Twins Honored at Louisiana State University Graduation Ceremony

LSU held Spring Commencement on Friday, May 18, 2007. It was a day of not only happiness with thousands of students receiving diplomas, but a day of sadness with the news of Mike V, the LSU Bengal Tiger passing away in the early morning hours. For twins, Ashley and Richard Junot, it was an extra special day of celebration.

The twins, from Covington, Louisiana were graduating from college but from different colleges and ceremonies to be held at different locations but with overlapping times, making it impossible for their parents to attend both ceremonies. Their father, Richard Junot, Sr., a marine, missed their high school graduation in 2003 because he was in Iraq fighting in the war. He was now in a position of having to choose which ceremony to attend and very disappointed in not being able to see both of his children receive their diplomas.

Chancellor Sean O'Keefe took matters into his own hands and not only honored the twins by giving out their diplomas first during the main ceremony, but also called their father, Richard Junot, Sr. to join them on stage for recognition. The Advocate reported Richard Jr. as saying, "It's a good feeling having the pops here."

Ashley Juno received her degree in public relations and her brother, Richard received a degree in management. Richard Juno plans to follow into his father's footsteps with a military career. He hopes to become a Navy Seal in the near future.

LSU honored 3,345 graduates at the 262nd Commencement from 56 parishes in the State of Louisiana, 46 other states and 59 countries. University Medals were presented to 49 students who graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. A total of almost 500 students graduated with honors.

The guest speaker for the Commencement was Donna Brazile, a former Louisiana State University graduate (1981).

Sources:

http://www.2theadvocate.com
http://www.lsu.edu