master’s, while her son, Joshua Buford, will receive his undergraduate degree, accounting for two of the degrees. The mother and son duo will participate in TSU’s upcoming Spring Commencement ceremonies, with The School of Graduate Studies on Friday, May 3, followed by the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 4. The two, along with family and friends, will celebrate their academic milestone just one day apart from each other.& “It feels incredible,” Shawn said, as she prepares to receive her master’s degree in data science with a 4.0 GPA. “It shows that you never get too old to go back to school. This is a family affair. Don’t ever let fear or insecurity keep you from what you’re doing because you’ll be missing out on your blessing.” Shawn started her collegiate journey with a degree in chemistry nearly 30 years ago from Hampton University. The Nashville native and mom decided to go back to school after discovering that TSU had launched...