Mother-Daughter Duo Celebrate During SU’s 2024 Commencement
Karen Olson Culbertson ’24 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance – Horn) and Larissa Culbertson ’24 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting) celebrated their academic and artistic achievements together during Shenandoah University’s 2024 Commencement on Saturday, May 18.
“We are deeply honored to contribute to this legacy, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to share this remarkable journey with my daughter, Larissa,” said Dr. Culbertson. “Her dedication and hard work have inspired me (and brought me to Shenandoah), and I am proud to call her my fellow graduate.”
The mother-daughter duo shared reflections from their SU experience with the hope that their “story could inspire and motivate others, especially women, in their educational journeys,” said Dr. Culbertson.
What attracted each of you to Shenandoah?
Larissa: I heard about Shenandoah from several people in our area who had attended school there. I visited the campus and liked it. Later, I auditioned for the acting program and was accepted.
Dr. Culbertson: I started looking up the teachers at the conservatory and read about the horn teacher, Adjunct Associate Professor of Horn Geoffrey Pilkington, B.M. He had a fantastic resumé, so I contacted him and took some lessons on Zoom. I liked his teaching, and we worked together well. I decided to audition for the doctoral program and was admitted. Geoffrey has been an excellent teacher and mentor throughout my time at Shenandoah.
When did you realize that you would graduate together?
Larissa: We both had a rocky start. I started my first year in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, which led to challenges with remote learning and hybrid classes. That I was able to be on campus during that first year and stayed on track to graduate this May is a testament to how well SU handled the pandemic.
Dr. Culbertson: My doctorate started in the fall of 2021 and is typically a three-year program. This lined everything up for us to graduate together. However, during a routine checkup, I found out I had a serious health issue. I decided to go ahead with my doctorate. The university offered me a reduced course load, which made my first semester feasible, given the circumstances. My classes were remote, and it worked out well. This past October, when I passed my dissertation defense, I realized I could complete my dissertation and lecture recital in time to graduate in May—and that Larissa and I would graduate together.
What did it mean to you to experience commencement together?
Larissa & Dr. Culbertson: Experiencing commencement together was deeply meaningful for us. It was a major milestone in our individual journeys. Like every other student, we each had to persevere individually, but we also were able to provide support for each other in ways that are less typical for a mother and daughter.
How will each of you utilize your Shenandoah degrees?
Larissa: My degree in acting is a stepping stone toward my dream career. The training and education I received at SU has prepared me to audition for theatre, film, and television roles. My degree has also provided me with a network of industry connections, access to professional opportunities, and the skills to adapt to various acting styles and techniques. I am confident that my education will give me a competitive edge in the industry and help me achieve my professional goals.
Dr. Culbertson: My goal is to teach at a university; my D.M.A. is an essential step in that process.
