Longtime friends complete degrees through Adult Degree Program

Two longtime friends from New Market, Virginia, will celebrate a milestone more than 30 years in the making Saturday as they graduate together with degrees earned through JMU’s Adult Degree Program.  

Rebecca White is earning a Bachelor of Arts in communication and Italian studies while her friend of 33 years, Donna Wampler, will receive a Bachelor of Science in entomology and biological sciences.  

White and Wampler have raised their children together, homeschooled them together, attended music lessons, led church groups, and even found employment at JMU. White is an administrative specialist in the history department; Wampler is a program support technician in the School of Music.  

For White, the path back to school began when Wampler introduced her to the Adult Degree Program.  

“Donna has always been a mentor to me, so getting to graduate alongside her feels full circle,” White said.  

Returning to school as nontraditional students brought challenges, but White said the Adult Degree Program offered the structure and flexibility she needed to balance coursework with work and family responsibilities.  

Wampler said she greatly admired White’s determination throughout the program, which motivated her to stay focused during challenging moments. Both women agreed that the support they shared made a meaningful difference.  

“We really encouraged each other through the final stretch,” White said.  

White and Wampler say their graduation is not only a celebration of academic achievement; it’s also a celebration of friendship, perseverance and the shared belief that learning is a lifelong journey.  

“I grew up as an only child, and my father worked tirelessly to ensure I had the educational opportunities he never had,” Wampler said. “He chose to serve in the Navy during World War II rather than attend college, and because of that, it meant a great deal to him that I pursue a college education. When I walk across the stage at commencement, I’ll be figuratively raising a glass and saying, ‘This one’s for you, dad.’”  

“Earning this degree represents closure and accomplishment for both of us,” Wampler said. “We have brought to completion what we set in motion long ago.”