Commencement day is always the biggest day of the year at Indiana Tech. In fact, we equate it to that huge annual game that cannot be mentioned without the expressed written consent of the National Football League.

It’s easy to see why.

Indiana Tech staff and faculty get to share this magnificent experience with our graduates—many of whom they have formed close bonds with during their time at our university. We see tears of joy and smiles on proud faces, hear the whoops and hollers of celebration and watch with delight as families and friends come together to honor their graduates. It’s emotional. It’s gratifying. And it never gets old.

During May’s commencement ceremony, Indiana Tech had an opportunity to share in the unique graduation experience of Shane Russell and his son, Dakota. The Jeffersonville, Indiana, natives each earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration with concentrations in management and walked to the stage together to receive their diplomas from President Karl W. Einolf.

“I should have done this 33 years ago, but it didn’t work out then. I was fortunate to get a second chance,” said Shane, who is 54. “However, I was much happier watching Dakota walk across the stage to get his diploma than I was for myself.”

“I am very proud of my dad and very happy for him because I know how important this accomplishment is for him and how much it means to this family,” said Dakota, who is 28. “He has worked over the last 30 years to support me and my brother and my mom. He had no obligation to go back to school, he did it because he wanted to get a degree. That’s incredible this late in life—it shows that no matter what happens you can do anything.”

The Russell’s feel-good story was made possible, first and foremost, because their employer, Heartland Payment Systems, values continuing education for its employees and Indiana Tech is a university that is eager to partner with companies that embrace those values.

Shortly after Shane began working at Heartland, a company that specializes in financial technologies that help businesses function and grow, he learned his new employer would pay for him to go to school and pursue a degree.

“It was an easy choice,” Shane said. “I worked in retail management for many years, and when the company I worked for started to close down everything, I was limited in what I was qualified to do. I did not want to start over salary-wise, so I needed to go back to get my degree to finish out my career.”

Inspired by his dad’s choice to go back to school, Dakota applied for and earned a job at Heartland, too. Shortly thereafter, co-workers turned into classmates and then owners of associate degrees from Ivy Tech.

Then, brimming with confidence and momentum, the Russells decided to take advantage of Indiana Tech’s corporate partnership with Heartland to earn bachelor’s degrees. It culminated in their May walk to shake hands with President Einolf and receive their diplomas.

“It’s been fun and very special doing this together,” Shane said. “We’ve had a lot of the same classes—I’ve been able to help him with some of his coursework and he’s been able to help me with some of the things that younger students understand better than people of my age.”

“Going through this together, grinding through it and helping each other out made it all worthwhile,” Dakota said. “I’m really happy it worked out for us.”

Indiana Tech is extremely happy for the Russells, as well. Their achievements validate Indiana Tech’s vision behind developing corporate partnerships that will be win-win situations for the employer and the employee.

“Our mission at Indiana Tech is to help people improve their lives and careers through education. Through corporate partnerships we are able to accomplish that mission while helping our partners upskill their workforce, enhance individual employee satisfaction and, ultimately, strengthen their companies,” said Steve Herendeen, Indiana Tech’s vice president for enrollment management.

Indiana Tech has a long history of providing quality online education that working adults can fit into their busy schedules. That expertise was a game-changer for both Russells.

“It was incredible being able to take one class at a time in an accelerated format,” Dakota said. “Every professor was accommodating—they understood our situations and that we work full-time jobs. I don’t think I would have been able to finish and work full-time doing this the conventional way. The entire process was a life-changer for me.”

Shane concurred, “Without this program, none of this would have happened for us.”

Now, both men have a sense of confidence working for a company they enjoy. Shane is comfortable in his position, but feels good knowing if another one opens up, he can compete for it with confidence. For Dakota, earning a degree has flipped a switch in his life. He is eager to grow professionally and find additional ways to add value to the Heartland team. This experience has also inspired him to help others achieve their educational goals.

“Coming out of high school, I thought I would go to college and be done in four years, but there were obstacles and injuries and health issues across my family that forced me to make some changes. It was a real struggle,” Dakota said. “I would like to find a way to be a resource to kids, and even adults, to help them reach their dreams of getting a degree and show them it is possible, regardless of what stage of life you are in.”

Dakota added, “Going through the program and meeting the people I have along the way opened my eyes that anything is possible and it has made me so confident. I could not be happier nor could I be more excited about where I am in life.”