All in the Family: Three generations walk Liberty University’s graduation stage together

Earning a college degree is a milestone meant to be shared with loved ones. While many graduates are participating in Liberty University’s 52nd Commencement this weekend with family members cheering them on from the stands, three of them are making it a true family affair.

Richard Rochford, his son Kenneth, and his granddaughter Kaitlin all walked the stage together during the Helms School of Government’s undergraduate degree presentation ceremony on Friday morning. (Kaitlin received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and Liberty accommodates family members with multiple graduates who would like to attend the same ceremony).

Kaitlin was the first to enroll at Liberty, arriving on campus as a residential student following her in her father’s footsteps into public service training. Kenneth Rochford is a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security stationed in Dakar, Senegal. He earned his Juris Master through Liberty University Online Programs while working overseas. Kenneth enrolled a couple years after his daughter, around the same time his own father had decided to go back to college. Richard Rochford earned his master’s in interdisciplinary studies with focuses in religion and music and worship in order to be better equipped in his ministry as a volunteer with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, N.C.

It wasn’t until a few months ago that the Rochford family realized they would be completing their degrees at the same time and began planning to don their graduation regalia together this weekend.

“I’m so glad I get to share this with my family,” Kaitlin said. “It’s special because it’s not common for someone to graduate with a parent, let alone a parent and a grandparent.”

But like a proud parent, her father Kenneth directed the attention to his daughter for the day: “I am very excited to be graduating alongside my daughter and my dad. Ultimately this is my daughter’s day; this is her celebration. I am so proud to watch her graduate from college with the same degree I received and begin her adult life and a professional career.”

Although they were all taking courses at different stages of life, the Rochfords said Liberty met each of their needs along the way and prepared them for their future endeavors.

“When I decided to come back and go to school, even though it’s been 42 years and it was a struggle at first, just the ability to keep on learning is the biggest benefit,” Richard said. “Getting to touch on subjects and look at things the way I’ve never look at them before, especially with some of the courses of study, has been amazing.”

Richard was inspired to enroll when he attended a Commencement for his daughter-in-law and was handed a brochure that highlighted the thousands of students who were graduating with degrees earned through the online program.

“I chose Liberty because of the basis of what Liberty stands for: Training Champions for Christ,” he said. “It was somewhat readily accessible, and I liked the courses of study that they offered.”

He said Liberty staff supported him as he overcame the challenges of returning to school later in life.

“The academic advisors have been unbelievable, the IT Help Desk has been incredible; I just can’t say enough about the help that they have provided,” he said.

Richard has already put his advanced training to work as a volunteer in the Billy Graham Library, on BGEA’s rapid response teams, and as a chaplain for the organization.

“We get the opportunity to be able to witness to our visitors, especially ones who have not accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior,” he said. “My studies have only enhanced my conversations with them.”

Kenneth said taking college courses at the same time as his father fostered a healthy competition between them, even across continents, and built upon the already close relationship the two have.

“It was a great deal of fun to text and talk with my dad as the weeks, and classes, went by,” Kenneth said. “As we each completed assignments and got our grades, we would call or text and keep up with how we were doing and compare our grades as the classes progressed. It was a nice bonding experience to go through this together. It was also great to hear my dad progressing his online and computer skills as classes went on.”

Kaitlin said as she began her college search and researched criminal justice programs, Liberty constantly showed up on her search feed. She took it as a sign and registered for College For A Weekend.

“After going to a College For A Weekend event, I knew I had to go to Liberty,” she said. “My favorite part of being a student was definitely the community. I have made lifelong friends here I’m so thankful for, and the education was great. The criminal justice and government facilities and staff were so helpful.”

Grandfather, father, and granddaughter are encouraging each other in their future endeavors; Kaitlin is considering graduate school, while Kenneth is planning for retirement in a few years with hopes of pursuing a position with a public sector company in intellectual property enforcement, and Richard will continue his ministry with BGEA.