2 parents to receive degrees along with their kids Saturday at YSU

YOUNGSTOWN

Today’s Youngstown State University commencement marks the culmination of much time and effort for many students, but for two Mahoning County households, it’s also family time.

Father and daughter Bob and Brooke Fusco of Beaver Township and mother and daughter Anthea and Carinda Mickens of Youngstown will all graduate during today’s ceremonies.

Bob, 56, earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies, and Brooke, 21, is getting her bachelor’s in psychology. Anthea Mickens earned her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner, and Carinda’s bachelor’s is in social work.

“It’s exciting,” Anthea said. “I’m very happy that we’re graduating together.”

Bob Fusco said attending college at the same time as his daughter allowed him to see her more.

As part of the YSU Scholars program, Brooke lives on campus.

Unlike some young adults who believe their parents cramp their style, Brooke enjoyed taking classes with her dad.

“He’s always been the fun guy,” she said. “My friends always liked my dad. He probably made more friends in class than I did.”

Anthea Mickens, 51, director of nursing with the Youngstown City Health District, isn’t sure how she’ll put her degree to work either.

“I wanted to better myself,” she said of her decision to return to school years after earning her bachelor’s degree. “And with going through the divorce, I knew I would be the breadwinner.”

The family moved to Youngstown about 10 years ago from Detroit.

“I wanted to be a role model of stick-to-it-iveness for my children,” she said.

Carinda, 23, who begins work this fall with an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapter at the University of Akron, said her parents instilled in her the importance of a college degree from an early age.

“I didn’t really have a choice about going to college,” she said.

That’s something she’s grateful for now. Carinda is the youngest daughter and the first to graduate from college.

Read more of their stories in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.