FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2011
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

Mother and daughter moving miles apart after being college roommates

COLUMBUS, Miss. – For the past three years Shirley and April Boudreaux have had to learn how to live with each other in close quarters. Now the two will have to get used to being miles apart.

Both mother and daughter earned degrees this month from Mississippi University for Women after being roommates in Callaway residence hall on campus. Shirley, graduated cum laude with a degree in studio art, and April, a degree in general studies.

“It’s not for everyone,” said April, who said it was not a big adjustment. “Me and my mom have always had a good relationship.”

However, “I made her stop making my bed because it was driving me crazy.”

The two made the decision to attend MUW because Shirley wanted to pick a school that was close to home--Blue Mountain. Both earned scholarships to MUW and transferred from Northeast Community College.

“She put herself into a world where there are typically 18 to 20-year-olds. I was her safe zone.”

Shirley admitted that she had some moments of fear and thought “I cannot compete with these people.”

Despite those fears, April and Shirley’s husband, Paul, were always there to cheer her on.

“My dad was our best support system,” April said. “He is probably one of the most selfless persons I have ever encountered.”

The two also had a host of family members including parents/grandparents and children/siblings as a support system.

Both were very grateful of the support provided by MUW faculty and staff as well.

Shirley said, “They were very supportive. Faculty and staff know you by name.”

April added, “I love MUW. It’s a family.”

The mother and daughter team were very involved in campus. Shirley was a member of the Rho Chapter of Kappa Pi International Honorary Art Fraternity, vice president of Star and Scepter chapter of the Mortar Board National Honor Society, Epsilon Class of the Aristos Honors Society, president of the Art Students League, Interclub, Student Alumni Association ambassador, Hearin Leadership Program, Hearin Leadership Council, MUW High School Leadership Conference, D’Belles’ social club, Welcome Week Corps, Kids to College and an art mentor. She also competed in many art competitions, garnering awards last year and this year in the Mississippi Collegiate Art Competition.

April participated in Rogue and Blacklist social clubs, Interclub president, Mortar Board president, started and served as president of the Gay-Straight Alliance, Student Alumni Association ambassador, National Organization for Women, Art Students League, Kappa Delta Epsilon, D’Belles’ Big Brother and Welcome Week Corps.

In the fall, mother and daughter will be headed their separate ways. “We tried to go to the same school, but it didn’t work out,” April said.

Shirley has been accepted to the University of Missouri in Columbia to get her MFA in fiber art. Her husband will make the move with her where they will live in graduate housing. Paul, who has a degree in aviation management, will pursue his passion of history and English.

April will continue her studies in education with a specialization in education leadership at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash.

“I’ve always been independent in a sense. I’m excited. I’m young. It’s an adventure—a place I have never been before,” she said. “I think I will adjust better than she (Shirley) will. I’m getting a cat.”