Denver Native
05-05-2007, 05:57 PM
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=69398
Dad puts on cap and gown for son stationed in Iraq
DENVER – For the first time in Regis University's history, a soldier currently serving in Iraq has graduated.
"This is a special moment in the life of the university," Provost Alan Service said.
36-year-old Captain Joel Parker started working on his MBA degree last year while he was deployed to Iraq. He completed it while serving on the front lines.
Saturday, his father, Leedell received his diploma.
The 69-year-old put on a cap and gown for his son.
"I've never come close to graduation from anything, really," Leedell Parker said. "It's a good feeling. I'll say that."
Joel Parker got to watch the ceremony on the Internet. Afterward, father and son talked on the phone.
"Did I look silly?" Leedell asked.
"Nah, you looked great," Joel said.
"This is his. This belongs to him," Leedell told 9NEWS.
This is Regis University's 147th commencement ceremony.
Dad puts on cap and gown for son stationed in Iraq
DENVER – For the first time in Regis University's history, a soldier currently serving in Iraq has graduated.
"This is a special moment in the life of the university," Provost Alan Service said.
36-year-old Captain Joel Parker started working on his MBA degree last year while he was deployed to Iraq. He completed it while serving on the front lines.
Saturday, his father, Leedell received his diploma.
The 69-year-old put on a cap and gown for his son.
"I've never come close to graduation from anything, really," Leedell Parker said. "It's a good feeling. I'll say that."
Joel Parker got to watch the ceremony on the Internet. Afterward, father and son talked on the phone.
"Did I look silly?" Leedell asked.
"Nah, you looked great," Joel said.
"This is his. This belongs to him," Leedell told 9NEWS.
This is Regis University's 147th commencement ceremony.